From the primeval waters arose fire, spreading its energy throughout all that moves and does not move. It was from the bones of the sage Dadhīci that the mighty thunderbolt was fashioned—a weapon destined to destroy the Dānavas. Among the divine beings, Guha, keeper of all secrets, is celebrated: known as the son of Kṛttikā, born of fire, fierce in aspect, and also called the son of Gaṅgā. There are brāhmaṇas of great renown who were born from kṣatriya lineages—such as Viśvāmitra and others—who, through their own merits, attained the eternal state of brahmanhood. Droṇa, foremost among weapon-masters, was born from a vessel, while Gautama, of the Gautama lineage, emerged from a clump of reeds. I have also heard the account of your own wondrous birth: how, adorned with earrings and armor, marked with every auspicious sign, a tigress gave birth to one as radiant as the sun. Truly, this lord of men is worthy not only of ruling the kingdom of Aṅga, but the whole earth itself—such is the strength of his arms, and I am ready to serve him faithfully. If there is anyone present who cannot bear my actions, let him mount his chariot and bend his bow before all, proving his worth with his own hands. At these words, a great uproar arose throughout the arena, mingled with cries of “Well done!” As the sun set, King Duryodhana, taking Karṇa by the hand, departed from the arena, the way ahead illuminated by torches. The Pāṇḍavas, together with Droṇa and Kṛpa, and also Bhīṣma, each returned to their own quarters. As people left, some called out “Arjuna!” others “Karna!” and still others “Duryodhana!”—each expressing their admiration for their chosen hero. Kuntī, recognizing her son by his divine marks, felt a deep joy in her heart, though she concealed it out of affection. At that moment, when Duryodhana gained Karṇa as an ally, the fear that had arisen in him because of Arjuna swiftly vanished. The heroic Karṇa, skilled in every weapon, addressed Suyodhana (Duryodhana) with utmost courtesy. Even Yudhiṣṭhira himself thought, “There is no archer on earth equal to Karṇa.” When Droṇa saw that the sons of Pāṇḍu and Dhṛtarāṣṭra had mastered the use of weapons, he decided the time had come to ask for his teacher’s fee. Bhāradvāja, seeing all his pupils gathered at the gate of the arena, addressed them: “I desire that the gift, along with the supreme fee, be given to me.” The disciples responded, “Revered sir, what shall we offer? Command us, and we shall obey.” Droṇa summoned his disciples and urged them to provide the fee in full. “Seize King Drupada of the Pañcālas in the midst of battle and bring him before me; this shall be the highest fee.” The disciples, swift and skilled in battle, declared, “So be it!” and, mounting their chariots, set out with Droṇa to fulfill their teacher’s request. The best among men advanced upon the Pañcālas, striking down their foes and reaching the city of the mighty Drupada. Duryodhana, Karṇa, the powerful Yuyutsu, Duḥśāsana, Vikarna, Jalasandha, Sulocana, and many other valiant princes, each proclaiming, “I will go first! I will go first!”—these foremost warriors entered the city, their splendid chariots accompanied by their attendants, proceeding along the royal road. At that time, King Drupada, hearing and seeing the great army, quickly left his palace with his brothers. Armed for battle, the brothers of Yajñasena rained down showers of arrows, their voices roaring in unison. Yajñasena himself, invincible in battle, advanced in his shining chariot and showered the Kauravas with fierce arrows. But before this, Arjuna had consulted with Droṇa, the foremost of Brahmins, about the princes’ arrogance. “At the end of their display of valor, we shall perform a daring deed; with these, the Pañcāla cannot be seized in the midst of battle.” Having spoken thus, the sinless son of Kuntī and his brothers remained half a krośa outside the city. Drupada, seeing the Kauravas, rushed forth on all sides, bewildering their army with a great volley of arrows. As he advanced alone in his swift chariot on the battlefield, the Kauravas imagined him to be many, so great was their terror. Drupada’s fierce arrows flew in all directions; then thousands of conches, kettledrums, and drums resounded. In the encampment of the Pañcālas, the instruments blared, and the mighty Pañcālas raised a lion’s roar. The sound of the bowstring striking the sky was made by Duryodhana, Vikarna, Subahu, and Dirghalochana. Duḥśāsana, enraged, showered arrows, wounding the mighty archer Parshata, who was difficult to overcome in battle. Drupada scattered other troops instantly and attacked Duryodhana, Vikarna, and the mighty Karṇa. He struck all the various armies and heroic sons of kings, moving among them and raining arrows like a wheel of fire. Then, all the citizens, armed with clubs and staffs, poured down upon the Kauravas like rain-laden clouds. All the young and old of Kampilya, having heard of the tumultuous battle, advanced against the Kauravas, eager to defend their land.