Empire Ascension: The Rise of the Fated One-Chapter 174: Kidnapping

Pakistan sultanate, Lahore, morning of 30 march 1557.

As the diplomats departed through the front gate, accompanied by an escort of 2,000 elite Persian soldiers, Bairam Khan, stationed high atop the battlement, turned to a hooded figure draped in black robes. This figure was Kasim, a member of the Khufiyas, the Mughal special assassin unit.

"Make sure there are no traces of direct evidence," Bairam Khan commanded with his hands clasped behind his back

Kasim, bowing respectfully, replied, "Certainly, hazur."

With that, Kasim and his team of similarly attired operatives swiftly departed,

As the sun climbed higher, the Persian escort force, 2,000 strong, marched out of the city, their armor glinting in the light. Each soldier wore a cuirass for chest protection, reinforced by leather jerkins, pauldrons, greaves, and bracers. A long talwar hung at their waists, and round shields were strapped to their backs. They carried spears as they marched, with a few high-ranking officers mounted on horseback leading the convoy. They didn’t bring any cavalry, as they planned to board their ships at Thatta port in Sindh, from where they would leave for Persia via sea.

By the evening, the convoy reached the edge of the forest, and for safety, they decided to set up a camp on open grounds. The air was filled with sounds of preparation and the occasional clang of metal . Tents were erected and supplies were arranged in the center for protection, followed by a few spaces for camp gatherings.

As dusk approached, a group of nomadic traders appeared at the edge of the camp. They brought in dancers clad in vibrant attire for entertainment services and were looking out for travelers. They happened to meet the soldiers by chance and approached the diplomats with hope to earn extra gigs.

Buoyed by the prospect of festivity, the guards allowed them to pass into the camping area after a thorough checkup, where Shahrokh and the other officials had gathered for a meeting.

Salim, a fat man wearing a long kameez and loose-fitting trousers with a thick beard and a mole on his cheek, approached Shahrokh with a broad smile. "Esteemed lord! We have come to offer entertainment to lift your spirits after your long journey."

Shahrokh, intrigued and weary from the road, looked over the group of nomads. "What sort of entertainment?"

Salim gestured towards a group of six belly dancers, their shawls falling to reveal shimmering, vibrant costumes. "Our finest dancers, my lord. Masters of celebration and charm. Let them perform, and may their dance bring joy to your evening."

Shahrokh’s eyes gleamed with interest as he watched the dancers, who wore deep-cut blouses that revealed their curvaceous figures. Their skirts, cut high at the sides, exposed their thighs and hips, glistening under the firelight. Though nomadic, they appeared as elegant as royal concubines. "Very well," Shahrokh said, waving his hand. "Let them begin."

The dancers moved gracefully around the campfire, their fluid motions captivating the soldiers and officials alike. Their bodies swayed and shimmered, keeping time with the rhythmic beats of the jhun-jhuna (traditional musical instrument). The soldiers gathered around, their earlier fatigue forgotten as they were drawn into the mesmerizing rhythms and colorful display.

As the night wore on, Shahrokh felt a surge of excitement. He leaned towards jamil, who was standing nearby "How much for a more private engagement with a couple of these dancers?"

As the night wore on and the fire crackled, Shahrokh, now intoxicated by both wine and lust, leaned over to Salim. "What would it cost for a more... private engagement with a couple of your dancers?"

Salim, watching the scene with a knowing smile, replied, "A thick pouch of silver should suffice, my lord."

The soldiers cheered as they watched their lord, still full of excitement at the age of 50, while the dancers giggled knowingly in anticipation. Salim, overjoyed at receiving 10 gold coins, kissed them greedily, while the other performers continued their lively dancing, keeping the mood festive.

Just as Shahrokh reached the entrance to his private tent, his loyal guard, Munnawar Khistish, stepped forward, his voice low with caution. "My lord, be wary of these nomads. They are not of our land, and their intentions may not be as innocent as they seem."

Shahrokh, tipsy and in no mood for warnings, waved him off with a drunken smile. "Worry not, Munnawar. I trust in my own judgment. And besides, who would dare cause harm when I have loyal dogs like you to protect me? Enjoy the evening."

Munnawar bowed his head, stepping aside reluctantly. Though his instincts told him otherwise, his duty was to obey, not question. Still, he kept his vigilance, his eyes scanning the camp, ready to act should anything go awry.

As they reached the tent, the dancers got to work. They weren’t any nomadic travellers but agents of the Mughals, specially trained for such covert operations. One handled Shahrokh’s focus as she kissed him, while the other slipped a sedative powder into an empty goblet and filled it with wine.

Shahrokh was beyond excited; he kissed, grabbed, and smooched both of them as he undressed himself and stripped them naked. Driven mad with lust, he didn’t even doubt to check the wine and gulped its contents in one go before putting his face in their softness.

The girls took time to please him and let the sedative act, and soon the poison started working as Shahrokh began losing his strength and consciousness while delving into his intimate actions. 𝐟𝕣𝗲𝕖𝕨𝗲𝐛𝗻𝗼𝐯𝗲𝚕.𝗰𝚘𝐦

Far in the forest, Kasim, with weary eyes and a smirk on his lips, watched as his agents disappeared into the camp. He signaled his mahouts to unleash the five elephants. The mahouts, experienced in handling these massive beasts, carefully guided them to forefront. They jumped before tapping the elephants’ heads in a way that drove them into a frenzied state.

The elephants, maddened by rage, began to stomp on anything that came in their path, their wild behavior making them seem like a rampaging herd.

Few moments before in camp

Meanwhile, at the outskirts of the camp, two soldiers, Asif and Rehman, stood guard. They joked to pass on their boredom.

"Ya Allah, what sin have I committed to get this guard post? Those lucky bastards are enjoying the show while we’re stuck here, staring at nothing but the wilderness," Asif complained.

Rehman elder than him, shrugged. "At least you’re getting paid. It’s only for a month. Then you can buy yourself a slave and soothe your heart."

Asif scoffed. "Lucky? Those beggars aren’t worth much compared to what we’re missing. We’re only here because no one else wanted this long voyage. Otherwise, we’d be on the front lines and might get a chance to indulge with some spoils. Have you seen those dancers? Just one glance made my heart race."

Rehman sighed. "Even seventy-two houris wouldn’t satisfy you lust. It’s time you get married and found a proper partner."

Asif snapped back, "Don’t lecture me like an old steed whose tool can hardly stand. Allah gave us this gift to share seeds of charity, and here we are, hiding it away because our stupid commander decided to stick us with this guard duty. He’s probably enjoying the dancers himself while we’re stuck here, jealous and frustrated."

Rehman shook his head. "So, what can we do? Beg someone to take our place?"

Asif’s eyes lit up mischievously. "How about we start a fire and kidnap those girls to satisfy our desires?"

Rehman hissed, "Be quiet, fool. Your jokes could get us both beheaded."

Asif scowled, . "You’re right. If I say what I really want, I’ll lose my head. Meanwhile, they’re all enjoying themselves. " thumping the spear’s butt on ground he cursed. " I wish Allah would judge them and make them disappear, leaving us with the spoils."

Suddenly, the ground trembled beneath their feet. They looked at each other in alarm.

Asif asked, "Do you think Allah gave me so much power to make the ground shake?"

Their misconception was quickly dispelled as the trumpet of the elephants sounded in the distance. They shuddered as five enraged elephants charged towards them.

Despite their initial complains, the soldiers quickly snapped into action. They alerted the camp just as any loyal soldiers would.

Panic spread through the camp as the elephants rushed forward, trampling tents and supplies. Flames erupted as the elephants set the camp alight, and the soldiers scrambled to either fight the fire or confront the rampaging beasts. Confusion reigned as the fire spread, and the soldiers were torn between extinguishing the blaze and dealing with the elephants.

Munnawar, the commander of the forces, quickly assessed the chaos and rushed to the grand tent, only to find it empty. His lord was missing, along with the riches. He dashed outside, realizing the other girls were gone too.

Frustrated, Munnawar shouted, "Get everyone out here! Our lord has been kidnapped by thugs. Find those responsible and do whatever it takes to bring him back!"

Asif and Rehman, standing at the edge amidst the sea of soldiers, exchanged an amused look on the irony of situation.

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//A/N:

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