The return to Indiranagar was starkly different from Arjun's desperate dash south. This time, he rode at the head of the Royal Mage Vanguard, leading the captured barbarian warlord, Kargul, in chains. The news of their astonishing success had raced ahead, turning fear into triumph. The people of Indiranagar cheered, waving flags as Arjun and his unit rode through the city gates. He was no longer just a prodigy; he was a war hero.
But for Arjun, the cheers were hollow. He carried more than a defeated warlord; he carried dangerous proof. The fight was far from over. This was only the start of the real battle, the one against Prince Dhruva within the gilded walls of the palace.
A Hero's Welcome, A Prince's Fury
Maharaja Vikramaditya himself greeted Arjun in the palace courtyard, his face beaming with pride. "Captain Arjun!" the Maharaja boomed, his voice strong. "You have surpassed all expectations! Raktadwaar Pass is secure, and a formidable foe is brought low. Aravalli owes you a great debt." The Maharaja's genuine praise echoed through the court, but Arjun noticed the cold, calculating eyes of Prince Dhruva watching from a distance, his usual charming smile replaced by a thin, tight line.
Dhruva stepped forward, offering a forced congratulations. "Indeed, Captain. Your... unique talents have proven invaluable. It seems the wild north agrees with you." His words were polite, but his gaze was a viper's stare, promising retribution. He knew Kargul's capture, and Arjun's very presence, spelled trouble.
Arjun simply bowed respectfully, keeping his face calm. He presented Kargul, bound and subdued, and then, subtly, a few of the crossbow bolts with the hidden golden snake seal he had found. "Your Majesty," Arjun stated, "these were found in the barbarian's main supply. Their craftsmanship and markings are... unusual for a barbarian horde." He didn't outright accuse, he just presented the facts, letting the seed of doubt plant itself.
The Seeds of Doubt: A Careful Presentation
The Maharaja ordered Kargul imprisoned and the strange bolts investigated. Dhruva, seeing the subtle threat, immediately tried to dismiss it. "Barbarians steal from many lands, Father. This is likely just looted goods, nothing more." His voice was smooth, confident.
But Arjun had planned for this. Later that day, in a private audience with the Maharaja and a few trusted advisors (Dhruva surprisingly included, to keep up appearances), Arjun revealed the small, leather-bound ledger found in Kargul's stronghold. "Your Majesty," he began, "this ledger contains coded transactions. It details supplies, troop movements, and payments from a 'Silent Broker' in Indiranagar. The timeline of these payments strangely aligns with recent delays in our own northern supply lines... and the increased strength of the barbarian attacks."
He didn't say Dhruva's name. He didn't have to. The accusations hung in the air. The Maharaja frowned, taking the ledger. His eyes, usually serene, narrowed as he glanced from the coded entries to Dhruva.
Dhruva, for the first time, showed a flicker of genuine panic. "This is outlandish! A barbarian ledger? A crude forgery designed to discredit me! This mercenary, Captain Arjun, is ambitious. He seeks to sow discord, to slander the Crown Prince!" His voice rose, trying to project outrage, but Arjun could see the sweat forming on his brow.
Allies in the Undercurrents: The Quiet Reinforcement
Arjun hadn't just relied on the physical evidence. His allies were working in the shadows, subtly strengthening his hand.
Priya's Silent Support: During their brief, secret meetings after returning, Princess Priya had shared her own observations. "Dhruva has been unusually nervous since your messages from the south," she'd whispered. "And he's been meeting with the Grand Mage Council more frequently, pressing them for... 'new assignments' for powerful mages." She gave Arjun cryptic hints about certain court figures who owed her favors from her charity work, people who might "notice" things if guided subtly. Her quiet understanding and unwavering belief in Arjun were a huge comfort. Rohan's Scholarly Insights:Prince Rohan, the scholar prince, had been busy. After Arjun's earlier hints, Rohan had delved deeper into the palace archives. He came forward to the Maharaja and the council, seemingly innocently, stating, "Your Majesty, I have been researching the 'Golden Seal' markings on the barbarian bolts. They are indeed unusual. My studies of ancient mercantile guilds suggest a particular 'Hidden Hand' network, known for operating outside royal oversight, often used for... less than savory transactions during past conflicts." Rohan presented historical records of these 'Hidden Hand' symbols, subtly linking them to similar, suspicious activities from Aravalli's past, and by extension, to the current, damning evidence. He even managed to find obscure records of one of Dhruva's lesser-known, private accounts, which had received large, unexplained deposits around the same times as the 'Silent Broker' payments in Kargul's ledger. This was brilliant, scholarly detective work that provided circumstantial but compelling evidence. Siya's Ethical Stand:Princess Siya, with her strong sense of justice, quietly approached the Maharaja's most trusted advisor, Lord Vishwas. She didn't accuse Dhruva directly, but spoke of "unsettling patterns" she had observed – how certain loyal officers were transferred just before critical border incidents, how supplies seemed to vanish or be rerouted, and how the general suffering of the common folk seemed to be overlooked in favor of personal gain. She mentioned the captain of Priya's escort, Rohan Das, and his suspicious behavior. Her heartfelt plea for the kingdom's well-being added emotional weight to Arjun's colder, factual presentation.
The Maharaja's Burden: A Father's Dilemma
The Maharaja listened, his face a mask of conflict. The evidence was piling up, a dark shadow forming over his favorite son. He was a powerful mage, one who had reached the 7th and 8th magic circles and brought an era of peace, but he was also a father. To confront Dhruva directly with such accusations, based on a barbarian's ledger and a young mage's claims, would shake the very foundations of his reign. He valued peace and stability above all else, often believing his own overwhelming power was enough to deter internal threats.
"Silence!" the Maharaja commanded, his voice echoing through the chamber. "This is a serious accusation. The evidence is... circumstantial. Prince Dhruva is the Crown Prince. Such a charge requires undeniable proof." He looked at Arjun, then at Rohan and Siya. He believed them, felt the truth in their words, but the political implications were enormous.
Dhruva, seeing his father's hesitation, regained his composure. "Father, this is a plot! A desperate attempt by a common noble to gain favor and power, even to usurp my rightful place. He consorts with the princesses, he stirs discontent among the military! He is ambitious!"
Arjun's Measured Response: The Phoenix's Gaze
Arjun met Dhruva's fiery gaze, his own eyes cold and steady. "I seek no power, Prince Dhruva. Only justice for Aravalli. The evidence speaks for itself." He kept his tone respectful to the Maharaja, but his words were a direct challenge to Dhruva.
The Maharaja, caught between his son and the compelling, if indirect, evidence, made a decision. "This matter will be investigated further, thoroughly and discreetly. Captain Arjun, your service to Aravalli is undeniable. You will continue to command the Royal Mage Vanguard, and you will work directly under my command, reporting only to me on matters of national security."
This was a major victory for Arjun. It placed him out of Dhruva's direct command, giving him direct access to the Maharaja and a unit of his own. But it also put him squarely in the crosshairs. Dhruva's face was a mask of fury, his jaw tight.
The Serpent's Coil Tightens: The Next Phase
Arjun had driven the first spear into Dhruva's carefully constructed world. He had exposed a major conspiracy, gained the Maharaja's direct trust, and secured a safe haven for Priya, at least for now. Priya, in secret, embraced Arjun, her fear mixed with immense relief and a quiet pride. "You did it," she whispered. "You truly did it."
But Dhruva was a viper. He would not forget. The investigation ordered by the Maharaja would likely be slow and controlled, giving Dhruva time to cover his tracks and plan his next move. Arjun knew that this partial victory only fueled Dhruva's desperation. He had revealed his earth and wind magic, used subtle summoning. The fire remained his ultimate, hidden weapon.
Arjun's mission now was twofold: uncover more undeniable proof of Dhruva's treachery, evidence that even the Maharaja could not ignore, and continue to train, pushing his magic circles beyond their current limits, for the final confrontation was inevitable. The battle for Aravalli had moved from the borders to the very heart of the palace, and the serpent's coil, though disturbed, was tightening for a lethal strike.