Enter the twins

In Episode 49 of the Sky High column, Lakshmana and Shatrughna fall foul of Kaikeyi and Manthara but regain ground with a lesson in the science behind archery.

Story so far: Just after Dasaratha finishes the story of how he defeated Shambara, arrows fly in towards Manthara’s legs. Kaikeyi pulls her to safety and turns to see who shot them.

Lakshmana and Shatrughna, the twin sons of Queen Sumitra, come running in, looking discomfited. Noticing that Kaikeyi is angry and that an argument is about to begin, Dasaratha edges away and leaves quietly.

Kaikeyi: Who shot the arrows? Do you realise you are spoiling your Guru Vasishta’s name?

Lakshmana: We were having target practice with the bows and arrows. It was an accident.

Manthara: Is this what Guru Vasishta taught you? To attack and injure people needlessly?

Shatrughna (angrily): Manthara, you have to right to talk about our guru. Mother Kaikeyi is like our mother and is also a skilled archer.

Kaikeyi: Shatrughna, you should not talk to your elders like this.