The journey back to the northern capital of Rajani was quicker and not as sinister as their ride up north. They met the rest of the troupe outside the city limits as dusk quickly approached. Surya had convinced Princess Asawari and Guru Briharshi to remain at a neighboring village. They were to await orders that would come once the Samrashtran force bit the dust and the despot son and father were thrown into the dungeons.
They found the Rakhtaprasthan soldiers encamped in the snowy plains surrounding the northern capital like a great, white rug. Cold winds whistled around and bit the skin. A hundred men, fifty afoot, and the rest ahorse hid in a grove of tall, snow-covered Chinar trees. The army was battle ready, adorning the shiniest plate armor, the kavacha, and the sturdiest helmets. They were already lining up in battle formation, having received the news of the approaching royal party.