Mahabharat - The Changed Fate

Chapter 20 : The Old Ruins

Location : The Mountain in Mithila

As they rested, a group of travelers approached from the opposite direction. They were a rugged-looking bunch, with the appearance of mercenaries. Their leader, a tall man with a scar across his cheek, stepped forward and greeted them with a wary nod.

"Good day," he said gruffly. "We're headed to Mithila. Do you know if the path ahead is clear?"Karna stepped forward, his demeanor calm but authoritative. "It is, but it's a steep climb. Be cautious with your footing. The rocks are loose in some places."

The man nodded, studying Karna with a curious expression. "You seem to know these parts well. Are you familiar with the old temple ruins nearby?"

Karna's brow furrowed slightly. "I know of them. Why do you ask?"

The man's gaze shifted, a hint of suspicion in his eyes. "We've heard rumors that the ruins are haunted, but they also say there's treasure hidden there. We were considering taking a detour to investigate."

Aditya, sensing the tension, stepped up beside Karna. "Those ruins are dangerous. The stories about them aren't just rumors. It's best to stay on the main path."

The leader seemed to weigh their words carefully before nodding. "Fair enough. We appreciate the advice. Safe travels to you."

As the mercenaries moved on, Draupadi watched them go, a worried expression on her face. "Do you think they'll be alright?"

Karna shook his head. "They seem capable, but those ruins are not a place to be taken lightly. We should continue on our path and stay vigilant."

**Later That Day, Near the Ruins...**

As they continued their journey, the path took them closer to the area where the old temple ruins were said to be. The atmosphere grew heavier, the air thick with an unspoken tension. Even the birds seemed quieter, their songs more subdued.

Avika rode closer to Karna, her curiosity piqued. "Do you believe those stories about the ruins, Maharaj Karna?"

Karna glanced at her, his expression serious. "There are many tales about this place—some say it's cursed, others believe it's protected by spirits. I don't know what's true, but I've learned to respect such places. They hold secrets that are beyond our understanding."

Avika nodded, sensing the gravity in his voice. "Then we should be careful not to disturb them."

As they rounded a bend, the ruins came into view, half-hidden by overgrown vines and trees. The ancient stones were crumbling, covered in moss and lichen, but there was a strange beauty to the place—a haunting, mysterious allure.

Draupadi shivered, feeling a chill run down her spine. "It feels... different here. Like the air is heavier."

Aditya nodded in agreement, his eyes scanning the surroundings. "Let's not linger here longer than necessary. The sooner we move on, the better."

Karna led them past the ruins, maintaining a steady pace. But just as they were about to turn away, a sudden noise broke the silence—a faint, eerie whisper carried by the wind.

Avika's horse reared up slightly, sensing the unease in the air. She struggled to calm the animal, her heart racing. "What was that?"

Karna was immediately by her side, his hand steady on her reins. "Easy, Avika. It's just the wind, nothing more."

But as he spoke, the whisper came again, louder this time, more distinct. It was a strange, otherworldly sound, like a voice from another realm. The hairs on the back of their necks stood on end, and a sense of unease settled over the group.

Draupadi clutched her horse's mane, her eyes wide with fear. "Let's get out of here. I don't like this place."

Karna nodded, his face set with determination. "Agreed. Everyone, stay close and keep moving."They urged their horses forward, away from the ruins, the unsettling whispers fading as they put more distance between themselves and the old temple. 

The tension in the air gradually eased, but the encounter left a lingering sense of unease in their hearts.

As they rode on, Avika felt a surge of gratitude toward Karna. He had been there for her, steady and reassuring in the face of fear. She realized how much she had come to rely on his presence, how much she valued his calm strength.

And as they continued their journey, she couldn't help but wonder what other challenges lay ahead—and what they might reveal about her growing feelings for the king of Suryaprasth.

Precap : The Whispers

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~Author Rishi ♥♥♥