Book Five:  War Preparations

Both sides prepare for war.  Shakuni convinces Duryodhan that he needs 
Krishna's help.  Duryodhan goes to see Krishna.  As he walks in, he 
finds that Krishna is sleeping.  Not wanting to wake him, he sits and 
waits in a chair by Krishna's head.  Meanwhile, Arjun also comes to ask 
his friend for help.  He walks in to find Krishna still sleeping and 
Duryodhan waiting.  Arjun stands at the foot of the bed and waits for 
Krishna to awake.  When he wakes up, Arjun is the first one Krishna 
sees.  He asks him why he is there.  Before Arjun can reply, Duryodhan 
insists that he had been there first and therefore, should get to speak 
first.  Krishna disagrees by saying that not only did he see Arjun 
first, but also Arjun is younger and thus has the right to speak first. 
 Krishna says he knows they have both come to seek his help in the war. 
 He asks Arjun what he would rather have, his whole army or Krishna 
himself who will not pick up a weapon or fight during the war.  Arjun 
picks Krishna.  Very happy to have received the army, Duryodhan returns 
to his palace.  Krishna agrees to be Arjun's charioteer.  Duryodhan 
also goes to Shalya, who was Queen Madri's brother, and asks him to 
join his side.  He agrees to be Karna's charioteer, but also promises 
Judhishthir that he will maneuver the chariot in such a way that will 
place Karna at a disadvantage.  

Meanwhile Karna is struggling with his past.  Krishna has a 
conversation with him and tells him the truth about his birth.  He asks 
him to join the side of the Pandavas and assures him that his brothers 
will welcome him with open arms once they know the truth.  Karna 
refuses saying that Duryodhan is his friend and he would not betray 
him.  He asks Krishna not to reveal his true identity to the Pandavas 
as long as he is alive.  Kunti also reveals herself to Karna.  She begs 
him not to fight against his brothers.  He promises her that we will 
not harm the other four, but that he will try to kill Arjun.  He tells 
Kunti that either way, she will still have five sons, for either Arjun 
or Karna himself will die in the battle.  

The day of the war draws nearer.  The Pandavas appoint Dhrishtadyumna,
Draupadi's brother, as their commander in chief.  Bhishma who is tied 
to the throne of Hastinapur must fight on the side of the Kauravas.  
Duryodhan appoints him as their commander in chief.  Both armies march 
toward Kurukshetra. 

 


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