Chapter 42: Prelude to the Storm Part :2
Noticing that all the nobles in the Hall were likely to collaborate with the fakir, Bhupathi Rao, along with some of the priests with the same opinions as Rao and a few zamindars, left the village.
Although they had major disagreements with their King, they wouldn't want to be seen involved with a foreign power and weaken their own empire.
Vimal saw a few people leaving the hall, but he didn't stop them, as he already suspected that not everyone would agree with his plan. Now that the indecisive bunch had left, he explained his plans to the remaining nobles and zamindars in the hall. He didn't even think that the people left would leak the news, because it was too late, as the elders say, "On the Day Of War, You Shouldn't Search For Weapons."
"Alright, my friends," Vimal began, his voice carrying a sense of assurance. "The plan is very simple. Thanks to our new friend here, we were able to recruit a few dozen assassins from the Mughal Empire," he explained, gesturing toward the fakir.
The fakir, seeing everyone's attentive eyes, nodded in acceptance and proudly added, "If luck is on our side, we won't even have to lift a finger. Vijay's head should be rolling within moments."
He continued to elaborate that if the assassination attempt succeeded, the city gates should open soon after. "If the attempt by any miracle is unsuccessful, we should receive a signal from His Highness Vimal's people on the inside."
Just as everyone was growing confident and waiting for the doors of the royal capital to open, a flaming arrow shot out from inside the walls into the air. Witnessing this scene, the noble's faces turned white as they were overcome with fear. Now that the assassination attempt had failed, they were left wondering what to do next. The comfortable life they had led under the protection of the army had turned this group of nobles into useless rice bugs.
The fakir, upon seeing the arrow, was surprised. He had already inquired and planned for this specific moment, as it was the time when the security of the royal castle was at its most lax. That's why he and Vimal had coordinated to send all the assassins at this exact time. The fact that Vijay was able to defend against the attack indicated that he already knew about their plans.
Vinod, who also saw the arrow, was initially taken aback, but he quickly regained his composure. He smiled in a devilish grin as he had trained his entire life to find ways to defeat the royal family. He wouldn't be surprised if the assassination attempt failed on his nephew. In his free time, he thought of many strategies to overcome Vijay. Now that Vijay himself had presented an opportunity, Vinod couldn't afford to miss this chance.
Seeing the fear and worry on everyone's faces, he comforted them by saying, "Don't worry, everyone. Even though the assassination attempt failed, I have a backup plan." He then called over his assistant and whispered a few words in his ear.
As the nobles speculated about what the backup plan could be, within moments, thousands upon thousands of people appeared within their sight, armed with swords and spears. The sight left everyone, including the fakir, in shock. With a single glance, it was evident that there was an army of at least 50,000 members present. The assembled crowd couldn't fathom how Vimal had managed to train and gather such a massive force under the nose of the king.
Witnessing the expressions of shock on everyone's faces, Vimal felt a sense of satisfaction. His family had expended all its resources to train this army, a journey that had begun with his father taking in orphans and training them from a young age. By some fortunate twist of fate, his father had discovered a gold mine within their territory.
Filled with joy, he covertly extracted all the gold from the mine and established a training facility on a secluded island near Lakshadweep. However, considering the formidable military strength of the Vijayanagar Empire, he had to bide his time and wait for the right opportunity. Now that he had seized his chance, he was determined not to squander it.
Vimal stated to all the nobles, "I know that I am not the only one with a personal army secretly cultivated, so I request you all to send in your people as well."
The nobles, seeing the 50,000-strong army, calmed down, and some among them sent various signals to their assistants. Soon after, thousands more men joined the group. The nobles without a secret army exchanged surprising glances with each other."These guys hid deep enough," they all thought in horror.
Vimal, seeing his plan working, was overjoyed. Out of sight, he could see an army of around 70,000 members, a force capable of breaking through even the city's defensive walls.
"Gentlemen, thank you for your cooperation. Those contributing nobles will receive corresponding rewards after the battle, and the same goes for those contributing financially," he continued, "As long as I take over the throne of the Vijayanagar Empire, which is rightfully mine, I will reinstate all your privileges to their previous state, just as they were before my uncle, the old king, took it away from you."
Listening to his enticing words, the remaining nobles were tempted. Memories of their luxurious lives before the old king stripped them of their wealth resurfaced. Almost a decade had passed since that incident, and the prospect of regaining their former glory was still irresistible.
Driven by their desires for wealth and power, even the most cautious and greedy among them took up their weapons, ready to join the battle that would determine their fate and the fate of the empire.
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