Meanwhile in the camp of the Swans, King Silver Plume was consulting his minister, Chakravaka. A spy was sent again to the camp of King Jewel Plume to find out whatever he could and return with the news. The King asked Chakravaka whose help should not be asked for during the war. “Never use a child, an old or a sick person, a coward or a greedy person, or one who takes advice from too many people,” counselled Chakravaka, “It is also not wise to ally oneself with the people who stay in another country, or have many enemies, who cannot handle the problems of an army or who are dishonest and not pious.” “What are the choices a king has during the war?” the King wished to know. “A king has six choices: peace, war, an expedition into the enemy’s territory, lay siege to a kingdom, seek shelter or to practise deceit.”
Which Ally to Avoid
