The Maiden-Knight
35
All too soon it was time for her to be married. And again by the advice of the Queen, they sought for her the most beautiful princess in all India. "We must believe the word of the gods," said the Queen.
But at last the secret was known, and the King whose daughter was sought in marriage was very angry. "I have", he said, "been insulted;" and he prepared to make war on the Panchalas.
And Shikhandi's father felt that he had done wrong, and had been deceitful: and he was afraid.
But Shikhandi's mother said, "We only relied on the word of the gods. Be unafraid as I am unafraid: and prepare to defend the kingdom. She shall be a son."
And Shikhandi, sad at heart that she was the cause of all this trouble,
