After the grand assembly, all three disciples set out for the Provincial Perimeter of the Central Region.
Ukav descends near Dipendra's mansion, passing through lush forests and hills. The three disciples discuss the journey and the grand assembly in Rohini Kingdom with their guru.
Kapil:
"The Central Region and the Raghsi community are working together to find a place called 'Heavenly Territory'."
Dipendra:
"These Raghsi people will never change. Sometimes they search for the mythical armor, and other times for the Fire Lotus and Water Lotus, but they've never succeeded."
Prabhas, addressing Dipendra:
"There was also talk of a Gandharva Kingdom beyond the desert, where divine food and water are found."
Dipendra takes a deep breath.
"As far as I know, there is no island named 'Heavenly Territory,' but I have also heard stories about the Gandharva Kingdom. There's potential for success there."
Dipendra pauses for a moment before continuing.
"However, crossing the deserts of the west and the icy mountains of the north to find it is almost impossible."
Breaking the silence, Sourabh Jha speaks up.
Sourabh Jha:
"Guruji, all the kings of the Central Region have allied with the Raghsi community."
Dipendra:
"Yes, that's their decision. But now, the three of you have another task to complete."
Kapil:
"What kind of task?"
Dipendra:
"There has been a robbery in the shipment of red stones sent from the Central Region to the Eastern Region. You need to go there, investigate the matter, and ensure the culprits are dealt with properly."
The three disciples take leave from their guru and set out on their urdhgati horses.
The Eastern Region and the Central Region
These are the plains where humans live, with settlements, cities, and empires established. The rivers originating from the northern mountains enable common people to practice agriculture. Between these two regions lie the Gidhour Hills. The population in both regions is almost equal.
The Eastern Region is slightly larger and more prosperous compared to the Central Region, with less poverty and anarchy. The Central Region consists of 9 empires and over 52 smaller states, while the Eastern Region comprises 12 empires and 35 states.
Both regions have two renowned institutions that specialize in teaching swordsmanship and shadow techniques related to weapons:
1. The Provincial Complex
2. The Raghsi Community
Apart from these, there are other communities and organizations, but they are not as prominent. The Raghsi Community is limited to the Central Region, whereas the Provincial Complex is spread across both regions.
The main branch of the Provincial Complex is located in Koushal Nagar. It does not fall under any state or empire; instead, it governs its own independent territory.
The three brothers, riding their rapid steeds, headed toward Pindari City.
As evening fell, they reached Pindari City and planned to rest at a tavern. Entering a grand tavern with a sparse crowd, they paid some silver coins and ordered a chilled beverage known as Rashik Jal. This drink was slightly sweet and flavorful.
After a while, some palace officials approached them and said, "Welcome to Pindari City. We had received prior notice of your arrival."
Kapil, taking a sip of Rashik Jal, responded, "You already knew about our arrival?"
Prabhas, placing the bottle of water aside, asked, "Do you have any information about the looter? How many of our men were injured?"
Hearing this, the officer hesitated and replied nervously, "My name is Sompal. The looter used fire-based powers, resulting in the death of four of your men, with six seriously injured."
Kapil asked, "The looter was a single individual?"
The officer nodded in agreement.
Prabhas continued, "Sompal ji, did you find out where the criminal deposited the red stones? Did he exchange them for coins or obtain any treasury tokens?"
Sompal replied, "At a private branch here, he exchanged the red stones for 25 tokens worth one lakh silver coins each and 1,200 coins in hand."
(Tokens are special papers that neither tear nor decay. One token is equivalent to one lakh silver coins.)
Kapil: "We will begin the search for the culprit with the first light of dawn."
The officer, with a tone of hospitality, said, "Why don't you rest in our royal guest house? We will search for the culprit in the morning with the royal guards."
Sourabh (to Kapil): "Elder brother, we should spend the night in their guest house."
Ending the discussion, everyone left for the guest house.
Sompal: "Would you prefer separate rooms or a single room for resting?"
Kapil: "We will sleep in one room. Arrange for a single space."
Sompal led them to a large hall and said, "If you face any kind of inconvenience, feel free to let me know."
The three thanked him and went to sleep.
"The night had become quiet, as usual, with the chirping of birds. Before sunrise, Prabhas's eyes opened. He found Kapil sitting, lost in thought. Prabhas got up and said to Kapil, 'Good morning, big brother. Do you have any plans? We need to go out and find the criminal.'
Saurabh also got up, and the three of them greeted each other with 'Good morning' and packed their belongings before heading out of the guest room. Outside, Sompal was waiting with the royal guards. Sompal greeted them and said, 'Your horses are ready, and there's also some good news.'
Saurabh asked Sompal, 'What good news have you received?' Sompal replied, 'The information about the criminal has been received.' Prabhas asked, 'Really? You have the information about the criminal?' Sompal smiled and said, 'Yes, sir.' Kapil asked Sompal, 'What information have you received?' Sompal patiently replied, 'The description and name of the criminal were obtained from the treasury division. It was also found that last night, he was seen indulging in debauchery at a special night location.'
Kapil, while mounting his horse, said, 'Then we should set out to find him; he must be somewhere in Pindari City.'
The three disciples, along with Sompal, followed by 200 royal guards, started moving forward. Sompal, providing further information, said, 'People in the lanes of Hira Mandi market have claimed to have seen him, and according to the intelligence reports, he travels from Hira Mandi to Pindari City through the fields.'
After a while, the horses picked up their pace, and as they exited the city, Sompal signaled to stop. Looking towards Kapil, Sompal said, 'I want all of us to split into 20 groups and search for him at different routes and locations. This way, we can capture him quickly.'
All 20 groups split up, and Sompal, Kapil, Saurabh, and Prabhas became part of different groups, heading out to search for the criminal."
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