THE CHRONICLES OF THE ELEMENTAL RINGS

As Arjun and Sarika journey through different places, their quest to find the legendary bow Gandiva leads them to Campa, the bustling city of Kingdom Anga. The city's labyrinthine streets are filled with merchants, travelers, and whispers of hidden treasures. It is here that their path will intersect with a most unexpected ally.

The day when Arjun and Sarika were leaving for the quest, Arjun told the great sage Bhargava about his meeting with the celestial nymph Chandralekha who told him to obtain the legendary bow Gandiva. Bhargava told him about a merchant named Sankha who possesses lots of legendary treasures. The previous night, when they went to him to buy the bow, he declined them even after hearing their story, as the bow was a memento from an old adventurer and his friend. Disheartened, they left and were venturing into the market, when they saw someone who could help them.

As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting long shadows all over the city, a figure moved with the grace of a cat through the maze – like alleyways. Karna, with jet-black hair, dark brown, sharp and inquisitive eyes, and sleight-of-hand skills, moved through the shadows like a phantom, his nimble fingers working with precision to liberate a priceless artifact from a merchant's stall. Unbeknownst to Karna, his theft did not go unnoticed as Arjun and Sarika witnessed the whole thing. Sarika was about to interrupt him when Arjun asked her not to react and they started following them. Karna after walking for a while went to an alley where he sold the artifact and left. He then walked towards a part of the city which was exactly opposite of the part Arjun and Sarika witnessed earlier. It was dark and dull, a place for which no rich person ever cared about, where Karna entered the house and distributed the fruits he bought to the kids present in the house. Arjun and Sarika nodded at each other left their bag of fruits on the door and left.

At present night, Arjun and Sarika are in the market observing Karna to get a chance to talk to him. Karna, unaware of that, inspects the market to find the artifact he is hired to steal. There is one more person he is unaware of, another character who will become an important person in his life. Among the crowd, a figure clads in gleaming armor and bearing the sigil of the Kingdom of Kishkindha watching his every move. The figure is a woman whose striking features are framed by raven-black hair flowing in waves to her waist, her stormy sea blue eyes holding a fierce determination. As she closes in on Karna, she cannot help but recognize a familiar face in the throng of onlookers. "Arjun," she calls out, her voice carrying across the bustling marketplace. Arjun and Sarika, who are observing Karna's action, turn to see a familiar face. It's none other than Princess Aditi, a fierce knight with a sense of duty as unwavering as her resolve. "Aditi," he replies, acknowledging her presence with a nod. All of this attracts Karna's attention, and he realizes that he is being followed. But before he can make a move, he is surrounded by the knights. "Why are you constantly following me?" shouts Karna, "Can you please leave me alone?" "Never," Aditi replies, "I am not going to stop until I arrest you." Sarika Asks, "How do you know him?" Aditi now realizing Sarika's presence, her heart clenches in a way she cannot quite explain. She has known Arjun for years; they share history and mutual respect forming a bond that runs deep. But seeing him with Sarika, a beautiful girl and a priestess with a calming presence, ignites a jealousy she never anticipated.

"I see you have found a new companion, Arjun," she remarks, her voice slightly colder than she intended. Arjun, caught off guard by her tone, hesitates for a moment before responding. "Aditi, this is Sarika, a priestess. She is helping me in my quest. Sarika, this is Princess Aditi, a trusted ally and friend and Nandini's best friend." Sarika offers a polite nod and a warm smile with a friendly and inviting demeanor. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Princess," she says while extending her hand. Aditi's jealousy simmers beneath the surface as she forces a polite smile while taking her hand, "Likewise, Priestess."

Among this awkwardness, Karna, realizing that he has a small opening, makes a swift decision. In a daring feat of agility, he leaps from the rooftop of a nearby stall, landing with a roll before making a hasty escape through the labyrinthine alleys of the city. Aditi, quick to react, her knightly instincts guiding her pursuit. Arjun, not wasting any time, starts following them with greater speed. Sarika says to herself, "I am going to run at my own pace. I will catch up eventually." Arjun and Aditi pursue Karna through the labyrinthine alleys of the city, the thief's nimble figure darting through the city's shadow like a phantom. As Arjun paces himself to catch up, he cannot help but marvel at Karna's agility and speed. It is clear that this thief is no ordinary pickpocket.

Aditi, lagging them by a small margin, keeps pursuing him. But she cannot ignore the fact that Arjun, the hero of her kingdom, has chosen to follow the thief instead of welcoming her presence. Meanwhile, Karna leads them through the dizzying maze of narrow passages, market stalls, and hidden shortcuts. The thief's knowledge of the secrets ways to manipulate his pursuers is unparalleled. It has now become evident to Arjun that Karna is not just a common criminal but someone who has come a long way in his life by facing various challenges. After a series of twists and turns, Karna comes to a sudden halt in an open market, when he notices that a bull and a horse are running towards a small kid at greater speeds from opposite directions. Karna, deciding to save the kid, comes in front of the bull and stops him with his bare hand. Arjun, deciding to help, comes in between the kid and the horse. Aditi, after witnessing this, gets confused but comes and takes away the kid. Karna and Arjun, using their might and charm, stop the bull and the horse.

Sarika finally catches up with them and heals Karna and Arjun's small wounds. Arjun says while breathing heavily, "You are not going to run away now, are you?" "No, I am not. I am confused though, because I know she is after me to arrest me, but you are not here for that," Karna changing his expression, his eye locked with Arjun's, "Why are you following me?" Arjun speaks with a mixture of curiosity and determination, "I need your skills, Karna. There is a greater quest at hand – finding the Elemental Rings to prevent the resurrection of the Demon Lord Hiranya." Raj's eyes widen at the mention of the Rings. He knows that these Rings hold immense power and they are not be taken lightly. Arjun then tell him the whole story from his childhood till his meeting with Sarika.

Aditi, after witnessing the hero of her kingdom asking for help from a common criminal, lashes out at him, "Arjun! I cannot believe you are trusting this thief, this criminal, with this quest. Have you lost your senses?" Arjun, undeterred by Aditi's anger, meet her gaze with a steady resolve, "Karna knows the underworld better than anyone I know. We need his knowledge and skills to navigate the trails and find the Rings." Aditi's frustration surges and she clenches her fists when Karna presents her with a blade embedded with the nine gems. She is surprised as it is the same blade Karna stole from her. "I never sold it to the person who hired me to steal it. It looked like something precious to someone on which no one can put a price," says Karna while giving it to her. Aditi with tearful eyes, "Yes, it is a memento from grandfather, the previous king." Aditi, with a confused look and tears coming out of her eyes, looks at Arjun. Arjun, understanding her dilemma, stands up and says, "Everyone follow me," and he starts walking.

He takes them to the very place where they followed Karna yesterday. Karna, looking confused, opens the door of his house when many kids come and hug him. Aditi's confusion is now more than ever. Arjun then tells her that Karna does not steal for himself but to feed and support these orphans. Karna then realizes that they were the ones who left the basket of fruits yesterday on his doorstep. Karna smiles and says, "How can I help you?" Sarika straightens herself and replies, "I usually do not support this kind of thing, but we want you to steal something for us. But we promise, we will return it after the quest is over." Karna laughs and says, "You can relax, I know you are not like those people who usually hire me. Tell me what do want to be stolen?" "The legendary bow Gandiva from a merchant named Sankha."

Karna, after listening to that name pauses and shakes his head in decline. "I have taken an oath to never steal anything from him and I never go back on my oath." Aditi says with condemnation, "So, you have no problem stealing for shady people, but suddenly you got morale when you were asked to help in a good quest?" "Even thieves have honor, we do not steal from someone who fed us when we were starving. He is a great person, and the Gandiva is a memento from his friend who was a hero of this kingdom. The person who taught me the skills of archery, the person who died fighting 100 demons alone to save this world, the person whom I respect the most. And that is why I steal, so that these kids can become heroes like him not criminals like me." Aditi looks at the kids and realizes her mistake. Arjun and Sarika become more demoralized and get ready to leave when Karna says, "I said that I am not going to steal that bow, but I never said that I will not help you in obtaining it."

Arjun, Sarika, and Aditi look at him in confusion. "I will talk to him to let you borrow the legendary bow." Arjun, getting more confused, "But we already have tried. We already told him about my sister and the quest, but he still declined." Karna laughs, "Because he has been a victim of a lot of scams in the past, he does not trust any stranger now. But he trusts me, and he will never decline if I will ask him." They all then leave for Sankha's palace. Once they reach there, he welcomes them open-heartedly after seeing Karna with them. Karna then narrates everything that happened. Sankha, feeling guilty, bows his head, "I am sorry that I did not trust you the previous night and you had to go through all that." "Please raise your head, it does not look good when an elder bows to younger people. You should give us your blessings instead. And Karna has told us everything about you not trusting strangers and it is a good thing to be cautious," says Sarika. Sankha laughs, "So this kid told everything. No matter at all, I will give you my blessings but before that I will give you the thing you came here for." He then directs him to the treasure room where different kinds of treasures can be seen. He then takes them to a secret passage, which can only be opened by his blood, where they finally see the legendary bow Gandiva.

Gandiva is not just a weapon; it is a living testament to the fusion of artistry and power. Fashioned from the rarest and most exquisite materials, this bow embodies the essence of divinity itself. Its slender, sinuous limbs are crafted from the horns of celestial creatures, polished to a shimmering, otherworldly sheen. These limbs extend gracefully, arching outward as if to embrace the very heavens from which they draw their strength. The grip of Gandiva, a masterpiece in its own right, is adorned with jewels and precious gems, each one telling a story of battles won and victories celebrated. Rubies glow like smoldering embers, sapphires sparkle like distant stars, and diamonds shine like drops of dew glistening in the morning sun. Yet, despite this opulent exterior, the bow feels weightless in the hands of its master, as if it is an extension of the warrior's very soul. The string of Gandiva, made from the silken threads of a thousand spiders' webs, humming with an almost ethereal melody as it is drawn. Sankha then signals Arjun toward the bow, "This is the Legendary Bow Gandiva, passed down towards many generations of heroes, which chooses its own master. Only a pure hearted person and a mighty warrior can become its master. I was given a task by its previous master, my friend, and the hero of this kingdom, to give it to someone who can wield it. So, if you are worthy enough you will easily lift it up." Arjun then nods to others and moves toward Gandiva. He touches the bow, feels it energy, bows his head and praises the legendary bow, and then he lifts it. Arjun smiles with a sense of achievement, and everyone congratulates him.

Finally, Arjun has obtained Gandiva. He bows down to Sankha and says, "I will definitely return this to you when I have completed this quest." "No need to return it. It has chosen its master, now it is your duty to take care of it and increase its glory," replies Sankha. Arjun and others then start to leave when Sankha says, "Wait there is one more thing." He then brings out a chest which can only be opened by his sound. Inside it is another legendary weapon, The Vijaya Bow.

The Vijaya bow, a mythical masterpiece of divine craftsmanship, possessing an aura of celestial splendor. Its limbs, formed from the sacred wood of ancient trees, exudes an ageless elegance, each curve and contour whispering of the gods' favor. The grip, adorned with shimmering gemstones that seems to hold captured starlight, feels as though it has been crafted by the hands of deities themselves. When drawn, its silken string sings an enchanting hymn, and the arrows it unleashes are like bolts of lightning, striking with unwavering precision and unrivaled potency. In the hands of its wielder, the Vijaya bow becomes an instrument of destiny, a symbol of invincibility, and a harbinger of victory in the epic tales of antiquity. Sankha lifts it up and brings it to Karna, "Kid, it is also a legendary bow named Vijaya. I know you have archery skills and might be parallel to a legendary hero. I promised your father and your teacher, my friend that I would take care of you, but I lost myself after losing both. And when I came back to my senses you were already big enough to take care of orphans. After that you never took my help in anything. I think you already lost all belief in me. I am not giving this bow to you to prove anything. I just want to give this bow to someone worthy."

Karna after a lot of considerations, finally accepts the bow and Vijaya accepts him as its new master. Karna bows down to Sankha but gets confused, "Wait, you said only a worthy person can wield Vijaya. Does it mean you were its previous master because you just lift it?" Sankha smiles, "Yes, you are correct. Apart from a merchant, I was also a knight under the tutelage of the hero." Arjun interrupts, "I am sorry for interrupting, but I am hearing about this hero again and again, but no one is mentioning about him anything else." Sankha says, "The name of the hero was...," he then stops and says, "I will tell you all about him once you return from this quest with your sister because she also has the right to know about him." Arjun looks at him in confusion and curiosity. Sarika suddenly asks Sankha, "I have one question for you. Why did you decide to give him the Vijaya Bow today when you already knew that he is worthy enough to wield it?" "Because he wants to join Arjun in his quest but is afraid to speak up as he thinks of himself just as a lowly thief as well as he does not want to leave the kids alone," he replies. Karna looks at him surprisingly. "Do not worry about the children, leave them to me. I will take care of them the way I was supposed to take care of you. Kid, it is your calling, and you should answer it." Sarika adds, "Yes, you are very much welcome to join us because you are not a mere criminal, but someone born to fulfil a greater destiny." "I do not know about any destiny or calling, but I will be delighted to have a companion whose skill and might are in par with me, which I never had before."

Aditi silently watching all this for a while, finally speaks up, "I understand where you all are coming from, but I still have my doubts regarding him. I get that what he did previously was for the children, but I still cannot leave him out of sight until I am one hundred percent sure that he will not go back to his old ways. That is why I have also decided to join the quest." "I do not have a problem with that," says Karna. Sarika says, "The more, the merrier. I am happy that a female companion is with me." Arjun remembers two more lines from the Oak tree – The princess shall provide the method; the thief shall provide the might. He smiles and nods welcoming Karna and Aditi in his quest. Everyone then comes back to Sankha's room where he hands them a token stating, "This token will help you with merchants in your future. Karna and Arjun, you two are now wielders of the two legendary bows. You will need to learn to use your elemental powers with your archery skills, which only a master can teach you. Princess Aditi, as I can see you wield two swords with this much precision which cannot be done by even a seasoned warrior, you must obtain the legendary twin swords called Nandaka & Girish. Priestess Sarika, you have a light energy far more than a mere mortal, you must obtain the Brahman's staff which can be only operated with someone having a light energy like you. The whole world's fate now rests upon you and for which I am now giving my blessings to you, and I will always pray for your safe return."

They then leave to bring the children to Sankha. The children are not delighted with Karna leaving them behind to which Karna promises to come back with more food than ever before. They are ready to leave when Karna says, "You two go ahead, I want to discuss something with the princess alone. We will be just behind you." Arjun and Sarika nod and leave ahead of them. Aditi asks, "What do you want to discuss with me?" "What is your reason to join this quest? Other than being in love with Arjun," asks Karna. She flutters, "Lo-lo-lo-lo-lo-lo-lo-love? What love? Who loves that muscle head? I do not love him. You are the one in love with him." "That does not make any sense," replies Karna calmly making her more nervous. She shouts, "I told you I am just here to observe you nothing else." "Oh! So, you will leave the quest if I earn your trust earlier." "That….," she stops. "Just tell me the truth," says Karna. "I am joining this quest for Nandini. My best friend and a big sister, who was always by my side. And I was absent when something bad happened to her, chasing you. That is why, once I saw Arjun, I instantly decided to join him. I will not stop until we have rescued her." "Also, you can keep them apart when you are with us and then marry him," he says laughingly. She then punches him hard in the stomach and he falls on his knees. He says, "Hey, that is so rude. I am rooting for you here." She starts to leave. "Hey, wait, do not leave me behind. I am sorry. I was just kidding. I will not joke like this again. I will but still sorry." She comes back and gives him a hand. They both smile and continue their walk catching up with Arjun and Sarika.

Two new allies have joined the Chronicles of the Elemental Rings. This unlikely group is still going to expand with more unlikely members. The stage has been set for a new chapter in their quest, where they will find new allies, new enemies and new trials testing them at every path. They must stand united as the path of greatness comes at all the possible risks. They will have to become stronger so that nothing can stop them in keeping peace in this world.