Capítulo 79: Holding the Ground Part-1

The sun dipped below the horizon, casting a warm glow over the river's surface. Aditya and his forces reached the riverbank, choosing a route where the water was shallow enough for a crossing. Craftsmen immediately set to work, constructing rafts and ragtag boats to ferry supplies across.

The river shimmered in the fading light, its gentle current providing a soo thing contrast to the clamor of the soldiers preparing to cross. Men waded into the water with ropes in hand, their movements purposeful and synchronized. The air filled with the sounds of orders being shouted, the splashing of water, and the creaking of makeshift vessels. Aditya observed the operation, noting the steady pace of the soldiers.

"Steady now, keep those ropes taut. We don't want any surprises," he murmured to himself, a hint of pride in his voice as he watched his men work.

Colonel Nilesh, overseeing the logistics, moved among the soldiers, ensuring everything was in order. The process was slow and laborious, especially with the carts that required extra effort to transport. He approached Aditya, his face reflecting the strain of the task.

"Sir, everything is on this side of the river. What are your orders?" Nilesh reported, his voice steady despite his exhaustion.

Aditya nodded approvingly. "Good job, Colonel. Let's make a base here. Our soldiers are exhausted from the long march. They need some rest."

Colonel Nilesh saluted with a clenched fist and turned to organize the setting up of a temporary camp. The moon had already reached its peak by the time the last cart was carried out of the river. The men set up camp within 600-800 meters of the forest that lay ahead. Tents were pitched quickly and efficiently, fires were lit to ward off the night's chill.

The camp buzzed with activity as soldiers moved with purpose, setting up tents and organizing supplies. The flickering flames of the campfires cast long shadows, and the air was filled with the scent of cooking food. The forest ahead loomed dark and appeared as if mysterious guardians of the forest are watching over the camp.

Colonel Manish joined Aditya by a campfire. "The men are settling in, General. We've set up perimeter guards and scouts to keep watch," he reported, his eyes scanning the camp for any signs of trouble.

Aditya nodded, staring into the flames. "Good. We need to be ready for anything. Let the men rest, but keep them alert."

As the night deepened, the soldiers gathered around the fires, sharing stories and laughter to ease the tension of the day. Aditya walked among them, offering words of encouragement and thanks for their hard work. The camaraderie was palpable, enhancing unity and morale within the ranks.

'Swoosh!'

The camp was calm, the sounds of the forest blending with the quiet murmur of resting soldiers. Suddenly, a streak of flame cut through the darkness, landing on a tent and setting it ablaze. The fire spread rapidly, the orange flames licking at the fabric and wood. Shouts of alarm rang out as soldiers scrambled to extinguish the fire. Panic threatened to spread, but the officers quickly regained control.

Aditya leaped to his feet, his voice carrying over the chaos. "To arms! Form a defensive line! Protect the supplies!"

The soldiers, though startled, moved with practiced efficiency. Musketeers and crossbowmen took positions, aiming towards the forest from where the fire arrows had come. Spearmen formed a protective ring around the camp's core.

Royal guard commander Ujjwal Singh's voice rang out above the noise, rallying his men. "Royal guards, hold steady! Do not let them through!"

Colonel Nilesh, directing the logistics team, ensured the supplies were secure. "Secure the remaining supplies! We can't afford to lose anything more," he ordered, his voice firm.

As more arrows rained down, the soldiers fired back into the darkness. The figures of the enemy could be seen retreating into the forest in the western direction of camp.

Aditya stood firm, his eyes scanning the treeline. "We'll not be cowed by these tactics. Stay alert, and keep the fires under control," he commanded, his voice unwavering.

After the fire attack, panic hung in the air. Soldiers, exhausted and anxious, remained vigilant. The royal guards took the front line, their armor gleaming in the dim light. Behind them, 3,000 musketeers equipped with bayonets formed a solid line, while 1,000 crossbowmen stood ready behind them.

Aditya moved through the ranks, ensuring each musketeer was equipped with quick-loading powder flasks and pre-measured cartridges. This system significantly reduced their loading time, allowing them to fire more rapidly.

Aditya made this customization for his arquebuses, inspired by the 'Tanegashima Hayago' used in 16th-century Japan. This innovation significantly reduced the loading time of their matchlock muskets from 30-40 seconds to just 20-30 seconds, enhancing their rate of fire and combat efficiency with quick-loading tubes.

As the soldiers stood in formation for defense, Aditya called their leaders for a quick meeting. The tension was palpable as they gathered around him.

Aditya surveyed his colonels, his eyes sharp and determined. "Our cavalry reinforcement will be joining soon. I want our area secured here till then. Do we have any doubts?"

Manish voiced his concern, his brows furrowed. "Sir, since we are being marked for ambush, wouldn't it be better to change location?"

Aditya sighed, a hint of helplessness in his voice. "No, Colonel. There is nothing more to do than defend. We are stronger only if we are together and in formation. I want not a single soul to break formation without my order. Am I clear?"

All the colonels replied in unison, their voices firm, "Yes, sir."

Aditya spread a map on the table, the flickering candlelight casting shadows on the parchment. "We're vulnerable here. Ratnakar, deploy scouts to the north and south. We need early warning of any approach. There's no probability of an attack from the east as it's the backside of the river. We need to concentrate all our forces on the front in the western direction. Place scouts at these positions for their safety. "

Colonel Ratnakar nodded, understanding the gravity of the situation. "I'll send our best men. They'll report back on any movement."

Colonel Deepak looked up from the map, concern etched on his face. "General, should we fortify the camp? Trenches and caltrops could slow any surprise attacks."

"Yes," Aditya agreed, his voice decisive. "Begin immediately. We can't afford to be caught off guard. But keep the front side of the river untouched. We need to force the enemy to fight in that direction."

Nilesh, always meticulous, voiced his concern. "Sir, what about the hwacha and rocket artillery?"

Aditya thought for a moment, then replied, "Prepare the hwachas and artillery at the back. Load only a few and wait for my command. Nilesh, your battalion will take charge."

Nilesh saluted, clenching his fist to his heart. "Yes, sir."

As the meeting dismissed, the officers moved swiftly. Outside, soldiers began digging trenches and placing caltrops under the cover of darkness. The mood was tense but focused, each man aware of the importance of their work.

Sentries were placed strategically, and the hwachas and rocket artillery were unpacked and assembled, ready for any potential attack.

At dawn, the stillness was broken as alarm spread through the camp. From the forest, the Mughal infantry emerged, a daunting sight in the early light.

Hundreds of villagers, captured as slaves, were forced to the front, their hands tied and mouths gagged. The sight was harrowing, and a murmur of unease spread among Aditya's men.

Aditya felt a profound moral dilemma. These were his people, innocent villagers being used as human shields. He raised his hand, signaling to hold fire. His voice, though steady, carried the weight of his inner conflict. "Hold your fire. We cannot risk the lives of our citizen."

The soldiers, maintained their formation. The tension was nearly unbearable, each man ready to act but restrained by their leader's command.

The sight of the villagers, their eyes pleading for rescue, was a stark reminder of the cruelty of their enemy.

Aditya stood firm, his mind racing for a strategy that would save both his people and his army. The dawn light bathed the scene in a surreal glow, the stakes higher than ever as they prepared for the inevitable clash with the advancing infantry.