The army marches

"See you, brother. I have to head out," Arjun said, giving Vikram a final grin before making his way toward the courtyard where the army had gathered.

The atmosphere was charged with anticipation as soldiers busily prepared their weapons and armor, their voices mingling with the clatter of metal and the smell of sweat and determination filling the air.

As Arjun approached, he took a moment to survey the scene. Rows of brave warriors stood at attention, each one ready to follow their prince into battle.

The sight filled him with a sense of pride and responsibility, knowing that their lives rested in his hands. He drew a deep breath, steeling himself for the tasks ahead, and stepped forward to address his troops, ready to ignite the fire of courage within them.

The army stretched out before him, a vast sea of determination filled with hundreds of thousands of soldiers, perhaps even millions.

The sight was awe-inspiring, the banners fluttering in the breeze and the sound of armor clinking echoed through the ground. As Arjun approached, the commanders noticed him and hurried over, bowing deeply in respect.

"We are ready, your highness," they said in unison, their voices filled with a mixture of respect and anticipation.

Arjun felt a surge of pride at their dedication, the weight of their loyalty resting on his shoulders. He could see the resolve in their eyes, each soldier prepared to fight for their kingdom.

This was not just an army; it was a united front, ready to stand against the looming threat. Arjun straightened his back, his determination ignited as he prepared to inspire them all for the battle ahead.

The commanders swiftly instructed the army to sit in formation, their voices booming across the field as they shouted,

"The prince has arrived!"

A hush fell over the crowd as soldiers turned to face Arjun, their expressions a mix of awe and respect. To them, the prince and king were like gods, figures of power and authority who commanded both fear and admiration.

Arjun stepped forward and simply said, "Let's move."

The words hung in the air, brief and to the point, but the simplicity of his command left the soldiers feeling somewhat disappointed. They had expected a rousing speech, something to stir their hearts and ignite their spirits before the battle ahead. 

The commanders exchanged glances, their expressions reflecting their own dissatisfaction. They had hoped for a more inspiring moment, something that would rally the troops and lift their morale.

Yet, Arjun's confidence and focus on action spoke volumes in its own way, and the soldiers quickly rallied, knowing that their prince was ready to lead them into battle, no matter how few words he had chosen to use.

The army, though initially disappointed by the lack of an inspiring address, began to march with a heavy sound that echoed across the ground.

The thud of boots on the earth created a rhythmic pulse, a testament to their unwavering discipline and commitment.

Despite their discontent, the soldiers understood the seriousness of the situation and were determined to follow their prince into battle.

As they moved forward, the weight of their armor clanked against their bodies, a constant reminder of the gravity of the task ahead. The tension in the air was palpable, each step taking them closer to the looming confrontation.

Arjun walked at the forefront, his eyes set on the horizon, leading the way as the massive contingent of soldiers pushed onward, unified in purpose despite the uncertainty that hung over them.

The Supreme Commander's daughter, standing beside her father, glanced at Arjun with a sneer.

Her voice dripped with contempt as she whispered, "How can he even be a part of the royal family? Fate is cruel indeed."

Her father, though stern, remained silent, unwilling to voice his thoughts aloud in such a moment. But her words stung with the frustration many felt toward the prince, who they believed had not earned his place.

She continued to watch Arjun, her eyes filled with doubt, questioning how someone so seemingly detached could lead them into battle.

Yet, despite her mockery, the army continued its march, driven more by duty than faith in their young leader.

Virendra's face hardened as he turned sharply to his daughter.

His voice was low but filled with authority as he snapped, "Shut your mouth, or you might lose your arms too, just like Rajan." 

His daughter's eyes widened in shock, her mocking expression instantly vanishing. She knew her father wasn't one to make empty threats, especially after what had happened earlier.

The tension between them simmered in silence, and she quickly lowered her gaze, realizing the gravity of the situation. Virendra, though furious at her words, remained composed, his focus shifting back to the march ahead, determined not to let her disrespect stir further trouble.