Chapter 6: The First Shadows of Treachery
1. The Silent War Begins
The grand court session had ended, but Raja Hemchandra Vikramaditya knew that his victory was only temporary. The nobles who had bowed today would still plot in the shadows. He could not allow complacency.
As the evening breeze cooled the palace corridors, Hemu summoned Harshavardhan, the head of his intelligence network, the Garuda Vahini.
"They will move soon. We must be ahead of them," Hemu stated, his eyes sharp.
Harshavardhan bowed. "We have already placed informants in their ranks. But, Maharaj, there is something else."
Hemu motioned for him to continue.
"There is talk of an assassin—a mercenary brought from Persia. The conspirators seek to kill you before your reforms take root."
A slow smirk formed on Hemu's lips.
"Then let them come."
Harshavardhan hesitated. "Maharaj, this is not a simple killer. He is said to be one of the best—a blade in the dark. We must increase your security."
Hemu shook his head. "No. If we show fear, they will grow bolder. Instead, we shall set our own trap."
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2. The Gathering of the Shadows
In a hidden chamber deep within Ajmer, Virendra, Durgadas, and Suryadev sat in silence as a hooded figure stood before them.
His name was Aziz Al-Muqtadir, an assassin from Persia, known for never failing a contract.
"The task is simple," Virendra said. "Kill Hemchandra before he can reshape Bharat."
Aziz's cold eyes glowed under the dim torchlight. "And the reward?"
"Fifty gold coins now. Five hundred when the job is done."
The assassin gave a slow nod. "By the next full moon, your problem will be solved."
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3. Hemu's Countermove
The next morning, Hemu summoned his most trusted generals and advisors.
Raghunath Rao, Keshav Pandit, and Harshavardhan stood before him.
"There is an assassin in the kingdom," Hemu informed them. "He will strike soon."
Raghunath's hand went to his sword. "Let me hunt him down!"
Hemu shook his head. "No. We will not chase a shadow. Instead, we will make him come to us."
Keshav Pandit frowned. "A trap?"
"Yes," Hemu confirmed. "Spread the word that I will be attending the Sharadiya Maha Yagya at the temple in two days, with minimal guards. Let the assassin believe it is the perfect moment to strike."
Harshavardhan smirked. "And we shall be waiting for him."
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4. The Assassin Strikes
The night of the Maha Yagya arrived.
The grand temple was illuminated with oil lamps. Hundreds of citizens gathered to witness the king perform the sacred rituals.
Hemu knelt before the sacred fire, dressed in simple robes, his guards positioned at a distance—exactly as planned.
Hidden among the crowd, Aziz Al-Muqtadir moved like a ghost. He watched the king kneel, vulnerable, unguarded. It was too easy.
From beneath his robe, he pulled a thin, poisoned dagger.
Step by step, he approached.
Ten steps away.
Five steps.
Then—
"NOW!"
Before Aziz could react, steel flashed. A sword slashed through the air, cutting his wrist clean off.
The assassin gasped, staggering back as blood gushed from his severed arm.
Hemu stood, his own sword drawn.
"Did you truly think I would not be prepared?" Hemu asked coldly.
Aziz tried to flee, but Raghunath and Harshavardhan seized him.
The crowd gasped in horror, watching as their king had turned a death trap into his own victory.
Hemu faced the assassin. "Who sent you?"
Aziz sneered through his pain. "You will not live long enough to find out."
Hemu nodded. "We shall see."
With a single motion, he plunged his sword into the assassin's chest.
The first open strike against the king had failed.
But Hemu knew—this was only the beginning.
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5. The Wrath of the King
The next morning, Hemu summoned Virendra, Durgadas, and Suryadev to the court.
The three conspirators arrived, feigning innocence.
"An assassin tried to kill me last night," Hemu said calmly. "What do you know of this?"
Virendra frowned. "Maharaj, we are as shocked as you—"
Hemu raised his hand. "Enough lies."
Guards dragged in three captured spies, bound and bloodied.
"These men were caught sending messages to your associates. Do you still deny your treachery?"
Silence.
Then, Hemu delivered his judgment.
"Virendra, Durgadas, and Suryadev, you have betrayed not just me, but Bharat itself."
Their faces paled.
"But I am not unjust," Hemu continued. "You have one choice: swear loyalty and prove it with action, or prepare for the consequences."
Virendra clenched his jaw. "And if we refuse?"
Hemu's eyes were like steel. "Then you shall face Raj Dharma—the justice of the king."
Tension filled the court. The conspirators had lost their first battle.
Now, they had a choice—stand with Hemu, or be crushed.
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