Chapter 92: Aftermath of the Clearing Part-2
In a secluded area deep within the forest, Ansari, the acting supreme commander of the Mughal coalition forces, was bound and gagged, hanging upside down from a tree branch. Around the tree, musketeers stood guard, ensuring that no one could interfere.
Prince Aditya, accompanied by a royal guard, some Vaidyas (local medics) and Balwindar, approached the tree.
"Lower him and let him speak," Aditya ordered with a calm authority. The musketeers obeyed, carefully lowering Ansari to the ground.
Once the gag was removed from his mouth, Ansari struggled to rise his battered body, but Aditya gestured for him to remain lying down. "It must be painful," he remarked.
It was clear that he had been badly beaten being tied up, yet his face showed no remorse. Instead, he kept a defiant smile.
Ansari laughed, mocking the prince. "Your double standards amuse me prince. You won’t get anything from me. I’d rather die than help a kafir and betray my people."
Impressed by his defiance, Aditya ordered Captain Himanshu to bring the piece of wood he had requested. Ansari watched sceptically as Himanshu approached, sharpening the wood with a knife. "If you think you can scare me with a knife, you’re delusional bastard prince," Ansari taunted.
Aditya chuckled. "It’s not just the knife. Look at the shape of this wooden piece and imagine how it could be used."
Ansari’s confidence wavered. "What do you mean?" he asked sensing ominous.
Aditya leaned closer, his voice dropping to a menacing whisper. "This masterpiece is meant to penetrate your rear. After giving you a taste of hell, we’ll sharpen your ’tool.’ Look at this knife-like edge," he gestured to the knife as it peeled the skin of the wood and said with a maniacal grin, "we’ll do a bit of sculpting. You might be familiar with the process."
Ansari gulped, fear creeping into his eyes as he observed the sharpened end of the wood and the knife sharpening it. The thought of such a brutal torture method was terrifying tabboo, but he steeled himself, determined not to give in.
Panic and desperation seeped into his voice as he said, "This is madness, Aditya. Please, think of the consequences if word of this spreads. It will tarnish your honor and reputation. How can you afford such disgrace? Fear the will of Allah.."