Chapter 103: The Summons from Lahore
April 1835 – Peshawar
The spring sun warmed the walls of Peshawar as Nau Nihal Singh oversaw the morning drills with his Mobile Division.
The men moved with sharp precision — veterans of Sindh and the Peshawar campaign, now a hardened and cohesive force. The jihadist threat had quieted significantly over the winter, but Nau Nihal refused to let discipline slip.
Jawahar rode up beside him after a successful mock charge. "The division is sharp. We could respond to any threat on the frontier within hours."
Nau Nihal nodded, pride evident in his eyes. "Good. General Nalwa holds the city. We must remain ready to support him at a moment's notice."
A courier arrived at full gallop, dust-covered from the long ride from Lahore. He bowed deeply before Nau Nihal and handed over a sealed scroll bearing the royal insignia.
Nau Nihal broke the seal and read the letter carefully. His expression remained calm, but Jawahar noticed the slight shift in his posture.
"What is it?" Jawahar asked once the courier had been dismissed.
Nau Nihal folded the scroll. "Maharaja Ranjit Singh summons me back to Lahore. He wishes to discuss the frontier situation personally and review our operations in detail."
Jawahar raised an eyebrow. "You're leaving Peshawar?"
"Only temporarily," Nau Nihal replied. "General Hari Singh Nalwa will remain here to hold the fort and command the defenses. I will take a small escort and my core command. The rest of the division stays to support him."
Two days later, Nau Nihal met with Hari Singh Nalwa before departing.
The giant general clasped his forearm firmly. "Go safely, young prince. I will hold Peshawar with iron. The frontier will not fall while I breathe."
Nau Nihal bowed respectfully. "I have no doubt. Your strength here gives me the freedom to go. I will return as soon as possible with the Maharaja's guidance."
Nalwa smiled. "The Lion holds the city. The Shadow goes to the capital. May the Khalsa guide you."
Nau Nihal Singh left Peshawar with two hundred of his best riders and Gurbaaz Singh at his side. The journey to Lahore would take several weeks, but the roads were safe under Khalsa control.
As they rode north, Jawahar rode beside him. "Do you think the court situation is worse than the letters suggest?"
Nau Nihal stared ahead. "Possibly. The Maharaja is wise, but his health is failing. The Dogra faction and the Sandhawalia Sardars are growing more competitive. We must be careful. Our work on the frontier is important, but the heart of the empire must remain strong."
Gurbaaz, riding close, added quietly, "My agents in Lahore report increasing tension between the factions. The succession question is starting to cast a long shadow."
Nau Nihal touched the hilt of his sword. "Then we will face it as we face everything else. With intelligence, patience, and strength."
The column continued northward toward Lahore.
Peshawar was left in the capable hands of Hari Singh Nalwa.
The Shadow Blade was returning to the heart of the empire.
Lahore – Arrival
The welcome in Lahore was grand.
Crowds lined the roads leading to the fort, cheering the young prince who had helped secure Sindh and Peshawar. Banners of the Khalsa fluttered high as Nau Nihal Singh rode through the city gates at the head of his column. The people shouted his name — "Nau Nihal Singh! The Shadow Blade!"
Inside Lahore Fort, Maharaja Ranjit Singh waited in the grand durbar hall.
When Nau Nihal entered and bowed deeply, the Lion of Punjab looked at him with visible pride.
"You have served the Khalsa with distinction, my grandson," Ranjit Singh said, his voice still carrying authority despite his frailty. "Sindh. Peshawar. The northwest frontier. Your name is spoken with respect across the empire."
Nau Nihal rose. "I only did my duty, Maharaja ji."
Ranjit Singh smiled faintly. "And you did it well. Rest for a few days. Then we will discuss the reorganization of your forces. The Khalsa needs strong, modern units. Show us what you can build."
The first few days in Lahore were a whirlwind of formal meetings and briefings. Nau Nihal reported in detail on the situation in Peshawar, the state of the frontier, and the ongoing tensions with Dost Mohammad Khan.
In private audiences, Ranjit Singh listened carefully, asking sharp questions that showed his mind was still as keen as ever.
"You have done well, Nau Nihal," the Maharaja said one evening. "Now, while you are here, focus on strengthening your command. The empire needs more forces like your Mobile Division."
Nau Nihal bowed. "As you command, Maharaja ji."
As he left the audience chamber, Nau Nihal felt the weight of the court's eyes upon him. The Dogra faction and the Sandhawalia Sardars were watching closely.
The real battles in Lahore had only just begun.