Chapter 240: Proving oneself
Purana Qila, Delhi, Morning of April 25, 1557
Rows of soldiers stood in formation on the training grounds, awaiting inspection. At the forefront were a thousand troops from the Gorkha Kingdom, led by King Dravya. Behind them stood three thousand soldiers from Aditya’s mercenary army, commanded by Colonels Manish, Ratnakar, and Neelesh. Finally, two thousand cavalrymen, led by Bheem, waited with their mounts, all standing in disciplined queues.
Prince Aditya moved through the ranks, stopping first to meet King Dravya. The Gorkha king, clad in leather armor reinforced with customized chain mail, stood resolutely. The two leaders exchanged salutes, fists clenched in mutual respect. Aditya then clasped both of Dravya’s hands firmly.
"Your Majesty, our imperial troops are now under your guidance. I trust you will lead them wisely and bring your expertise to bear in these trying times," Aditya said with solemnity.
King Dravya’s face lit up with a determined smile. "Do not worry, Prince. This war is not just business—it’s personal. My sister’s ambush will not go unavenged. They will shed tears of blood for what they have done."
Aditya’s expression darkened momentarily at the mention of the ambush, but he quickly masked his feelings and returned a reassuring smile. "I only wish I could be by your side in this campaign. Rest assured, upon your victorious return, I will ensure the safety of your kingdom and train your soldiers to match the standards of our own."
Dravya patted Aditya’s shoulder warmly. "That’s the spirit, my friend. And who knows? Perhaps it’s not too late for us to strengthen our bond—by becoming brothers-in-law."
Aditya bowed respectfully, his hands folded in a Namaste. "For now, I can only pray for your swift victory and safe return, Your Majesty."
He moved on, pausing to observe the Gorkha soldiers. They cut an impressive figure, each clad in chain mail layered with leather armor designed for mountain warfare. At their waists hung the infamous khurpis, secured beside their sword scabbards, and in their hands, they carried long spears. Supplies were strapped neatly to their backs, completing their formidable appearance.
Aditya moved through the ranks of his trusted colonels. Manish and Ratnakar commanded the musketeer battalion, each soldier equipped with muskets as primary weapons and crossbows slung on their backs for secondary use. Beside them stood Neelesh and his troops, skilled in logistics support. They carried only crossbows in their arsenal but stood ready to ensure the seamless movement of supplies. Behind them were 200 carts loaded with Hwacha launchers, 200 rocket artillery units, and additional logistical equipment. Aside from it, there were 200 falconet and 12 pounder heavy cannons
As Aditya passed by, the colonels and their men saluted him sharply, raising their voices in unison:
"For the Company! For the Prince! For the Samrajya!"