Rohak started looking through his small satchel frantically. His fingers scrambled over the contents, hoping to find something—anything—that could delay the guard or justify his presence. He didn't know what he was looking for. Papers rustled, an old coin fell out, and finally, he pulled out a folded letter with his name on it.
The guard narrowed his eyes, his gaze fixed on the letter as Rohak opened it.
As his eyes skimmed over the writing, a small, relieved smile crept onto Rohak's face. The letter read:
"Meet Yati and get receipts for the last month's purchase. His shop is in the main market square—you can ask anyone for his shop, and people will take you to him. Show this letter and tell I sent you. Also, get a gift on your way. If it gets late or there's any other problem, they will arrange a place for you to stay the night."
Rohak exhaled deeply and let his shoulders drop in relief.
The guard snatched the letter from his hand and read it carefully. With a grunt, he handed it back. "Why are you smiling like an idiot? Hurry up."
"I just... missed my father. Nothing else," Rohak mumbled, folding the letter and putting it back into his satchel.
A new confidence appeared on his face. He nodded, composed himself, and walked alongside the guard toward the main market square.
Once there, they asked around for Yati's shop. A local vendor pointed them toward a modest shop tucked into a quiet corner of the square. It looked well-maintained but unassuming.
As they approached, they saw an old man attending to a few customers. When he saw the guard in Sarthak's uniform, he straightened up immediately.
"Are you Yati?" asked the guard brusquely.
"Why? What do you need?" the old man responded cautiously.
"Answer the question. Are you Yati?" The guard's voice grew firmer. The few customers quietly slipped away.
"Look what you did! You scared them off!" the old man muttered in annoyance.
"Last chance. Are you Yati or not?" the guard barked.
"I am Yati," a voice echoed from the darker part of the shop.
From the shadows, a figure emerged—tall, composed, and unexpected. A Kaalrath. Her dark eyes shimmered under the shaded canopy, and though she wore modest garments, her presence commanded attention.
The guard stepped back slightly, caught off guard. But upon realizing she wasn't threatening, he regained his composure.
"You are Yati?"
"Yes, I am she," the Kaalrath woman replied calmly.
"You have a visitor. Your business partner." The guard gestured to Rohak.
Yati looked at Rohak, as puzzled as he was.
"My business partner? I don't understand."
"You don't know me, ma'am. Here's a letter from my father—you know him. I'm here to collect the receipts for the last month's purchases, and the payment." Rohak handed her the letter hurriedly.
She examined the letter, noting the seal and the signature.
"Ah... you came from the capital. Sorry I didn't recognize you. I've only met your father. Please, come in."
"Make it quick. I need to return to the border," the guard interjected impatiently.
"This will take some time. Do you mind waiting inside? I can bring you something to eat," Yati offered politely.
"I'm good. Just finish your business." The guard sat down at the entrance, arms crossed.
Inside, Yati handed Rohak several pieces of parchment—receipts for the goods—and a small pouch of mudras. Rohak quickly tucked them into his satchel, then pulled out a separate folded paper—the sketch of the two-headed eagle—and subtly passed it to Yati.
She opened it and her eyes immediately widened. Without a word, she returned the paper and disappeared into the back. The guard eyed the exchange with suspicion.
Moments later, Yati returned with another slip of paper and handed it to Rohak. He read it and began to shake his head, but Yati gently grabbed his arm.
"Don't speak," she whispered.
She then turned to the guard, guiding Rohak to the entrance.
"Done with your business? Show me your bag," the guard ordered.
He grabbed the satchel from Rohak and rifled through it. Receipts. A pouch of mudras. Several blank sheets with only addresses—Aghorvan and Anantagadh.
The guard weighed the mudra pouch in his hand—100 mudras. He took 30 out and handed the rest back.
"Hey! Your boss said 20%," Rohak protested.
"And I levy 10% for my own protection. This job's dangerous, boy," the guard smirked, pocketing the coins.
He glanced at the address slips.
"Why are these with you?"
"He will need to go to the other cities and collect the payments himself. Usually I do it, but I can't leave the shop alone now," Yati responded smoothly, pointing at the old man. "He can barely take care of himself, let alone the store."
"Absolutely not. You stay right here," the guard snapped. He called out to another soldier nearby and explained the situation. The second guard nodded and left quickly.
Within ten minutes, he returned with another man—clearly of higher rank. The guards snapped to attention.
"You, come here," the officer said, addressing Rohak. "Why are you here?"
"I came to collect the monthly dues. My father is ill, so he sent me instead."
"Why do you need to travel to Aghorvan and Anantagadh?"
"Because Yati here can't leave her shop. She usually collects the money, but I've been asked to do it."
"Do you have a permit?"
"Yes, but I was told it's not recognized anymore." Rohak handed him the letter with Rankriti's seal.
The officer read it and nodded. "Yes. This is no longer valid. Then how did you get through the border?"
"I showed them this and explained my reason. I also paid the entry tax."
"What entry tax?" the officer turned to the guard, eyes narrowing.
"Well... sir... I took him to our group leader. They discussed things. I'm not sure what was agreed," the guard stammered.
"He also took a 'protection tax,'" Yati added bluntly.
The officer sighed, frustrated. "Empty your pockets."
The guard hesitated, then did so. Thirty mudras clinked onto the counter.
"Return it to him," the officer ordered. "And give me your group leader's name. I'll speak to him myself."
The guard obeyed silently. Rohak took back his coins, suppressing a smirk.
"Sir, he also took a gift for Yati from me—a sword. Can I get that back?"
The officer nodded. "You'll return, bring your group leader, and get the sword."
He turned to Rohak. "You're not leaving this shop without permission. Yati, keep him here for now. We'll decide further later."
Rohak and Yati exchanged a glance of quiet relief, but the danger wasn't over. He had entered Padmapur, yes. But now he had to reach the other two cities. Only if he returned to the Capital within the next 36 hours would this mission succeed.