21 Chapter 21

In the quite study, Karthikeya read the shocking news under the candle's soft light. The parchment in front of him, filled with the names of traitors, showed how deep the corruption had spread in his kingdom. Each word carried the weight of justice, making it clear that treason would not be tolerated.

Karthikeya thought about the fate of those who had betrayed him. They wanted gold so badly that they didn't care how many people they hurt. An unknown fire burned as he thought about each crime and how badly each person deserved to be punished.

As the night went on, the only sound was the quill scratching against the blank scroll, writing down the names one by one. The flickering shadows around him echoed the uncertainty in his mind.

Karthikeya thought about the kingdom and it's people beyond the palace walls, where people were suffering and hoping for new tomorrow. He knew what he had to do: he had to protect the kingdom and it's people from corruption, no matter what it took.

He put the quill down, having made his final decisions. The scroll of judgment, written in ink with the fate of the traitors, lay before him, a sign of a ruler who would not give up, no matter how hard things were. Tomorrow, the kingdom would see the results of his determination and a bloody sacrifice for a better future.

Karthikeya acknowledged his shortcomings compared to his elder brother, he was aware that his only strengths were his foresight and the system he had with him. Unlike his elder who a master of politics a born ruler.

He understood the need to neutralize the internal forces until he could consolidate his power and authority. Karthikeya was confident that by the time he restored the kingdom, the majority of the lower-caste populace would be on his side, both mind and body.

With a sigh, he called out, "Guards!"

The study doors swung open, and two guards, armed with spears and light armor, marched in. They half-knelt, saluting with a military gesture, one arm crossed over their chests.

"Your Highness," they greeted in unison.

"Deliver this scroll to Bairavendra and let him arrest the individuals named therein. Inform him that he has my full authority to act as he deems necessary. As for the rebels and the arrested, have them taken to the dungeon, and emphasize that they are not to be mistreated and should be provided with adequate food and water," Karthikeya instructed with a stern expression, handing the scroll to a guard who stepped forward to receive it.

"Yes, Your Highness," the guards replied in unison before leaving the study with their companion.

As the guards retreat the chamber, Karthikeya turned his gaze towards a dark corner of the study. "Shadow," he called out into the stillness.

In response to his summons, a figure stepped out seemingly materialized from the darkness, their form blending seamlessly with the surrounding darkness. Their attire was a harmonious fusion of practicality and tradition, optimized for both stealth and combat. A dark, flowing dhoti, the quintessential Indian garment, concealed their movements, while a loose kurta, a long tunic, provided unhindered mobility. A cloth turban adorned their head, as if to shield them from the scorching sun and offering a discreet repository for hidden weapons or tools.

Their arsenal was an eclectic mix of traditional Indian armaments and ninja-inspired innovations. A curved tulwar sword, honed to razor-sharp perfection, served as their primary weapon, supplemented by a dagger or throwing knives for close-quarters encounters. A length of silken rope doubled as a grappling hook or a strangulation device, while an assortment of poisoned darts and insects provided a silent and deadly means of attack.

The secret gaurds appearance was further enhanced by their mastery of natural elements. Charcoal smeared on their skin provided an effective camouflage, while locally sourced herbs enabled them to create smoke screens or concoct potent poisons. Their eyes, honed through years of training, pierced the darkness, and their ears, attuned to the slightest rustle, transformed them into peerless observers and masters of deception.

"Your Majesty," the Shadow saluted with a deep bow as he drew closer.

"I have read the report with a heavy heart," Karthikeya began, his voice tinged with sorrow. "Their sacrifice will not be forgotten. However, for the sake of our mission, your identities must remain concealed from the world. Yet, their names shall be forever etched on the tablets of heroes."

The Shadow responded in a monotone, his voice devoid of emotion, "We understand, Your Majesty. We seek no recognition, nor do we crave worldly rewards. Our lives and our unwavering loyalty belong solely to you."

Karthikeya acknowledged the Shadow's dedication with a slight nod. "Hm! Shadow you have my permission," he began, his voice laced with authority. "Provide the necessary assistance for the families of the fallen, especially those who have lost their breadwinners. Ensure they receive their regular pensions. And arrange for the families of the deceased to be relocated from the mainland to Anuradhapuram."

A glimmer of gratitude flickered in the Shadow's eyes as he bowed his head in acceptance. "Yes, my lord," he affirmed.

Karthikeya's tone turned commanding as he continued, "Now, instruct all your men to spread rumors among the people, helping them grasp the essence of my new policies and their significance. Is that clear?"

The Shadow responded with a crisp, "As ordered." He paused for a moment, then cautiously inquired, "My lord, what about the rebel hideout? Shall we take action, or do you have other plans in mind?"

Karthikeya's expression turned grave as he contemplated the complex challenges ahead. "You may handle those individuals within the city and the palace," he directed. "As for those in the forest, keep a close watch on them. I will make my own arrangements."

The Shadow hesitated for a moment before asking, "Majesty, about the man who attempted to assassinate you, should he be included in our actions?"

Karthikeya waved his hand dismissively. "No need. Leave him be. He is merely a pawn and has no value."

After delivering his instructions, Karthikeya's demeanor turned serious once again. He glanced at the Shadow before taking out a scroll and starting to write. Then, he removed the top part of his ring revealing a special seal with a wolf logo and pressed it onto the scroll.

"Shadow," he began, his voice carrying a hint of urgency, "you should be well aware of our organization's primary objective, right?"

The Shadow's eyes burned with a fervent intensity as he replied, "Yes, your majesty. I have learned and dreamed of that day since I became aware of it."

Karthikeya nodded in approval. "Good," he said. "Pass my orders: inform all base leaders to commence phase one of project Akhand Bharat ."

The Shadow, for the first time, displayed a hint of emotion in his voice as he knelt down. "Yes, your majesty. I will ensure the order reaches every branch as soon as possible."

Karthikeya dismissed him with a curt, "You may leave." As the Shadow vanished into the darkness, Karthikeya picked up another scroll from the table, his mind already immersed in the next task at hand.