As Shatrughna’s wrath blazed forth, the companions of Manthara—Kaikeyi’s hunchbacked maid—became greatly distressed. Fearing the consequences of his anger, they scattered in every direction, seeking safety. Gathering together in their anxiety, they whispered among themselves, “Now that he has come upon us, he will destroy us all completely. Let us seek refuge with Kausalyā, who is compassionate, generous, righteous, and renowned; surely, she will be our haven.” Meanwhile, Shatrughna, his eyes red with fury and his spirit intent on punishing his foes, seized Manthara. Despite her cries, he dragged her along the ground. As she was pulled this way and that, her many curious ornaments were scattered across the palace floor. The royal palace, adorned with those strewn jewels and trinkets, resembled the autumn sky scattered with stars. Consumed by anger, Shatrughna then turned to Kaikeyi, rebuking her harshly and speaking rough words. Struck by these painful words, Kaikeyi was deeply distressed. Terrified by Shatrughna’s rage, she sought refuge with her son, Bharata. Seeing his brother’s wrath, Bharata spoke gently to Shatrughna: “Women are not to be slain by any being; forgive her.” He added, “I would kill this wicked Kaikeyi, who has acted evilly, if the righteous Rama would not blame me for slaying my mother. If Rama, the righteous one, learns that even this hunchback has been killed, he will surely not speak to you or to me.” Hearing Bharata’s wise words, Shatrughna, younger brother of Lakshmana, let go of his anger and released Manthara. Overwhelmed with sorrow and gasping for breath, Manthara fell at Kaikeyi’s feet, lamenting pitiably. Seeing her, senses bewildered by Shatrughna’s violence, Kaikeyi gently comforted the hunchback, who clung to her like a distressed bird. Now, listen to the seventy-ninth sarga of the glorious Vālmīki Rāmāyaṇa, Ayodhyā Kāṇḍa. At dawn on the fourteenth day, the royal ministers assembled and spoke to Bharata: “King Dasharatha, our greatest elder, has departed for heaven, having exiled Rama, the eldest, and mighty Lakshmana. Now, O prince of great fame, you must be our king today; for, with the kingdom leaderless, it is not proper for us to act otherwise. All the consecration materials are ready, O Rāghava; your people and the guilds, O prince, await you. Accept the kingdom, Bharata, the great inheritance from your father and grandfather; consecrate yourself and protect us, best of men.” Bharata, firm in his vow, circumambulated the consecration materials and addressed the assembled people: “Kingship always belongs to the eldest in our family; wise men like you should not speak to me in this way. For Rama is our elder brother and will be king of the earth; but I will dwell in the forest for fourteen years. Let a great army, mighty and fourfold, be readied; I myself will bring back my elder brother Rāghava from the forest. All the consecration materials, fully prepared, will be taken before us; I will go to the forest for Rama’s sake. There itself, having consecrated that tiger among men with all due rites, I will bring Rama back, as the fire is brought from the sacrifice. I will not fulfill the wishes of my mother, who smells of selfishness; I will dwell in the harsh forest, and Rama will be king. Let the craftsmen make the road, whether level or uneven; and let guards, skilled in traversing difficult paths, accompany us.” As Bharata spoke these noble words for Rama’s sake, the people replied with words of great beauty and excellence: “May the goddess of fortune, Lakṣmī, attend you as you speak thus, wishing to give the earth to your elder brother, the prince.” Hearing these unsurpassed words, tears of joy flowed from the eyes of noble people, falling upon their faces. The ministers and assembly, freed from sorrow, joyfully said, “The devoted people and the group of craftsmen have been instructed by your command regarding the road.” Now, listen to the eightieth sarga in the glorious Vālmīki Rāmāyaṇa, Ayodhyā Kāṇḍa. Those skilled in the land—experts in measuring and marking, brave diggers and engineers—set out. Foremen, men skilled with machines, carpenters, road-makers, and tree-cutters joined them. Well-diggers, plasterers, those who worked with bamboo, and those capable of surveying all went ahead. This vast multitude, joyful, set out for their task, shining with great speed like the ocean at the full moon. Taking up their assigned duties, the roadworkers advanced ahead with various tools. They cut through creepers, bushes, shrubs, and even stones, clearing the path and felling various trees. In treeless places, some planted trees, while others, with axes, hatchets, and sickles, cut them down here and there, preparing the way for Bharata’s journey to bring Rama home.