It had been two days since they left bhasmkhand. Everyone was traveling on horses. Raga was trying his best to keep up with the horses, but he was just a poor dog and could not turn into a horse. Feeling pity for Raga, Sattu carried him on the horse with him. Raga looked very happy on the horse, and to show his gratitude, he kept licking Sattu's face and wagging his tail from time to time.
Sattu was very pleased with the changes he had observed in Vidhan over the past two days. His brother had started laughing and joking openly again, just like before. Although sometimes he seemed lost in thought for a while, most of the time, the same energy of happiness was visible—just as it had been four or five years ago when they used to roll on the floor laughing all day long.
Sattu tried to figure out the reason for Vidhan's change over the past two days but could not understand it, so he gave up. He was simply happy with the change.
Whenever they stopped along the way, Rupak would entertain them with stories. He would talk continuously. From this, Vidhan concluded that Rupak was very talkative, while Sattu concluded that " he is very pure-hearted—he spits out whatever is in his stomach."
Anuj would sit with them but remained very quiet. According to Vidhan, he was very shy, and according to Sattu, he was simply reserved, never sharing much and always busy sniffing weeds.
The great sun that gave strength to the earth had dimmed its brightness, marking the end of the third day. The calculation of time, distance, and speed of the journey had been accurate. Like the previous two days, they arrived at the next military camp at the pre-determined time. The camp was inside a medium-sized stone fort, almost covered with blackened soot. Roopak had mentioned that Arthala was struggling with a shortage of soldiers. However, compared to the previous camps, the number of soldiers here was significantly larger.
When the soldiers who had accompanied them entered the camp, life seemed to return to the otherwise lifeless place.
After the usual refreshments and a little rest, dinner arrived. Non-vegetarian food was served to everyone except Vidhan and Sattu. Mahavira had separate food and resting arrangements. From the look on Sattu's face, it was clear that he did not like the food at all. Anuj took some powder from his bag, mixed it with water, and placed it on Sattu's plate before saying—
"Mix it in your food; it's healthy and tastes good too."
Sattu gave him a skeptical look, raised his eyebrows, and said, "brother Anuj! Are you also trying to trap me in the demon's scheme by feeding me this powder like Sudas?"
"No, sir, don't doubt me!" Anuj responded in a hurry as if taking the matter seriously.
"Why shouldn't I doubt you? You're always so quiet. When asked anything, you just roll your pea-sized eyes around and don't say a word. What if, after eating your powder, I fall under your control, and you make me massage your tiny feet for the rest of my life?"
Vidhan, who was sitting next to him, lightly slapped Sattu on the back of his head, split the powder in half, and mixed it into both his and Sattu's food. Then he said, "stop fooling around and eat the food ."
Everyone smiled and continued finishing their food.
After the meal, Sattu requested to see the entire fort. Even with the burning candles providing light, there was not enough illumination to see every corner. After looking around briefly, they climbed the rampart. There were only ten soldiers stationed at the top. The moonlight was dim due to scattered clouds in the sky, and the air carried a humid heat. Sattu felt like taking off his dhoti and walking around in just a innerwear, but he resisted the urge.
Far beyond the fort, a flickering light could be seen, faint like a firefly. Rupak pointed it out, explaining that it was an ordinary village of Arthala. So far, their journey had taken them along routes that avoided villages. Vidhan and Sattu were also dressed in military uniforms, making them look like ordinary soldiers.
As they exchanged stories, Rupak began speaking about Mundra. He said, "Siddharth had ambitions of becoming an emperor, but it was the Asuras who planted the desire to rule the whole world in his heart."
"The Asuras?" Sattu asked, intrigued.
"Yes. Like the demons, the Asuras/devils are also a trading community, but instead of spices, they deal in weapons and armies. They ensnared Siddharth in the Asura-policy. The purpose of Asura-Policy is to lure kings into expanding their kingdoms by selling them advanced weapons, ensuring that wars continue and their business thrives.
"Under this policy, they first send advisors to the kings, offering them superior weapons and trained soldiers to bolster their security and strengthen their armies. The Asuras charge a hefty annual fee for maintaining these weapons and forces. Then, by fueling the king's pride in his newfound military strength, they incite him to expand his empire.
"Providing advisors and weapons is merely the foundation of their trade. Their real profit comes from war. When battles break out, they lend their elite forces, and upon victory, they claim half of the conquered kingdom's treasury as their fee."
Rupak continued, "These buffalo-meat-eating Devils rarely expand their own empire. They only display aggression when they require resources. When they find a land rich in resources, they seize it by force. Unlike human rulers, they do not seek to conquer territories to integrate new people into their society. Instead, their sole aim is to amass wealth and luxuries to fuel their indulgent lifestyles.
"They consider themselves equal to the gods and are constantly frustrated by the fact that other races do not grant them the same respect. Now tell me, Mr. Sattu, how can people respect someone they fear?"
"Well said, Rupak. If I ever get the chance, I will deliver your words to the devils ," Sattu remarked with a serious expression.
Looking into the distance, Vidhan added, "At present, trade has become so influential that many refer to this era as the economic age."
They continued walking along the ramparts for some time before finally descending to rest for the night.