Shloka 3.27.18
त्रिशिरोवधः (The Slaying of Triśiras) — Araṇyakāṇḍa, Sarga 27
स भूमौ रुधिरोद्गारी रामबाणाभिपीडितः।।3.27.18।।न्यपतत्पतितैः पूर्वं स्वशिरोभिर्निशाचरः।
prahṛṣṭo vā hate rāme janasthānaṁ prayāsyasi | mayi vā nihate rāmaṁ saṁyugāyopayāsyasi || 3.27.5 ||
“If Rāma is slain, you may rejoice and return to Janasthāna; but if I am slain, then you yourself must go to meet Rāma in battle.”
The demon with his heads decapitated, hit by Rama's arrows a little while ago, fell down, vomitting blood.
It underscores accountability and consequence: actions in battle lead to clear outcomes. In the Ramayana, dharma is also measured by accepting results without evasion.
The rākṣasa commander sets terms for Khara—either celebrate and withdraw if Rāma dies, or enter the fight if the commander falls.
A form of loyalty and willingness to bear risk first is displayed (though serving an unrighteous campaign).