Chapter 17: The Next Move

The cold air of the early morning hung thick in the chamber as the MC, Narayanrao, Santaji, and Dhanaji gathered around the table in Sambhaji Raje's private quarters. Vishal, their discovered traitor, had been escorted away under tight security, leaving the leadership to figure out their next steps.

Sambhaji sat in quiet contemplation, his face unreadable but his presence commanding. The room was filled with the weight of the information they had uncovered. Vishal's confession, while partial, revealed one troubling fact: the Mughals had their eyes on Raigad, and there were likely more spies hidden among them. The MC could feel the tension mounting. They had just taken a vital step forward by discovering one mole, but it was clear the threat wasn't over.

"What we know now," Dhanaji began, his voice low but firm, "is that the Mughals have eyes on us. They know more than we thought. They're watching our movements, possibly waiting for us to make a mistake."

Santaji nodded, leaning over the map on the table. "We can't wait for them to strike first. If they're preparing to move, we need to be ahead of them. We should plan another raid, but change our target. Hit them where they least expect it."

Sambhaji, listening intently, tilted his head. "And where do you suggest we strike next, Santaji?"

The commander's sharp eyes scanned the map as he considered their options. He pointed to a supply route east of Raigad, a narrow mountain pass used by the Mughals to transport weapons and provisions. "Here. It's lightly guarded because the terrain is difficult, and they believe the path is secure. They've been using it to funnel weapons into the southern regions."

The MC leaned in, his heart racing. "We could cut them off at the pass. If we strike there, we won't just slow them down—we'll cripple their operations in the south."

Narayanrao, who had been quiet, spoke up. "And what about the spies? If Vishal was working for them, there could be more. We can't risk planning another raid without being sure we're not leaking information."

Sambhaji raised his hand, silencing the room. "We will take action. But we must also be smart. Santaji, Dhanaji—organize a small team. Only men you trust. I will not risk another betrayal before we are ready."

Santaji bowed slightly. "I know just the men, Raje. We'll be ready by nightfall."

The MC's mind raced as the others left to prepare. Sambhaji remained seated, deep in thought. The MC felt a surge of responsibility wash over him. He had been cautious and unsure in the beginning, but now, with each passing day, he felt himself becoming more involved in these critical decisions.

He took a deep breath, stepping closer to Sambhaji. "Raje, I have an idea."

Sambhaji turned his head slightly, his blind eyes focused on nothing, but his attention clearly on the MC. "Speak."

"I think we should use this next raid as a trap," the MC said, his voice steady. "If the Mughals have spies, they'll expect us to hit certain targets. But if we feed them false information, we can draw them out. Let them think we're attacking one place, while we strike somewhere else."

Sambhaji's lips curved into a small smile. "You're suggesting we turn their game against them."

The MC nodded, his confidence growing. "Exactly. We give them just enough information to believe they're in control, but we'll be two steps ahead."

Sambhaji's smile faded into a thoughtful expression. "It's risky. But bold moves win wars. And we need to be bold." He paused, considering the plan. "Feed the false information to someone we trust—but someone the spies might suspect is in on our plans."

The MC's mind immediately went to Vishal. "What about using Vishal? He's desperate to prove his loyalty. If we let him carry false information to the Mughals, we might find out who else is involved."

Sambhaji sat silently for a moment before nodding. "Very well. We will give him a chance to redeem himself. But you, Narayanrao, and Santaji will oversee everything. The moment he falters, you act."

The MC felt a rush of adrenaline. This was a chance to turn the tide in their favor—to use the Mughals' own tactics against them. But the risk was high. If Vishal couldn't be trusted, or if the plan was discovered, the consequences could be devastating.

By nightfall, the plan was set in motion. Vishal, eager to redeem himself, was told that he would be given one last chance to prove his loyalty. He would be fed false information about a supposed raid on a supply depot near Sangameshwar, a location close enough to Raigad to seem credible but far enough that it wouldn't endanger the fort directly.

The MC, Narayanrao, and Santaji met with Vishal in a secluded area just outside the camp, far from the prying eyes of the soldiers. The tension was palpable, and the MC could see the fear in Vishal's eyes as he stood before them, waiting for his orders.

"We're trusting you with this mission," the MC said, his voice calm but firm. "This is your chance to make up for what you've done. Do not fail us."

Vishal nodded vigorously, his hands trembling. "I swear, I won't let you down. I'll do whatever it takes to prove I'm loyal to Raje."

Narayanrao crossed his arms, his expression hard. "You'll be given information about a raid. You will leave it where your Mughal contact can find it. Nothing more, nothing less."

Vishal swallowed hard. "Understood."

The MC studied Vishal closely, searching for any sign of deceit. He didn't fully trust him, but he could see the desperation in Vishal's eyes—the need to prove himself. Whether that desperation was genuine or another act remained to be seen.

"Go now," Santaji said, his voice cold. "Do not speak to anyone about this. We will be watching."

Vishal nodded again and quickly disappeared into the night, his footsteps fading into the distance. The MC turned to the others, his heart still pounding. "Do you think he'll do it?"

Santaji frowned. "We'll know soon enough. If he's truly scared for his life, he'll stick to the plan. If not… well, we're prepared."

Narayanrao placed a reassuring hand on the MC's shoulder. "Your idea is a good one. Now, we wait."

The next day felt like an eternity. The MC couldn't shake the feeling of anxiety that gnawed at him. The false raid information had been planted, but there was no guarantee it would be enough to draw out the Mughals or reveal their spies. Every small noise, every rustle of leaves outside the camp seemed louder, more ominous.

Sambhaji, as calm as ever, remained in his chambers, meditating and waiting for word from the scouts. The MC admired his patience, but his own nerves were on edge. The success of this plan could change everything—or unravel all they had built.

By midday, a scout returned with urgent news.

"There's been movement," the scout reported, slightly breathless. "The Mughals have diverted troops toward Sangameshwar. They're preparing for an attack."

The MC's heart leaped in his chest. "It worked," he whispered to himself. But they couldn't relax yet.

Santaji and Dhanaji were already preparing the men for their real raid—an ambush at the mountain pass they had identified earlier. The Mughals were focused on the false target, leaving their actual supply route vulnerable. This was the moment they had been waiting for.

Sambhaji stood, his blind eyes facing the direction of the scout's voice. "We strike at dusk," he said, his voice filled with quiet power. "And this time, we will leave the Mughals reeling."

The MC, feeling a mix of excitement and fear, nodded. Everything was in motion. Now, it was time to take their biggest risk yet. If they succeeded, the Mughals would be dealt a serious blow. But if they failed, it could cost them everything.