Enemies at the Gate

The scent of impending war clung to the air as Mysore prepared for another onslaught. With every passing hour, scouts reported enemy movements inching closer—this time, the East India Company had joined forces with the Marathas again, eager to crush the emerging kingdom. The city of Srirangapatna, Mysore's capital, stood as a beacon of resistance, but its defenses were stretched thin.

Tipu Sultan now stood on the brink of a greater challenge, having matured since his first battle under Hyder Ali's command. This time, he wasn't just a warrior—he was expected to lead. The enemy had arrived at the city's gates, ready to bring fire and destruction, and Tipu would have to make decisions that could save or doom his people.

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Scene 1: A Tense Council Meeting

Location: Palace War Room, Srirangapatna

The air inside the war room was thick with tension. Around a large wooden table sat Hyder Ali, Tipu Sultan, and his most trusted generals, including Mir Purnaiya. A large map of the city's fortifications and surrounding areas lay in the center, pinned down with daggers at each corner.

Hyder Ali leaned forward, his brow furrowed.

Hyder Ali: (Grimly) "The British and Marathas won't give us time to regroup. They're camped just beyond the river and will attack at first light."

Mir Purnaiya placed a hand on the map, tracing a line across the river.

Mir Purnaiya: "If they take the outer walls, it'll only be a matter of time before they break through the gates. We need to reinforce the riverbank defenses and block their artillery."

Tipu, standing beside his father, studied the map carefully.

Tipu Sultan: (Thoughtfully) "We can't allow them to dictate the terms of battle. If they believe we're waiting for them inside the walls, they'll come with full force. But if we hit them hard and fast before they're ready..."

Hyder Ali raised a curious eyebrow at his son.

Hyder Ali: "You mean to attack first?"

Tipu Sultan: (Nodding) "Exactly. We launch a preemptive strike tonight, under cover of darkness. We hit their artillery units and cripple their supply lines before dawn. Without those cannons, they'll be vulnerable."

The generals exchanged uneasy glances. It was a bold plan—and risky.

General Mir Khan: (Skeptically) "We'll need precise coordination to pull this off, Tipu. If we fail, they'll be at our gates by morning."

Hyder Ali: (Smiling slightly) "Then we mustn't fail."

Hyder looked at his son with a mixture of pride and approval.

Hyder Ali: "This is your chance to prove yourself again, Tipu. Take a small force and lead the attack. We'll hold the fort until you return."

Tipu nodded, determination burning in his eyes.

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Scene 2: Under the Cover of Darkness

Location: The British-Maratha Camp, midnight

The night was silent, save for the occasional clink of metal as soldiers adjusted their weapons. Tipu and his small team of elite cavalrymen crept toward the enemy camp, their horses' hooves muffled by thick cloth wraps. The air was cool, and the scent of damp earth filled their nostrils.

Lieutenant Karim, riding beside Tipu, kept his voice low.

Lieutenant Karim: "The cannons are positioned on the ridge, just ahead. We'll have to take out the guards before they can sound the alarm."

Tipu Sultan: (Softly) "No mistakes, Karim. We move quickly and silently. Once the cannons are destroyed, we retreat."

As they approached the ridge, the silhouette of enemy soldiers standing guard came into view. Tipu signaled to his men, who drew their blades without a sound.

The first strike was swift—Tipu's saber sliced clean through the throat of a British guard before the man could shout a warning. His soldiers followed suit, dispatching the remaining guards with lethal precision.

Lieutenant Karim: (Whispering) "The path is clear, Prince Tipu."

They advanced toward the cannons. Tipu motioned to two soldiers carrying explosives.

Tipu Sultan: "Set the charges. We don't have much time."

The men quickly placed the explosives beneath the massive iron cannons, working in near silence.

Suddenly, the stillness was broken by the distant bark of a dog. A moment later, shouts echoed through the camp as enemy soldiers realized they were under attack.

Tipu Sultan: (Urgently) "Light the fuses! Now!"

The soldiers ignited the fuses, and Tipu turned to his men.

Tipu Sultan: "Fall back! Move!"

They mounted their horses and galloped away just as a deafening explosion rocked the ridge, sending shards of metal and stone flying through the air.

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Scene 3: Enemies at the Gate

Location: City gates of Srirangapatna, dawn

The first rays of sunlight illuminated the battlefield as the British-Maratha forces, enraged by the night raid, advanced toward the city gates. Smoke still lingered from the destroyed cannons, but the enemy was determined to breach the walls.

Hyder Ali stood atop the gate, surveying the approaching army. Beside him, Mir Purnaiya adjusted his turban.

Mir Purnaiya: (Dryly) "They seem... upset."

Hyder chuckled, though his eyes remained focused on the enemy.

Hyder Ali: "Let them come. We'll give them a proper welcome."

The gates were reinforced with heavy beams, and Mysore's soldiers lined the walls, ready to defend their city to the last man. Archers nocked arrows, and cannons were loaded with shot.

Suddenly, a soldier rushed up the stairs to the battlements, panting heavily.

Soldier: "The prince has returned!"

Hyder's expression softened as he turned to see Tipu riding toward the gate, his horse covered in mud and his face streaked with sweat.

The gates opened just enough to let him through, and Tipu dismounted, greeting his father with a triumphant smile.

Tipu Sultan: "The cannons are gone. Their artillery is no longer a threat."

Hyder clapped his son on the back, pride radiating from him.

Hyder Ali: "You've done well, Tipu. Now let's see how long they last without their cannons."

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Scene 4: The Final Stand

Location: City walls and gates, noon

The British-Maratha forces launched their assault with a fury born of desperation. Waves of soldiers crashed against the gates, ladders were raised against the walls, and muskets fired in rapid succession.

Tipu stood beside his father on the battlements, sword in hand.

Tipu Sultan: (Shouting) "Archers, aim for the officers! Focus on their leaders!"

The Mysorean archers released a volley of arrows, cutting down enemy officers and throwing the advancing soldiers into disarray.

Below, the enemy tried to ram the gates with a massive wooden beam.

Hyder Ali: (Calling out) "Pour the oil!"

Mysorean soldiers dumped boiling oil over the attackers, followed by flaming torches that ignited the liquid, sending soldiers screaming in pain.

Despite the chaos, the enemy pressed on, their determination unwavering.

Hyder Ali: (To Tipu) "This is the moment that tests a leader, Tipu. Hold your ground, no matter what."

Tipu nodded, his jaw set with resolve.

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Scene 5: Victory and Reflection

Location: Palace courtyard, evening

By evening, the enemy's assault had finally broken. The British and Maratha forces, demoralized and battered, retreated from the gates of Srirangapatna. The city had held.

Tipu stood with his father in the palace courtyard, the sounds of celebration echoing from the streets.

Hyder Ali: (Proudly) "Today, you didn't just fight like a soldier—you led like a king."

Tipu smiled, though his expression remained serious.

Tipu Sultan: "The battle is won, but the war isn't over. They'll come again, stronger than before."

Hyder placed a hand on his son's shoulder.

Hyder Ali: "And when they do, we'll be ready."

The two men stood in silence for a moment, watching the stars appear in the sky above their beloved city. Enemies would always come to their gates, but Mysore had warriors ready to defend it—and a prince prepared to lead them into the fire.

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End of Chapter 4