Chapter 91: Aftermath of the Clearing Part-1
Aditya’s base camp, 1st march 1557.
As the first light of dawn settled on the open fields near the banks of the Sahibi river, the bodies of fallen soldiers, draped in stacks of wood, were consumed by the fire. Their sacrifice was honored in the ancient ritual of returning the body to the five elements through the purification of fire. Prince Aditya stood solemnly before the pyres, paying homage to his fallen soldiers.
Behind him, his musketeers, royal guards, and crossbowmen stood in rigid lines, their faces reflecting a mixture of pride and sorrow.
"Proud to serve under Prince Aditya. His respect for our fallen comrades shows his true leadership," one soldier murmured.
"We’ll never see another leader like him. This much respect is worth dying for," another agreed.
The musketeers and guards felt a swell of pride and gratitude towards their prince. They murmured among themselves, moved by his personal involvement in the cremation ceremony. To the side, Pratap and his Rajput soldiers, equally disciplined, watched the ceremony with a deep sense of respect and internal conflict.
"What is he doing? He is of royal blood."
"Why is he treating them with so much respect?"
While they respected the ceremony and the honor being shown to the dead, they couldn’t help but feel a twinge of unease. Aditya’s actions were a stark reminder of the differences in leadership styles and the expectations of loyalty and sacrifice.
"Do you think we will get that kind of respect?"
"Ssh! Lower your voice, someone can hear you."
Some Rajputs questioned if their own leaders would show such personal respect, while others felt a renewed sense of camaraderie with Aditya’s men.