Empire Ascension: The Rise of the Fated One-Chapter 185: Fall of Kashmir Part -2

Few moments ago, in Lal chowk

In the midst of the celebration, assailants concealed among the crowd began to move toward key areas.

In Lal Chowk, the Muslim kazi declared Tenzin and Zara husband and wife. Tenzin felt a rush of relief; his plan to take over Kashmir was nearly complete. All he needed now was to be declared king by popular appeal, and the cheers from the crowd boosted his confidence. He waved at them, seeking to enhance his popularity.

Suddenly, his martial instincts kicked in as he noticed movement in the crowd, like wolves surrounding their prey. He scanned the faces, recognizing several of his own ethnicity, their eyes filled with intent to kill. Subconsciously, he reached for his dagger instead of his talwar.

As two darts flew toward Zara’s neck, Tenzin deflected them with his dagger just in time. He quickly embraced her, using his body as a shield against further attacks.

His right-hand man, Dorje, disguised as Commander Arif, promptly ordered, "Shield! Protect the royals!" Nearby soldiers raised their shields, forming a protective barrier.

The targets shifted; multiple militants began attacking the patrolling soldiers to create chaos and break the formation.

Amidst the turmoil, it was difficult to distinguish friend from foe. Vigilant soldiers drew their swords, but many fell victim to surprise attacks: stabbed in the back or struck by darts to the neck.

The festive mood shattered like glass as terror swept through the crowd, sending people to flee in every direction like headless chickens.

Zara trembling with fear, clutched Tenzin’s fabric tightly. "Tenzin, stay by me."

Tenzin reassured her, "Don’t worry, my love. I am here with you. Nothing will happen in my presence." Her anxiety eased at his words, finding comfort in his warmth.

Sensing she was momentarily safe, Tenzin leaned in and murmured to Dorje, "Arif, do you know anything?"

Dorje shook his head, his eyes reflecting his innocence in the matter.

Panic surged within Tenzin; this was not part of the plan. He was supposed to persuade Zara to hand over the throne first, but with tension escalating, he sensed the sly old king was growing impatient.

Tenzin’s mind raced as he quickly formulated a retreat plan. He ordered his soldiers to disperse the crowd and attack anyone who approached, giving strict instructions to avoid harming women and children.

The orders were passed, and the soldiers followed through. They pushed the women out of the way and ruthlessly struck down anyone nearby to create a safe perimeter. Many innocents were tragically caught in the chaos, but the tactic worked. The militants either retreated or revealed themselves in their attempts to counterattack, only to be swiftly cut down. Their weapons clattering to the ground, became the stark reminder of their involvement.

The soldiers quickly established a secure perimeter around Lal Chowk and began a cautious retreat, their vigilance unwavering as the crowd dispersed in panic.

Meanwhile, inside the fort, Commander Tashi and his elite forces entered through a secret tunnel. At the time, the city held 6,000 Kashmiri soldiers—4,000 stationed outside and 2,000 royal guards protecting the fort. None of them were aware of the 500 elite units infiltrating the fort via the tunnel, originally meant as an emergency exit for the royal family.

They used the element of surprise to their advantage, gradually striking down guards and moving silently as they crept into the fort like poison spreading through a body.

Back near the fort gates, hidden in the cover of the forest, Commander Norbu waited with his 3,500 soldiers, ready to ambush the retreating Kashmiri forces. Their objective was clear: capture or kill Princess Zara at all costs.

They waited patiently until Tenzin, riding with Zara on horseback, appeared, flanked by his guards.

He took a bow, aimed at the horse, and let his string loose.

Tenzin noticed the arrow too late as it embedded itself in the horse’s flank, causing the animal to stumble violently. He struggled to control it, but with Zara on his lap, the horse lost its balance, and both of them crashed to the ground.

"Enemy attack! Shields up!" a soldier shouted, alerting the others as he spotted the arrow lodged in the horse’s body. The nearby soldiers quickly rushed to protect Tenzin and Zara, forming a round shaped shield wall.

A rain of arrows darkened the night sky. Though the soldiers had been vigilant, preparing for a fall like this, the darkness made it difficult to block every shot. Some arrows found their marks, piercing through gaps in armor and bringing down unlucky Kashmiri soldiers with cries of pain.

After several volleys, the forest came alive with the battle cry of Ladakhi soldiers. Commander Norbu led his men in a furious charge, glaives gleaming as they stormed the battlefield for a direct clash.

Tenzin’s heart sank when he saw Norbu leading the assault. He was supposed to wait at the border until Tenzin gave the signal to capture the city, not launch a full assault. Why the sudden attack? Was there a third party involved? His mind raced with questions and dread, realizing he had to make a choice, and that too fast.

He made up his mind. They dared to attack, fully aware of what they were doing. They may have been allies, but now they were against his plan... his enemies.

Tenzin could have rushed inside, but he knew Norbu well. He ordered Dorje, who was standing near him, "Commander Arif, take the princess. Protect her at all costs."

Dorje bowed before retreating. "Don’t worry, General. I will keep her safe, even if it costs my life." His special unit surrounded the princess as they hurriedly moved inside the fort under the protection of shields.

Now, Tenzin, taking the lead of the army, ordered the archers to fire while his forces shrank back to the gate with shields and spears upfront.

The archers rushed to the backline and shot their arrows.

The Ladakhi soldiers, relied on speed and numbers. Though lacking shields, they wielded two-handed glaives with unmatched skill. They rotated the glaives masterfully to deflect the approaching arrows while advancing. But in the darkness, many moves were guesses, and several were struck and impaled by the arrow’s sharp edges.

The Kashmiris, prepared in shield wall, awaited the impending clash.