Chapter 224: Battle of Kashmir Part - 7
Five hundred soldiers stood assembled outside the heavy iron gate. These men were the elite of Ladakh, skilled in all forms of combat. They wore black leather armor, each armed with a standard glaive in hand, a sword at their waist, and arrows slung across their backs.
Ahead of them, Commander Jigmet stood, his gaze fixed on Prince Tsewang, who was similarly attired. "Your Highness, please reconsider. Taking only one hundred elites is a dangerous risk. Take at least three hundred. I’m confident I can divert the Bhargavian troops with two hundred alone."
Tsewang placed a steady hand on Jigmet’s shoulder. "Worry not, Commander. Where a needle fits, a sword can only make things worse. Besides, you’ll need those soldiers to cover our retreat."
Jigmet was taken aback by the prince’s determination. The mission was almost impossible, bordering on suicidal.
Scouts had reported that the mountain fort was surrounded by Bhargavian forces on three sides, with only the northern approach left open due to the challenging terrain and proximity of the fort’s cannons.
The siege was concentrated on the other sides, but even so, who would risk taking only one hundred men? Yet Tsewang had insisted that a larger force would risk detection, and with him and his small contingent handling the distraction at the eastern gate, the approach would remain covert.
The commander knew why Tsewang had made this choice. They’d trained together, taken on countless missions since childhood, and even infiltrated Kashmir with Tsewang disguised as General Tenzin. These five hundred elites were more than just soldiers; they were brothers. Jigmet understood the prince’s desire to spare as many lives as possible, even at great personal risk. He felt a pang of pity, realizing that Tsewang’s love for his fallen mistress had driven him to see these civilians as his own people, too.
Since Prince Tsewang had successfully completed more dangerous missions in the past, a fleeting hope lingered in his heart. After all, orders were orders, and royal matters were beyond his control.
With a sigh, Jigmet bowed deeply. "I hope to see you return safely, my prince. Remember, you still carry the royal blood."
Tsewang gave a tight smile, acknowledging the commander’s unspoken concern. There was no time for sentiment now; he had civilians to rescue. With a quiet signal, he led his small contingent through the northern gate, blending into the night as they made their way toward the forest to the west.
Commander Jigmet watched as his liege disappeared into the shadows.
With steely resolve, he turned to his leftover unit, "Today, our prince has taken on a big burden. His mission is already next to impossible. Traitor or not, he is still our liege who cares for his subordinates. We are given the opportunity to lighten his burden by distracting the enemies ahead so that he can complete his mission."