Chapter 1
This is the tale of a war — not won by weapons, but by wisdom.
This is the tale of a battlefield — not ruled by swords, but by strategies.
This is the tale of a warrior — one who may never have lifted a weapon, but whose banner flew the highest.
The story begins when the great army of Raktanchal began setting camp near the borders of Saurgadh.
The continent, divided into two parts by the Malankir river, has five kingdoms — two to the northeast of the river, and three to the southwest. Saurgadh lies in the western region, while Raktanchal resides in the northern lands. It was once said that Dhruvgadh — a kingdom bordering Raktanchal to the east — shared a close alliance with Saurgadh. But everything changed when Saurgadh's crown prince died in battle.
The aging king, burdened by grief, entrusted the reins of the kingdom to his chief advisor, Rudravishay. This decision, however, shattered old alliances — Dhruvgadh severed ties, and even the king's own brother Virbhadra grew bitter.
The kingdom's council fragmented — some siding with Virbhadra, others with Rudravishay, and a few remained loyal to the king. With an aging ruler and an exhausted army, neighboring kingdoms now looked upon Saurgadh like hungry wolves circling a dying deer — be it Rajgadh in the west, Karavali in the north, or Dhruvgadh across the Malankir. All prepared to strike, but the first move came from Raktanchal — their mighty army had begun crossing the Malankir.
The news of the approaching enemy did not surprise the king — he had long feared this day. What troubled him more was that this wasn't just any army — it was the great army of Raktanchal, undefeated till now.
Everyone could sense the fear — except Rudravishay. His face was calm and unreadable.
Courtiers pleaded with the king to take action. The Prime Minister suggested,
"The best defense is a strong offense. We should meet them at the riverbanks and not let them cross at all."
But the Chief Commander rose and said,
"With what army? After the last war, our strength has crumbled. Before we even reach the river, they'll have crossed it. Our forces won't stand a chance."
Hopelessness filled the court again, until Rudravishay stood and spoke in a deep, steady voice:
"Your Majesty, we will win this war. Order the commander to prepare the army."
All eyes turned to his composed face — no smile, no worry — only a hidden intensity in his eyes. Though victory seemed distant, when a man whose strategies ran deeper than oceans and more unshakable than mountains speaks of hope, even the most weary hearts begin to believe again.
Later, the commander met Rudravishay privately.
"I understand why you spoke as you did — to lift morale — but words alone won't win this war. Even if we manage to raise an army, defeating Raktanchal seems near impossible."
Rudravishay rose and replied,
"Commander, if the chest is made of steel, and if wars are fought with strategy rather than swords, victory is not just possible — it's inevitable. I have a plan. Will you stand with me?"
The commander, impressed by Rudravishay's resolve, agreed. Rudravishay continued:
"We shall disguise civilians as soldiers. That way, spies within our lands will report a much larger force than we truly have. Meanwhile, we'll order our known soldiers — faces the public recognizes — to blend in among citizens, giving the illusion of an army lying in ambush. Raktanchal will hesitate, giving us time to seek help from other kingdoms."
"Also," he added, "send a third of our real army westward."
Though puzzled by this last command, the commander trusted Rudravishay's judgment.
He simply asked no more and nodded. Rudravishay warned:
"Speak of this to no one — even a whisper could ruin us."
Meanwhile, Raktanchal's commander received alarming intelligence —
Saurgadh's army seemed far larger than expected. Their soldiers disguised as commoners, their ranks swollen... It smelled of a trap.
At that moment, two soldiers brought in a captured spy.
"This man," they said, "was sent by Rudravishay to deliver a message to Rajgadh."
The note found on him read:
"Let me know when you're ready. We'll strike together."
This confirmed Raktanchal's fear: Saurgadh had allies. And they needed more men.
The attack was postponed. Orders were sent to summon reinforcements from Raktanchal's capital.
Back in Saurgadh, Rudravishay addressed the king:
"We're short on time. We must seek help from other kingdoms immediately."
Everyone doubted:
"Why would anyone help us? They all want to conquer us."
Rudravishay answered:
"Help will come — but only if Prince Virbhadra himself goes to ask."
The court was stunned.
"Virbhadra? He's never agreed with you. Why would he go?"
Rudravishay replied, "I will convince him. In a time of crisis, one must rise above personal grudges."
He met Virbhadra privately, and as agreed, the prince was sent south — to Karavali.
But that evening, an emergency court session was called.
A soldier entered and said, "Your Majesty, Prince Virbhadra has betrayed us. He didn't request help. Instead, he allied with the King of Kalavari. He says you are old and Saurgadh needs a new king."
Chaos broke out in the court.
"This is all Rudravishay's fault!"
"He knew Virbhadra wouldn't listen — why send him?"
"Was this a trap?"
A minister stood and declared,
"Rudravishay insisted only Virbhadra could secure help. Was that because he already knew what would happen? Has he betrayed us?"
Then the Grand Minister added,
"He met Virbhadra privately. None of us were there. What was said? Can we trust him at all?"
The king stood, walked forward, and asked calmly,
"Rudravishay... did you truly not know? Or was this all your plan?"
Rudravishay answered:
"Your Majesty, everything happening... is part of my design."
At that moment, hope turned to suspicion — for the very mind that promised salvation now seemed soaked in secrets and shadows.