A letter was sent to each warlord for a meeting. The agenda was clear: to settle things without an all-out war. The halls of Yamsabha were silent as the warlords entered, the tension so thick it could be cut with a knife.
Kritipal finally broke the silence, standing up. "We know things are difficult right now. Before any of us take irreversible steps toward war, let us discuss if we can come to a settlement."
Before anyone could respond, Parashar spoke, his voice firm. "We did not seek out this war. Our trust was broken by members of this council. It is not us who are pushing for war; it is the other way around."
Raktapasu smirked, his tone laced with condescension. "If you truly believed in the Yamsabha, you wouldn't have sided with a newcomer, Parashar."
"We are not siding with a person. We are siding with the truth," Savignya countered, her gaze unwavering as she stared Raktapasu down.
Raktapasu scoffed. "And you claim to know the entire truth?"
Dhanudanda sighed, shaking his head. "There is no point in discussing this further. People have already chosen their sides." He looked at the gathered warlords. "I don't like saying this, but war is inevitable."
Throughout the exchange, Arya and Sharvas had remained silent. Finally, Arya spoke, his voice measured but firm. "I don't want a war. But the truth should be accepted by you." His eyes locked onto Sharvas.
Sharvas leaned back, unimpressed. "That's your truth. I don't believe in the simple tricks of a boy who doesn't even know how to run his business."
Arya's expression remained unreadable. "Then why go after that boy? Let's bury the hatchet and move on."
Savignya placed a reassuring hand on Arya's shoulder. "He has made up his mind, Arya. He won't back down now. He decided that the moment you presented the evidence."
Sharvas gave a slow nod, a smirk playing at his lips. "Good. So, you do know what's coming for you. At least you remember who I am and what I can do."
Parashar's voice was quiet but firm. "You could have stopped this from happening, Sharvas."
Sharvas shook his head. "You know I can't do that, Parashar. Unlike you, I can take a stand for myself. I don't depend on others for their fragile and temporary support."
Sharvas turned his gaze to Dhanudanda. "You, of all people, should have known better. You broke my trust."
Dhanudanda slowly rose from his seat and walked toward the door. Before exiting, he turned back to Sharvas and Raktapasu. "I stood by you in every decision made in Yamsabha. I agreed with you at every turn. But this could have been avoided had you just agreed to the terms they put forth. I am not a wise man, but I know truth when I see it. I never liked Arya, and I still don't, but he didn't break the Yamsabha. You did."
With those final words, Dhanudanda left the Yamsabha. The room remained silent. Kritipal walked over to Sharvas, standing by his side in a quiet show of allegiance. Eknandini followed, making her stance clear as well.
Arya stood. "If you change your mind, you know what to do."
Without another word, Arya left, followed by Parashar and Savignya. As they walked through the corridors, Savignya spoke. "Sharvas will seek war. He knows he has more power than us. He has connections in the Ashtaraj council. With one move, he will try to eliminate us all and replace us with his own people. His ultimate goal is to secure a place in the Ashtaraj council."
Arya narrowed his eyes. "So, that's what he wants... a seat in the Ashtaraj council."
"Yes. He was practically leading the Yamsabha. Now that his corrupt dealings have been exposed, he will not sit idly by. And neither will I," Parashar said.
Arya exhaled, gathering his thoughts. "What do you think we should do next?"
Savignya's voice was resolute. "He is not the only one with ties to the higher-ups. We must move now. Before he reaches the council, we must reach there first. We need to ensure they hear our side before he poisons their ears."
The three warlords parted ways, each with a storm of thoughts in their heads. But Arya knew one thing for certain—time was running out, and hesitation was not an option.
"We don't have time to hesitate. If Sharvas seeks war, we will ensure he fights it on our terms."