The cold morning wind swept across the eastern watchtower, carrying the scent of pine and distant smoke. Yalamber stood on the wooden balcony, his breath misting in the crisp air as he peered out over the rugged hills beyond the valley. The forest below was eerily silent, but the unease in his chest told him danger was stirring.
Behind him, the heavy footsteps of General Sangpo broke the quiet. The seasoned commander's face was drawn tight with concern, his eyes sharp and restless.
"They've been seen again," Sangpo said without greeting. "Three Khungri hunting parties moving through the northern hills. No shields, only spears and bows they're scouting."
Yalamber's fingers tightened on the balcony's rail. "The Khungri are testing our defenses?"
"Not just testing," Sangpo replied. "Probing. Feeling out our strength and willingness to respond."
The distant rumble of hooves echoed as Bhavik arrived, his cloak billowing behind him. His normally calm eyes were clouded with worry. "This news will deepen the cracks at court. The Khungri have been uneasy ever since the Chyarung clans expanded their influence over the mountain passes. If the Khungri choose to align with them…" His voice trailed off, leaving the threat unspoken but understood.
Yalamber swallowed hard. The tangled web of alliances and rivalries was tightening around Kiranti like a noose.
Together, they hurried down the winding stone steps toward the council hall, where King Balambha and the elders had already gathered. The chamber smelled of burning juniper and ancient wood, but the warmth of the fire did little to thaw the tension hanging heavy in the air.
Sangpo reported again, detailing the movements of the Khungri hunting parties and the increasing signs of unrest among the mountain tribes. Elder Pahang's face was stern as he spoke: "Two threats at once. The Chyarung sharpening blades in the north, and now the Khungri stirring in the east. Our kingdom's borders grow more fragile by the day."
King Balambha's eyes were steady, though lines of fatigue marked his brow. "We cannot afford war on multiple fronts. We will attempt diplomacy first." He turned to Minister Pemba. "Prepare an envoy. Gifts of iron tools, food stores, and fine cloth. Let the Khungri know we extend a hand, not a sword."
Pemba inclined his head. "I will select our best negotiators."
Yalamber's tutor Bhavik stepped forward. "But we must be cautious. The Khungri are proud and fiercely independent. Accepting gifts is not a promise of peace. The envoy must also gather intelligence, strength, alliances, intentions."
The room fell silent. The burden of fragile peace weighed on every face.
Later, outside the council chambers, Yalamber walked alongside his childhood friend Lhakar. The boy's expression was grim as he spoke quietly.
"Have you heard the old saying? When two wolves circle your camp, one always bites first."
Yalamber looked toward the jagged peaks lining the horizon. "Then we must hope to tame at least one before the fighting begins."
Lhakar shivered, though whether from cold or fear, Yalamber couldn't tell. "And what if they both bite?"
Yalamber tightened his grip on the wooden railing of the garden fence. The words echoed in his mind long after Lhakar's voice faded into the whispering wind.
Somewhere beyond the mountains, the faint sound of drums rolled on the wind. It was a reminder that peace was fragile, and the shadows gathering over Kiranti might soon break into storm.