Chapter 13: Entering Raigad

The journey toward Raigad was marked by a tense silence. The scouts, divided into groups of two and three, moved through the hills with caution, careful to avoid the growing Mughal presence. The MC and Narayanrao traveled together, their pace steady but purposeful. Sambhaji had been placed with two of the most trusted scouts, moving separately to avoid drawing attention.

The MC's system map flickered in his vision, showing the red dots of Mughal patrols scattered across the terrain, inching ever closer to the fort. His heart raced with each passing hour, knowing that one misstep could lead them straight into an ambush.

As they neared Raigad, the fort came into view. The towering stone walls, carved into the mountain itself, stood as a reminder of the legacy of Shivaji Maharaj. The fort had been the heart of the Maratha Empire, the symbol of its strength and defiance. But now, it was a shadow of its former self, watched closely by Mughal spies and traitors alike.

The MC and Narayanrao approached a narrow path leading up to the fort's entrance. Villagers passed by, carrying goods and supplies, some casting wary glances at the travelers. The MC's clothes, though rough and simple, still felt too clean compared to the worn rags of the villagers. He hoped that no one would notice.

"We're getting close," Narayanrao whispered, his eyes scanning the crowds. "We'll need to find Santaji and Dhanaji without drawing attention."

The MC nodded, his mind racing. Where would they find the commanders? He knew from his history studies that Santaji and Dhanaji were brilliant strategists, experts in guerilla warfare, and both deeply loyal to the Maratha cause. If they were here, they would be hidden, waiting for the right moment to strike.

They passed through the main gates of Raigad, the massive stone archway looming overhead. Guards stood watch, their expressions cold and impassive. The MC forced himself to stay calm, his heart pounding in his chest. Blend in. Don't draw attention.

As they moved deeper into the fort, Narayanrao led them through a series of narrow alleys, away from the main roads. The shadows of the towering walls provided cover as they navigated the maze of stone pathways.

After what felt like an eternity, Narayanrao stopped in front of a small, nondescript building near the outer edge of the fort. He knocked softly, his hand resting on the hilt of his sword, ready for anything.

The door creaked open, revealing a tall, broad-shouldered man with a weathered face. His eyes, sharp and calculating, immediately locked onto Narayanrao.

"Dhanaji Jadhav," Narayanrao whispered, bowing his head slightly.

Dhanaji's expression softened slightly at the sight of Narayanrao, but his gaze shifted to the MC, suspicion flickering in his eyes. "Who is this?" he asked, his voice low and gruff.

Before the MC could answer, a second figure emerged from the shadows of the room. A man with piercing eyes and a quiet intensity, his presence commanding the space.

"Santaji Ghorpade," Narayanrao said softly.

Santaji's eyes narrowed as he studied the MC. "You've come a long way to find us," he said quietly. "What do you want?"

The MC swallowed hard, feeling the weight of their scrutiny. "We've come to rebuild the Maratha resistance," he said firmly. "Sambhaji Maharaj is alive. He's escaped from Bahadurgad. But we need your help. The Mughals are closing in, and without your leadership, we won't stand a chance."

A heavy silence followed his words. Dhanaji and Santaji exchanged a glance, their expressions unreadable. Finally, Santaji spoke, his voice calm but filled with authority. "Where is Sambhaji Raje now?"

The MC straightened, feeling the gravity of the moment. "He's here, in Raigad. We brought him with us, but we kept him hidden to avoid detection."

Santaji's eyes flickered with something—relief, perhaps, or hope. "Then we have no time to waste," he said. "We've been waiting for this moment."

Dhanaji stepped forward, his face hard but determined. "The Maratha forces have been scattered, but they're not broken. With Sambhaji Maharaj leading us, we can take back what was stolen from us."

The MC felt a surge of hope. This was it. The rebellion was about to gain its true strength. With Santaji and Dhanaji on their side, they had a real chance.

But the war was far from over.