For two months, both sides prepared relentlessly for war. Chorpatta kept Arya's side informed with the latest intelligence, ensuring they adapted their strategies accordingly. Likewise, spies embedded in Arya's cities and beyond kept Sharvas and his allies well aware of every movement. The tension grew thick, and retaliatory actions escalated on both ends. Trade routes were disrupted, supply lines were cut, and whispers of war filled the streets. The people suffered as cities teetered on the edge of chaos.
Parashar was ultimately chosen to lead Arya's alliance. Dhanudanda, however, did not accept this decision easily. He wanted command, believing that brute force and direct confrontation would decide the war. But the others urged him to see reason. They needed a leader with experience, one who could balance patience with aggression. Arya lacked the necessary battlefield experience, and Dhanudanda's hot-headed nature made him a dangerous choice for overall command. Even when Parashar humbly offered the leadership to Savignya, she declined, stating, "You have more experience than me. I cannot take this role."
Arya trained relentlessly under Ashvapati, throwing himself into the pit daily. Every day, he was defeated. But every day, he improved. His movements grew sharper, his instincts keener, his endurance stronger. He fought not with desperation but with calculated purpose. The twins, Ashvapati, and even Ganak noticed the transformation. There was something different about him. Even the harshest beatings from Ganak, who showed no mercy in training, could not deter him. The twins, too, sharpened their skills under Ganak's unforgiving mentorship. They weren't just expanding their network—they were preparing for war as warriors themselves.
The twins also remained vigilant, tracking enemy movements and eliminating threats. So far, they had uncovered and disposed of three spies. Yet they knew their job was far from over. The war would not be won in a single battle, nor by brute force alone. Intelligence, deception, and strategy would be just as vital.
As the forces aligned, the battlefield began to take shape. Ashvapati was named the army's commander, with the troops divided strategically:
Arya and Dhanudanda would lead the frontline, commanding 3,000 soldiers, 40 elephants, and 500 cavalry units.Parashar would direct operations from the center, with 2,500 men, 40 elephants, and 400 cavalry.Savignya would hold the defensive line, managing 2,500 soldiers, 20 elephants, and 100 cavalry units. She also controlled the catapults, positioned for long-range devastation.Ashvapati would command the remaining 1,500 soldiers and 100 cavalry, serving as reinforcements, ready to shift wherever the battle demanded.
The plan was clear: Arya and Dhanudanda would strike first, forcing the enemy into action. Parashar would back them up, ensuring the offensive did not crumble. Savignya would advance with every victory, securing newly claimed ground. Her catapults would rain destruction on enemy forces. Ashvapati would oversee the battlefield, directing reinforcements to faltering fronts.
On the other side, Sharvas stood as the undisputed leader of his faction. Unlike Arya's side, there was no debate. Each warlord had pledged their forces to him, drawn by his promise of power and wealth. If they won, the businesses and resources of their enemies would be theirs.
Raktapasu would lead the frontline, commanding 4,000 soldiers and 500 cavalry.Sharvas himself would direct from the second line, with 2,500 soldiers and 500 cavalry.Eknandini and Kritipal would flank from the left and right, each commanding 2,000 soldiers and 200 cavalry.Kritipal brought a deadly advantage—war machines capable of firing over 100 arrows simultaneously, along with net throwers to immobilize charging forces.
While Arya's forces aimed for swift and strategic advances, Sharvas's side was fortified, prepared for a brutal and prolonged confrontation. Each side played to their strengths, yet both knew a single mistake could lead to disaster.
As the final days of preparation unfolded, uncertainty loomed. Soldiers sharpened their weapons, whispered their prayers, and steeled themselves for what lay ahead. Some hoped for glory, others feared death.
This war would not simply determine a victor—it would split Yamsabha in half. The winning side would reshape its future, potentially with new warlords at its helm. The cities, the people, the lands—everything would bear the scars of this war.
There was no turning back. The battlefield beckoned.