Reclaiming Kochi Part :3

"Thud... thud... thud..." Soon, the trees on the hill began to fall down one by one, much like the hair falling on a 9-10 code farmer's head. If any climate activist from the future had witnessed this scene, it would likely give them a heart attack.

Fortunately, the rafts were quickly built according to Vijay's instructions, utilizing the numerous trees in the vicinity.

Soon after, Vijay embarked on a specially designed larger raft, crafted exclusively for him, and set course towards the Dutch warship. Normally, discerning movement on a dark sea would pose significant challenges. Yet, the illuminating lights on the Dutch battleship provided a conspicuous guide, making it notably easier for Vijay and his army to navigate towards their target in the otherwise obscure conditions.

Had anyone aboard the battleship bothered to glance toward the Port-side sea expanse, they would have been astounded to witness thousands of rafts heading their way. Unfortunately, a significant portion of the personnel aboard the ship were either intoxicated with alcohol or preoccupied with women, diverting their attention and leaving them oblivious to the imminent incoming threat.

Subsequently, a soldier from Vijayanagara quietly climbed up a rope with a hook thrown from the ship's rear. Finding no one guarding the back of the ship, he swiftly managed to secure more ropes for his comrades to ascend.

Following the successful accomplishment of their objectives, the Vijayanagara army personnel initiated a brutal offensive. They organized into squads of ten, infiltrating various sections of the different warships, engaging in a relentless and systematic massacre. Advancing through every room, meticulously and ruthlessly, they eliminated the Dutch sailors. The drunk state of the Dutchmen rendered them defenceless in the face of the determined onslaught.

Vijay, a part of the invading force, bore witness to the heinous atrocities committed by the Dutch. Amid the chaos, he encountered a ghastly scene—a chilling display of the Dutch's barbarity. Lifeless bodies of women callously discarded on the ship, In the midst of the wreckage, he noticed the lifeless body of a child, perhaps no more than 12 years old. Upon reaching out, the remnants of warmth lingered in her hand, indicating she had been alive just moments before. Her saree, soaked in blood, bore witness to the severity of the injury that had caused her death.

Vijay's eyes grew increasingly colder as he kept witnessing these atrocities. Finally, he made his way to what looked like a captain's cabin, indicated by the luxurious decoration and an artistic door blocking the way.

As that door was kicked open, what caught his eye was a little girl lying motionless on the bed. As Vijay saw the body of the little girl, his heart began to wrench from all the accumulated anger and depression that he had been suffering. From the looks of it, the girl had been brutally violated and choked to death. This little girl, who was supposed to go to school and play with friends at such a young age, had just died like this for no apparent reason.

His eyes turned red as he surveyed the room, searching for the one responsible for these atrocities. He found a man shivering in the corner, attempting to hide behind the cupboard.

Captain Sander, upon noticing that Vijay had discovered him, felt his body tremble in fear, his heart sank further by looking at the eyes of Vijay that resembled that of a demon.

He hurriedly moved towards Vijay and, falling to his knees while bleeding, pleaded, "Please, don't kill me! I surrender, I surrender," his tone akin to a distraught mother who had lost her child. "I am a nobleman. If you capture me, a hefty ransom could be demanded. You must adhere to noble etiquette. My family is exceedingly wealthy; they will reward you handsomely," he implored.

Vijay, unmoved by the situation, stared at Captain Sanders as if devoid of emotion. 

Sensing an opportunity to capture Vijay and potentially gain favour in the kingdom, Sanders attempted a surprise attack, wielding a concealed dagger.

The soldiers from Vijayanagara were startled by the sudden turn of events. Before they could react to protect their leader, Vijay instinctively stepped in, catching Sanders off guard. With an impassive expression, Vijay skillfully deflected Sanders' thrust, causing the dagger to clatter to the ground.

Acting swiftly, Vijay retrieved the fallen weapon and, without hesitation, drove it through the back of Sanders' neck, severing his windpipe and neutralizing the threat. Sanders fell to the ground, a shocked expression frozen on his face.

"Send the signal," Vijay commanded, flicking his hand in an attempt to get rid of the blood staining his skin. Promptly following his directive, a flaming arrow was launched into the sky, serving as the designated signal and marking the initiation of the assault on the Kochi Port.

Upon receiving the signal, the division positioned on the outskirts of the Kochi port swiftly surged into the town, commencing a forceful retaliation against the Dutch Navy soldiers engaged in various atrocities within the streets. Faced with the sudden onslaught, some soldiers attempted to flee, seeking refuge on the ships. However, their hopes were shattered upon reaching the vessels, realizing that the ships had already been conquered, met with a barrage of fatal arrows, sealing their fate.

The conflict in Kochi culminated in this decisive manner, marking a resounding victory for the Vijayanagara empire. The ruthless retaliation and strategic overtaking resulted in the triumph of Vijay's forces, securing a significant win in the battle.

By the daybreak the Cochin Port was swiftly clean of the Dutch soldiers and the dead body stool across the streets.

"Treat the wounded, bury the dead, load up the men. We still have a war to win," commanded Vijay, his tone leaving no room for debate, before retreating into the captain's quarters to take a much-needed rest.

Yogendra, promptly receiving and comprehending Vijay's instructions, swiftly initiated the necessary operations. The army, after replenishing and restocking essential supplies, commenced their movement once more, following the directives set forth by Vijay to prepare for the ongoing conflict ahead.