The morning sun burned away the last of the mist from Rajagriha's palace grounds, revealing the arena in all its splendor. The stands were already full, the air thick with excitement and tension. Today, the council's contest would move from archery to feats of strength and endurance—a true test of the champions' bodies and spirits.
Priests circled the arena, sprinkling holy water and chanting blessings. The champions assembled once more: Malwa's fierce nephew, Vatsa's archer now set aside his bow for heavier trials, Kosala's wrestler rolling his massive shoulders, Drupada of Panchala standing tall and resolute, and Jarasandha—calm, imposing, the center of all eyes.
The first event was the lifting of the stone pillar, a test of raw power. Malwa's champion heaved it aloft with a roar, veins standing out on his arms. Kosala's wrestler matched him, sweat pouring down his face. Drupada managed the feat with dignity, though not with ease. When Jarasandha's turn came, he lifted the pillar with practiced grace, holding it overhead longer than any before him. The crowd erupted in cheers, and even his rivals could not hide their grudging admiration.
Next came the wrestling matches. The sand flew as bodies collided. Malwa's champion bested Vatsa's archer, pinning him after a fierce struggle. Kosala's wrestler and Drupada fought to a standstill, their contest ending in mutual exhaustion. The final bout was Jarasandha versus Malwa's nephew—a clash of titans. The two circled, muscles tensed, then locked in a brutal embrace. For long moments, it seemed neither would yield. But with a sudden, fluid motion, Jarasandha broke the deadlock, pinning his opponent without cruelty but with unanswerable strength.
The stands exploded with applause. Nobles and commoners alike shouted Jarasandha's name, while the rival delegations exchanged uneasy glances. Even Drupada, pride stung but honor intact, nodded in respect.
Sumana, Asti, and Udayan watched breathlessly from their balcony. Udayan cheered, "He did it! He's stronger than any of them!"
Sumana smiled, pride and relief mingling in her eyes.
Asti, ever thoughtful, whispered, "Strength alone isn't enough. He must win their respect, too."
Inside the palace, the mood was less jubilant. Malwa's king spoke quietly with Vatsa's noblewoman, their words edged with frustration. Kosala's prince paced, clearly unsettled by the turn of events. Drupada's advisors urged caution, warning that open rivalry with Magadha could bring more trouble than glory.
Padmavati and Vasumati worked to soothe the rival envoys, offering hospitality and assurances that the contest was a celebration of Aryavarta's spirit, not a humiliation of its kingdoms. Arya, meanwhile, kept her agents on alert, watching for signs of sabotage or desperate plots.
Late in the afternoon, Arya intercepted a servant carrying a sealed message toward the Malwa camp. She opened it in private—a coded note, urging Malwa's champion to "seek any advantage, even if the contest's spirit must be bent." Arya's eyes narrowed. She passed the message to Jarasandha, who read it and nodded grimly.
"We must be ready for anything," he said to Arya, Padmavati, and Vasumati that evening. "Tomorrow is the final trial. If they cannot win with strength, they may seek to win with cunning."
Padmavati placed a hand on his shoulder. "You have shown them honor. Let them see that Magadha's strength is matched by its integrity."
Vasumati added, "And if they betray the contest, let Aryavarta judge them for it."
As night fell, the city buzzed with speculation. Who would win the final trial? Would the rival kingdoms accept defeat, or would the contest end in new conflict? In the royal apartments, Sumana, Asti, and Udayan gathered with their parents, their excitement tempered by a new understanding of what was at stake.
Jarasandha looked at his family and closest allies. "Tomorrow, we finish what we started. Not just for Magadha, but for the future of Aryavarta."
Outside, the arena stood silent beneath the stars, waiting for the dawn and the last great trial that would decide the council's fate.