Chapter 226: Battle of Kashmir Part - 9
The interrogation with Tsewang turned out to be turning point of battle. Rudra not only learned about the secret tunnel route but also the layout of troop positions, the number of soldiers involved, and, most importantly, the information about the arrival of reinforcements.
As per the information received, the number of forces stationed in the fort is two thousand Ladakhi forces, one thousand Kashmiri conscripts, most of whom were disbanded veterans, and two thousand mujahideens from the Mughals. It will take three more days for the reinforcements to arrive.
If not for Tsewang’s deep desire for revenge, Rudra would have faced a far tougher challenge cracking him open, especially given his willingness to die.
Still, even with this stroke of luck, time was against Rudra, and he had to act swiftly.
He ordered the pullback of three thousand soldiers tasked with infiltrating through the tunnel while concentrating most of the soldiers at the southern gate. The task of the soldiers infiltrating was simply to disrupt the cannons, capture the Ladakhi prince, and in the best possible scenario, open the gates.
Once the flare is given, Tsewang was to be put at the front to dissuade his loyalists from surrendering, and then they would rush in. However, that was the ideal case. If not, they would take the fort by force, aiming to secure it before dawn breaks for other day.
Once again, Harish Pal was given the special task of infiltrating, but this time not to rescue; rather, to create chaos by setting the fort on fire.
At the entrance of secret tunnel
In the shadowed forest on the western side of the fort, Harish Pal’s contingent stood in tense silence, waiting for his command. The two thousand soldiers were armored in chainmail, clutching shields, swords, and spears. Crossbowmen and arquebusiers flanked them, each prepared for a precise and deadly assault.
Leading them was Harish Pal, who is being personally briefed by Rudra himself now.
"Are you sure you want to take this? You’ve done enough, Harish. There are others who could take this burden."
With unwavering resolve, Harish replied, "I will not let you down, General. I’m determined to avenge my brothers who died following me. This is the only chance to avenge them, and I shall not miss it."