Chapter 78: March to Peshawar
1834 – The Long Road North
The Mobile Division moved northward like a steel river under the Khalsa banner.
Nau Nihal Singh rode at the head of nearly nine hundred riders, the column stretching behind him through the dusty plains. After two years of consolidation in Sindh, the men were rested, well-equipped, and hungry for action once more. Supply wagons rolled steadily, carrying powder, shot, and provisions for the coming campaign.
Jawahar rode on his right, scanning the horizon out of habit. "Feels good to be moving again. Two years of garrison duty and tax collection almost made me soft."
Nau Nihal allowed a small smile. "You were never soft, old friend. But yes… the mountains will test us in new ways. The Afghans are not like the Talpurs. They know every pass and valley. They fight for honor and tribe, not just territory."
Gurbaaz, riding with a small group of scouts, brought forward the latest intelligence. "Hari Singh Nalwa has been pressing hard toward Peshawar. He has won several engagements but faces stiff resistance from Afghan tribes. Maharaja Ranjit Singh wants us to reinforce him and help secure the frontier."
Nau Nihal nodded. "We will coordinate with him upon arrival. Speed is important, but we must not exhaust the horses. The real fighting will begin once we reach the hills."
The march took several weeks. As they moved further north, the terrain gradually changed — the flat plains of Sindh gave way to rolling hills, then to the rugged foothills of the mountains.
One evening, around a large campfire, Nau Nihal addressed his senior officers and veterans.
"We are not going north as conquerors seeking easy glory," he said. "The Peshawar campaign is vital for the security of the entire Khalsa. We will support Hari Singh Nalwa, secure key passes, and make the Afghans understand that the Khalsa does not tolerate threats on our border."
Jawahar spoke up. "And if they fight like cornered lions?"
"Then we break them the way we broke the Talpurs," Nau Nihal replied calmly. "With intelligence, mobility, and unrelenting pressure. The Raaz network will be expanded rapidly once we link up with Nalwa's forces."
Finally, after a long and arduous march, the division reached the forward camps near Peshawar.
Hari Singh Nalwa himself rode out to meet them — a legendary warrior with a fierce reputation, his beard streaked with grey but his eyes still burning with the fire of battle.
"Nau Nihal Singh," Nalwa greeted him warmly, clasping his forearm in a strong grip. "I have heard much of your work in Sindh. The Shadow Blade who broke the Talpurs from behind their own lines. You are most welcome here."
Nau Nihal returned the grip firmly. "It is an honor to fight alongside you, General. My division is at your command. Tell us where we are needed most."
Nalwa's expression grew serious as he gestured toward the distant mountain passes. "The Afghans are proud and stubborn. They control many of the high passes and raid our supply lines. We have won battles, but securing Peshawar permanently will require more than brute force."
Nau Nihal's eyes gleamed with familiar tactical sharpness. "Then we will use the same methods that served us in Sindh — intelligence, speed, and striking where they are weakest. My Raaz agents are already moving ahead to map their positions and alliances."
Nalwa laughed heartily. "Good. Very good. Come, let us plan. The Khalsa grows stronger with men like you."
As night fell over the frontier camp, Nau Nihal stood with Jawahar looking toward the dark silhouettes of the mountains.
"New land. New enemy," Jawahar said.
Nau Nihal touched the hilt of his sword. "Same purpose. We serve the Khalsa. We adapt. We win."
The Peshawar campaign had begun in earnest.
The Shadow Blade was ready once more.