A hush of concern settled upon the assembly as the question arose: “Is the world now without kshatriyas, that the helpless are abandoned?” The speaker, having addressed the gathered kings—foremost among rulers—turned to them, his words carrying the weight of justice and tradition. “Let all assembled kings hear me,” he said, “elders of the Ikshvakus and the leaders of the Panchalas. By your favor in this marriage, may righteousness not be defeated. Be gracious, O Yajnasena, and let my path be with you, O Somaka.” Turning to the princess, he spoke with gentle authority: “I know you, and I instruct you—according to righteousness and to the best of my ability, I uphold my strength. If you fear any other king, O princess, I have the power to remove the cause of your fear. Yet, I am not the master over Shantanu’s son, Bhishma, wielder of mighty weapons; for among kshatriyas, strength always follows righteousness. Go, O blessed one, for Bhishma will not harm me by force. I did not accept you—all here know this, though I do not know why.” Thus addressed, the princess placed the garland and fled from the king’s doorway. Her renown for austerity and firm vows was known in all worlds, and Drupada, her father, followed her, offering words of consolation again and again: “Take the garland, O blessed one; do not incite enmity with us. This is what must be done.” Yet, her mind could not be swayed—this was the work of fate, not of human will. Drupada then declared, “Whoever takes up this garland and himself puts it on will slay Bhishma in battle, the destroyer of my righteousness.” The king kept the garland for some time, but, growing indifferent, he silently neglected it. Then Shikhandini, as a child, put on that garland, disregarding her father’s wishes. Fearing Bhishma’s wrath, Drupada quickly abandoned her. Frightened, Shikhandini sought out a Brahmin ascetic performing austerities by the Ganga, seeking his favor. Pleased by her devoted service, the eminent sage said, “At the ford of the Ganga, a division will soon take place. There, strive to propitiate Tumburu, the king of the Gandharvas, who is pleasing to behold; serve him well. I too will assist you, for he will bring you benefit.” In time, at that very place, a division occurred among the Gandharvas, and two of equal splendor remained. One, desiring to become a woman, looked at Shikhandini and said, “Take this male form; I choose your female form for myself.” They made an agreement: one to be a woman, the other a man. Thus Shikhandini, destroyer of enemy heroes, became Shikhandi, a man. The Gandharva, now a woman, departed joyfully, and Yajnaseni—Shikhandi—attained immense satisfaction. Then, going to Budbudaka, Shikhandi acquired divine weapons and returned to Panchala, bowing with joined palms at his father’s feet. “By you, Bhishma need not be feared in any way,” he declared. Meanwhile, after Amba’s departure, Bhishma, son of Shantanu, arranged the king’s marriage rites according to law. Ambika and Ambalika were wed to Vichitravirya, the Kaurava, in the presence of fire. Vichitravirya, proud of his beauty, righteous yet passionate, became their husband. The maidens, tall and dark, with curled black hair, adorned with red nails, broad hips, and full breasts, thought, “We have obtained a husband worthy of ourselves,” and honored him. Deeply attached to each other, Vichitravirya and his wives, united in feeling, delighted in each other’s company. Vichitravirya, resembling the twin Ashvins and equal to the gods in valor, captivated the hearts of all women in private. For seven years, the youthful king sported with them, but then was seized by consumption. Despite the efforts of friends and skilled physicians, Vichitravirya, like the sun setting, went to the abode of Yama. Bhishma, the righteous son of Ganga, wholly absorbed in thought and sorrow, performed all the funeral rites with due reverence. Following Satyavati’s counsel, and together with the priests and all the foremost of the Kurus, Bhishma completed the ceremonies for King Vichitravirya. Satyavati, afflicted and pitiable, longing for a son, performed her son’s rites with her daughters-in-law. Consoling them in their grief and carefully considering the laws of the lineages, the blessed Satyavati spoke to Bhishma: “In you, O Bhishma, are established the offerings, the fame, and the lineage of Shantanu, ever devoted to righteousness and renowned among the Kurus. Your brother Vichitravirya, who has passed on, performed virtuous deeds and has surely attained heaven; as certain as life is truth, so too is righteousness certain in you. You know the laws, both in summary and detail, versed in the scriptures and the Vedas. I see in you the proper conduct and the customs of our family, and your discernment in difficult times is like that of Shukra and Angiras.” Thus, the house of Kuru stood at a fateful crossroads, with Bhishma’s steadfast virtue and Satyavati’s wisdom guiding the lineage forward.