Previous Summary:
In the jungle, a clash between the Wolf Riders and the Aklak guard ended when King Aryan stopped the fight. King Balram of Aklak appeared; both kings chose peace. Aryan shared one of the two rare golden flowers, and a new friendship began.
Morning light filtered through the trees. King Aryan washed his hands at the riverbank while King Balram—tall, broad-shouldered, a faint scar on his cheek—stood nearby, studying him with interest.
Balram: "You are unlike other rulers. Many would answer steel with steel. You answered with wisdom."
Aryan (smiling): "Strength is more than weapons. Trust lasts longer than fear."
Balram laughed, a deep sound that echoed across the water.
Balram: "Ha! A king who thinks before he swings. Good. Aklak respects such men."
Campfire Feast
That evening, both groups shared a clearing. The Wolf Riders roasted deer; the Aklak warriors brought jungle fruit and strong wine. At first they watched each other; then jokes flew, and the air warmed.
Raghav (Wolf Rider): "Your men eat like bears."
Aklak Guard (grinning): "Better guard your kitchen then."
Laughter rolled through the camp. At the head table, the two kings raised cups.
Aryan: "To peace—and to a future where our people grow strong together."
Balram: "To brothers in arms. May our enemies learn to fear our unity."
They drank.
The Alliance
By the firelight, they spoke plainly.
Balram: "Aklak forges blades that cut iron and armor that turns arrows. Our smiths and hammer-masters will serve you—if Kaligarh stands with us."
Aryan: "Kaligarh offers grain, ports, and trade routes. My navy is growing. With Aklak steel and Kaligarh ships, the seas and roads will be ours."
They clasped forearms—an oath between kings.
Balram: "I will send twenty master smiths, four armorers, and two siege engineers within a fortnight."
Aryan: "And I'll open our ports to Aklak caravans, reduce tariffs on your steel, and station escorts for your traders."
Around them, Wolf Riders and Aklak guards began friendly sparring under the moon, steel ringing in clean, disciplined bursts.
Aryan (quietly): "This is how we win—not only in battles, but in bonds."
Balram (nodding): "Agreed. If you call, Aklak will answer."
The fire crackled. Peace, for once, felt real.
End of Chapter 68