After Dhairya Kaka had left, Bhairav sat at his desk. He took out a parchment and a quill and began to draw up a plan.
The sun rose slowly, its rays reaching Bhairav, who hadn't slept all night.
"It's day already," he thought. "I must go out and check on everyone."
He stepped out of the camp. The sky was still dim, with stars faintly visible. As he walked through the camp, he saw soldiers sharpening their swords; some were deep in discussion about the war. Among them, a young man sat alone, crying.
"Why are you crying?" Bhairav asked gently.
The young soldier looked up, tears in his eyes. "Sir, I'm afraid this might be my last day alive."
"Why do you say that?"
"Because I'm no good with a sword… nor with a bow."
Bhairav's expression softened. "Then why did you join the war?"
The young man looked down. His lips trembled, and his eyes welled up again.
"Don't cry. What's your name?"
"Veeraditya."
Bhairav smiled faintly. "Your name carries 'Veer'—the brave one. You must not be afraid. Be courageous, and I promise you—death will not touch you today."
Veeraditya's eyes shimmered with hope. He stood up, straighter than before.
"I must go sharpen my sword, sir."
Bhairav nodded with quiet satisfaction.
He continued on, heading to meet Dhairya Kaka. His heart grew more restless with each passing moment.
Suddenly, the conch horn was blown.
The soldiers gathered quickly in the assembly area, eyes fixed on Dhairya Nath.
Bhairav arrived just as Dhairya Nath began to speak, his voice steady and commanding.
"Lohaghar is situated atop the Kalavati Mountains. Securing it will ensure we have enough iron to sustain us for years.
"The plan is simple—we will move through Vajraghati. A sudden attack on Lohaghar will leave them unprepared. We can seize it within three hours if we strike decisively. We must begin our march by nightfall."
He raised his hand, his voice thundering:
"Dharmasya Vijaya Bhavatu!"
And a thousand voices roared back
-------
The prologue to war had begun.
Bhairav was now searching for Veeraditya. He had realized that Veeraditya will play a very crucial role in the war. It was quite an instinct that he couldn't ignore.
He ran his horse, examining the army. His eyes were searching for Veeraditya.
Finally, he was able to locate him. He was walking along with his comrades, thinking about the future.
"Veeraditya, come here." Bhairav commanded.
"Yes sir." Was the reply. Veer walked towards Bhairav.
"Are you still afraid of death?" Bhairav said, slowing his horse down to match up with Veeraditya.
"I was sir. But not now. Even if death comes, I will laugh at its face and go with it."
"There's something about you, that I am yet to understand. But what I am certain about, is that you are going to surprise everyone today."
"If you have said so, it must be true, sir."
"I am not 'sir'. Call me Bhairav. That's better."
"No sir. You are at higher rank that me. I can't call you by your name."
"Then let's increase your rank. You are the second general, Veeraditya."
Veeraditya stared at Bhairav, with uncertainty.
"If you have said that, it must happen, sir."
"No sir."
"Sorry sir."
Bhairav chuckled and gave his horse to Veeraditya.
He walked faster than others and managaed to reach Dhairya Kaka.
"You made that young man the second general. Why?"
"He overcame his fear, not with strength, but with clarity. War breaks men. Many generals will fall. But one, whose courage comes from clarity, will stay, unshaken."
Dhairya Kaka nodded. "Do you know about Agni Vansh, Bhiarav?"
Bhairav's eyes widened, "There is an ambush. Someone has laid traps ahead."
"Are you certain?"
"Yes. The footprints I see ahead, are fresh. And the vines, they're cut and all this means that there was a human activity in this area, even though this area is considered abandoned."
"We must look into it." Dhairyanath's tone changed.