Empire of India: Rise of the Ruthless Prince

The sun was setting on the horizon, casting an orange glow on the blood-ridden battlefield. The flames mingled with the orange sky blending into the atmosphere.

The first layer of the fort walls was damaged badly on the right side, while the left flank had made a gaping hole in the first layer of fortification and damaged the second one. Gates of the Capital were subjected to the battering Ram treatment as the first gate broke down, revealing the second wooden gate reinforced with iron.

Fatigue was catching up to the soldiers, as they had been fighting for hours on end without a break. Attempts to track the ambushers also bore no result as they retreated inside the port, maneuvering through the steep slopes with their light armor and agility.

Cannons on both flanks were damaged to the point of no return. Only a handful survived and ran out of the range of the fort towards the backline at Askar's command.

The Sally ports on both sides were quickly sealed after the ambush unit returned. It was a successful ambush, although it revealed the existence of sally ports to Askar. They managed to take out the main threat of cannons.

The Vanguard of the Mughals still had cannons in their backline, as Askar didn't shift them to the flanks for some reason. The remaining cannons were quickly recalled out of range and a defensive barrier was formed to look out for more ambushes.

Mughals did a fair share of damage to capital but fatigue was slowly both sides down as the light began to fade and darkness was slowly covering the sky. It was time to do a temporary ceasefire.

It was common for the ceasefires to occur at nightfall during the battles. The soldiers needed to rest as well for the next day.

Askar wasn't happy with the state of things. He lost a chunk of his artillery and a lot of soldiers.

The war horn was blown, indicating a temporary ceasefire till dawn. Askar returned to the camp with an angry expression.

Shivaji, the young commander, managed to inflict substantial damage on his army. It would be bad if he couldn't breach the gates tomorrow. He needed to get a plan together.

He already included the existence of hidden doors in the fort to move quickly and ambush them. Askar needed to deploy scouts in the area to look out for ambushes.

"Increase the patrol. Deploy scouts to monitor the walls and gates." He yelled at a soldier.

The soldier nodded obediently at furious command.

Askar sent scouts out to look for the Sally ports that they used to ambush. The scouts found them sealed tightly after the ambush. He took notes of the location.

The backline troops that didn't participate were used at nighttime patrols for any hidden ambushes by the Marathas.

The injured soldiers were treated in the camp. Some lost limbs and eyes, while others had slight injuries like scratches and cuts from the arrows. Many died as the result of the siege. Hundreds of corpses were rotting on the battlefield.

Askar slammed the desk with his fist. He was pissed off that he lost the cannons. The fact that a young, inexperienced commander caught him off guard made him even angrier.

'I will kill that fucking bastard. I, Askar, will win and claim my revenge.'

Meanwhile, inside the capital, Shivaji was praised by his fellow commanders and soldiers for planning an ambush and succeeding.

Darkness covered the sky and faint lights of the oil lamps and torches illuminated the fort. He ordered the guards to be alert and look out for incursions at night.

Since the first war with the Mughals, they have learned to stay vigilant even during the temporary ceasefires, as the Mughals were known to take advantage of these situations.

The maids made food for the soldiers and tended to their wounds. Women and maids were a great help in moving materials and easing the job of the soldiers. Shivaji was walking towards the Queen's quarters. She moved close to the walls to help with the battles.

Shivaji had a grim expression on his face as he headed towards the Queen's quarters to report.

He faced the queen.

"Here is the casualty report, Your Majesty." He said as he handed the report to her.

She skimmed through the reports and grimaced. "The walls have been damaged and the second gate has sustained considerable damage to them."

"Can we even win this battle?" She asked him.

"Your Majesty," he began. "As long as I am alive, they won't touch a single citizen of Karnavati."

The Queen sighed. "How do you plan to defeat Askar?"

"You realize the troops morale is low and considering the damage, the gates will be breached tomorrow."

"Yes, Your Majesty. I will still keep my word."

The Queen glanced up at his confident declaration. Her head wasn't working right. She hasn't slept in days and her grumpy attitude was seeping out. She realized she was being pessimistic wouldn't help.

She was taking out her own anger on a young child, risking his life to protect the capital.

"I am sorry," she mumbled.

"What did you say? Your majesty." Shivaji tilted his head in confusion

"You may leave."

Shivaji walked towards the camps. He could see the soldiers sitting and having food with hollow eyes. There wasn't a speck of liveliness in their eyes.

It was like everyone had accepted their fates to die for the capital. The battle had taken the lives of their comrades and best friends. The people they grew up with in the army. Shivaji clenced his fist in frustration; he was inexperienced as well. He knew about his ability more than anyone else.

He gazed up at the night sky. The stars twinkled lightly.

'How can I win?'

The midnight breeze was cool and fresh. It calmed his nerves.

'Can I even win?'

A doubt crossed his mind.

*SLAP*

He slapped himself back to reality.

'No, Shivaji. You can do this.'

Shivaji shook his head and closed his eyes to calm himself down.

He prayed in his mind.

'Mahadev, please guide me.'