The twins, along with four Whisperers, devised a plan to enter Padmapur. They would split into two groups: one led by Raghav, the other by Rudra, with three members each. Each group had clearly assigned roles—a navigator to lead through the city and forest, a scout to keep vigilant watch, and a protector to defend against any threats.
At midnight, under a moonless sky, the six figures moved silently through the dense forests surrounding Padmapur. Their progress was slow but steady, every step calculated, every sound scrutinized.
One thought stayed with Raghav: the attacker seemed to target those involved in secretive or illicit activities. Open travelers were ignored, but spies, smugglers, and thieves were swiftly struck down. If their theory was right, then moving stealthily, as if hiding something, could draw the enemy out. Still, it was only a speculation—they had no idea what truly awaited them.
After nearly an hour and a half of cautious movement, Rudra's group sensed something. A slight rustle. A breath too loud. They stayed alert.
The scout in Rudra's team quickly opened a small cage. Three birds, small wild sparrows, darted into the night.
Far away, Raghav's group received the message.
Six Hours Earlier...
"We need a reliable communication system once we enter the forest," an experienced Whisperer had briefed them all. His voice was low, steady. "We don't know who our enemy is or what they can do. Amongst each group of three, you'll communicate with taps and breath."
He demonstrated:
One tap or blow: StopTwo taps or blows: GoThree taps or blows: Danger/alert
"If you can, use taps with hands, legs, or any item in hand. If you're too close or hands aren't free, use breath—blow on your companion."
He then unveiled a small cage with three wild sparrows, their feathers blending perfectly with the forest shadows.
"These birds will help the two groups communicate. They are trained. One bird means stop. Two birds, go. Three birds, danger. They only fly toward the other cage, never anyone else, and return after a small flight. Their range is about six to eight hundred meters."
He handed a similar cage to Raghav's group's navigator. "Handle them gently. Release them one by one. Never close the cage once a bird is out."
The twins exchanged a glance—both impressed. This was the Whisperer way. Planning not just the mission, but the environment around it.
Now...
Raghav's group saw one bird darting through the trees.
They stopped.
Two more birds swiftly followed.
Danger.
Without hesitation, they moved toward Rudra's location, covering ground quickly but cautiously.
When they arrived, chaos was already unfolding. One of Rudra's Whisperers had been caught—thick, living creepers wrapped around him, dragging him into the dark underbrush.
Rudra and the other Whisperer were struggling to cut the creepers, slashing frantically but carefully.
Then— the air tensed.
An arrow whistled through the darkness.
Raghav dodged instinctively, the shaft grazing his side. Another arrow flew—aimed at Rudra's companion. Rudra shoved the Whisperer away just in time, the arrow embedding itself into a tree with a heavy thunk.
With a final desperate slash, the captured Whisperer was freed. The six formed a defensive circle, weapons drawn, eyes scanning every shadow.
Every breath seemed too loud. Every heartbeat, a drum in the oppressive silence.
They didn't know where—or what—the next attack would be.
But they were ready.