Chapter 107: The Gathering Pressure
July 1835 – Lahore
The British demands had not ceased.
In the grand durbar hall of Lahore Fort, the court assembled once more as another envoy from the East India Company delivered his message. The atmosphere was thick with tension. Maharaja Ranjit Singh sat upon his throne, his one good eye sharp despite his declining health. The Dogra and Sandhawalia factions watched each other warily.
Mr. Edward Thompson stood before the throne with calculated politeness. "Your Majesty, the Company reiterates its position. The annexation of Sindh disrupts legitimate British trade interests and regional stability. We urge the Sikh Empire to reconsider its control over the province and return it to local governance under British mediation. Continued refusal may force us to take measures to protect our interests."
A heavy silence fell.
Ranjit Singh's expression remained calm, but the court erupted into low murmurs. Raja Dhian Singh Dogra, leader of the Dogra faction, pushed for a firm rejection. "We will not surrender what we have won with blood."
Sardar Attar Singh Sandhawalia, from the opposing faction, spoke cautiously. "Maharaja ji, provoking the Company could be dangerous. We have only recently secured Peshawar. Opening another front may strain our resources."
Prince Kharak Singh leaned forward. "The British have no right to demand anything. Sindh is ours by right of conquest."
The factions argued in hushed tones, the Dogras favoring defiance and the Sandhawalias urging caution. Ranjit Singh listened to the rising tension with a faint, knowing smile. He had spent decades navigating these treacherous waters.
Nau Nihal Singh, standing among the senior commanders, observed the exchange silently. He had already suggested reaching out to France in a previous session, and the delegation was being prepared in secret. For now, he waited for the Maharaja's lead.
Ranjit Singh raised a hand, silencing the room.
"We will not cede Sindh," he said firmly. "It was conquered through the courage of the Khalsa and is now part of our empire. We respect trade, but we will not surrender territory simply because a foreign company finds it inconvenient."
The court murmured in agreement, though the factions continued their quiet calculations.
As the British delegation was escorted out, Ranjit Singh motioned for Nau Nihal to stay behind.
When they were alone, the old Lion spoke quietly. "The British are testing our resolve. Your suggestion to reach out to France was wise. The delegation is being prepared. But we must also prepare for the possibility of conflict. The court is divided — the Dogras push for strength, the Sandhawalias for caution. I still hold them in check, but my time grows short."
Nau Nihal bowed. "I will serve the Khalsa, Maharaja ji. Whatever is required."
Ranjit Singh nodded. "Then stay close. Learn the game of court as well as you have learned war. The empire will need you in the days to come."
That evening, Nau Nihal met privately with Gurbaaz Singh.
"Continue the secret weapons research," he ordered. "The French delegation may bring new designs. We must be ready to learn and improve upon them. The new cavalry unit must train relentlessly. We cannot rely on diplomacy alone."
Gurbaaz bowed. "It will be done. The Raaz research wing grows stronger every week."
Nau Nihal looked out toward the horizon. "The British want Sindh. The court is divided. Dost Mohammad Khan waits in Kabul. We walk a dangerous path — but we will walk it with open eyes and sharp blades."
The Shadow Blade had returned to the heart of the empire.
Now, he was playing a larger game.