The police chief opened the gate after seeing the troops of Commander Mahavira . Of the twelve gates built for entry into the capital, this one was exclusively reserved for military activities, so no crowds of common people were seen in the area. The soldiers at the gate stiffened and stood at attention to welcome their commander. As the entire group crossed the gate, they let out a roar and entered the city.
Most of the houses in the capital were made of wood and varied greatly in appearance and color. Some reached up to four stories high, and in certain places, tall towers also stood. The doors and windows featured exquisite woodwork, and balconies were a common feature of nearly all the homes. The windows had no nets or coverings, allowing anyone to jump in or out. Red and yellow hues were widely used in the painting of the houses. The roads were broad, and the intersections were even larger, each featuring a statue at its center. Some depicted elephants, others deer, a woman pouring water from a pitcher, and at one place, a leaping lion. As the group passed through, people quickly moved aside without hesitation.
The inhabitants of the city were mostly fair-skinned or wheatish in complexion, though there were also a few individuals with very dark skin. Many men wore turbans made of twisted cloth, with the color of their turbans matching their dhotis. Some wore their dhotis loosely, while others wrapped them tightly around their legs. The city was filled with vibrant colors and energy.
After passing through the main city, the group began climbing the mountain to the left of Royal palace, which stood atop the central peak. The path up the mountain twisted and coiled like a massive serpent wrapping itself around the slopes, with its hood resting at the summit.
After half an hour of climbing, they reached the top. In front of them stood the statue's outstretched arms, with its fingers folded at the top. Climbing over these folded fingers, they rode their horses along the statue's bridge-like arm. For most, this was a familiar experience, but for Vidhan and Sattu, it was their first time walking across such a high bridge. One moment, they were exhilarated; the next, their hearts pounded with fear as they glanced down. The bridge was wide enough for two chariots to pass each other side by side. After crossing the right shoulder, they moved through the statue's neck, which resembled a tunnel, and arrived at its left hand.
Beyond the bridge, they reached the central mountain of Arth palace. The peak was nearly flat, and an unbelievably tall rampart loomed ahead. It was so high that the guards standing atop it appeared as mere dots. The massive main gate at the center was just as tall as the rampart, with a swan engraved on each of its doors. Upon seeing it, Vidhan wondered, How can such a massive gate open? But as they approached, he soon had his answer.
Within that enormous gate was a smaller, twenty-foot-high door, which opened upon their arrival and closed immediately after they entered. Rupak explained, "This entrance is reserved for royalty. From here, Arthmahal (royal palace) is close. Commoners must enter through the other gate by taking the path to the right."
The entrance led straight to Arthmahal, which stood at a distance. With its grand and majestic structure, the palace resembled a colossal throne. A vast moat lay in front of it, and just beyond stood four thick, towering minarets clustered closely together, resembling the backrest of a throne. These minarets were perfectly cylindrical, like an elephant's legs, and a great number of Garudas hovered above them, as if food was being distributed there. The highway leading to the palace was exceptionally wide—broad enough for ten chariots to ride side by side.
There were dozens of government buildings on both sides of the river, serving as offices for various departments. Moving past those offices, many palace-like buildings appeared in a row.
In front of them were private gardens enclosed by boundary walls, while at the back stood private anushaalas. Rupak informed them that these were the residences of the royal men of the court. Further ahead lay a vast open garden, resembling a field. The freshness of colorful flowers blooming amid evenly trimmed grass was invigorating.
At the center of the garden, which was divided into two sections by the road, stood swans sculpted from smooth, white, shining stone, each towering thirty feet high. These swans, placed in a small water pool, looked almost lifelike as if they were gliding through the water.
As soon as they crossed the garden, they arrived at Arthmahal, an imposing structure shaped like a massive throne. Its grandeur dwarfed the royal men's palaces, akin to an elephant standing before a mouse. The frontmost section of Arthmahal housed the royal court of Arthala, though its doors were presently closed. Vidhan and Sattu gazed around in awe, their mouths slightly open, their heads turning in all directions.
Leading the group, Mahavira guided them toward the towers on the left. Despite their physical exhaustion from the long journey, both Vidhan and Sattu were brimming with excitement. Their eyes darted restlessly, unable to focus on a single point.
Sattu felt a tinge of disappointment—there was no grand welcome ceremony here, just as there had been none in Kundar. Instead, at the gate beneath the tower stood a tall woman clad in armor, exuding an aura of authority. Even from a distance, her presence was striking. A majestic eagle perched on her proud shoulder, her expression firm and her gaze unwavering. The sheath at her side unmistakably signified her status as a military officer.
Mahavira dismounted and approached the woman. As he neared, the eagle on her shoulder took flight. The young woman paid no heed to the bird and addressed Mahavira directly. After a brief exchange of greetings, they conversed in hushed tones before Mahavira gestured for Vidhan and Sattu to approach. As they stepped forward, the woman's stern demeanor softened into a warm smile, as if momentarily setting aside her rigid resolve.
"Welcome to Arthala, sons."
Vidhan and Sattu bowed their heads in greeting. Mahavira then signaled Rupak, who stepped forward and introduced her.
"She is Rudrabala, head of the Security Council of Arthala and commander of the women's army. She is in charge of your accommodations in Arthmahal. Please accompany her."
Vidhan observed that the radiant, forty-year-old woman was scrutinizing him with a serious expression, as though seeking confirmation of something. After surveying him from head to toe, her expression softened once more.
"Come, sons! You have traveled far. Let me show you to your rest rooms."
Vidhan and Sattu obediently followed Rudrabala. As they entered the tower, Rupak called out from behind,
"Aunt, shall I come too? I would like to meet Yamini."
At Rupak's words, Vidhan and Sattu exchanged glances. Rudrabala, striding ahead with firm steps, responded without turning back, her tone casual yet commanding.
"No. Come at the appointed time tomorrow morning."
By now, the sun was also retreating to its home in the sky.