Siddi knew that Shivaji had escaped successfully duping them with a decoy. He ordered sub-commander Masood to go in chase of Shivaji.
Meanwhile, the escaped Shivaji was being carried away in a palki by his trusted soldiers who were running as fast as they could to distance from the danger. As they entered a narrow valley, Shivaji’s friend Baji Prabhu who was travelling as Shivaji’s guard rushed to him and said, “My king Shivaji, I suggest you get down from this slow moving palanquin and race away on a horse. The enemy is closing in. I can feel it by my soldier sense. I will block progress in this narrow valley to gain you escape time. Get off the palki at once.”
Shivaji got down and patted the shoulder of Baji Prabhu and said, “No Baji. Don’t put yourself in danger. We shall all face the enemy together.”
Baji said impatiently, “King, there is no time for these sentimental games. We need you alive. Go and let me do duty. As the field commander of this unit that is my order, a friendly order.”
With a sigh Shivaji mounted a horse and looked at his brave friend with moist eyes. Then, he galloped away with some body guards.
Baji’s soldiers positioned themselves on the both sides the narrow path on high grounds. As the chase party entered the valley knives, spears, stones, arrows, boulders and logs rained on it inflicting casualties.
Masrood quickly ordered retreat. He was a clever warrior and a good tactician. After retreat he regrouped his forces and launch an attack through high grounds. Baji’s men fought bravely and held on the enemy for a couple of hours.
Then, they heard booming sound of the cannon of the nearby fort announcing that Shivaji had arrived there safely. Baji’s men fought on bravely and laid down their lives satisfied that they had done their duty successfully.
Masrood reached the fort and launched several attacks vainly. It was fiercely defended. At last, he had to return in defeat.
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