Empire of India: Rise of the Ruthless Prince

The thick canopy of the trees covered the intense heat of the sun. The green moss clung to the trunks and vines crawled up to the top. There was a gentle breeze and coolness in the air in the lush green forest. Stones and dried leaves covered the hard earth. There were ant colonies and reptiles thriving.

Aziz trekked through the slop of the forest towards his goal. He was heading to the location detailed in the letter he got from the masked men. This forest was in a remote area in the Amir Sultanate. The location was a few kilometres north of the remote town from the border.

The meeting place was a small cave in the region and he was yet to find it as he was nearing the location. His mind was racing on various other things. The men that were responsible for the letter told him to come alone. He figured it was best to go alone, as he couldn't risk getting others killed in the worst-case scenario.

The men that approached him that day were so powerful and he knew picking a fight with them would just end in a one-sided massacre for their group. So he decided to comply with the letter's order and stationed his group in the town till he returns from the meeting.

Aziz was also curious about the "Liege" that controlled those strong soldiers. He must be a very influential figure if he has such an elite force under his belt. It would be a wealthy noble by the extent of the force.

He was also stateless after losing the kingdom. So he really thought why they would need him. Aziz didn't have much influence on the politics of the Sultanate. Apart from being praised for his talent when he was younger, he didn't have any significant achievements or feats to speak about.

After a treacherous trek through the forest. He stumbled across a small enclosure. The entrances were covered by moss and vines. It blended into the forest but Aziz managed to spot it due to his keen observation.

"Don't move" A voice whispered behind him; a dagger was near his throat. "Reveal your identity." It was a soft voice.

"I came after receiving a letter." He gasped aloud. He was nervous by the sudden threat. He didn't even notice the person till he had his dagger out. He couldn't do anything in this situation.

"Hmmm. Aziz Shah?" The voice whispered.

"Yes, Yes."

Finally the dagger was pulled back and he heaved a huge sigh of relief.

'I thought I was dead!! Damn it'

He turned around, facing the source of the voice. He saw a masked man with obscure characters etched on it in a blue shade. He didn't understand the words, as it was the first time seeing such a language. He wore distinct clothes with a tunic and a belt wrapped around the waist with loose pants.

"Follow me!" He said to Aziz in a low voice.

Aziz silently followed behind. He saw two more masked men in the enclosure, standing alert. They didn't do anything seeing his guide and finally he reached a spacious place in the small cavern.

A man was leaning on a flat rock; his mask had different characters from the rest and his dress had a golden outline along with the belt. It was a clear distinction from the rest.He didn't look like the man from before. His demeanour was way different. He was relaxed but he had an air of strength that far surpassed the man he saw in the palace.

"So you are the one that Liege wanted to bring back." The man asked, getting up. He began closely inspecting him. Aziz froze for a minute; his mind was racing with thoughts.

'Who is he?'

'He seems to strong.'

The man put his hand on his shoulder and patted. "Don't be stiff. I am not going to kill you."

"Did you read the letter?" he added.

"Yes," Aziz stuttered out. "I am not sure I follow everything stated in the letter."

"Hmm.." The man sighed.

"My Liege wants to meet you." He scratched his chin. "You seem talented but you haven't put your body to good use."

"Who is your Liege?" Aziz asked. He wanted to know the real identity behind all this. The man in front of him wasn't normal. He never felt this suffocated even under the gaze of other people. This was unreal to him.

"It's too early to know that." The man said. "You are not trustworthy yet." He chuckled.

"What should I do then?"

"Your group will travel with us from now on. I will take command. Is that clear?" He said it with a cold tone.

"Huh? You expect me to say "yes" to this absurd proposal." Aziz exclaimed.

The man shrugged. "It's up to you. I will unfortunately have to end your little group and you entire because you saw me." He threatened with a smile.

Aziz sighed. He could see that the man wasn't kidding this time. He could feel the hostility from the statement and he knew his little ragtag group wouldn't stay a chance against them.

He reluctantly agreed. "Fine. What choice do I have?"

The man laughed at him. "You will be of fine use to the Liege. I shall train you while we travel."

"Train?"

"Yes! You are weak. Even the new members can defeat you easily."

Aziz didn't say anything.

"You have talent and it seems like you never put it to good use." The man inspected his muscles.

"There is good muscle definition but judging from your palms, your sword proficiency is meager thanks to improper practice."

"Umm…"

The man enthusiastically checked his muscles and body.

"HAHAH, you can be the perfect expe- *AHEM* disciple to teach my techniques."

'Did the guy almost say 'Experiment' '

The man patted his shoulders with a stern voice.

"Bring your group along discreetly. We will be leaving after your group reaches."

Aziz was now heading to meet this mysterious "Liege" that this man serves.