Few moments before rescue in Mughal camp, chandanpur village.
The last rays of the setting sun dipped below the horizon, marking the end of dusk. A low lamp cast flickering shadows on a common but comfortable rug where the low-rank commanders, the faujdars - Faiz Khan, Qasim Beg, and Saif ud-Din - squeezed together in the packed space of the tent.
Their faces were illuminated by the warm glow of the nearby lamp. Between them lay a Pachisi board, decorated with vibrant colors. Four sets of intricately carved playing pieces, each representing a different player, were set on the board.
"You look too happy despite losing, Qasim Beg?" Faiz Khan taunted, rolling the polished dice between his hands.
Qasim Beg, with a booming laugh, chuckled. "The men are restless, my friend, but buzzing with good news. Word from the scouts suggests we'll be packing up by nightfall. Time for some well-deserved leisure, eh?"