Empire of India: Rise of the Ruthless Prince

Meanwhile in Daman, Portuguese mercenaries were getting ready to aid the Qutbs in winning against the Marathas. The Portuguese had already made a deal with the Mughals on managing the port of Surat.

It was an important landmark for the Portuguese as it would allow them to travel a lesser distance as their sea route from Cape of Good Hope required the ships to hug the horn of Africa, which made the European ships come to Surat first then move down to Daman, Goa, and Cochin.

The Portuguese had eyed the riches of the port city of Surat for a long time. They wanted the port in their palms, siphoning all the wealth of the land back home.

The mercenaries of the Portuguese used muskets for their missions and were highly trained individuals in warfare.

It was a disciplined group used for operations by Portugal for taking over smaller kingdoms.

The mercenary group was led by an individual named Diogo Barbosa. He was known for his prowess in quelling chieftain rebellions in Mozambique.

Diogo's group was given proper equipment and funds to operate, unlike the time in Mozambique, where they had to operate with low funds and bad equipment. The group was fully geared up to fight in a battle.

Diogo went to the headquarters to seek orders to move to the borders with the Marathas to commence the infiltration inside their borders as quickly as possible.

He reached the headquarters to find that General Barnabas and David Costa were relaxing after a long day. Diogo didn't like nobles because they were mostly lazy bastards. Diogo respected Barnabas, as he was one of the very few nobles he fought alongside.

The man's determination and mental ability to handle any situation were unmatched in his eyes.

"General, when can we depart to the border?" He asked, standing up straight and saluting Barnabas.

"Depart?" asked General Barnabas, glancing up at Diogo.

"Yes, we are ready to depart and infiltrate at any moment."

"Not yet. We haven't received any information from the Qutb Sultan. We will be leaving along with them."

"Oh…" His voice trailed off.

"General, don't we need another group of mercenaries for the job? Just one group seems so low," remarked David Costa.

Barnabas looked around confused and then quickly realized that he had forgotten.

"I forgot to tell you that another mercenary group has been called in for the battle. They will arrive tomorrow."

Diogo looked surprised. "Do we really need two mercenary groups?

"Yes, we might need them. We are dealing with a tough opponent here."

"Tough?" Diogo tilted his head in confusion.

He had never really fought the Marathas before so he assumed they were like every other small kingdom armies.

It was definitely an odd situation that Portugal was siding with two other kingdoms to take on Marathas.

He thought that the general did it not to exhaust their resources but it turns out there was some other reason for it.

"Those bastards are tough. They don't care if they die. They will fight to the last man standing till the battlefield is covered in blood."

"Mozambique was a tough place to fight," Diogo commented.

"Diogo." General Barnabas said coldly. He had a serious expression. "Don't underestimate the Marathas; there is a reason why three of us have to ally together to bring their tiny kingdom down."

He didn't push the general further and nodded to agree.
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Now that the general had praised the Marathas so much, he became curious about their battle prowess. He had his fair share of battles in his life.

He wanted to witness the bravery of the soldiers who would give their lives on a silver platter to defend their motherland.

"Would those mughals keep their promise?" asked David Costa with a deadpan face. "They can't be trusted."

General Barnabas laughed at David Costa's worry.

"We will show them our might if they refuse to let us manage the port."

Barnabas sighed.

He explained how it was easier to deal with the Mughals than with the Marathas, as the citizens had a deep emotional connection with the Marathas, unlike the Mughals. This deep connection would cause them problems while taking over the port.

This is why they had to help the Empire and get the rights to manage the port. This way the Mughals would control the populace and they could enjoy, siphoning the riches of the port and the subcontinent back to Portugal.

"Hooo.. I didn't think that way," exclaimed David Costa.

"The citizens also fight like those Maratha bastards in their presence. It definitely is a scary scene once you witness it," mumbled Barnabas.

Diogo and David exchanged glances at the heavy praise showered on their enemies by Barnabas. The general didn't compliment anyone unless they were competent enough.

This definitely cleared their doubts and their instincts screamed not to underestimate the Marathas.

"Which mercenary group have you called to support us?" asked Diogo.

"Fernando Gouveia's group is coming to support you. You might have an idea about him."

"Ah." Diogo rubbed his chin. "That guy? He is pretty strong and a good leader."

David Costa was still pondering about something when he suddenly asked a serious question to the general.

"What about the Empire? What if they move and foil our plans by supporting the Marathas?" He began. "Shouldn't we have a plan to counter that threat as well?"

The general thought for a while.

"The Empire is certainly a threat, but not for us. It is for the sultanate and there is no need to help the sultan."

"As long as the Sultan serves his purpose. We can keep him on his throne."

David wasn't convinced by the explanation. "But still, there is a chance that it would affect us too."

"The Empire had a civil war just a few months ago and the new Emperor is a child," remarked Barnabas.

"Our mission is to take the Surat port under our control. That should be your only thought."

Diogo added. "There has been no worthwhile information of any army movement in the Empire."

Barnabas grabbed a bottle of alcohol and began to drink.

"Both of you leave and prepare for the battle."

They both scrambled and left quickly at the stern order of Barnabas

He shooed them away to drink some of his favorite alcohol in privacy.

'This is quite good.