Previous Chapter Recap:
Aryan traveled into the jungle in search of a rare flower. A sudden clash broke out between his Wolf Riders and the guards of the neighboring Aklak Kingdom, a land of powerful, tall warriors with advanced weapons. After a heated fight, Aryan stopped both sides, proving his authority. Soon, the King of Aklak himself appeared. Both kings realized the misunderstanding and decided to talk.
The jungle air was still heavy from the earlier clash. Broken branches and trampled leaves lay scattered, yet a calm now returned as both sides stood in silence. Aryan stepped forward, holding the two rare flowers he had found.
Aryan smiled and extended one of them.
Aryan: "We fought for nothing. Here—take this flower as a sign of peace. I have another, and friendship is worth far more than one more blossom."
The Aklak King, a tall figure with bronze skin and piercing gray eyes, looked at Aryan with surprise. His men shifted uneasily, unused to such generosity from outsiders.
Aklak King: "You are wise, King Aryan. Many rulers would have chosen pride over peace. But you… you value strength and honor together. I respect that."
He accepted the flower with care, almost as if it was a treasure. Then, with a booming laugh, he turned to his men.
Aklak King: "Lay down your arms! This man is no enemy. From today, Kaligarh and Aklak shall not point blades at each other."
The Wolf Riders relaxed, though some still grinned fiercely, proud they had fought against such powerful foes.
A Feast in the Camp
Later that evening, Aryan invited the Aklak King and his closest guards to sit with him by the campfire. The Wolf Riders roasted game they had hunted, while the Aklak warriors shared their own dried meats and a strong drink made from jungle fruits.
Laughter replaced the clash of swords. Stories were exchanged—tales of battles, victories, and even embarrassing mistakes.
Wolf Rider Leader: "Your men fight well… but they've never faced the speed of our wolves before!"
Aklak Captain (smirking): "Fast wolves, yes. But our hammers can break through stone. I wonder how your saddles would hold against a real strike."
Aryan raised his hand with a smile.
Aryan: "Enough boasting. Let us save our strength for our true enemies, not each other. Together, we can build a friendship that will shake the lands."
The Aklak King leaned forward.
Aklak King: "You speak of alliance, do you not?"
Aryan nodded firmly.
Aryan: "Yes. Kaligarh is rising. But I do not seek war with neighbors who value honor. Aklak has strong weapons, unmatched in these lands. Kaligarh has growing power and trade routes. Together, we can prosper."
The Aklak King's eyes shone with interest.
Aklak King: "An alliance of steel and wisdom… I like it. My kingdom has warriors and weapons, but we lack wide trade and clever strategies. With you, Aryan, I see a future where our two lands grow stronger side by side."
The two kings clasped forearms, sealing the bond. The firelight flickered against their faces, making the moment feel like the start of something great.
The First Step of Brotherhood
Before parting ways, Aryan offered gifts: fine silks from his capital and spices that could not be found in the jungles of Aklak. In return, the Aklak King promised to send blacksmiths and weapon masters to Kaligarh, to share their knowledge of forging powerful arms.
The Wolf Riders howled in triumph, while the Aklak warriors pounded their chests in agreement.
Aryan (smiling): "From today, we are not just neighbors. We are allies. And perhaps, brothers."
The Aklak King gave a satisfied nod.
Aklak King: "Yes. Brothers in strength."
The night ended not with battle, but with the birth of a powerful alliance.
✨ end of Chapter 67