NOVEL WEB Chapter 40: The battle of Ujjaini ; Part -2
As the first rays of dawn painted the vast battlefield in hues of gold and crimson, the air was thick with the distant sound of war drums and the murmuring of thousands of soldiers preparing for the inevitable clash. From a bird's eye view, the scene unfolded like a grand game of strategy, where each faction moved into position, anticipating the decisive battle that would determine the fate of empires.
In the north, Emperor Harishchandra's army stood firm, its banners fluttering against the morning breeze as they faced the advancing forces of Emperor Indra. The disciplined ranks of infantry, cavalry, and archers lined up in perfect formations, their expressions grim but resolute. Meanwhile, far to the east and west, the forces of Raja Vikramaditya and Raja Vishvavarma advanced cautiously, preparing to flank the Rashtrakutas and cut off their retreat.
Harishchandra's Command Tent – Present Time
"Maharaj, Emperor Indra's army is approaching with great speed," Mahadev reported, his voice steady yet filled with urgency. "It appears he intends to overwhelm us before Raja Vikramaditya and Raja Vishvavarma reach their positions."
Harishchandra turned to his trusted war commander, his childhood friend, and the son of his father's greatest general. Mahadev had become his sword and shield, a man whose loyalty was as unshakable as the mountains. He placed a firm hand on Mahadev's shoulder. "Do you forget our plan from last night?" he asked with a knowing smile. "We are prepared for this. Let them come."
Mahadev nodded, his confidence returning. "Yes, Maharaj. Our carts remain hidden and ready. The archers are positioned, and the cavalry is on standby. We will execute the plan as discussed."
The Night Before – Strategy Council
Harishchandra had gathered his most trusted commanders within the dimly lit war tent, a single lantern casting long shadows over the map spread before them.
"Indra comes at us with his full force, believing brute strength will secure his victory. But we have the advantage of foresight," Harishchandra stated, his eyes scanning the faces of his generals. "We have carried with us a weapon that will change the tide of battle."
Mahadev leaned forward, his eyes gleaming with anticipation. "The black powder arrows."
Harishchandra nodded. "Yes. Do you recall the attack on Crown Prince Harsha near Deeg? He used a weapon that created fire and explosions, disrupting formations. We have improved upon this method. Harsha also gave me his personal trained archers unit. Now our 700 trained archers will unleash a barrage of these black powder arrows upon the enemy's cavalry as they charge. Their horses will panic, their formations will scatter, and chaos will erupt within their ranks."
The gathered generals murmured in agreement, excitement flickering in their eyes. Harishchandra continued, "Once their cavalry is broken, our heavily armored cavalry, protected by reinforced plating, will charge and decimate what remains. Our archers will then turn their focus to the war elephants, forcing them into a frenzy within Indra's own formation. With his forces in disarray, our infantry will advance and crush their morale. And before Indra can recover, Vikramaditya and Vishvavarma will complete the encirclement."
Mahadev struck the table with his fist. "A flawless strategy, Maharaj! We will capture or kill Emperor Indra and claim victory before the sun sets."
The Battle Begins
As the sun climbed higher, the two massive armies finally met. Indra's cavalry surged forward, hooves thundering like an approaching storm. The Rashtrakutas, believing in their superior numbers, pushed forward in an unrelenting wave.
Harishchandra raised his sword high. "Archers, release!"
A thousand arrows ignited the sky, streaking like shooting stars before crashing into the enemy ranks. The first wave of cavalry riders screamed as fire and explosions erupted among them. Horses reared and bolted in terror, trampling their own riders. The once disciplined charge had become a chaotic stampede.
With precise timing, Harishchandra's armored cavalry surged forward, slicing through the panicked remains of the enemy's cavalry. Spear tips gleamed in the sunlight as they drove into flesh and armor alike. The battlefield was a whirlwind of steel and blood.
From a distance, Indra watched in horror as his cavalry disintegrated. "Regroup! Hold formation!" he bellowed, but his voice was lost in the carnage.
Then, as planned, Harishchandra's archers turned their focus to Indra's war elephants, launching flaming arrows into their thick hides. The great beasts trumpeted in agony, lashing out in fear and charging wildly into their own ranks, crushing soldiers beneath their feet.
The moment had come.
"Infantry, advance!" Harishchandra commanded, his voice carrying across the battlefield.
With disciplined precision, the infantry surged forward, shields locked, spears bristling. Indra's forces, already weakened and disoriented, struggled to mount a defense. Harishchandra himself rode into the fray, his sword a blur of silver as he cut down any who stood in his path.
And then, as the battle neared its climax, the final stroke of strategy was played.
From the east and west, Raja Vikramaditya and Raja Vishvavarma's forces arrived, slamming into the exposed flanks of the Rashtrakutas. The enemy's fate was sealed.
As the Rashtrakutas fell into complete disarray, Emperor Indra found himself surrounded. His personal guards fought valiantly but were no match for Harishchandra's elite warriors. The great emperor, once so confident in his victory, now stood alone amidst the wreckage of his army.
Harishchandra dismounted, approaching Indra with measured steps, his sword lowered but ready. "Surrender, Indra. The battle is lost."
Indra, breathing heavily, looked around at the devastation. His once-mighty army lay shattered, his banners trampled into the dust. He tightened his grip on his sword, defiance still flickering in his eyes.
Would he accept his fate, or would he fight to the bitter end?
Harishchandra waited for his answer, the fate of two empires hanging in the balance.
End of Chapter .
to be continued ...