by Carly Smesh
The Quartermaster was on hand noting the serial numbers of the rifles has they were issued to the unit. David couldn't help but notice the men had sewn a patch, to the top of their jackets arm, with a Tiger embroider. Each man was issued with six clips of ammunition, to zero their rifle in. He watched has they mounted up, the rifles slung around their shoulders, has they rode out the rifle range.
Four days later three things happened, the weapons and ammunition arrived, the remount horses and saddles arrived, and he sat on Sulkie.
It was hard to know which he was most pleased about. Havildar Sultar unit was detailed to clean and service the rifles.
Has usual he had saddled Sulkie in the morning and fitted her bridle, before leading her and Kahn out to the paddock. After making a fuss of her he had sat on the rail of the paddock watching them. Sulkie had come over to where he sat almost leaning on his legs. He had slowly swung his leg over her back, keeping his weight on the leg standing on the post, then slowly lowered himself down into the saddle.
He was softly talking to her all the time. He felt a tremor pass through her body, but he lent forward and stroked her neck, has she bent her head to look at him.
"Sulkie my brave darling don't be afraid" he murmured scratching behind her ear.
Slowly he felt the tension leave her body. He reached down and adjusted the stirrups and slipped his feet into them.
"Ok girl lets walk" he said giving her ribs a genital squeeze with his boots.
Sulkie began walking hesitant at first, unused to the weight on her back, he let her find her own way round the paddock.
When she stopped a light tap with his boots would start her again.
After a while he started guiding her with the reins. By mid-morning they were making figure of eight turns in the paddock.
Sulkie seemed to be enjoying this new game.
He stopped and dismounted and cuddled her head whispering to her, before mounting again.
He was engrossed in what he was doing that he didn't see Taraq sitting on his horse watching until they started moving again.
Taraq smiled "I see the Colonel Sahib has made a conquest" he chuckled.
He leant over and opened the paddock gate.
"Come ride at the side of me Colonel Sahib, and see your new horses"
Sulkie fell in alongside Taraq's stallion and the walked slowly down to the big paddock where his brother was guiding the new mounts in.
Five big wagons were making their way in to the Fort.
"So Sahib when did this little miracle happen" he asked.
"Oh about three hours ago" and he explained how it happened.
"Because she loves you, is why she has not made a fuss" Taraq replied.
It was only mid-afternoon, but he decided to take the horses back to the stable, he had more paper work to sort that couldn't wait now.
Kahn snorted when he lead him sat on Sulkie, she almost seemed to preen at her new position.
As he entered the Fort the men laughed and clapped, at the sight of him mounted on her.
Hanga was standing outside with a huge smile on his face, has he dismounted and handed him Kahn halter.
Hanga led him into his stall while he removed the saddle and bridal from Sulkie.
Once in her stall, she came and pushed her head against his chest for him to fondle her.
Hanga came and gave him the apples. He gave Sulkie hers first, before turning to Kahn.
Stroking his velvet nose "now you see boy how easy it is don't you" he murmured giving him the apple.
He rested his head against Kahn's for a few moments, before leaving them.
David sat at his desk going over the list Havildar Sultar had left for him.
Of the two Naik's he had requested, one was already a Naik the other a Lance Naik
Of the four Lance Naik's, he would need, two already had that rank.
He had recommended a former 2nd Rifleman for the rank, but his last choice for Lance Naik was a 21year old, who, had only been in the unit three years coming from Nepal.
He checked his range record and discovered he was the best shot in the Company, beating Havildar Turin by 2, the second best shot.
Sultar must have his reasons he thought has he signed it; the list would go on the bulletin board in the morning.
To speed up Cobra units training, he would have them sort their horses out in the morning and riding them until lunchtime.
After their meal he would have the Quartermaster issue them their rifles and forty rounds of ammunition per man.
Then ride out to the range on their horses they could be picketed some distance away, whist the men zeroed in their rifle and began practice.
Taraq would know when to bring the horses nearer.
He drafted out the order and sent it over to be pinned up on the bulletin board along with Cobra Units list.
The sound of Last Post, ringing out over the parade ground has the flag was lowered, alerted him to the time.
He sat in his rocking chair with a glass of whisky waiting for Hanga to cook his dinner.
He had made his mind up that when the ammunition belts arrived he would take a section of Tiger under Havildar Turin up to the Pass,
They would be stationed there for two weeks being relieved by the second section at the end of that period.
He realised that the Naik in charge of the second section would have to be the better of the two Naik's in Turin's unit.
He would have to speak to him on that, Hanga came in with his dinner, lamb chops.
He was sat outside enjoying a cheroot, one of fifty the Prince had given him along with the two bottles of whisky.
When Taraq passed calling good night, David called him over and asked if he would take his stallion with him, when they went out to the rifle range tomorrow.
Sulkie swung her tail the next morning has he saddled her, has if impatient to be off.
Hanga passed him Kahn's halter rope, and they set off for the paddock. Once Kahn was in, he closed the gate.
"Ok girl lets go for a ride, they rode out into the open country in a walk, and then they trotted has Sulkie became use to his commands.
He increased to a canter and then gave her, her head "go on girl let's see what you can do" he urged has Sulkie leapt forward has he lent over her neck.
Her long legs were eating up the ground. If he hadn't had his chinstrap down, his hat would have been torn off with the wind of her passage.
The ride was exhilarating, after a few miles he slowed her down to a trot again has they turned heading back to the Fort.
She had been cooped up in the paddocks, for over five weeks, and he knew she had to take things slowly before she regained her full strength.
Back at the stable he removed the saddle and bridal and rubbed her down with straw to remove the sweat from her chest and gave her head a hug.
She followed him without a halter back to the paddock.
The Quartermaster way laid him as he entered the Fort again.
A merchant from the city had delivered 51 cartridge belts the Subedar Major had paid him and they were now in his store. He had also been accompanied with another man, with a mule cart and four baskets of pigeons.
He's down at the end of the Fort with the Subedar Major.
When he reached them the man was unloading his cart off wood.
Subedar Major Para explained to David that the man was going to make a sort of dovecote to house his pigeons.
He handed David a letter that the man had brought. It was from the Prince.
The letter explained that the man, Ali, was conversant with the code used by the Prince, all he need do, is tell him what he wanted to say, and Ali would convert it to code and dispatch a bird. The letter went on to say that he would train birds to fly from the Pass and return to the Fort.
But he would need to create a code of his own to fit the slips of papers used on the pigeon.
It seemed Ali knew the blacksmith and was going to lodge with him, so
Para informed him. David thanked him and said he would leave it to him.
On his way back up the Fort he saw Havildar Turin working with his men on the buildings. He asked him to follow him back to his office.
Once inside he told Turin to sit down, and he began to explain what he intended to do.
When he reached the part of the section change over, and his concern about the Naik left in charge. Turin said he would stay behind to take charge of the section, saying, "These are my men Colonel Sahib".
David said for him to draw cartridge belts and 60 rounds of ammunition and 30 clips per man. They would need to draw rations for two weeks and grain for the horses. A further 500 rounds of ammunition, packed on the docile training horses. The men would need to take a blanket roll and extra clothing in their saddlebags.
He told him he would be going with them, and remain for a few days, while he reconnoitred the Pass.
The section would move out after their midday meal. After he dismissed him, he went and informed the Quartermaster, and drew six clips. He still had 65 rounds left from the box he had taken on the ship along with the six clips.
He warned Hanga of his intentions, has he packed his saddlebags. Hanga warned him that it would be cold at the Pass. He loaded the clips with bullets and fitted them into his ammunition belt cases. He then packed 30 rounds of pistol ammunition and his telescope, compass and notebook. Hanga returned carrying a thick blanket and a ground sheet made from oiled canvas.
The blanket was not standard issue, when he queried it. Hanga had replied, "The Colonel Sahib will be most grateful for it. It gets ducally cold up there at night". They wrapped up the blanket with the ground sheet over it too protect it.
He was returning Kahn and Sulkie back to the stable when Havildar Sultar's section walked in with Taraq leading his stallion. After seeing them into their stalls, he turned to watch has they unsaddled and began to currycomb their animals prior to feeding them. He sent Hanga to attend to his stallion has he began to brush Kahn and Sulkie.
He released them into the big paddock to give them more room the next morning.
When he returned he saw Havildar Turin down by the armoury drawing ammunition with his detail, ammunition belts thrown over their shoulders.
He took his stallion from the horse line and led it to the rail by the stable and saddled it.
It took him nearly half an hour adjusting the rifle holster until he was satisfied he could draw the rifle easily whilst mounted.
Finally, he loading it and slipping it in, with the safety on. He attached the saddlebags and bedroll and the two-pint water bottle to the pommel and his loaded pistol into the saddle holster. He stood back satisfied, patting the horse's neck.
Looking across at the horse lines he could see riflemen engaged in the same task.
Chapter 12
After their mid-day meal the men lined up on the parade ground, standing alongside their horse, Havildar Turin standing a little in front.
David mounted the stallion and walked to Turin "Carry on Havildar Turin" he ordered.
Turin shouted over his shoulder "detail prepare to mount, mount". The twenty-six men moved as one. "Left by twos, forward" he cried giving the sign with his arm.
David sat on his horse has the men passed their rifles slung over their shoulders, the last man leading the two packhorses.
He trotted to the front of the column taking his place alongside Havildar Turin.
The joined the caravan road and followed it, has it snaked higher into the hills.
It took nearly five hours for the slow moving column to reach the entrance of the Pass.
The eighteen men detailed for guard duty were surprised to see them especially with the Colonel Sahib in charge.
He told the Havildar in charge that they were relieved of duty and could return to the Fort in the morning.
Turin in the meantime had set up a picket line for the horses, and had them unsaddled. His men would sleep alongside of them that night; they're not being enough room in the crude building used by the guards.
Later that night after a meal, David sat alongside Turin by the campfire.
"We will have to do something about housing the men, but I'm not sure this is the right site for a guard post. I intend to take a small section and scout the pass for a better location in the morning.
David had an uncomfortable night feeling the cold.
The next morning the guard detail marched away. But leaving behind their cooking equipment and blankets.
David, Turin and four Riflemen mounted up and rode up into the Pass.
At this point in the Pass the walls slopped down to the road with outcrops of rocks.
A difficult place to defend if the Afghans got amongst those rocks he realised.
They followed the road has it rose up into the mountains, the sides becoming steeper. After two hours of climbing they came to a section of the pass where the walls were almost vertical and a buttress jutted out, and the distance between the walls reduced to only about thirty feet, beyond this point the road continued to climb, and the walls started to slowly recede.
David returned to the vertical point of the Pass. "This is where we need to make the guard post Havildar" he said. A bitterly cold wind blew down the Pass the steepness of the wall let in very little sunlight.
He discussed at length the logistics off setting a guard post up there. Water and firewood would need to be brought up from the entrance and a building to house the men erected and provision for the horses found.
Once he was satisfied Turin understood his requirement, they returned to the entrance.
On the way back he said he would dispatch wagons with building materials and large earthenware jars to hold water. The men would require warmer cloths and more blankets. In the meantime Turin would have to make the best off it.
It took him three hours to return to the Fort pushing the stallion. Handing over the stallion to Hanga, he collected Subedar Major Para and the Quartermaster and told them off what he needed.
The Quartermaster was dispatched to the city to purchase warm coats and thicker blankets along with four of the largest earthenware jars he could locate.
Para said there were four wagons pulled by bullocks, currently in the Fort. Unloading materials, he said he would have them reloaded with sufficient materials and equipment, to build quarters for the men, and have it sent back to the Pass that day.
He returned to his quarters and had a bath and changed his cloths. Hanga saw to his saddlebags and rifle scabbard.
He walked out to the paddock to see the horses; before he had even arrived they saw him, and galloped across the paddock their tails held high whinnying.
Both vied to push their heads against his chest, has usual Kahn won. He stroked their velvet noses talking softly to each.
He decided that he would start to accustom Kahn to the saddle in the morning, if time permitted.
When he returned to the Fort he sought out the Naik commanding the other section of Tiger. To have four riflemen with a Lance Naik, to draw ammunition to accompany the supply column that had set out for the Pass. They should catch them up before they reached the caravan road he reasoned. He also said he would need another detail to guard another wagon when the Quartermaster returned.
He had an early dinner that night and was in bed has the bugle sounded Last Post, exhausted from lack of sleep and the hard ride from the Pass.
He started on Kahn has soon has he had him in the paddock with the horse blanket. By the afternoon he had the saddle on him, he had trembled and rolled his eyes, but had stood still. Sulkie looked at him has to say what's all the fuss. He left him with the saddle on to grow accustomed to it, and returned to the Fort.
A large wagon with three earthenware pots almost has tall has a man sat inside it. The Quartermaster along with the tailor waited for him by the office.
"Colonel Sahib I could only get three pots, the merchant said he could get another in a weeks' time. I have bought twenty
-six sheepskin coats, the warmest I could find, from this thief of a tailor along with the heaviest blankets available."
The tailor looked pained at being called a thief. "Colonel Sahib I understand that you require warm clothing for your men. I have brought some samples that may be of benefit for you".
He proceeded to show David fine woollen long johns and woollen shirts. While David examined them he rummaged around in the pile of sheepskin coats finally selecting one. "I have brought this for the Sahib has it is the longest in my store".
David tried it on, there was no doubt it was warm and it had a high collar that when fastened protected his ears, and came down to his knees. The only problem was you couldn't ride in it.
David explained to him he needed a heavy winter coat, but with a slit up the back that a man could sit on a horse with it on.
The tailor assured him he could make such a garment from wool. David also said it would need epaulets on the shoulders.
He asked if he could supply twenty-six long johns and shirts immediately, one set of long johns and shirt to fit him.
The tailor said he could have them at the Fort in two days' time.
David watched has the wagon set off for the Pass guarded by the detail, knowing the men there would welcome the coats and blankets.
He decided to wait for the tailor to return, and then he would take the long johns and shirts to the pass himself.
The next morning after breakfast he saddled Kahn outside of the stable, and then fitted the bridle on to him, having to adjust it due to Kahn bigger head, Kahn rolled his eyes at the bit but remained still has he talked to him.
David was surprised at how easy it had been with Kahn so far, has he led the two to the paddock.
Later that day he returned to fit the reins on and tighten the girth.
He was sat in Subedar Major Para's office when he asked about the pigeons.
Para, told him that Ali had said that ten off the birds have to recognise the dovecote has their home that way they would return to it when released from somewhere else. But the remaining five birds were kept in their baskets.
These when released would return to the Palace.
He opened a drawer and removed a small cylinder with a soft ribbon attached to it and a strip of rice paper half an inch wide and two inches long.