The sky burned crimson as the sun dipped below the horizon. Shadows lengthened across the Magadhan camp, turning tents and trees into ghostly shapes.
Ashvath and Sita stood atop a hill overlooking the camp, their faces tense.
"This will be the night," Ashvath said quietly. "The traitor's move."
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The First Strike
Deep within the camp's supply tents, a small fire suddenly flared. Soldiers shouted alarms as the flames began to spread toward the powder stores.
Sita screamed, "Fire! Everyone evacuate!"
Ashvath raced down, helping soldiers drag buckets of water and smother the blaze. But someone was sabotaging the effort — ropes were cut, buckets tipped.
He caught a shadow slipping away and gave chase.
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The Chase
Through winding tents and over uneven ground, Ashvath pursued the figure—a lithe silhouette weaving through darkness.
The figure turned suddenly, revealing the boy spy from before.
"You won't stop the fall of Magadha," the boy hissed, voice cold beyond his years.
Ashvath tackled him to the ground.
"Who sent you?" he demanded.
The boy laughed bitterly. "You think I'm the only one? This is just the beginning."
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Meanwhile, Ashoka's Resolve
In his tent, Ashoka received word of the fire and sabotage.
He clenched his fists. "The traitor is more dangerous than I thought."
He looked at the map, eyes hardening.
"We prepare for war. On every front."
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Sita and Ashvath
After the chase, Sita tended to Ashvath's bruises, her touch gentle.
"You risked your life to stop him."
He smiled faintly. "For you, I'd do more."
Her cheeks flushed. "Then let's stop this traitor... together."
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End of Chapter 15