SCENE 1 – OUTSKIRTS OF SAMRATNAGAR (PORT CITY) – EARLY MORNING
Dense fog rolls over the coastal hills. Aryan's forces are hidden in the mist — his elite spy force already positioned within the city, disguised as laborers and sailors. Aryan stands at the front with Bhairav, Ranvi, and Viraj.
ARYAN (quietly, to Viraj):
"Signal the fire at the docks when the guards change. Confusion wins more than swords."
Viraj nods and disappears into the mist.
BHAIRAV:
"The city has high walls and a loyal garrison."
ARYAN (smirking):
"Walls are for those who fear climbing."
SCENE 2 – INSIDE SAMRATNAGAR – DOCKS – SHORTLY AFTER
A large shipment crate explodes in smoke—chaos erupts. Merchants scream. Soldiers rush toward the docks. Meanwhile, Aryan's spy agents strike silently from shadows, capturing key gates.
Hidden inside a merchant boat, Aryan's elite warriors spring forth, taking over the port.
PORT GUARD CAPTAIN (panicked):
"What is happening?! Where's the commander?!"
A spy disguised as a noble slams him to the ground.
SCENE 3 – CITY CENTER – HOURS LATER
The city bell tolls. Aryan rides through the gates of Samratnagar as the citizens look on — confused but unharmed. His army enters behind him, flags raised high with the Kaligarh sigil. No bloodbath. Only precision.
CITY ELDER (bowing):
"You came like a shadow, but brought the sun."
ARYAN (firmly):
"No more corrupt governors. Trade will be fair. Peace will be kept."
SCENE 4 – NAVAL SHIPYARD – EVENING
Aryan walks along the shipyard with a local engineer. Huge ships in construction. He places his hand on the rail of a warship.
ARYAN:
"This port will be Kaligarh's gateway to the world."
ENGINEER (awed):
"Your vision… it stretches beyond the horizon, Rajkumar."
ARYAN:
"And my reach will soon match it."
SCENE 5 – CAMP OUTER RIDGE – SUNSET
Devika watches the sea from a distance. Aryan joins her quietly. She holds a letter.
DEVIKA (softly):
"Varundev… he's stirring again. He's rallied new support from the north."
ARYAN (nods, not surprised):
"He wants a war. Let him build his army."
DEVIKA:
"You'll be ready?"
ARYAN (turning, cloak billowing):
"I already am."
SCENE 6 – SECRET MARKETPLACE – NIGHT
In the bustling night market, a mysterious veiled woman watches Aryan from a distance. Confident, graceful — a rich merchant, her eyes gleam with curiosity.
MYSTERIOUS WOMAN (to herself):
"So, this is the boy who conquered a port without a war... fascinating."
She turns and vanishes into the crowd.
END OF Chapter 22