By evening, the war was over, and everyone returned to their cities. Soldiers, weary and bruised, were finally relieved of their duties. One full day was granted to all battalions to rest and recover, to tend to the wounded, and to come to terms with what they had just survived. No drills. No commands. Just silence and reflection.
Dhanudanda and Parashar returned to their respective cities, their banners trailing behind them, torn and stained from the war. Savignya and Rudra were brought back in special chariots, both unconscious but alive. Their survival was nothing short of miraculous. Ashvapati took personal charge of their safety. He insisted Savignya come with him to Lohitpuri, trusting his own healers and guards more than anyone else's.
The gates of Lohitpuri opened with celebration. Ganak welcomed the returning warriors with a broad smile that tried to hide his nervous energy. He had heard scattered reports about the war, its devastating scale, and the shocking intervention that had ended it. Still, he put on a brave front as his men cheered for the warriors entering the castle grounds and the pit.
Ganak stepped forward and embraced Ashvapati as he descended from his chariot. He then turned towards the others and barked orders to ensure everyone was cared for. Food, medical help, rest quarters—everything was arranged swiftly. Ganak took pride in being efficient, even during chaos.
Ashvapati and Raghav stayed behind while the rest moved inside. They led Ganak away from the noise, wanting to speak privately. Ashvapati told him everything—how the war had gone, how Arya had defeated Sharvas in single combat, and most crucially, how Rankriti had intervened.
Ganak listened intently, nodding slowly as he absorbed the magnitude of what had transpired. His brows furrowed when he heard of Rankriti's arrival.
"She came herself? On the battlefield? That's... rare. Very rare," Ganak said, shaking his head. "And she took Arya with her?"
Ashvapati nodded. Raghav stepped forward, finally letting his concern show.
"What will happen to Arya now? Why didn't you stop that woman from taking him away?" Raghav asked.
Ashvapati looked at him calmly.
"There are things beyond my control, Raghav. On that battlefield, there wasn't a single soul who could've stopped Rankriti. Not even the strongest among us. She owns these lands. Her word is law. Had we opposed her, we'd all be ash by now."
Raghav looked down, unsure if he was comforted or more unsettled by that answer.
Ashvapati continued, "But don't worry. Arya is in good hands. If she meant him harm, she wouldn't have taken him at all. Trust me on this. Whatever happens next, he'll have a chance. And we need to focus on Rudra and Savignya for now."
Raghav didn't respond. He simply nodded and walked toward the room where Rudra was being treated. The worry in his eyes didn't fade. He paced outside the chamber, waiting for the healers to give him some sign, any sign.
As the evening sky turned amber and deep blue, word came that Savignya had regained consciousness. Ashvapati immediately went to see her.
Inside a quiet room, Savignya lay on a wide bed, surrounded by soft linen and healing herbs. Her face was pale, but there was life in her eyes.
"What's happening? Where exactly am I?" she asked, her voice hoarse.
"You're in Lohitpuri," Ashvapati replied gently. "And you're safe."
Savignya blinked slowly, trying to remember. "What happened in the war?"
"We won," Ashvapati said with a smile.
Savignya closed her eyes and gave a faint nod. A small smile touched her lips. "Well... that's good news. What's the damage?"
"We lost several men. Sharvas lost more."
"How did we win?" she asked again, trying to sit up.
"Don't get up. You need rest. Arya challenged Sharvas to a one-on-one battle. And he won. He didn't want more bloodshed. It became his burden to bear."
Savignya took a long breath, eyes wide with disbelief. "That boy... he is unpredictable. But where is he now?"
Ashvapati relayed everything that had happened after her collapse. Savignya listened, her expression shifting from awe to concern.
"Rankriti came herself... and took him?" she whispered. "Did anyone see it happen?"
"Everyone did," Ashvapati said. "They saw something no one ever sees. Rankriti reduced a man to ash with nothing but a gesture. The fear in that moment... no one will forget it."
Savignya leaned back, absorbing the weight of that moment.
"I need to speak with Trishan. Right away," she said with sudden urgency. "If Arya is in Suryagdh, and the State head gets involved... we need to move."
Ashvapati's expression turned grim. He nodded. "We don't know what plans are being set in motion, but Arya is out of our reach for now. One we may not be able to influence."
The name Suryagdh hung in the air—a name whispered in politics, feared in warfare. It was more than a capital. It was the cradle of power, and the Ashtaraj Council that ruled from there had always remained distant, silent, and dangerous. Arya, unknowingly or not, was now walking into the heart of it.
Savignya tried to sit up again but winced. "Help me send a message. We need eyes in Suryagdh. We can't be blind."
Ashvapati gave a short nod. "I'll arrange it."