The news did not remain a secret for long. Everyone in the three Mandalas heard of it—Rankriti had been betrayed, and someone had taken her territory. Few knew the name Sarthak, but all knew Rankriti would not stay still for long.
The Yamsabha convened on a grey morning, just two days after the news broke. The revelation that Sarthak had seized control of the Jangal Mandala shook the people. While such betrayals were not unheard of within the Ashtaraj Triad, they were usually lower-level power plays—lesser nobles and district heads turning on each other. But a Yamsabha member turning on Rankriti herself was another matter entirely.
The people, of course, were not surprised. They had seen this pattern before. Someone would rise through betrayal, rule with new ambitions, and bring chaos. The cycle repeated every few years. The common man, as always, paid the price. Each time a new ruler claimed power, new laws were passed, fresh taxes imposed, and old systems shattered. The entire fabric of life would be rewoven, only to be torn again.
Upendra had been one such ruler—strong, but slothful. He ascended to the throne of Lohitpuri after killing his predecessor, but had little interest in change. He raised taxes, flexed his strength, and ruled with a heavy but static hand. Arya, on the other hand, had tried to change everything. But his reforms met resistance at every turn. His path had been thorny from the very beginning. Even before he could truly establish his reign, he was dragged into war, and then whisked away by Rankriti. Now, with Arya missing, Ashvapati and the twins held Lohitpuri together as best as they could. But it had not been a steady journey.
"Sarthak is out. He has also taken his businesses and money with him," Parashar announced, seated at the head of the chamber. "He sent a letter himself, declaring his betrayal openly. We must be ready for a directive from Rankriti. It could be a call for war, or she may appoint a replacement."
"Do you truly think Rankriti will simply replace him?" Kritipal questioned, his brow furrowed. "Even if she does, which territory would she assign? Jangal Mandala only had Anantagadh directly under her. Most of the region was fragmented and loosely managed."
"Why wait for Rankriti's orders? Why not take the war to Sarthak ourselves?" Dhanudanda's voice rang louder than expected. "We all know conflict is coming. We should not sit idle. Let's strike first and take back what was ours."
"But we don't yet know who supports him," Savignya interjected, eyes narrowed in thought. "Sarthak would never make such a move alone. He has backing. Perhaps financial, perhaps military. Either way, there is more here than what we can see."
Rudra leaned forward. "We need to look inward before rushing outward. Whatever Rankriti decides, we must ensure our cities are prepared. If things escalate, and she does demand support, we cannot be found unready."
"We have met Sarthak. Fought him too," Raghav added. "He is not just strong. He is clever. Wicked. If he has the numbers, he could topple most of us."
Dhanudanda turned sharply toward the twins. "You met him when you went after Arya? Is that why all this is happening? Because of your meddling?"
Raghav met his gaze, unflinching. "We don't know why he's doing this. But if I had to guess, I'd say he wants access to the ruined temple in Aghorvan."
The chamber fell still. Chairs creaked as every back straightened. Even the wind outside seemed to quieten.
"You mean the Tratar Raja temple?" Kaushan asked, his voice almost hushed. There was a flicker of something in his eyes—curiosity, or perhaps fear.
"Yes," Rudra said. "He seemed... very interested in that temple."
Kaushan sat back slowly, his fingers steepled under his chin. "So the rumors are true. The temple exists. But are the stories surrounding it true as well?"
"What stories?" Raghav asked, glancing between him and Savignya.
Kaushan replied slowly, weighing each word. "They say the temple holds a treasure. Not gold or jewels. Something greater. If one could unlock its secrets, their power would grow beyond measure."
The twins turned toward Savignya, hoping for confirmation or denial. But she remained silent, her expression unreadable.
For a moment, no one spoke. The chamber seemed suspended in stillness. Then Kaushan pushed back his chair.
"I must return to my city. If war is truly coming, I must prepare. Rankriti's orders will reach us soon enough. When they do, we'll meet again."
Parashar raised a hand, trying to keep him. "We haven't yet decided whether we'll support Rankriti. Things are far from clear. Perhaps we should wait before taking any action."
Kaushan nodded faintly. "Perhaps. But my city cannot afford to wait. When the order comes, I'll be ready."
Without another word, he turned and left the Yamsabha chamber.
Dhanudanda watched him go, his jaw set. "I don't trust that man."
The room lapsed into silence again. Each figure deep in thought, uncertain of what lay ahead.
For even in a land where betrayal was common, this one felt different. It wasn't just a war for territory anymore. Something older had been disturbed. Something deeper was now in motion.
And they all sensed it.