SCENE 1 – SECRET WAREHOUSE, OUTSKIRTS OF VANIPUR – NIGHT
A caravan of wagons arrives under the cover of darkness. Aryan steps down, cloaked in shadows. Behind him: Veer and Sena, both tiger cubs now lean, silent predators. His elite unit waits, masked and still.
ARYAN (quietly)
The grain here is enough to feed three cities. And it's being sold to our enemies. Tonight, that ends.
Inside the warehouse, corrupt merchants unload crates. Aryan's signal is silent—a flick of his hand. His spy leader Viraj and warriors strike swiftly, binding the merchants. One man tries to run—Veer growls, blocking him.
MERCHANT (terrified)
W-who are you?
ARYAN (stepping forward)
I am the one who rewrites the laws you thought you owned.
SCENE 2 – PALACE OF VANIPUR – THE NEXT DAY
Word of Aryan's midnight raid spreads fast. The governor of Vanipur, a nervous nobleman named Chandresan, calls an emergency meeting. His council panics.
CHANDRESAN
He's just a boy! How is he moving like a seasoned commander?
COUNCILMAN
He's not just a boy. He's the storm behind a smiling mask.
They are interrupted—a royal message arrives from Aryan himself. A scroll sealed with black wax.
"Either Vanipur joins Kaligarh's future… or becomes part of its past."
SCENE 3 – CAMP OUTSIDE VANIPUR – SUNSET
Aryan stands with his army behind him. His command has grown—over 5,000 strong. Veterans, commoners, defectors… all loyal. His aura is calm, composed.
Devika stands beside him, reading reports. Ranvi and his two warrior captains—Rudra and Nimai—stand ready.
DEVIKA
The city gates haven't opened yet.
ARYAN (smiling faintly)
They will. Fear forces action. Wisdom guides surrender.
And true to his word—the gates of Vanipur creak open before the moon rises. A white flag rises.
SCENE 4 – VANIPUR ROYAL CHAMBER – NIGHT
Aryan enters with his commanders. Governor Chandresan bows low, sweat on his brow.
CHANDRESAN
Kaligarh's banner will fly here, Rajkumar. We are yours.
ARYAN (firmly)
Then let your people thrive—not just survive.
He appoints a new local council and promises food distribution. The commoners outside cheer. Aryan's name echoes in the streets.
SCENE 5 – LATE NIGHT, VANIPUR ROOFTOP
Aryan sits alone, watching the stars. Sena lies beside him, Veer on the other side. He opens a small book—a list.
Vanipur ✅
Rajgadh infiltration ✅
Kaligarh (awaiting)
Enemy alliances (in progress)
ARYAN (softly, to himself)
One more step forward. Three back. But the path still leads home.
Below, his growing army sleeps. But Aryan does not. His mind continues weaving futures.
End of Chapter 26