To The Memory Of A Lion - 3rd Part

Soon everything was ready. Tanaji called his friends, and announced, "Tonight we attack. It is a moonless night and nothing will be visible.
All of you must be absolutely silent as you approach Kondana fort. I will take the iguana Yashwanti.

With her help, we will scale the rock." Then he turned to Suryaji. "You are to take the

rest of the men and wait at Kalyan Gate. We will throw it open for you."

Last minute preparations over, they marched to the fort quietly as shadows. In a short while

they reached the foot of the precipice. Tanaji tied a rope to Yashwanti's neck. Then he threw her

up hard, so she could clutch the wall. But the iguana lost her grip and slithered down.

"Shivaji's family diety. "Oh, it is a sign of bad luck!" exclaimed one of the soldiers.

Tanaji whirled round, "Who said that? There is no place for superstition in a soldier's life. He

must only have faith, in himself and in God." Tanaji once again hurled the iguana up with

greater force. This time Yashwanti gripped the top of the fort wall. Tanaji breathed a sigh of

relief.

"Hand me the bag containing the ropes," said Tanaji. A soldier gave it to him and he slung it

on his back.

"I go up first. I will tie the ropes to the projections

on the wall and let them down. With their help you can all climb up. Remember not a

sound." Tanaji held the rOpe tight and climbed up and up till he reached the ramparts. The soldiers

followed him. Within minutes they were at the top.

Tanaji whispered, "There must be a number of guards posted on the ramparts.

 Take them unawares and silence them. They should not be

allowed to sound the alarm. We'll get down and attack the soldiers inside the fort. Let's go." The men stonned the fort and overpowered the guards in no time. Shouting 'Jai Bhatoani', they rushed into the fort. The Mughal soldiers offered stiff resistance and a fierce hand to hand fight ensued.

One of the Mughal soldiers quietly slipped out and rushed to inform Udai Singh.

"The Marathas have entered my fort? But how?" cried Udai Singh.

He sprang from his bed and hurried to the next apartment. "Wake up, my sons. Tell the

mahout* to get Chandrawati. She'll crush the Marathas in no time."