Zerdan - "Any idea why I called all of you here?"

Viceroy Evaarko - "None. But it better be important."

Zerdan - "It is. The unofficial list of the tournament is out."

Chief Radhaan - "But lists are out two months before the tournament. Isn't this a little too early?"

Zerdan - "Yes it is. Vikara gave his list of combatants."

Viceroy Evaarko - "But how does it affect us?"

Zerdan - "The listing displays which clan they choose to make their nemesis. The nemesis system works like this - If one does not choose to list their nemesis, the tournament goes on as usual. If one party decides to put the other to be their nemesis, the other party must accept the challenge. If more than two clans want to make the same opposing clan their nemesis, then the opposing clan can either choose to accept the fight with either of the clans or reject the fight altogether. Do you understand what this means?"

Viceroy Evaarko - "So what happens in a nemesis fight?"

Chief Radhaan - "You clearly are not a fan of the tournament. The nemesis fight would mean only one fighter makes it into the competition, from the winning side of course."

Zerdan - "Each clan is allowed 4 fighters. One loses, and the other has a chance to bring it back. But the nemesis fight would mean, unless we win every single duel in the fight, we won't have 4 fighters."

Viceroy Evaarko - "So you're saying this nemesis fight will occur before the competition even begins?"

Zerdan - "Yes."

Chief Radhaan - "And them displaying the list unofficially means now other clans can avoid naming us their nemesis."

Viceroy Evaarko - "This is a stupid rule. Why would you want to put yourself at a disadvantage?"

Zerdan - "There is an advantage."

Viceroy Evaarko - "What kind of advantage?"

Zerdan - "In case two clans do choose the same opposition clan to be their nemesis and the opposition clan decides to comply and fight - If they win the fight they still have a nemesis clan remaining in the tournament. If any of the fighters in the opposing clan manages to defeat their nemesis clan's fighter in the tournament rounds - they are directly in the Round of Death."

Viceroy Evaarko - "Round of Death, is that the last stage of the tournament?"

Zerdan - "Second to last stage. But it's a major advantage only if all the cards fall in a specific order."

Viceroy Evaarko - "So what do we do?"

Chief Radhaan - "By publically announcing a list like this, they are forcing us to accept the nemesis fight."

Zerdan - "They could also be trying to create a shortcut for their fighters."

Chief Radhaan - "Who are their fighters?"

Zerdan - "Asmi...Vayusattva...Arkha...and finally Karni."

Chief Radhaan - "I never heard much of Arkha. Asmi is a great fighter, but a woman. Vayusattva is like a mad dog, And then there is the legendary Karni Valmiki Jairam. The fighters look strong on their side."

Zerdan - "Compared to that, we have Irdan...Drona...Khargi...and Agora."

Chief Radhaan - "Agora and Khargi are new blood. Drona has not been the same after his loss to the Ihachita fighter. We can only place our hopes on Irdan."

Zerdan looks excited - "Maybe. But this tournament is off to a brilliant start. I expect nothing less from the cunning Vyasas."

The Khasi leaders continue discussing other matters. Zerdan is unable to concentrate. He is deep into his thoughts.

Vikara is walking in front of the vineyard.

Varaha calls for him.

Vikara and Varaha sit on the garden swing.

Vikara - "What happened?"

Varaha - "I wanted to tell you something."

Vikara - "Go ahead, brother."

Varaha - "Remember the farmers of the land near Horgi's place?"

Vikara - "Yeah. The land that belongs to my inlaws now."

Varaha - "Well, Karni may have punched one of their people."

Vikara - "You serious?"

Varaha - "But before you get mad, they pushed me, also they were quite rude. Karni defended me."

Vikara smiles - "Of course. You don't need to give me all that explanation. And, I believe whatever you two did would have a fair reason behind it. If the wedding is called off because of this, so be it."

Varaha is delighted knowing that his brother does not feel any anger.

They both crack a few jokes and their laugh resounds throughout the estate.

Rashva enters the estate gates. He looks infuriated.

Rashva quickly enters the stables. He calls for the guards - "Where is Karni!"

The guards - "He has not returned yet."

Rashva's anger rises - "Where is Vikara?"

The guard - "At the garden swing."

Rashva walks off at a quick pace.

Vikara notices their father walking at them with a rage-filled expression.

Rashva from afar - "You know what he did?!"

Vikara - "Yes. I know."

Rashva stands facing Vikara. Varaha is a little nervous.

Rashva - "So what do you think we do with him?"

Vikara - "There is no need to do anything, Father. It was something that happened in the heat of the moment."

Rashva - "Well the man who was hit certainly disagrees. If this marriage has to continue any further, they want an apology."

Vikara - "Written or..."

Rashva - "He must go alone to their manor in the west and apologise."

Vikara - "That won't happen. An apology will be issued formally. I along with my brother will be present when Karni apologises. Otherwise, they can forget about the apology."

Rashva quickly replies - "Why bother? They won't harm Karni. They gave me their word."

Vikara - "I'll go with Karni, make sure they keep their word."

Vikara stands up and walks past Rashva.

Varaha looks concerned.