Empire Ascension: The Rise of the Fated One-Chapter 246: Battle of Ladakh part -4

Near by post, at elevated height,

Captain Ayush was leading one of the posts from which rockets were fired. In addition to the 5 rocket launchers, his position was equipped with 5 falcon cannons as backup. He had 20 artillery crew members and the rest of his soldiers were armed with musket rifles fitted with bayonets.

He was a new recruit, and fortunately for him, with his given top performance in training and with the need for the expansion of the mercenary army, he managed to get in the eye of higher officials and secured a promotion to captain.

But the ridicule of colleagues and subordinates was hard to wash off, as others often deemed him a favored candidate rather than the rightful one. But this battle was the chance to wash his shame and prove his merit, but luck played a joke as he got positioned to stay at a high altitude to just fire at random positions with no sight.

However, he was soon proved wrong. The time to prove his worth came earlier than anticipated. After the assault at the hidden pass, soon, he saw the incoming enemy at the foot of the mountain with considerable size, which formed dotted patterns in the thin sheet of ice.

The distance was approximately a kilometer.

The mountains on the opposite side didn’t have that much ice, so they couldn’t figure out when they descended from the other side, but it was good.

Now they were clear, identifiable targets—almost around 300–350 soldiers in three groups approaching their post from the downslope. Similar dotted patterns could be spotted directing to other parallel posts too, but that wasn’t his concern for now.

Soon the whistle boomed, and he got the signal. He turned to his soldiers. "Bring forward the cannons and prepare the shells."

The rocket-launching stands were taken back. They were waiting for the new rockets, but now it was time to launch the cannons, which were kept behind. The crews pushed the cannons forward, cleared the barrels, and brought forward the crate containing all types of shells.

"Set targets at 900 meters. Fire on my command," Ayush ordered, calculating the range from his training. The soldiers worked in seamless coordination, and the first round of shells was loaded.

The cannons thundered in unison, the recoil shaking the ground beneath them. Five solid shots screamed through the air, hurtling toward the advancing groups. The Ladakhi soldiers, caught unaware, froze as the shells descended upon them. The impact was catastrophic. Direct hits obliterated men instantly, their bodies blown apart in bloody sprays. Those nearby were thrown by the shockwaves, limbs torn and torsos mangled as the shells rolled and detonated further down the slope.

The terrain was left scarred with smoking craters, the white ice now painted red.

"Spread out! The enemy has cannons!" barked the Ladakhi field captain, rallying his troops.

The surviving soldiers spread out while the injured did their best to crawl out, but none gave attention as the priority was to reach the target location. The post was visible, and they were determined.

Then again, the disciplined cannons roared again in unison, and more people died, but they kept moving. In just two rounds, they lost around 40 soldiers, but they kept moving with a wider area to avoid being damaged. 𝗳𝐫𝚎𝗲𝚠𝚎𝗯𝕟𝐨𝘃𝚎𝗹.𝗰𝗼𝗺

The cannons roared and kept hitting, killing two or three for each shell. However, when they reached 500 meters, Ayush ordered to stop. With a cruel smirk on his face, he ordered, "Prepare the shells for grape shot."

Cylindrical shells containing clusters of iron balls were carefully loaded into the mouths of the newly developed cannons. After adjusting the angle of the barrels, the crew waited patiently for their captain’s next order.

Meanwhile, on the downslope, the Ladakhi soldiers felt a brief sense of relief as the bombardment had stopped. However, they failed to realize it was merely the calm before the storm.

Excitement spread through their ranks as they neared 400 meters. But the moment was short-lived.

Suddenly, the valley echoed with the deafening roar of cannons, and instead of the expected round shells, a deadly volley of fragmented projectiles tore through their formations.

The leader of the group was among the first to fall, his body riddled with holes as the scatter shot wreaked havoc.

Panic spread like wildfire, and the once-organized group dissolved into chaos.

Some soldiers desperately attempted to take cover of scattered rocks or regroup, but their efforts were futile.

Within six to seven rounds, nearly 130 soldiers more lay dead.

With only less than one third surviving, the remaining Ladakhi soldiers had their morale utterly shattered, and they decided to retreat to save their lives.

A sergeant standing near Ayush observed the retreating enemies and inquired, "Sir, orders?"

Ayush, still absorbing the devastating impact of the grape shot, remained momentarily silent. Though they had tested the ammunition during drills, witnessing its destructive power in battle was something else entirely.

His eyes drifted to the enemy stockade on the opposite front, perched on a less advantageous position.

It was clear that the remaining Ladakhi soldiers would regroup from there and attack them again in waves to break through their defenses. Yet Ayush’s thoughts weren’t on prolonged defense. Staying at his post meant following orders, but it wouldn’t bring him the glory he craved. At the moment, he was replaceable, but he longed to make a name for himself, and this was his chance.

The idea struck him—he could frame his next action as pursuing the retreating enemies and use the opportunity to strike the enemy stronghold directly. It was a gamble but worth taking after all enemies doesn’t posses the same firepower as them.

Quickly making up his mind, Ayush barked, "All units, prepare to descend. We’re going to kill them in their house!"

The sergeant’s eyes widened in shock. As a seasoned veteran who had fought under the prince in earlier battles and earned his promotion through merit, he understood the gravity of Ayush’s decision. The captain’s order blatantly disregarded the higher-ups’ directive to hold the post. Out of loyalty, he hesitated, attempting to advise his commander. "Sir, we could use long-range shots instead. Besides, the orders are .."

Ayush cut him off, his voice firm and resolute. "I am responsible for this team. And as part of this team, you are to follow my command. Is that clear?"

The sergeant stiffened, saluted, and replied, ’Yes, sir.’

Without further protest, he rallied the soldiers to prepare for descending the slope, following their captain’s lead toward the enemy stronghold. However, he also assigned a soldier to pass the message to higher-ups about their captain’s impulsive charge.

Now, only time would tell how this small development, regardless of valor and duty, would change the course of the rest of the battle. Will this turn out to be a significant point or long lasting disaster to be etched in history?