Sudden Developments

Nirpendra didn't say anything for a few moments, a bunch of questions and ideas forming inside of his head. This was his third day in this world and he hadn't gotten any chance to do much. This sudden of a development was completely unprecedented. 

The ultimate goal of all three kings in the Kathmandu valley: Bhadgoan's Jitamitra Malla, Kantipur's Nirpendra Malla and Patan's Srinivasa Malla was to unify the valley under their rule. This was the status quo since around a hundred years ago, when the king of Kathmandu valley died and three of his sons inherited three parts of his kingdom.

So since Bhadgoan did not have any form of military defense right now, it's safe to simply remove this country from the map. Anyone could just walk into Bhadgaon and capture it with barely any challenges.

However, Jitamitra wouldn't allow that. Sure, Bhadgoan's army is decreased to a few hundred right now but what it did have was friendship. Atleast, that was what Jitamatra thought of the current situation.

"Nripendra, please remember my past support for you. My kingdom needs a good enough force to defend itself."

Nirpendra thought about this request for a while. Actually, Nirpendra had never promised any kind of favor to Jitamitra, it was the previous owner of the body. According to his inherited memories, Mahipatendra was the one on track to ascend to the throne. However, Jitamitra was afraid that it would hurt the line of succession inside the Kathmandu valley and had agreed to give Nirpendra Malla his support. 

This must've been the favor Nirpendra owed to Jitamitra. But it didn't mean Nirpendra had to agree to this favor. It was the previous owner of the body who owed the favor, after all. So Nirpendra was indecisive right now, only capable of weighing the situation at hand.

"Without an army, anyone can just walk into my country. It's in dire need of help. But of course, I didn't come here only asking for one-sided help. If we both attack Patan, we have a high chance of succeeding. So what I'm trying to get at is, I'll let you occupy Patan."

Nirpendra raised an eyebrow at this statement. 

'Let me occupy Patan, you say?' He thought inside his head.

If he truly occupied Patan, he would have 2/3rds of the Kathmandu valley under his rule and after that, Kantipur would become very strong. Strong enough to easily crush Bhadgaon with no challenges or repercussions. 

And there's no way the king of Bhadgaon could fail to foresee that. The goal of all three kingdoms is to unify the valley under their rule, afterall. They were cunning and opportunistic. So what in the world could Jitamitra be planning as of right now? Does he even have a plan? No, that is unlikely… The goal of the Kings inside the valley is to unify the three kingdoms into a single Malla kingdom. There's no way he can forsake such a grand achievement.

"Before that, didn't you say your entire army was annihilated?"

"Not entirely, a few hundred soldiers survived the ambush. They are currently on the lookout for enemy forces between our borders. However, it's very likely that we're being invaded as we speak. A few hundred soldiers are not able to stop the thousands of men from Patan. In the morning when I learnt of the ambush, I hastily prepared to come to Kantipur. It's been an hour since I left."

Nripendra thought about this for a few moments. His country had about 3,500 men in the army whereas Patan was around the same strength. If his army joined forces with the Bhadgaon army, the number advantage would be no more and there'd be a high probability that they might win.

But why should he trust Jitamitra so blindly? He might just stab him in the back once the two of them defeat Patan. Actually, that is guaranteed. Both of them would turn to each other immediately after Patan is defeated. Just what kind of plan does he have?

"So what do you think? Are you willing to join forces with me?"

Nirpendra was about to say the words "Sorry, I'll have to think about it more." However, just when he was opening his mouth to speak, someone opened the door in a rush. 

"Your majesty! Sorry to interrupt but Bhadgoan is being invaded by Patan!"

One of the servants was panting for breath as he announced urgently.

"What? From where?" Jitamitra asked.

"They're attacking Anantalingeshwor and we're heavily outnumbered! We don't stand a chance."

At this moment, Nirpendra looked at the determined expression of the king of Bhadgoan who returned his gaze strongly. His gaze was looking for salvation and answer from Nirpendra. 

With a sigh, Nirpendra said:

"I guess I'll have to accept your alliance. Let's go." 

***

The Commander in Chief was a stern middle aged man around his forties. He had four distinct scars across his face. He had served in the army ever since he turned of age so he had seen his fair share of battles. He was one of the few who had fought in the second invasion of Kuti.

He was an excellent leader and had the ability to inspire his men. When Nirpendra ordered him to gather all of the army, he was able to collect 1,500 men from the closest towns in under 10 minutes. 

"Good work, Commander In Chief Ivan. We need to hurry, Bhadgoan is being invaded as we speak right now."

"Yes, your majesty. I understand."

"How long will it take to reach Anantage… Anatange…"

"Anantalingeshwor." The King of Bhadgaon stepped in and completed the sentence for him. 

"I reckon it would take no less than 30 minutes if we make the most haste."

"Then let's hurry shall we?"

The commander in chief of the army stepped up to the stage. 1,500 men were all lined up in a uniform manner. They still had 2000 men left behind in further away cities of the country but it'd take too long to regroup here so the 2000 men will arrive as reinforcements later on.

Nirpendra didn't focus exactly on what words the commander had said but once he was finished, the army was roaring loudly and raising their weapons in a sign of valor.

"He's really good, isn't he?" Jitamitra commented.

After inspiring his men with a single speech, the Commander In Chief approached the two kings and said respectfully:

"Shall we go, your highness?"