The twins returned with their men to Lohitpuri as the first light of dawn touched the city's stone walls. Their journey back was spent mostly in silence, each lost in thought about the revelations they had unearthed. The findings disturbed them, weighed them down. The smuggling they had initially believed ended after the war had, in fact, only revealed the surface of a deeper rot. It wasn't merely an operation for profit anymore; it had political ramifications that could topple entire cities.
Sharvas' entire plan was now exposed before them. His operations had stretched far beyond what they had assumed, his ambitions feeding a much greater scheme. Their earlier negligence, blinded by the immediate aftermath of war and the desire for a return to normalcy, had allowed the roots of corruption to remain. And now, two major players had stepped into the light: Sarthak and Rankriti.
It was clear that Sarthak had been buying weapons from Sharvas, fortifying himself, and expanding his territory far beyond Sharvanagar. But the involvement of Rankriti complicated matters. Was she a pawn, an opportunist, or a mastermind? Her relationship with Sharvas wasn't a secret, but this level of intertwining raised troubling questions. She had visited Jangal Mandala herself — was it a mere coincidence that she encountered Sarthak there, or had it been a strategic decision?
The twins debated quietly among themselves, pondering over every possibility as they entered the stone corridors of their fortress.
"Do you think Rankriti knew about the smuggling and Sharvas and Sarthak's dealings?" Rudra asked, his voice low but sharp.
Ashvapati, who had joined them in the council hall after receiving their urgent summons, responded after a long pause. "She definitely knew about their dealings. But whether she was actively involved in the smuggling or simply allowed it to continue for her larger goals, I cannot say. Someone of her stature doesn't meddle in petty issues. This could be something far bigger."
He stood still, hands clasped behind his back, the heavy cloth of his cloak brushing the floor. His eyes were distant, cold, calculating.
"Rankriti chose Sarthak to replace Sharvas. That much is clear. Which means Sarthak has the strength and political leverage necessary to challenge a Yamsabha member. Perhaps... even Arya himself."
There was silence for a few moments.
"We need to move carefully now," Raghav said, exchanging a glance with his brother. "If Rankriti's involvement runs deeper than we suspect, even sending messages could endanger us."
"I'll speak with Rohak and Savignya," Raghav continued. "We'll see what information we can gather about Arya's current status. It's been nearly two months. We must find out more."
"I'll check with Ganak," Rudra said. "He might have some insight about Sarthak's ambitions or past. Even a rumor could help."
Ashvapati nodded silently. He watched them leave, the young warriors whose shoulders now bore responsibilities that could break seasoned men. Not long ago, they had been pit-fighters, bloodied and desperate. Now, they led armies, commanded respect, and navigated the treacherous waters of power. His expression did not change, but something stirred faintly within him — a muted pride he would never voice aloud.
Later that evening, Rudra found himself walking the training grounds of Lohitpuri, seeking out Ganak. He found the trainer overseeing a group of young recruits, barking orders, his voice carrying over the sound of clashing wooden swords.
"Ganak," Rudra called as the old warrior dismissed his trainees.
"Tell me about Sarthak," Rudra asked directly. "Anything you remember."
Ganak frowned, rubbing his scarred chin. "I don't know much since he left the pit. Once in a while, a scrap of news reached us — that he had moved to Jangal Mandala, that he was gathering strength. Nothing concrete."
"Do you think he is powerful enough to replace Sharvas?" Rudra pressed.
"Definitely," Ganak said without hesitation. "Even alone, he was dangerous. With a few hundred loyal men behind him? Unstoppable."
"Did he ever talk about power? About climbing the ladder?"
Ganak shook his head. "No, he always spoke of building a home, somewhere he could rule without answering to anyone. Freedom. That was what he wanted."
Rudra absorbed the information, bowing his head slightly in thanks before leaving. The conversation hadn't yielded much, but it confirmed one thing: Sarthak was not merely a pawn. He had his own dreams, his own ambitions. That made him twice as dangerous.
Meanwhile, Raghav sent urgent messages through the secret channels of Chorpatta to Savignya and Rohak, outlining everything they had discovered. Every detail mattered now. Every connection had to be traced, every ally informed.
Within days, replies trickled back.
The city of Lohitpuri pulsed with new life. Chorpatta, the once-scattered network of spies and informants, was now rallying behind the twins. Whispers of their leadership traveled beyond the shadows of the alleys. Their names were spoken not as boys from the pits anymore, but as leaders.
Inside the main chamber, Rudra and Raghav stood before the large table where maps and intelligence scrolls were laid out. The flickering torchlight cast long shadows on the walls.
"The pieces are moving," Rudra said.
"We need to ensure Arya's safe return," Raghav replied. "Everything else can wait."
Ashvapati watched them from the shadows of the hall, unseen and silent, like a mountain observing the winds below.