Berserk

Magad is a large kingdom and its king is called Bindos. This king
has many queens from whom he has numerous sons. His youngest queen has
a son called Asok. Asok is also the youngest among his many brothers.
All his brothers and Asok himself want to become king of Magad someday.
Each has his own idea that will make him the monarch painlessly. Asok
is extremely restless and is always getting into trouble. He is forever
challenging people to sword-fights. When he has had something to drink
that's not water or juice of fruit he is a different person. Then he
declares to everyone that he will be king of Magad and no one can stop
it. One day there was a big fight between Asok and his eldest brother
Bitsok in a drinking joint. They had had a few drinks and then started
wrestling. When Asok began to win Bitsok's attendants raised a hue and
cry. They accused Asok of cheating. This made Asok very angry and he
declared, "When I am king I will punish all of you!" The matter was
reported to the ageing king. He conferred with his many ministers and
decided that Asok would be sent on exile. The chosen place was Taxila.
Now Taxila is far from Magad and free from its political influence.
King Bindos felt that Asok would realize how difficult it is to stay
away from home, in Taxila. Maybe he would try to reform himself.
Karooki is a princess. Her father was the ruler of Kaling. A palace
coup forced her to flee Kaling and take refuge in Taxila. Both her
parents were killed in the coup. She escaped with her younger brother
who is just seven years old. Taxila is an university town. Karooki has
enrolled at the university to learn one-to-one warfare. Asok is a
student in the same university. All this happens circa 200 B.C. Karooki
and Asok meet as students. Asok introduces himself as a foot-soldier
from Magad. Karooki, the princess in hiding declines to speak to him at
first but does not disclose her high birth. But Asok is a brave,
chivalrous man. He befriends Karooki's little brother and also offers,
somewhat mockingly, to become their bodyguard. With a little luck Asok
wins Karooki over. And that is exactly when their misfortunes
start.
King Bindos, Asok's father, dies suddenly. It is rumoured that he has
been poisoned. A dreadful struggle ensues to claim the coveted throne
of Magad. Asok is called from Taxila by well-wishers. He leaves the
city without saying goodbye to Karooki. He misses her terribly,
nevertheless. Karooki who is lonely except for her brother nearly dies
of grief due to sudden separation from her love, Asok. Back in Magad
Asok takes charge of the situation. He kills all his brothers one by
one and becomes king of Magad. He sends trusted people in all
directions to look for Karooki. But she is not to be found anywhere.
One day a man brings his daughter to king Asok. This girl Tara was to
be married on that day but her husband had disappeared. On advice from
his ministers Asok marries Tara. But he finds no peace at all. He
launches military campaigns on kingdoms all around Magad. Millions of
people are killed and maimed. Everyone is shocked at Asok's cruelty but
he continues the ceaseless bloodletting. Kaling remains the only
kingdom left unconquered by Asok. He declares war on Kaling. It's a
bright Sunday morning and the armies face each other on the
battlefield.
As the armies of Magad and Kaling attack each other with full force the
chariots carrying the generals come close. Faces become visible and
both Asok, general of Magad and Karooki, general of Kaling are shocked
to find themselves on the field of battle. Asok realizes immediately
that it's Karooki and her absence from his life that had made him the
violent, war-happy, ruthless king that he was now. Karooki is happy too
at meeting Asok again, albeit as enemy. Peace is concluded between the
armies of Magad and Kaling. Asok never fights again.