Chapter 98: Battle of Bawal Part -3
EnvoyDiego’s POV
The Portuguese were at a significant disadvantage with only 500 soldiers, split between 250 pikemen and 250 musketeers. However, Envoy Diego had a different plan. He understood that to gain trust and improve the Portuguese reputation, making a significant contribution was crucial. This siege presented a golden opportunity to showcase the superior prowess of the Portuguese, but the lack of soldiers was a pressing concern.
On the top walls of Fort which stood 20 meters high from ground, soldiers are bustling around, setting up defenses, and readying themselves for the next wave of the assault.
The atmosphere is tense, with the smell of burning wood, rotten smell of fallen rebels outside and footsteps of soldiers filled the air. Amidst of this turmoil Envoy Diego, with his small army takes position on the walls. He scans the fortifications, his keen eyes noting something amiss.
’Why is there so much space? I could fit a full row of ballistaes here. Wait... were there any siege weapons placed before? I don’t see any.. forget it.. not even cannons.’ he pondered as he pulled his beard.
He brought this to the attention of General Ratan Singh, who was patrolling to provide assistance and maintain coordination across all sections of the walls.
"General Singh! A moment of your time."
Ratan Singh rushed to him.
"What is it, Envoy ? We’re in the middle of a siege."
Diego replied with caution, "I understand, but we’re missing a critical element. The walls are thick enough for siege machines, yet I see none. Did you use any kind of throwers?"
Ratan singh felt sceptical at first not able to understand why he is asking about something less significant but then suddenly an idea gnawed at him. He sighed as he understood the gist of it.
"Yes, you are correct. We had catapults before, but they were removed to the workshops to create more space, as we are now using cannons through the murder holes. We believed the cannons to be more effective."