A thunderous roar, like that of a lion, rose above the tumult of the assembled warriors, mingling with shouts of praise. At that moment, the king of the Panchalas, accompanied by Satyajit, advanced onto the battlefield. Swift as Shambara charging against mighty Indra, Arjuna—Partha—rushed forward and enveloped the Panchala forces with a relentless shower of arrows. The Panchala army was thrown into confusion, their cries swelling like the mighty roar of lions wounded by a leader of elephants. Satyajit, resolute and unwavering in valor, saw Arjuna's advance and charged forth, determined to shield the Panchala king. Arjuna and Satyajit, like Indra and Virocana themselves, confronted each other in a clash that shook both armies. With remarkable skill, Arjuna struck Satyajit with ten arrows that pierced his vital points, a feat that astonished all who witnessed it. Yet Satyajit, undeterred, swiftly retaliated, wounding Arjuna with hundreds of arrows and covering him in a dense shower. Gathering his strength, Arjuna quickly restrung his mighty bow and, with a single, precise shot, cut down Satyajit's weapon before advancing toward the king. Satyajit seized another, even more formidable bow and unleashed a volley, striking not only Arjuna but also his horses, charioteer, and chariot. Afflicted by the Panchala's onslaught, Arjuna could not endure it; intent on victory, he released a rapid succession of arrows. In the fierce exchange, both the charioteer and the banner were struck, and the bow-grip was shattered repeatedly by Arjuna, whose horses were expertly guided by his charioteer. When Satyajit's horses were finally struck down, he was forced to withdraw from the fight. Seeing him turn away, Arjuna wasted no time and, with great speed, charged at Drupada, the Parshata king. The battle that ensued was fierce, but Arjuna, supreme among warriors, broke Drupada's bow and cast his banner to the ground. With five well-aimed arrows, he struck the king's horses and charioteer. Abandoning his bow, Arjuna took up a sheaf of arrows, raised his sword, and bellowed a lion's roar that echoed across the field. Leaping suddenly onto Drupada's chariot, Arjuna attacked fearlessly, standing tall and unshaken. Like Garuda disturbing the ocean's depths, he seized Drupada as one would capture a serpent. The Panchala warriors, witnessing this, fled in every direction. Displaying his strength for all to see, Arjuna let out another lion's roar and departed, his glory resounding among the armies. The princes, seeing Arjuna's approach, abandoned the city of the noble Drupada. Drupada himself, foremost among kings and kin to the Kurus, called out, "Do not destroy this force; let Bhima receive the teacher's gift!" Bhimasena, eager for battle, was restrained by Arjuna and, though still unsatisfied, withdrew from the fight. The Pandavas then seized Yajnasena Drupada in the midst of battle, along with his ministers, and brought him before Drona. Humbled and deprived of his wealth, Drupada stood before Drona, who, recalling their past enmity, addressed him: "With force I have conquered your kingdom and city. Now, with your life in my power, what is it that you desire, old friend?" Drona laughed and continued, "Do not fear for your life, O hero; we are forgiving Brahmanas." He spoke with warmth, recalling their childhood friendship in the hermitage, and said, "Let us be friends once more. I grant you a boon—accept half your kingdom back. A kingless man cannot be the friend of a king, so I have restored your kingship, Yajnasena. Rule the southern bank of the Bhagirathi, while I hold the northern. Recognize me as your friend, O Panchala, if you so wish." Drupada replied, "O Brahmana, among the great-hearted, such acts are not surprising. I am pleased with you and desire lasting friendship." Thus honored, Drona released Drupada and granted him half his kingdom. Drupada then dwelled in sorrow on the bank of the Ganga at Makandi, amidst ten thousand settlements, and in Kampilya, his chief city. The southern Panchalas, up to the river Charmannvati, were subdued and protected by Drona, who had humbled Drupada. Though Drupada retained his Kshatriya might, he recognized the power of Brahmanas and his own lack of their spiritual strength. Desiring a son, Drupada wandered the earth, and Drona, too, approached the territory of Ahichhatra. The populous city of Ahichhatra was conquered in battle by Arjuna and given to Drona. Yet Drupada found no peace. Tormented by thoughts of his enmity with Drona, he could not sleep. Though strong in Kshatriya arms, he lost hope for victory, knowing he lacked Brahmanical power. Restless and intolerant, Drupada began to seek out accomplished Brahmins. He wandered among many Brahmin dwellings, lamenting, "I have no worthy offspring; shame upon my lineage." Sighing deeply and intent on countering Drona, he mourned, "I have no friends in this world, nor anyone with valor.