The morning sun cast a golden glow over Ullal, but Rani Abbakka's heart was heavy with suspicion. Her alliance with the Sultan of Bijapur had given Ullal powerful weapons, but itbhad also invited unseen dangers. She knew that trust was a rare commodity in war, and Bijapur's loyalty was a blade that could turn against her at any moment.
Abbakka sat in her war council chamber, her commanders gathered around a large map of Ullal's coastline. She tapped the map where the Portuguese strong hold in Mangalore was marked.
"We must strike before they recover," she said . "If we take Mangalore, we cripple their ability to attack Ullal."
Adi Raja, her trusted general, nodded. "The Portuguese are still weakened from our last battle. Their forces are scattered. This is the perfect time."
But then, a messenger rushed into the chamber, breathless and pale.
"My Queen!" he gasped. "A Portuguese fleet has been spotted near the Netravati River! They are advancing - fast!"
Abbakka's eyes narrowed. "Already? That is impossible."
Something felt wrong. The Portuguese had suffered heavy losses they should not have been able to launch another attack so soon.
Unless.... Someone had helped them.
A cold realization settled over her.
"Who betrayed us?" she whispered.
The answer came soon enough.
THE TREACHERY OF BIJAPUR
That night, a captured Portuguese spy was brought before Abbakka. His hands were tied, his face bruised from battle. But his lips curled into a smug smile.
"Who sent you?" Abbakka demanded.
The spy chuckled. " You already know, Rani of Ullal."
He grip on her sword tightened. "Say it."
The spy titled his head. " Bijapur. Your allies sent word to the Portuguese. They have promised to stand aside.... in exchange for gold."
A wave of fury surged through her veins. Bijapur had sold her out.
"Execute him," she said coldly.
The spy's smirk vanished as he was dragged away.
Abbakka turned to her commanders." We have been deceived. The Sultan of Bijapur is a coward who trades honour for wealth. We will fight alone."
Adi Raja looked grim. " Our forces are strong but the Portuguese have reinforcements. Their fleet out numbers us. This will be our hardest battle yet."
Abbakka took a deep breath. She had always know this war would test her. This was the moment Ulla would either stand tall - fall forever.
She mounted her Wearhouse, her golden armor glinting in the torchlight. " Then we flight like we have never fought before."
THE BLOOD-RED DAWN
But Abbakka was ready.
From the cliffs of Ullal, her warriors unleashed a rain of fire arrows, igniting Portuguese ships. Hidden catapults hurled boulders into the enemy fleet, breaking masts and capsizing vessels.
Still, the Portuguese pushed forward.
From the beaches, their armored soldiers stormed the land, welding muskets and swords. Ullal's warriors met them with spears and fire bombs , the clash of steel and screams of battle filling the air.
Abbakka charged into the fray, cutting down Portuguese soldiers with deadly precision. Her warriors fought with unmatched ferocity refusing to surrender.
But then- disaster struck.
A Portuguese cannon ball smashed through the fort's walls, creating a massive breach. Enemy soldiers poured in, overwhelming the defenders.
Ullal was on the brink of falling. Abbakka's heart pounded. She had to act fast.
" Fall back to the inner fort!" she shouted.
As her forces regrouped, she saw Adi Raja fighting desperately, his sword clashing against multiple enemies.
Then a musket fired.
Abbakka watched in horror as Adi Raja staggered, clutching his chest. Blood bloomed across his armor.
"No!" she screamed.
She fought her way to him, cutting down anyone in her path. As she reached him, he collapsed in her arms.
" My Queen.... fight.....till the end," he whispered.
His eyes closed.
Adi Raja , her most trusted warrior, was gone.
Something inside Abbakka snapped.
With a cry of rage , she rose to her feet, her sword blazing through enemy ranks.
She was no longer just a queen.
She was vengeance.
THE FALL... AND THE RISE
The battle ragged for hour, but Ullal was out numbered.
Abbakka knew that if she stayed, she would be captured or worse.
With great pain, she ordered a retreat into the dense forest beyond the city.
As Ullal burned, Abbakka and her surviving warriors disappeared into the shadows.
The Portuguese thought they had won.
But they had made one fatal mistake- they had left Abbakka alive.
And as long as she lived, the war was far from over.