Treachery Within

The walls of Srirangapatna stood battered but unbroken. The British, having suffered heavy losses, were preparing for a final push. Tipu Sultan, ever defiant, strengthened his defenses, unaware that the greatest danger was not outside the fortress, but within it. Mir Sadiq and his conspirators had already struck a deal with the British, and their betrayal was about to seal the fate of Mysore.

Scene 1: The Conspirators' Meeting

Location: A secluded chamber inside Srirangapatna

By the dim glow of an oil lamp, Mir Sadiq sat with a few trusted allies—Syed Ghaffar, the commandant of the fort, and some other traitorous nobles. The air was thick with tension.

Mir Sadiq: (Speaking in a hushed voice) "The time has come. The British are waiting for the signal. If we delay reinforcements at the crucial moment, the Sultan's defenses will crumble."

Syed Ghaffar: (Nervously) "But what if we are caught? Tipu Sultan is no fool. If he finds out, we will not live to see another day."

Mir Sadiq: (Smirking) "By then, it will be too late. Once the British breach the gates, Srirangapatna will fall. Wellesley has assured me that we will be rewarded handsomely."

Another noble: (Nodding) "Then we must act swiftly. When Tipu calls for reinforcements, we will delay the response. The British will take care of the rest."

The men exchanged knowing glances. The fate of Mysore was now sealed by their treachery.

Scene 2: Tipu's Last Stand Begins

Location: Tipu's War Council, Srirangapatna

Tipu Sultan stood over a large map of the fortress, his commanders surrounding him. The latest reports confirmed that the British were preparing for a final assault.

Tipu Sultan: (Pointing at the map) "They will attack from the northern and western gates. We must reinforce those positions immediately."

General Rehman: (Saluting) "Sultan, our forces are ready, but we need reinforcements at the northern gate."

Tipu Sultan: (Turning to Mir Sadiq) "Send reinforcements to the northern gate at once."

Mir Sadiq hesitated for a moment before bowing.

Mir Sadiq: "At once, Sultan."

As he left the chamber, a sinister smile played on his lips.

Scene 3: The Delayed Reinforcements

Location: Northern Gate, Srirangapatna

British cannons thundered as the enemy forces stormed toward the fortress walls. Mysorean soldiers fought valiantly, but their numbers were dwindling.

Mysorean Commander: (Shouting to a messenger) "Where are the reinforcements? We cannot hold them much longer!"

The messenger, confused, turned back toward the fortress, only to find the reinforcements still waiting.

Mysorean Soldier: (To an officer) "Why are we not moving? The Sultan's orders were clear!"

The officer, loyal to Mir Sadiq, shrugged.

Traitorous Officer: "Orders have changed. We wait."

As the Mysorean defenses crumbled, the British saw their opportunity.

British Officer: (Shouting) "Push forward! The walls are weakening!"

The British soldiers swarmed the breached gate, cutting down the exhausted defenders.

Scene 4: Tipu Realizes the Betrayal

Location: Inner Fortress, Tipu's Headquarters

A bloodied soldier burst into the war chamber, gasping for breath.

Mysorean Soldier: (Panting) "Sultan! The northern gate has fallen! The enemy is inside!"

Tipu Sultan's eyes flared with rage.

Tipu Sultan: "How? Reinforcements should have been there!"

General Rehman clenched his fists.

General Rehman: "Sultan, the reinforcements never arrived. Someone delayed them."

Tipu's gaze turned toward Mir Sadiq, who stood silent, sweat forming on his brow.

Tipu Sultan: (Furious) "You did this, didn't you?"

Mir Sadiq took a step back, but before he could speak, an explosion shook the chamber. The British had entered the city.

Tipu Sultan: (Grabbing his sword) "There is no time for trials. The enemy is here. We fight to the last man!"

As he stormed out, his commanders followed, ready to make their final stand.

Scene 5: The Last Resistance

Location: Streets of Srirangapatna

The city was in chaos. British soldiers poured through the breached gates, slaughtering civilians and soldiers alike. Tipu Sultan, at the head of his remaining forces, charged into the enemy ranks.

Tipu Sultan: (Swinging his sword) "For Mysore! For freedom!"

Even as the battle raged, his eyes burned with the pain of betrayal. His people had been deceived, his city taken, but he would not go down without a fight.

The Tiger of Mysore still had one last roar left in him.

End of Chapter 17