Chapter 249: Battle of Ladakh part -7
After a while, Hidden pass, Imperial Mercenary outpost
The Hidden Pass, nestled in the snow-laden valleys of Kashmir, lay dormant under the vast expanse of the sky. The morning mist had begun to dissipate, revealing the towering mountain ranges and the untouched white terrain stretching beyond the imperial mercenary outpost.
The air was crisp, and as the clouds parted, the golden sunlight cast a brilliant glow upon the frost-covered landscape, creating an eerie sense of calm before the storm of decisions to be made.
Colonel Manish stood near the central firework under open sky, his head slightly bowed in respect, awaiting Vice General Bheem’s decision.
Bheem, who was assigned as the acting supreme commander of the current coalition army, stood with a furrowed brow as his expression hardened by contemplation.
Before him lay the reports detailing the unexpected actions of Captain Ayush—the man who had defied orders yet delivered an outcome that would be spoken of for generations.
King Dhravya observed the exchange with a subtle, amused smile, his regal presence adding weight to the moment. His royal cloak swayed gently in the light mountain breeze, but his eyes were fixated on Bheem, keenly interested in the vice general’s next move.
The air was tense as Bheem exhaled deeply, then looked at Colonel Manish once more. "So you are saying," he began, his voice steady, "that you chose to save them upon discovering their location after the explosion of enemy stockade, prioritizing rescue over the destruction of cannons?"
Colonel Manish nodded firmly. "Yes, Vice General."
Bheem’s fingers lightly tapped against the pommel of his sword as he continued, "And you wish for me to overlook his disobedience, given the undeniable impact of his actions?"
Manish remained stoic, his expression unreadable. "It is merely a humble suggestion, Vice General. His men see him as a role model. Reprimanding him too harshly could have serious repercussions."
Bheem shook his head, his decision firm. "I deny your request. The duty of the army is to follow orders, not to question them. This is not a royal court meant for politics... We are the grand army of the prince, entrusted to carry out his will. Are we not?"