Bab 21: The Commanders
The Supreme Commander, General Virendra, was a man of towering stature, with broad shoulders and a weathered face that bore the marks of many hard-fought battles.
His deep-set eyes held the wisdom of decades spent on the battlefield, and his reputation as an undefeated warrior made him both feared and respected throughout the kingdom.
He had led countless campaigns for King Ramesh Pratap, his loyalty to the crown unwavering. Every scar on his body told a story of victory, and his mere presence commanded silence and attention.
Beside him stood the Royal Commander, Rajan Singh. Younger than Virendra, but no less formidable, Rajan was known for his strategic brilliance and quick thinking in the heat of battle.
With sharp features and piercing eyes, he had earned his place through his unmatched leadership in several victorious campaigns. His ability to anticipate the enemy's movements and rally the troops made him a trusted figure among both soldiers and the royal family. His armor, polished to perfection, reflected his disciplined and tactical nature.
Lastly, the Minister of War, Mahesh Verma, entered with a quiet confidence. Though not a soldier, his knowledge of warfare was unmatched.
A master tactician, Mahesh had overseen the kingdom's military strategies for years, ensuring every campaign was meticulously planned.
Dressed in finely embroidered robes, he carried himself with the air of a scholar, his sharp mind constantly analyzing and calculating. His role was to balance the warriors' instincts with the broader needs of the kingdom, making him an invaluable asset to the royal council.
Behind the Supreme Commander, General Virendra, stood his daughter, Siya, a strikingly beautiful young woman with an air of quiet strength.
Though her delicate features and graceful presence caught the eye, there was a fierceness in her that mirrored her father's warrior spirit.
She had long, raven-black hair that cascaded down her back, and her deep brown eyes sparkled with intelligence and determination. Siya wore a form-fitting leather armor adorned with subtle gold detailing, hinting at her readiness for battle despite her youthful elegance.
Though her beauty turned heads, it was her skills with a sword that earned her respect in the kingdom. She had trained under her father's watchful eye since childhood, mastering both combat and strategy.
Her presence in the war room was not just ornamental—Siya was known for her sharp tactical mind, and her father trusted her input as much as any seasoned commander.
As she stood behind General Virendra, she surveyed the room with calm composure, every bit a reflection of her father's legacy and pride.
As the commanders and Siya settled into their places, their eyes drifted toward Arjun. There was a brief, almost imperceptible exchange of glances between them, and a subtle scoff followed, as if they were quietly dismissing him.
Though he was the prince, the heir to the throne, their expressions seemed to suggest that they saw him as untested and lacking the experience that came with war.
General Virendra's scarred face remained stoic, but there was a certain coldness in his gaze, while Rajan Singh's sharp eyes glimmered with mild disdain.
Siya's glance was no different. Despite her father's teachings of respect for royalty, her gaze held a hint of condescension. It was clear she had grown up among warriors, and in her eyes, Arjun had yet to prove himself worthy of their respect on the battlefield.
Though none of them spoke, the tension in the room was palpable. Arjun could feel the weight of their judgment, but his expression remained composed, his determination growing stronger in the face of their silent mockery.
He knew he would have to prove himself, not just in battle, but to those who doubted his strength.
King Ramesh Pratap cleared his throat and addressed the room, his deep voice commanding attention.
"You all know about the battle that is approaching," he began, his gaze sweeping over the gathered commanders, his son Arjun, and the others seated around the grand table.
The weight of the kingdom's future hung heavy in his words.
"Our neighboring kingdom is preparing to strike, and we must be ready to defend our lands with everything we have."
He paused for a moment, allowing the gravity of the situation to sink in.
"This will not be an easy fight," he continued.
"Their forces are strong, their strategies cunning, but we are stronger. We have stood against threats before, and we will do so again. But this time, I expect nothing less than victory. Each of you has a role to play in ensuring that."
His eyes lingered on the commanders, the Supreme Commander Virendra, and briefly, on Arjun, as if challenging them all to rise to the occasion.
Status Power Mingguan
-- Peringkat
Power 
-- Power
stone