Chapter 34: “The Woman from the Winds”

📜 Previously on The Last Prince of Kaligarh:

Aryan launched a surprise attack and captured the Neruva Pass using precise tactics and coordination. As his army celebrated, a mysterious warrior named Meena appeared. She hinted at a deeper past and offered Aryan both a warning and a test.

SCENE 1 – EDGE OF THE FOREST [DAWN]

Aryan follows Meena into the mist-covered woods. The only sound is the crunch of leaves and the faint call of distant birds.

MEENA

Your father once stood here. He refused the test. You are different?

ARYAN

I've never run from truth. Or from pain.

Meena stops at a mossy stone gate, hidden by trees. Old markings of Kaligarh's royal house cover it.

MEENA

Behind this lies Path of the Crescent. A forgotten route to Kaligarh. But only those who pass the trial may walk it.

SCENE 2 – THE TRIAL [CAVERN – UNDERGROUND]

Torches light up a narrow cave filled with echoing whispers. Aryan walks alone. Suddenly, illusions appear: his father dying, Kaligarh burning, friends betraying him.

ILLUSION (VIRAJ'S VOICE)

What if you fail, Aryan?

ILLUSION (DEVIKA'S VOICE)

What if you become the tyrant you hate?

ARYAN

(firmly, eyes forward)

Then I will fall fighting the darkness. But I will never stop walking toward the light.

The illusions vanish. A door opens.

SCENE 3 – THE SECRET TUNNELS [AFTERNOON]

Meena waits on the other side.

MEENA

You passed. Not by force, but by clarity. You'll need that for what's coming.

She gives Aryan a scroll—a detailed map of underground routes once used by Kaligarh's kings during siege times.

MEENA

With this, you can strike the city before Varundev knows you're near.

ARYAN

Why give this to me?

MEENA

Because I want to see if the boy-prince becomes a true king.

SCENE 4 – ENEMY CITY: GHATKOT [EVENING]

Viraj leads Aryan's spy team disguised as traders. They spread rumors of food shortages, distribute gold secretly, and speak of Aryan's justice.

Within a few days, the city's gates open—without a single sword raised.

MERCHANT (to his wife)

Maybe the boy-prince is not just a myth…

SOLDIER (whispers)

Better to serve a wise lion than a dying jackal.

SCENE 5 – ARYAN'S CAMP [NIGHT – VICTORY FEAST]

The army celebrates Ghatkot's surrender. Ranvi tries to flirt with Meena, who casually tosses him to the ground with a smile.

RANVI (groaning)

Okay... she's not interested.

KAAMAYA (to Aryan, amused)

Are you collecting warriors… or wives?

ARYAN

Just allies… for now.

The fire crackles. Meena sits nearby, quiet and watchful.

📜 Preview for Chapter 35: "The Whispers of Kaligarh"

As Aryan prepares to strike the next city, spies inside Kaligarh report that Varundev is cracking—his generals grow restless. But among the shadows, a secret enemy watches Aryan… someone with ties to the old royal court.