by Carly Smesh
He looked over the top of his pit to see the four Riflemen climbing to their feet.
Four bodies lay in the dust one whose leg was twitching. They wiped their kukris on the dead men's cloths before returning them to their sheaths.
The bodies were quickly dragged away whilst dust was kicked over the bloodstains.
The horses had, has Turin predicted, bolted down the Pass.
The men returned to their positions and crouched down.
They heard the sound of the horses has they entered the cleft.
They were almost upon their position when he and Turin opened fire.
The nearest Afghan was only fifty feet away, at that range you couldn't miss.
Pandemonium broke out with the Afghans; horses were rearing, throwing their riders off. Some tried to retreat back down the cleft but became blocked by the horses coming forward, whilst all the time, the deadly .303's wrought havoc among their ranks. David had reloaded three times, some of the Afghans who had been thrown lay behind the bodies of the dead and returned fire, but were picked off by the men in the fissure.
Dust swirled from the rearing horses has screams off pain came from both men and horses, David found it harder to find a target due to the horses bolting down the pass blocking his vision. Slowly the firing petered out, until the only sounds were those off the wounded men and injured horses.
The men in the fissure shouted that the cleft was clear and the Afghans were fleeing back down the Pass.
The men climbed from their pits and began to dispatch the wounded men and horses.
But they had suffered their first fatality, a rifleman had, had he scull crushed by a horses hoof has it leapt over his pit. Other than that, little grazes from stones again from the panicking horses.
The men fell into the usual routine of stripping the bodies of weapons and valuables.
Four men were dispatched to round up the horses that had fled.
David stood by the relit cook fire, taking a drink from the hipflask, waiting for Turin to report, has he watched, their horses being brought back.
Turin reported sixty-one bodies, and surmised there would be has many wounded.
He also reported fifty-three Russian rifles; he had ordered them along with their ammunition to be packed separately.
"I think it will be some time now before they try again," David said, "I shall return to the Fort with the men detailed to take the horses and the packs along with the body."
The men returned with fifty-four horses, the saddles were removed and the saddlebags searched, while the bodies were draped over them and led away.
"The wolves won't be going hungry this year Sahib" Turin murmured.
It was an hour and half later sat on Kahn that they set off herding the horses.
David held the halter rope of the horse with the dead rifleman's body wrapped in a ground sheet.
Chapter 15
The lights of the Fort reminded him, he told the Lance Naik to draw two oil lamps from the stores when the returned to the Pass. They were the same four-man detail that had driven the first herd down to the Fort and were anxious to get their horses back. David smiled at the bond the men had formed with their own mounts.
He took the ropes of the other three packhorses has the men took the herd to the paddocks.
He reined up outside Subedar Major Para office, men were running unbidden, to take charge off the packhorses. "Take them to the Quartermasters store" indicating the packs;
Para said he would take care of the body.
He gave Para a quick report of the action, before walking Kahn back to his stable.
Hanga was outside "I will unsaddle Kahn Colonel Sahib, your bath is ready for you".
David shook his head in amazement at how Hanga had managed to heat the water so fast.
Never the less he was grateful has he lowered himself into the tub.
An hour later having removed a six-day growth of beard from his face, and changed his cloths, he felt more relaxed.
He sat in his rocking chair with a glass of whisky reviewing the day in his mind, has Hanga cooked his dinner.
He requested that Subedar Hagar report to him, after he had breakfast.
When Hagar reported he told him to replace has many of the Martini Henrys with the Russian rifles he had in store and twenty rounds of ammunition. Saying it was a better weapon. Also to have the valuables packed on a packhorse ready to leave in an hour, has he intended to see the Prince.
He left on Sulkie; the packhorse was his old stallion so they were able to maintain a fast trot.
Peshawar was waiting has he rode up to the Palace; grooms took the horses while servants carried the packs.
They left them in the room and left leaving David alone.
The Prince rushed in extending his hand "David how are you I understand there has been a battle at the Pass".
David frowned at how the Prince knew so fast. "Yes Sir we engaged the Afghans twice in the last six days."
The Prince now frowned "Twice" he repeated.
Then David began to explain how they had fought 54 Afghans, all were killed except one who escaped, and they had captured 51 horses.
He pointed to one off the packs, "Those are the valuables we found on them".
He then recounted the fight that had occurred yesterday in detail, saying they had killed 61 and captured 58 horses, that's their valuables, indicating the other pack. "We
also captured 98 Russian rifles and a large amount of ammunition for them. I have given orders for them to be issued to replace our current Martini Henrys.
The Prince gave orders to a servant, and the man returned carrying a decanter and two glasses, the Prince poured out the drinks handing David one.
He sat down again and took a sip, "I knew of one engagement through my brother in law the General, he came to see me two days ago demanding to know what Army I had stationed at the Pass. I told him in no uncertain terms that it was none of his business. But then he made a mistake; by saying this army had attacked the Afghans and had cursed numerous casualties. I then demanded how he could possibly know this. He tried to bluster that it was common knowledge in the streets.
I had him placed under arrest. I had long known that he was in contact with the British and Afghans through my own agents. But this was the proof I had been waiting for.
Last night he escaped, he along with his family and five high-ranking Army officers and their families left the city heading for the border.
"But he didn't know about the rifles did he Sir." David asked alarmed.
"No David the only ones who have been out to the Fort, are sworn to me. He knew we had been recruiting Gurkhas, and the uniforms had changed, that is all."
David considered the Princes remarks, before putting forward his request.
"I'd like to bring 30 of my Riflemen to the Palace, to act has your personal guards Sir" David said.
"Why, do you think it is necessary?"
"We can't assume all the rats have left the ship."
"But wouldn't that show our suspicion?"
David thought for a moment, "Quite a few of my men have wives and families living in the city, mostly in poor accommodations. You could let it be known that they are here in the pretext, of finding better homes for them, and the guard duty is a way of keeping them employed while they do so."
The Prince nodded his head, "There is a barrack room here in the Palace. I could empty it on the pretext of conducting an inquiry on how the General escaped"
David smiled "I'll have the men here tomorrow Sir. One other thing Sir could Ashar Kahn or his son come out to the Fort and take the captured horses off our hands, we don't have sufficient feed for them and our horses."
The Prince gave instructions to a servant and ten minutes later Ashar Kahn himself appeared.
David explained the problem and Ashar Kahn said he himself would come, and bring more oats and fodder, "It will give me an opportunity to see my children"
David return
ed to the Fort and asked for Subedar Major Para to report to him.
Once inside his office and sat down opposite David he told him what had happened at the Palace and his plan to have 30 men guard the Prince. He told him off the excuse about the married men.
Para said he thought there were 18 married men who were not in his staff and available, but he would check.
David emphasised that the chosen 30 must be good dependable Riflemen able to use their own judgment. A Havildar would be in charge of the detail with what Naik's Para thought fit.
The detail would assemble in the mess hall immediately after breakfast and armed with the Russian rifles.
Para said he would have a list made out by last post.
Hanga had the currycomb on Sulkie when he returned to his quarters.
"The Horse Master is coming tomorrow to check up on these two Hanga, so make a good job of it"
Hanga grinned, "They will gleam like new Rupees Colonel Sahib."
He found Subedar Sultar waiting for him, outside of his office.
He asked if David if he would tell him about the engagement at the Pass.
David told him to come in and take a chair.
He told him in detail, from the moment they were told of the Afghans approach, the positions taken, and the ensuing battle, finally the clean up afterwards.
David knew the young Subedar needed to know these facts, has he may have to face a similar situation himself.
Sultar remained silent at the end of David's explanation thinking, finally asking, "Is there anything the Colonel Sahib would have done different"
"No, the only thing that could have been improved was in the manner of the warning we had.
A lookout had to scramble down the path to inform us. That was dangerous for the lookout in case he fell, and also the time lost in giving the message."
Perhaps it would have been better if a written message had been attached to the rock cord. But then the lookout would have to know how to write."
Sultar listened intently to what David was saying.
"Some off my men know how to write a little, has do I. I will ensure one of them always takes the lookout duty. It may be better to use a tin can to lower the message, and if a few pebbles were in it, it would gave a warning."
"That's an excellent idea Subedar, you can draw a notebook and pencils from the stores"
"Colonel Sahib it is a pity we do not have someone to teach writing to all the Riflemen"
David nodded his head in agreement, thinking he would raise it up with Para.
Subedar Hagar reported to him, to say he had held 30 Russian rifles back for the men detailed for the Palace duty. Also the cremation of the dead Rifleman was scheduled for noon tomorrow, all ranks ordered to attend.
David in turn told him the Horse Master was coming tomorrow bringing more food for the horses. Knowing the 164 Afghan horses already captured would be creating a hole in his feed stores.
Later he walked round to the paddocks, all of them now contained horses.
He climbed up on to the top rail to see them, picking out the white Arabian Stallion.
He noticed Jalap the blacksmith doing the same thing further down the main paddock, and went over to him.
"The horse Master arrives tomorrow to take most of them away Jalap".
"How many does the Colonel Sahib wish to keep"
"I'd like to hold on to fifty of them for the next troop, but the blood stock the Horse Master will need."
Jalap nodded "Does the Colonel Sahib wish me to select them for him"
"Please Jalap, I will send men to assist you, if you can put them in the smaller paddock"
"Very well Colonel Sahib" he replied scanning the horse more intently now.
David sent five men to help him when he returned inside the Fort.
He stopped at the stable, due to the paddocks being full they had not been out.
Both vied for his attention, their coats gleaming, pushing their heads against his chest.
"All right my lovelies, one at a time" he said chuckling. Hanga came out from his kitchen giving him two apples.
He gave them, to them, "Your father arrives tomorrow, I hope you'll be on your best behaviour".
The list was on his desk when he sat down, he checked their names against the muster roster.
Havildar Talaq was 49 married with four children, and had served twenty years in the British Army.
There were two Naik's both in the forties, one of which was married with children.
Looking down the list he realised that all were either in the forties or late thirties.
All had severed in the British Army.
In all there was 21 who were married.
Last Post rang out, has he left his office.
The men were sat down when he entered the mass hall; he noticed the Russian rifles stacked by the wall.
He explained that several senior officers including the General had been in league with the Afghans.
These men had now fled form Kana, but there may be sympathisers still at large in the Palace or city.
Their orders were to guard the Prince and his family. Two Riflemen were to be with him where ever he went.
Anyone wishing to see him must be searched before entering the room for weapons.
Food must be tested before he or his family eat it, Peshawar is a trusted servant would see to that.
They must be on constant guard of any one, male or female.
He would leave it up to Havildar Talaq to organise the guard roster.
On no account were they to discuss anything about the Fort or the new rifles, which included their wives.
Finally he said they would be issued with the Russian rifles explaining they were superior to the Martini Henry.
He took one and showed them how to load it, and how to engage the safety catch, and issued them out to them, allowing the men to practice.
You will be assisting the Horse Master to herd horses back to the city when you depart. Go now to the paddock and select your horse Jalap the blacksmith will tell you which.
He asked Havildar Talaq to remain behind has the men filed out.
"Havildar Talaq I am depending on you to keep the Royal family safe.
You can trust the Horse Master, if you have any concerns or require help, inform him, and he will send a rider to the Fort."
Talaq said his men would defend the family with their lives.
David smiled at his response "Take my stallion for your horse Havildar Talaq"
He glanced at his watch it was almost ten, has he crossed to his office, some of the detail were returning into the Fort leading a horses.
He had been doing some paper work, when Subedar Major Para entered his office.
"Colonel Sahib the lookout says the Horse Master approaches with some one of importance with him. I checked myself with the telescope. It's his Royal Highness"
David sat up, "Make sure the guard is ready to give full military honours, when the Prince enters the gate".
He shouted for Hanga informing him to have something ready to welcome the House Master and Prince.
By the time he left the office, Tiger's half troop and Cobra Troop had formed up into ranks, noticing they had staffs with a pendent depicting either a Cobra or a Tiger on it.
Subedar Sultar stood proudly in front of his Cobra's, whilst a Havildar stood in front of the Tiger's The thirty man detailed for the palace had formed up with Havildar Talaq in front of them The rest of the riflemen had fallen in with either Havildar's or Naik's in front of the various sections.
Has the Prince and Ashar Kahn rode through the gate, the guard came to attention and presented arms has the Naik in front gave a blistering salute.
The Prince smiled and waved his riding crop.
David looked at the Princes Horse a really magnificent pure white Arab stallion, so this was Swift he thought.
David, Para and Hagar waited at the flagpole.
When they dismounted two rifl
emen took charges of the horses.
David saluted the Prince and welcomed him to the Fort, then introduced Para and Hagar.
David asked if he would like to inspect the Rifles, the first group were the half troop of Tiger's. David told him these were the men who had first engaged the enemy at the Pass. The Prince spoke to the Havildar in front of the men, who then fell in with the Prince has he walked along the ranks stopping to talk with a man here and there.
He then went on to the Cobra troop and did the same thing.
It took an hour for him to review the entire command, before David led him to his quarters, has Para dismissed the parade.
Ashar Kahn was standing by the stables has they arrived, and followed them into the lounge. Hanga had found an old armchair from somewhere for the Prince and Ashar Kahn took the rocking chair. David poured out whisky for them, before taking a chair.
"David I'm truly amazed at what you have achieved in such a short time not only with your men but with the Fort" the Prince began.
"Not only that my Prince, but he has captured the hearts of my children" Ashar Kahn added.
David blushed at the praise; "You have to thank the men Sir, their Gurkhas for all of this. They train and work far harder than any other troops in the world. Pride of being is born into them. Their motto is Rather death than cowardice.
"I trust you don't mind me coming out like this unannounced" the Prince murmured.
"Not at all Sir, it's a great moral boost for the men to see you"
David glanced at his watch, "You will have to forgive me Sir but we are cremating the Rifleman who lost his life at the Pass shortly and I must attend".
"Do you think the men would mind if I attend also" the Prince asked.
"Of cause not Sir they would considerate a great honour that you was present"
The men were already drawn up in ranks when they arrived at the pyre the shrouded body on top of it. David stood before the men.
"We are here to whiteness the passing of Rifleman Subar, who gave his life protecting the Pass. In the days, weeks, months and years ahead, it may be further men will die, protecting this country from a cruel invader. But that is the duty of a soldier, to lay down his life for his comrades and people, so they do not have to live in fear. So we honour Rifleman Subar today. His ashes will be returned to his village in Nepal along with his kukri and his pay, with a 300 Rupee bonus. Further his Majesty is providing his family with a 150-Rupee pension a month.