Chapter 244: Battle of Ladakh part -2
Somewhere, near the southern ridge, 400 meters away from the hidden pass.
The chilly air bit into Commander Lobsang’s face as he stood atop the southern ridge, his sharp gaze fixed on the mountain pass ahead. Despite being warned by the friendlier forces, he decided to scout the enemy position with his own eyes.
The hidden pass from the south snaked its way through the mountainous terrain, which seamlessly merged with the secondary valley.
Beyond, the new mountain range loomed, its elevated ridges dotted with rudimentary outposts. These posts, nestled precariously against the snow-laden cliffs, housed sparse garrisons of soldiers. Their blue uniforms were visibly stark against the white expanse.
Lobsang’s experienced eyes took note of their peculiar winter gear and disciplined movements. These men, though lightly positioned, appeared well-equipped for the harsh conditions. Even so, their small numbers betrayed a glaring overconfidence. The sight of supply lines winding back and forth from the hidden pass to the outposts only confirmed the vulnerability of their logistics.
Beside him, a scout pointed toward the narrow trail where enemy soldiers carried crates and barrels toward the newly constructed posts.
"My lord, beyond that pass must be their base of operations. The hidden pass seems to be their lifeline, but we cannot approach without exposing ourselves. There is no alternate route to flank them unnoticed."
Commander Lobsang, mounted on a sturdy Tibetan pony, adjusted his grip on the reins and observed the situation silently. He noted the scattered layout of the enemy positions, chosen strategically with ranged artilleries and machines they had never seen before.
But as per the records, it must be powerful enough to launch long-range projectiles that were capable of destroying their base, just as they did a few moments before. Fortunately, it seems their ammunition stockpile had been depleted, and people are seen carrying crates, which need to be disrupted.
He snorted dismissively. "They’ve overplayed their hand," he said, his voice laced with scorn. "These fools think they can hold us back with a handful of outposts and empty threats. Look at them—scrambling to hold this pass, thinking we’ll be too timid to strike. Good. Let them believe that."
He turned to his left, where his subordinate awaited his orders, the frost gathering on his armor glittering in the weak sunlight. "Send the word," Lobsang commanded. "We will rally our forces and storm that pass. Once the route is ours, their supplies will choke in the snow. Their scattered soldiers will have no choice but to surrender or starve."
The subordinate nodded firmly. "Yes, my lord. I will relay the orders at once."