First Historical Quest-II
After watching them leave, Aarv turned back his attention to the structure of the fort. At that time, the fort of Dharur was one of the most difficult forts to attack because of its natural barriers. The fort was built on a ridge of a mountain. It had a deep valley on 3 sides of the fort and only one side was connected to the land.
"Let's move around the fort…"
Aarv told Sagar Rao as they both went to tour the fort. They first went to see the mountain ridges around the fort, then they inspected the water management system of the fort which took the freshwater from the lake inside the fort and distributed it to different parts. The underground well was created for storing the oil and ghee, the hammam khana (swimming pool) the ambaari where all the elephants were tied, and the U shaped entrance of the fort. Aarv was able to see the wealth of India in medieval times. Then they went to inspect various towers (Buruj) inside the fort. The coin making tower, the weapon making a tower, they saw everything and only returned to the administrative building at night.
Before leaving, aarv reminded Sagar Rao,
" Sagar Rao, inspect all the civilians. Make sure to confiscate any weapon or tools that can harm us. Also, make sure that no one except for our trusted soldiers will guard our granaries and lakes. Those who disobey, kill without mercy."
Aarv's eyes flashed with deep killing intent as he said the last sentence leaving SagarRao shaking with fear.
"Everything will be according to your orders my Lord."
After hearing the affirmative reply, Aarv retired for the day. After entering his bedroom, Aarv tried to log out of the game, but his attempt was unsuccessful. He got a warning message from the system.
[ Warning: Player must clear his assigned historical quest before logging out of the game.]
Aarv could only sigh and lay on the bed, falling asleep immediately.
---
The next day, no particularly important event happened except for some massive tents that were built to accommodate common people. Aarv especially instructed the treasurer to build the tents in the middle of the fort to prevent any cannon shells or mortar shells from hitting the common people.
Due to the fear of the Mughal army, the migration of common people went smoothly. After hearing the treasurer's report, aarv gave him a satisfied nod. He then took out a paper and passed it towards Sagar Rao and said,
"Sagar Rao, take this training method and start training the soldiers. You can also recruit soldiers from the common people stationed inside the fort. Announce to the common people that only soldiers and their families will get rice from tomorrow onwards. Other people will only get to eat porridge."
Although there was enough food for everyone to last at least for 6 months, Aarv wanted to start preserving food early on to avoid unnecessary complications. Even though with porridge normal people will grumble and make complaints, at least it was better than them dying.
"As your wish my lord."
Sagarrao took the paper and left aarv's office leaving Aarv with a lot of memorials to deal with. All of them talked about the Mughal army plundering food and rations in their territory. Looking at those memorials, Aarv could only write one line in reply to all those memorials.
'Stay low, we will have our revenge.'
And sent the letters to all the noble territories that were attacked by Mughal as well as rebel armies.
On the same night, Aarv asked Sagar Rao to bring the territorial map of the Beed district to his office. He wanted to know the route of the Mughal army, especially the supply route. He also called for important officers in his office for a meeting.
The meeting lasted the whole night. After ending the meeting, 10 carrier pigeons left Dharur fort towards surrounding territories. All the letters had the same title to them.
"We will bury the Mughal forces inside the Deccan plateau. "
After ending the meeting, all the officials inside the fort left with smiling expressions.
---
The next day,
The old blacksmith came into aarv's office telling him that the production of 100,000 caltrops have been completed. Aarv gave him a satisfied node before telling him to start making arrows and armours for the soldiers.
That night, some figures in black left the fort's main entrance while spreading in different directions, sprinkling caltrops along the way. Aarv gave them only one instruction,
"Sprinkle within the cannon range. On all sides of the fort."
Caltrops, although ancient weapons, were useful against every medieval army type. Be it horses, elephants or foot soldiers, caltrops were extremely useful. Most importantly they had a specific purpose in history.
'To obstruct the enemy army path and route enemy troops according to your will.'
Aarv looked at the black men sprinkling caltrops with a satisfied grin.
'Now all the chess pieces have been laid out. it's time to wait for enemies to show up.'
Aarv looked towards the pass of Anjan-Dudh.
"Come… let me see what you are capable of Azam Khan…"
---
The next day, a scout brought in the message that the Mughal army had ascended the pass of Anjan-Dudh and was camping 3 kos (roughly 9 Km at that time) away from the Dharur fort.
'Finally, you are here…'
Aarv felt his blood boiling. This is the life that he wanted in his dreams and now he was living this life. He gave orders to officers,
"Make an announcement in the fort. Without permission, nobody is allowed to move freely inside the fort. If found, they will be killed without mercy."
After further discussion, All the officials left Aarv's office. Aarv then turned his attention towards Sagar Rao and said,
"Select 60 of the best soldiers who are loyal to the fort. They will be key in our victory against the Mughal army."
Sagarrao bowed to Aarv and made affirmation of the order.
---
Inside the camp of the Mughal army, the commanding general Azam Khan was sitting in his camp with his trusted military officials. At that time, one of the officers reported,
"The rebel forces have retreated back towards Daulatabad. Should we go back and attack Ahmednagar?"
After hearing the report, all the military officers looked at each other. They came to Dharur to intercept the fleeing rebel forces but the enemy turned around and directly entered Ahmednagar district. Now the Mughal army had two options left for them, the first one to turn around and attack Ahamadnagar and the second one to attack down south towards the Dharur district.
Azam Khan who had always been keeping quiet chose to speak this time,
"We will not go back towards the Ahmednagar district, instead we will attack and capture the fort of Dharur."