The meeting at Yamsabha had ended, but the tension lingered like an approaching storm. The warlords departed, each lost in thought, knowing that the newly formed divisions would inevitably lead to chaos.
As they traveled back, Ashvapati, who had been silent for most of the journey, finally spoke. "Are you ready for what comes next?"
Arya's answer was immediate. "I am."
Ashvapati gave him a long, measured look. "You know you have no chance of defeating them."
Arya nodded. "I know. But I won't be alone. I will make sure Savignya, Parashar, and Dhanudanda stand with me."
Ashvapati exhaled, his tone steady but heavy. "You misunderstand. These warlords are no one's allies. Savignya and Parashar might lean toward you, but Dhanudanda? He despises you. And you are thinking about mere numbers while ignoring the real danger. Sharvas and Raktapasu have the largest armies, yes, but that is not their greatest strength. Do you think they have no unseen weapons? They have ties to people much higher up. And Eknandini… she remains quiet, but she has access to forces capable of wiping out entire battalions."
Arya listened carefully. Ashvapati had never spoken this much at once. Even the twins, usually quick to interject, remained silent. Their unease was obvious, but Arya's resolve did not waver.
"A war is the last thing I want," Arya admitted, "but I will not let them crush us. The people in my city depend on me. If I don't stand up now, I will never be able to protect them."
Ashvapati studied him for a long moment. Then, something flickered in his eyes—not approval, but recognition. "Then you have already chosen your path."
By the time they reached the pit, Kalanemi was escorted back to his cell. Arya followed, walking beside him.
Kalanemi's voice was low but sharp. "You've made an enemy of Yamsabha. Killing Upendra was one thing, but challenging the entire council? That is something else entirely."
"I had no choice."
"You always have a choice," Kalanemi corrected. "You want to protect people? Then you need allies. And more importantly, you need to keep them close. You are already fighting an uphill battle—if you falter, this war won't even last a day."
Arya absorbed his words. Kalanemi was right. He had to act fast.
That evening, Arya sent out messages to Parashar, Savignya, and Dhanudanda. He needed to meet them in person. Every second counted.
But he wasn't done yet. He made his way to the pit, where Ganak stood overseeing a brutal sparring session between the prisoners.
"Ganak," Arya called.
The trainer turned, his battle-scarred face breaking into a knowing smile. "I was wondering when you'd come to me."
"I want you to train more fighters. Not just the prisoners—guards and soldiers, too. We need to be ready."
Ganak's grin widened, but there was no humor in it. "Finally. I was getting bored."
Next, Arya rushed to Ashvapati's chambers, calling the twins to join him.
"Chorpatta must expand," Arya declared. "Put everyone to work. I want eyes everywhere in our city. No movement goes unnoticed."
Rudra and Raghav exchanged a glance, then nodded. They understood the gravity of his request.
Arya turned to Ashvapati. "I want you to train me. Not just in combat, but in knowledge. I need to understand these 'higher powers' you spoke of. Who are they? What makes them so dangerous?"
Ashvapati was silent for a moment. Then, slowly, he smiled—not with warmth, but with the satisfaction of a teacher whose student had finally asked the right question.
"You're late in asking," he said. "But at least you're here now. Come with me."