Chapter 247: Battle of Ladakh part -5
As the Ladakhi soldiers retreated, Captain Ayush seized the opportunity to descend with his force of 120 men. They brought along their five Falcon cannons, leaving behind their rockets and other supplies, fully prepared for an offensive strike. However, unbeknownst to Ayush, the group now numbered 119, as a veteran sergeant had discreetly sent one soldier to report to the higher-ups.
Midway to their target stockade, the group halted at a distance of 700 meters.
"All units, halt!" Captain Ayush commanded, raising his hand.
He took a moment to survey the terrain. Moving upward and out of the safety of their elevated position, they were now exposed to the enemy. The hill they descended from had previously offered a natural defensive advantage, but the new terrain was far less forgiving.
The opposing hill was steep, its rocky surface and scattered dust offering limited cover. While blending into the environment was possible from long-range vantage points, the open expanse between the two positions left them vulnerable to a countercharge. Had the enemy not been in disarray, there was still a significant risk of being spotted by their scouts.
However, Ayush was confident this was the perfect moment to strike. The enemy garrison was preoccupied with tending to their wounded and regrouping, making it unlikely they would notice the advancing force.
The risk was undeniable. If retreat became necessary, they would have to descend another 400 meters, cross the valley, and climb back to their original position—an exhausting endeavor that would also mean abandoning the cannons. But if they could storm the stockade and breach its defenses, the reward would outweigh the gamble.
Ayush turned to his men, his voice firm and resolute. "Take positions. Cannons, focus on the fort gate—that wooden wall. I want it blown to pieces!"
The cannoneers adjusted their aim, recalibrating the heavy artillery toward the fort gate. Soldiers shifted their positions, lining up behind the cannons in preparation for the assault. Meanwhile, the logistics team readied the ammunition crates for the bombardment.
The cannon muzzles were meticulously cleaned, loaded, and aimed at their target. The men stood poised, their nerves steeled for the impending strike.
Vantage point, Imperial mercenary outpost
Bheem brimmed with joy as he watched the carnage unfold below. Positioned at a nearby outpost, he had witnessed the enemy Ladakhi soldiers attempt an assault—only to be ruthlessly beaten back and blown to pieces. More than half of them had retreated, dragging their wounded as their morale crumbled.