The deadly arrows issuing from Raama's bow like five-headed serpents pursued the
Raakshasas wherever they went and destroyed them." And he went on to describe at
length Raama's skill and speed in the use of his weapons.
And so Raavana learnt that Dasaratha's son,
Raama, with his younger brother Lakshmana was at Panchavati and that he, alone without
even his brother's aid, had done it all and that no gods had come to their aid.
"Well," said Raavana, "I do
not understand this but I shall start at once. I shall destroy these little worms of men
and return." And he rose, "Hear me, great king, before you go," said
Akampana, and explained once again Raama's strength and courage.
"Listen to me. No one can fight with
Raama and conquer him. When I say 'No one,' I mean 'No one.' Not even you can I, do it.
Because you have promised me protection, I dare thus to tell you the plain truth. There is
only one way of killing him. His wife is with him. |