The twins were training with Ganak on a fresh morning. The sun had just risen over Lohitpuri, casting golden streaks through the courtyard of the fortress. Steel clashed against steel in rhythmic precision as Raghav and Rudra moved in perfect sync, matching Ganak's relentless pace. Arya's absence echoed through every decision, every breath.
Things were going smoothly under Ashvapati's supervision. The city hadn't collapsed — yet — but it was surviving more than thriving. Without Arya's presence, there was no unified fear or devotion to bind the people. The leadership was scattered. The whispering loyalty of Chorpatta, the fierce efforts of the twins, and the looming silence of Ashvapati all felt like pillars holding up a crumbling roof.
The city awaited Arya's return — not with joy or anticipation, but with quiet desperation. Chorpatta was doing its work in the shadows, gathering information from Jangal Mandala and Suryagadh, hoping for a clue, a signal, anything to bring him back.
Far to the north, Savignya had reached the outer gates of Suryagadh. But instead of entering, she kept her distance and watched. From her vantage point, the city looked calm — too calm. A merchant caravan rolled down the road, its wheels heavy with goods, guards walking lazily beside it. She noticed a familiar gait in one of the merchants. A thin, wiry man with sharp eyes pretending to be dull. Her instincts flared.
She ordered her soldiers to wait and silently broke off from the group. Pulling her hood tighter, she followed the merchant. He didn't go through the main gate. Instead, he turned into a narrow alley flanked by spice shops and broken crates. She followed, keeping to the shadows. He moved with the precision of someone trained — not a simple trader.
After a few turns, she picked up her pace. With a quick step forward, she slammed him into the wall and gripped his throat with her forearm. Before he could react, her blade was already at his neck.
"I've seen you before. Battlefield. You were the messenger who brought news of the Kshoniraajas," Savignya hissed.
His face tightened but didn't show fear. "You already know who I am. Why the theatrics?"
"I expected more from the twins' men. You break too easily." She released her grip slightly, lowering her blade.
The man chuckled, rubbing his throat. "I'm not a soldier, my lady. Just an informant. We don't last long if we try to act brave."
Rohak straightened his clothes and glanced around. "Besides, you cornered me too cleanly. I wouldn't have lasted a second."
"Why are you here again?" she asked, finally sheathing her dagger.
"Raghav asked me to keep watch around Suryagadh. Originally, I was supposed to enter the city, but… things have changed."
"Sharvas' plans. The twins' encounter with the Vanmargis?" she guessed.
Rohak nodded, wide-eyed. "I couldn't believe it when I heard. The Vanmargis are real. Makes me wonder what else exists out there."
Savignya slapped the back of his head lightly. "Wrong question. Their existence isn't the problem. Their intentions are. Focus on that."
He gave a sheepish smile. "Fair point."
She studied him for a moment, then made her decision. "If you want to get inside the city, you'll come with me. But this 'merchant' act won't cut it. What are you selling?"
"Spices and wood," he said, almost embarrassed.
She raised an eyebrow. "You think that's going to work in the capital? This city doesn't care about your sacks of turmeric. It feeds on gold, silk, and secrets. Get something that looks like it belongs in a royal court. You've got two hours. Meet me by the northern checkpoint. And once we're in — we don't know each other."
Rohak hesitated. This was a big move. But he could see the door opening. A rare chance. He nodded and dashed off.
He sent a brief message to the twins, informing them of the new plan. Then he went hunting.
He pulled favors with traders and local dealers. He swapped and borrowed. Within two hours, he had assembled a new identity — a traveling curator of luxury. Painted scrolls, embroidered silks, carved ivory pieces, and a collection of rare perfumes. He looked at the bundle of items with pride. It wasn't much, but it was just enough to catch interest.
True to her word, Savignya waited with her convoy at the northern gate. Rohak slipped in without drawing attention. The guards saluted Savignya and barely gave Rohak a glance.
As they passed through the gates, Rohak gasped. He'd heard stories of Suryagadh, but they didn't come close.
The city was enormous — not just in size, but in stature. Beautiful roads stretched in geometric patterns. Trees were trimmed into perfect spirals. Tall buildings stood like sculptures.
He leaned forward, overwhelmed.
"Focus," Savignya said again, her voice sharp but quiet.
He nodded quickly.
She didn't speak again. Instead, she led him to a lesser-known market. It wasn't the grand merchant district, but it had weight. Here, traders dealt in rare commodities, and secrets passed hands alongside silk.
She introduced him to three merchants — each more ornately dressed than the last. Rohak played his part well. He spoke in hushed tones about the authenticity of his items. They tested him with hard questions, but he held his ground.
They were impressed.
"You should stay a few days," one of them said. "Your collection is unlike the usual fare. We'll send word if more buyers come."
Rohak nodded graciously. "I'm honored."
He had done it. He was inside.
Once the sun began to set, and the marketplace started to close, Savignya pulled him aside briefly.
"This is your chance. Use it wisely. Keep your ears open and your mouth shut. And remember, no one knows who you are."
"Yes, my lady," Rohak said with genuine respect.