The Lone Witness Part-2

As they made their way through the tunnel, the clash of swords echoed behind them, a grim reminder of the danger that still lurked within the fort. Balwindar's heart pounded with each step, torn between his duty to his lord and his desire to ensure the safety of the empress.

With a silent prayer on his lips, Balwindar vowed to return to Mahmud Khan's side once he had escorted the empress to a safe distance. For now, his focus remained on guiding them to out of tunnel, even as the sounds of battle grew distant behind them.

At the mouth of the tunnel, Balwindar turned to the former empress, determination etched on his face as he made a solemn vow. "I promise you, Your Majesty empress, I will return with the city lord. Please continue on to the next village ahead. I will not rest until I have fulfilled my duty."

With a nod of understanding, the empress and her maids hurried forward.

As they neared the exit, Balwindar sighed and turned to go back to rescue the city lord Suddenly a cry shattered the silence, and he whirled around to see a maid lunging towards him with a dagger gleaming in her hands.

Before he could even react, the pain flared in his gut as the dagger pierced his flesh, but he gritted his teeth against the agony, his gaze never wavering from the traitorous maid.

With a swift motion, he wrenched the dagger free and cast it aside, his eyes burning with fury as he confronted his assailant. The maid recoiled, her hands trembling as she realized the gravity of her actions, but there was a twisted satisfaction in her eyes that sent a chill down Balwindar's spine.

Slap!

Thud!

Summoning every ounce of strength, Balwindar delivered a stinging slap across the maid's face, the force of the blow sending her sprawling to the ground. The other occupants of the tunnel watched in horror, their faces pale with shock at the sudden violence.

Struggling to remain upright, Balwindar staggered forward, his vision swimming as he fought against the darkness creeping at the edges of his consciousness. The sounds of approaching soldiers echoed in his ears, mingling with the distant shrieks of battle, and he knew that his time was running out.

With a heavy heart and a sense of profound regret, Balwindar closed his eyes, surrendering to the darkness as he slipped into unconsciousness, his last thoughts consumed by the promise he had made to his lord and the hope that he would live to see the dream he heard get fulfilled, if he get the chance to survive.

** Lahore fort, city lord chamber **

Bairam Khan's voice sliced through the tense air of the dimly lit chamber, his tone commanding and resolute. "Istafa, the time has come to exact our revenge. The Badshah must pay for his folly with his life."

Istafa, his loyal subordinate, met his gaze with unwavering determination. "Worry not, sir. Your servant shall bring you his head, and you shall ascend to the esteemed throne, rectifying the injustices that have plagued our empire."

A satisfied smile tugged at the corners of Bairam Khan's lips. "Good," he replied, nodding in approval. "Take the faction of discontented soldiers and unleash their fury upon the outskirts of Lahore. Let them vent their frustrations upon the unsuspecting populace."

He paused, his gaze hardening as he issued a stern warning. "But remember, do not lay a hand on the city itself. It is costly to maintain, and we cannot afford unnecessary destruction. Let them be content with what they find beyond the city walls. And above all, not a word of this plan must escape your lips. Also, spare those who have converted."

bairam khan added," make sure to tie up the males and be the witness, kill their women and children ."he thought for a while and added, "Also, add the old one's in list, increase the scale of destruction by hanging them on trees. It's better if we have more clear lands for our people". 

Istafa nodded obediently, his resolve firm as he prepared to depart. However, Bairam Khan's inquisitive nature halted him in his tracks.

"How fares the pawn?" Bairam Khan's inquiry was laced with a sense of urgency.

Istafa's response came swiftly, his tone reflecting assurance. "Your Eminence, the pawn is wounded but stable. Our healers are tending to him. He will not succumb to his injuries."

Satisfaction flickered in Bairam Khan's eyes as he acknowledged the news. "Excellent. He serves his purpose well. Once he is fit, proceed with the plan. Swap the forces with Ansari's brigade. They shall disguise themselves as soldiers of the Samrajya. Take the pawn, execute the task, and deliver me his head. Lay the blame upon Afzal's shoulders to further solidify our deception. Rest assured, your efforts will be duly rewarded when I ascend to the throne."

Istafa's lips curved into a subtle smile of affirmation before he bowed and withdrew to carry out his assigned duties.

Alone once more, Bairam Khan summoned Abdullah Khan Uzbak with a single clap of his hands. The figure materialized before him, and Bairam Khan wasted no time in conveying his orders.

Bairam Khan's voice carried a weight of determination as he spoke to Abdullah, "It's a pity, but Istafa needs to be sacrificed for the greater good. His ambitions could cost us dearly in the future. Send your brother to fetch the Badshah, and you prepare the cavalry. On the day of the Badshah's return, protect him, earn his trust, and eliminate all the rebels, including Istafa. None shall be left alive to recount our deeds. Remember, we are in this together."

Abdullah looked puzzled, his brow furrowed in thought. "I dare not oppose your wisdom, Bairam Khan, but wouldn't it be easier to seize the throne for yourself? My brother and I support you."

Bairam Khan's response was sharp, his tone cutting through the air like a blade. "Fool! Do you truly believe our heads would remain atop our shoulders if we dared to touch the Badshah? Despite his youth, he is the symbol of unity among the Mughal forces. Any harm to him would lead to chaos, with other zats rebelling and seizing the opportunity to claim justice by taking our heads. "

Abdullah swallowed nervously, the gravity of the situation sinking in. "Then all our efforts would be in vain?"

Bairam Khan's gaze softened, his voice adopting a calm tone as he replied, "Do not worry, Abdullah. There is no need for such drastic measures when we can simply manipulate the Badshah to our advantage."

He paused, reflecting for a moment before continuing, "Honestly, I cannot deny that our Badshah may be naive, but he possesses a wisdom that sets him apart from other children of his age. I have witnessed the charisma in his demeanour and the potential in his intellect. he can be the greatest gift our sultanate might have not seen yet."

Bairam khan expressed with a tinge of frustration, "Were it not for his bitch mother's influence, he might have stayed on course."

He sighed, his resolve unwavering as he added, "A blank paper can be rewritten, Abdullah. I am confident that with our guidance and subtle manipulation behind the scenes, he will emerge as the just and capable Badshah we require."

Abdullah Khan Uzbak nodded in solemn agreement, fully cognizant of the gravity of their mission. 

Before Abdullah could depart, Bairam Khan beckoned him back, a glint of anticipation in his eyes. "Fetch me my prize before you leave," he instructed, his voice betraying a sense of eagerness. Abdullah complied with a nod, exiting the chamber to fulfill his master's command. In his absence, the maid who had attacked Balwindar entered with her one sided cheek, still a little swollen, leading the captured beautiful woman , who's still at her early 30's, bound in chains and dressed in commoner's attire.

Bairam Khan regarded the maid with a sinister smile. "Well done, Nagma. Your efforts shall not go unrewarded. You may depart now," he dismissed her with a wave of his hand.

Nagma nodded obediently and exited the room, leaving Bairam Khan alone with his new captive slave.

Drawing closer to the captive empress, Bairam Khan's expression hardened. "Ah, the esteemed former empress of the Mughal sultanate, I can hardly imagine you in chains." he remarked with a mocking tone. The empress spat in his face with disgust, her defiance unwavering.

Bairam Khan retorted, nonchalantly wiping away the saliva that had landed on his face. "Hmm... quite tasty. There was a time when I regarded you with respect. However, your foolish obsession with peace has cost the sultanate dearly. But thanks to that, I now have the opportunity to appreciate your beauty, as exquisite as jade."

 "Rascal! You traitorous scoundrel! You were once loyal to my husband, and now you show your true colours in his absence. You always harboured lust for your master's wife behind his back," she accused vehemently.

Bairam Khan spoke with a venomous tone, "For a certain bastard from the enemy camp, your son betrayed me. He joined hands with that guy who labelled me as impotent, written in a letter. Don't you think I deserve an apology? Isn't it only fair that I demonstrate my true potential to his mother to prove what I exactly put INSIDE ?" Moving forward, he advanced towards the former empress, who instinctively recoiled.

Attempting to retreat, the empress met the unyielding wall behind her, her fear palpable. Bairam Khan propositioned her with a twisted sense of persuasion. "There is still a chance to rectify this. Marry me, and I shall spare your son, preserve the sultanate, and alleviate your loneliness. We could all live together in happiness," he proposed, his voice dripping with false sincerity.

Enraged, the empress's defiance flared. "My son is destined for greatness. He shall not fall at the hands of the likes of you. You may take my body, but you shall never possess my soul," she declared fiercely.

Incensed by her refusal, Bairam Khan's patience wore thin. With a swift motion, he delivered a stinging slap across her cheek. "Such a pity," he muttered darkly. "I shall honour your wishes, former empress."

He tugged at the chains binding the empress, bringing her closer, and took a sniff as he remarked, "For my unwavering loyalty to the throne, I should at least enjoy some privileges." Grasping her by the hair, he forcefully threw her onto his bed.

The confines of the city lord's chamber bore witness to the true brutality of Bairam Khan as the night wore on, filled with the desperate cries and pleas of the former empress, echoing until the break of dawn.

 ** Current day in Mewar Rajputana, Sisodia's territory **

As the morning sun cast its gentle glow upon the desolate village, a solitary hut stood amid the quiet surroundings. Within, a man of thirty lay unconscious, his form bathed in the golden hues of dawn. His body was swathed in bandages, evidence of recent struggle and injury. Nearby, a young woman of nineteen, clad in a worn saree, diligently prepared herbal remedies, her hands deftly grinding the healing ingredients.

As she applied the salve to her own wounds, a sudden movement startled her, causing the medicine to slip from her grasp. With a sharp cry, she recoiled as the injured man, now awakened, reached out and seized her hand. His touch, though unintentional, sparked a moment of panic, and she struggled to free herself from his grip, her heart pounding with fear.

Startled by her reaction, the man abruptly released her, his senses sharpened by her piercing shriek. As the tension dissipated, he regarded her with apologetic eyes, a silent acknowledgment of his unintended intrusion. With a reassuring smile, she composed herself, her voice trembling slightly as she addressed him.

"Do not be afraid," she began, her tone gentle yet wary. "You are safe here. You were found unconscious, and I brought you to this shelter." Her words, spoken with genuine concern, sought to ease his apprehension and foster a sense of trust between them.

Slowly regaining his composure, the man nodded, gratitude evident in his expression as he glanced around the humble surroundings. Realizing his vulnerability, he resolved to collect himself and regain his strength, his thoughts turning to his uncertain circumstances and the journey that lay ahead.

"Where am I?" he inquired, his voice tinged with uncertainty. Sensing his confusion, the young woman sought to reassure him. "Do not fear, you are safe. You are in the lands of Mewar, and my father is a skilled healer. I rescued you from the river," she explained gently.

Moved by her kindness, the wounded man expressed his gratitude, his thoughts now turning to his attire. Ignoring the girl's warnings, he attempted to dress himself, determined to regain his autonomy.

Undeterred, she cautioned him once more, her voice tinged with concern. "You may leave if you wish, but are you certain you can endure? Shouldn't you consider the state of your body if you wish to accomplish your goals?" Her words struck a chord, prompting him to acknowledge his weakness and relent, sinking back with a wince of pain.

Assisting him with care, the young girl inquired about his identity. "What is your name, warrior?" she asked softly.

With a sense of resignation, he replied, "Balwindar."