Dawn broke cold and grey over the Magadhan camp. The fire was extinguished, but suspicion burned hotter than ever.
Ashvath and Sita moved silently through the tents, now doubled down on their search.
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Gathering Clues
Sita crouched beside a torn piece of cloth snagged on a tent pole. "This fabric... it's from the Kalingan rebel uniforms."
Ashvath examined footprints around the supply tents. "The spy's network is bigger than we thought."
Suddenly, a shout.
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Captured
One of Ashvath's soldiers dragged a bound man toward them. His clothes tattered, eyes wild.
"Found him sneaking near the armory," the soldier said.
Ashvath stepped forward. "Why betray Magadha?"
The man spat. "Because Ashoka's vision is a cage. We fight for freedom — and Mokshara's rise."
Sita's eyes flashed. "Then we're running out of time."
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Ashoka's War Council
Inside the command tent, Ashoka sat with his generals.
"We cannot fight a war on two fronts — external enemies and internal traitors," he said firmly. "Trust must be earned, but not blindly given."
A general spoke up. "What if the traitor is someone close? Someone in your own court?"
Ashoka's eyes narrowed. "Then they will learn the true cost of betrayal."
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Sita and Ashvath's Plan
That night, Sita leaned close to Ashvath.
"We'll flush them out with a trap. A fake message—something only the traitors will know."
Ashvath smiled. "Then we wait in the shadows."
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End of Chapter 16