Ladakh, zojilla pass, morning of 28th April 1557
A faint breeze blew through the valley, carrying with it the crispness of dawn. The morning sun cast its golden brilliance over the jagged peaks of the Zoji La Valley. It illuminated the soldiers and their encampments spread across the rugged terrain.
Armored figures filled the camp as Ladakhi soldiers helped their Tibetan comrades settle into the tented areas. Almost every tent entrance had a small campfire burning, where soldiers gathered to socialize and exchange intel, seeking warmth in the bone-chilling atmosphere.
Chenje, a havildar from the Tibetan contingent sent as reinforcements by the Guge Kingdom, sat close to one such fire, rubbing his hands together for warmth. Beside him sat two Ladakhi soldiers, comrades he had befriended shortly after their meeting.
