Empire Ascension: The Rise of the Fated One

Chapter 77: Plan for Ambush

Chandanpur village, Border village of Rewari kingdom, 27th February 1557.

Once a thriving community of peace and prosperity, now resounds with the cries of women. Their desperate pleas for mercy echo from behind closed doors as Mughal soldiers freely enter and exit without hindrance, inflicting unspeakable horrors upon them.

The village square had become a scene from a nightmare. Soldiers barked orders as villagers, young and old, were herded together like cattle. The once peaceful green fields surrounding the village were now disfigured by a sprawling encampment of ragtag military tents and stables teeming with restless horses.

Everywhere, the signs of Mughal dominance were clear. Banners fluttered in the breeze, and the lifeless bodies of the fallen hung from trees, a stark warning to any who might think of rebellion.

The air was thick with the sound of clanging metal and the cries of the oppressed as they cut down more trees to make way for more settlements.

In the outside of the village, surrounded by rows of military tents, stood a grand pavilion that dwarfed all others in its opulence. It was here that the main leaders hosted a meeting as they plotted their next moves.

Inside the pavilion, a group of Mughal officers sat in conference, maps were spread out before them, with complicated lines marking the boundaries of their target. Leading them was the hooded figure, who has just returned from the capital to take the charge of battle.

On his right hand, Ansari poured a glass of wine, silently with his head down like a loyal subordinate, while on his left, Adil Khan, the prince of the Agra kingdom, sat with an attitude of nobility and arrogance.

And in front of them sat the officers who would be joining them in their campaign, their strict demeanours capturing everything even the ongoing casual nonsense, that might turn into something of importance.

The hooded figure turned to Adil Khan as he passed him the wine. "I thank you for providing the war supplies and the additional cavalry of 3000 and 7000 infantry. This will significantly boost our forces."

Adil Khan inclined his head respectfully while he accepted the warm gesture, "It's an honor to support our shared cause. But I didn't expect the esteemed messenger from the Mughals to join us in battle.

The hooded figure took the newly filled glass from Ansari and took a sip before he asked his concern. "Your support is appreciated, Prince. But why come personally for a task that a regular commander could handle? It's a bit concerning.."

"I got the words from father to ensure that cannons are secured and that our ambush is successful. Our objective is to join the siege of Amber within the fortnight." The prince took another sip as he waited for the answer from the hooded figure.

But this time , instead of the hooded figure Ansari replied hesitatingly . "Your Highness, there's been no word from our allies in Rewari about the cannons. However, with our current forces, we can still eliminate the target and march to the cannon factory."

Adil Khan's face darkened with worry at the revelation of such grim news which was not as per the agreed plan.

"This changes everything," Adil Khan muttered, frustration evident in his voice. "Without the cannons, we're at a disadvantage. We need them to complete the siege. What's your explanation for this?"

Ansari, trying to maintain control, turned to the hooded figure. "We still have the element of surprise and our numerical advantage. With his guidance we can.. "

Before Ansari could finish, a loud commotion erupted outside the tent. Voices were raised in anger and fear. The tent flap burst open, and a bandaged soldier stumbled in, gasping for breath.

"Sir, we were attacked yesterday! A small band of unknown cavalry ransacked our team bringing the slaves and supplies. They captured the commander, and they might know our location."

Panic gripped the room as the officers shared silent glances with each other and trying to make sense of the absurd news. Adil Khan got disappointed as he put down the wine with disinterest and stood up.

"I think it is over. You can have the supplies but we will not join the uncertain ambush. Your supply team might be rag tag foot soldiers but they cant handle meagre scout cavalry who are generally lightly armoured."

This time the hooded figure took charge as he expressed the prince to sit down. " Prince, please let me explain. The Amber fort in Jaipur is five days away, but we have two weeks as agreed. We can still figure this out. Trust us."

Adil khan looked down in disdain, "You speak of trust, messenger, yet you hide your face. Isn't it basic protocol for partners to be transparent with each other?"

Ansari protested as he stood up in anger" HOW DARE YOU!. Do you know whom you are addressing?"

Amidst the turmoil, the hooded figure stood up slowly. He gestured for the bandaged soldier to leave. The atmosphere fell to pin-drop silence, sensing something significant. He pulled back his hood, revealing his identity.

A collective gasp echoed through the room as everybody stood up and saluted the commander. It was Sikandar Khan Uzbek, one of the most respected and feared commanders in the Mughal army. he gestured everybody to sit down.

As everybody settled calmly to rediscuss, Adil khan apologised, "The Prince of Agra apologizes to the great general of the Mughal Sultanate. There's no one in Agra who hasn't heard of Sikandar Khan's valor. With you leading us, victory is assured."

Sikandar Khan was amused by the change in attitude. He patted the young prince on the shoulder. "I'm glad you've grasped the situation. Otherwise, I wouldn't know what excuse to give your father," he remarked.

Adil Khan's brows furrowed in confusion, but before he could ask about the hidden meaning, Sikandar Khan continued. "Our target is Aditya. He's on his way to Rewari. My intelligence confirms he won't have artillery, mostly marksmen. He will likely cross the Sahibi River near this forest location within a day."

He pointed to a location on map, spread across the table. All eyes followed his finger as it traced a path to the marked ambush site. The forested area near the Sahibi River was ideal for their plans.

He revealed his plan , "This will be our ambush site. We will divide our forces. Ansari, you will lead the infantry and create a diversion. Adil Khan, your cavalry will flank from the south and cut off their retreat. I will lead the main assault from the north. Together, we will crush Aditya's forces and then move to canon factory to continue our .."

Suddenly, Adil Khan raised his concern while interrupting Sikandar khan's briefing, "But General, why not attack while he's crossing the river? He'll be most vulnerable, and easier to rout."

Sikandar Khan felt frustrated by the sudden interruption in the midst of his speech. He looked at Ansari and took a sip of his remaining wine, conveying his mood.

Ansari, understanding his master's intention, replied in his stead, "Because the target is cunning and might escape if he senses our trap. Our goal is to eliminate him, not just defeat his army. We need to lull him into a false sense, that the situation is still under control, until it's too late to retreat."

Adil Khan nodded in understanding, which pleased the general as he continued. "The unknown scouts could be from the approaching delegation.

Their forces will be limited and not a big concern. By the time they warn the forces of Rewari, it will be too late for them. We will still keep half of our infantry forces in reserve as I believe our cavalry alone is enough to crush them.

Any Questions? Speak up." He looked at everyone, checking for any signs of doubt or confusion in his careful planning.

Every body nodded in understanding as the briefing was all crystal clear which gave a sense of pride to the general.

With a final nod, Sikandar Khan dismissed the assembly. "Prepare your men. The target shall not escape. We strike at dawn."

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