As the scout's terrified voice echoed through the courtyard, the cheers and chants faded into a tense silence. All eyes turned to Bahubali.
He stepped forward, his soaked armor glinting in the shy morning light. "Speak clearly," he ordered, his voice firm but calm.
The scout dropped to one knee, still gasping for breath. "My lord… it's not an army. It's… it's something else. A caravan, hundreds of them… but they don't carry weapons. They carry… books, scrolls, instruments… strange machines."
Bahubali frowned, exchanging a puzzled glance with Devasena.
Kattappa stepped forward. "Machines? What madness is this? Is it a trap?"
The scout shook his head frantically. "No, sir! They… they said they come not to conquer, but to share knowledge. They call themselves 'The Seekers of the Dawn.' They claim to come from distant lands beyond the mountains. Their leader requests an audience with the king."A hush spread over the warriors. Avanti, standing quietly beside Bahubali, looked up in surprise. "Knowledge instead of war…" she murmured, almost to herself.
Bahubali turned to the gathered soldiers and villagers. "Lower your weapons," he said slowly. "We will not greet words of peace with steel. If they mean harm, we will know soon enough."
Kattappa bristled, his hand still on his sword, but he nodded. "As you say… my king."
At the gates, a long line of people slowly approached, unlike any army Mahishmati had ever seen. Their clothes were woven in colors so bright they seemed to catch the sun itself. Many carried long scrolls strapped to their backs, and strange box-like devices on wheels trailed behind them, humming softly.
At the front of the procession walked a tall figure, hooded in deep blue, carrying a staff that glowed faintly at the tip.
Bahubali stepped forward to meet them, Devasena and Kattappa at his side. The hooded figure lowered the cloak, revealing a woman with hair like silver silk and eyes that shone with a deep, patient light.
"I am Arya," she said, her voice soft yet echoing across the courtyard. "We have traveled across deserts and storm seas to find Mahishmati. We do not seek to rule… we seek to unite knowledge with strength."Bahubali watched her carefully. "What knowledge do you bring that is worth so dangerous a journey?"
Arya smiled faintly. "The knowledge to heal lands poisoned by war… to mend broken spirits… to grow harvests in barren fields… and to understand the stars beyond our reach."
The crowd began to murmur. Many villagers looked at one another in wonder; some even fell to their knees.
Devasena stepped forward, her eyes narrowing. "Why us? Why now?"
Arya turned to her, eyes softening. "Because Mahishmati has proven that it can rise after being broken. You have shown mercy when hatred would have been easier. You stood for unity, not conquest. We watched from afar… and decided this was the land that could carry the dawn forward."
For a long moment, no one spoke. Only the quiet wind carried the smell of wet earth and distant smoke.Avanti slowly stepped forward, her voice trembling. "Can… can this knowledge truly heal? Even someone… like me?"
Arya looked at her with gentle understanding. "Especially you, child. Those who have been hurt most deeply often carry the strongest light within them."
Bahubali took a deep breath, looking at Devasena, then at Kattappa. Slowly, he turned back to Arya and dropped to one knee.
"We accept your offer," he said firmly. "Mahishmati will learn, not just to wield power, but to honor life."
Devasena knelt beside him, her hand gripping his arm. One by one, the soldiers, villagers, even the wounded and frightened children, began to kneel as well.
Arya's eyes shone brighter, and she lifted her staff toward the sky. A soft, warm light spread from its tip, washing over the people like a gentle sunrise.
In that light, the swords felt heavier. The old scars ached less. And for the first time in many hearts, hope felt closer than fear.
As the light spread across the courtyard, Arya suddenly turned her head, as if listening to a voice only she could hear.
Her eyes darkened. "But know this," she whispered so only Bahubali could hear. "A greater shadow than Bhallaladeva still watches you. And it is closer than you think."