Empire Ascension: The Rise of the Fated One

Hari parbat fort, Southern gate, Srinagar.

Hari Parbat Fort was a single-walled fortress, comparatively smaller than other city-like forts and known only for its strategic build on high elevated terrain to keep watch over the entrance of the whole city of Srinagar.

Its thick stone walls were like a patchwork of labyrinthine corridors and ramparts that protected the royal palace which served as fort’s keep at its center.

The eastern section of the fort held the armoury, barracks, and storerooms for military supplies, while the western side contained manors and residences for civilians. To the north lay the palace garden, while the inner courtyard stretched across the southern side.

Each wall and rampart was interconnected, allowing easy access for guards to survey the defenses from all directions and quickly reach the palace in times of need. The fort’s design ensured that every corner was well-protected, with pathways that made it difficult for intruders to navigate without guidance.

However, if someone knowledgeable seized the pathways leading directly from the palace, they could effectively cut off critical sections of the wall defenses.

Faujdar Harish Pal exploited this vulnerability. He set fires at key intersecting corridors and passageways, intending to disrupt the defenses.

The flames quickly drew the attention of soldiers nearby, who rushed to contain the spread by any means necessary. The fire escalated swiftly, consuming sections of the palace and diverting reinforcements from the southern courtyard, where Harish Pal’s forces prepared to attack.

Once the fires spread, Harish Pal led his men down to the ground floor, advancing with haste toward the inner courtyard in the south.

There, the arquebusiers and crossbowmen split up, taking positions on rooftops, balconies, and behind pillars. Each found a vantage point overlooking the courtyard, ensuring they had clear sightlines to support the swordsmen moving in to seize the gate.

As Harish Pal entered the courtyard via the staircase, he scanned the area. Around 400-500 men were already stationed there, scattered in chaos, some frantically running to fetch water in a desperate attempt to contain the spreading fire.

A low-ranking commander shouted, "Enemies ahead, gather up!" after spotting Harish leading his troops.