Chapter 128: Shadows on the Waves
July 1837 – Karachi, Sindh
A urgent message from the Raaz network arrived at dawn.
Gurbaaz Singh brought it personally to Nau Nihal's study, his expression grim. "Piracy has surged along our coastal trade routes. Three merchant convoys were attacked in the last ten days. Cargoes of textiles, spices, and cotton seized. Our patrol boats engaged one group, but they escaped toward the open sea."
Nau Nihal's eyes narrowed as he read the report. "Any identification?"
"British-flagged vessels," Gurbaaz replied. "But the crews were mixed — Europeans, local mercenaries, and even some Arabs. They struck fast and withdrew before our main fleet could respond. Raaz agents confirm they operate from bases just beyond our recognized waters."
Nau Nihal leaned back, his mind working quickly. In his previous life, he had read extensively about how colonial powers used deniable assets — privateers, mercenaries, and proxies — to weaken rivals while maintaining official innocence. This had all the markings of East India Company strategy.
"Call Jawahar," he ordered. "We need to discuss this immediately."
Jawahar Singh arrived within the hour, still wearing his training uniform. "The new naval graduates performed well in the skirmish, but we need more ships and better intelligence. These attacks are too coordinated to be ordinary pirates."
Nau Nihal spread the reports on the table. "They are not ordinary. The British are behind this. They send privateers to harass our trade, disrupt revenue from the textile factories, and test our resolve over Sindh. Then they will deny any official involvement. Classic Company tactics."
Gurbaaz nodded. "Our agents in Bombay have already heard the rumors. The East India Company is claiming these are 'independent pirates' and offering 'assistance' in hunting them — while quietly encouraging the attacks to pressure us into negotiations over Sindh."
Nau Nihal's expression hardened. "We will not yield. Strengthen the coastal patrols. Assign more graduates from the Naval Academy to active duty. Use the increased textile revenue to accelerate warship construction. And expand the Raaz network along the coast. We need proof, even if we cannot use it openly yet."
Later that week, an official British envoy arrived in Karachi under a flag of truce. Mr. Edward Thompson, the same diplomat who had pressed demands in Lahore, delivered the Company's message with polished courtesy.
"We deeply regret the recent pirate attacks on your shipping," Thompson said. "The East India Company has no involvement whatsoever in these criminal acts. We stand ready to cooperate in suppressing piracy in these waters, as it harms all legitimate trade."
Nau Nihal listened calmly, his young face betraying nothing. "How kind of the Company to offer help. Yet these 'pirates' seem remarkably well-armed and organized — flying British colors when convenient and vanishing toward Company-friendly ports when pursued."
Thompson smiled thinly. "Mere coincidence and unfortunate misidentification, Prince. We assure you the Company seeks only peaceful trade relations. Returning Sindh to local governance under our mediation would greatly reduce such instability."
Nau Nihal's reply was measured but firm. "Sindh belongs to the Khalsa. We will deal with these pirates ourselves. Any further 'cooperation' from the Company will be viewed with appropriate caution."
As the envoy departed, Nau Nihal turned to Gurbaaz and Jawahar. "They deny everything while bleeding our trade. This is their new strategy now that direct demands have failed."
Jawahar clenched his fist. "Then we answer with strength. The Naval Academy's next class is ready. We can double patrols within a month."
Gurbaaz added, "The research wing is developing faster signaling systems and improved night navigation. We will make these waters hostile to anyone who threatens us."
Over the following days, Nau Nihal intensified naval operations. The fleet conducted aggressive sweeps, protecting key trade routes and engaging several pirate groups. The new academy graduates proved their worth, leading successful counterattacks that sank two pirate vessels and captured another.
The textile factories continued producing at full capacity, their revenue funding the naval expansion. New cannons from the research organization were mounted on the latest warships. Foreign instructors at the academy were gradually replaced by local officers, reducing dependence while retaining useful knowledge.
One evening, as Nau Nihal reviewed reports on the palace balcony with his closest advisors, he spoke with quiet resolve.
"The British think they can weaken us through shadows and denials. We will prove them wrong. Strong navy, strong army, strong economy, and a united people — this is how we protect Sindh. The Lion in Lahore grows stronger each month. Our foundations here must match his strength."
Jawahar grinned. "The men are ready. Let the pirates — and their hidden masters — come."
Gurbaaz nodded. "The Raaz network is expanding. We will gather the evidence we need."
Nau Nihal looked out over the dark sea, where distant lights marked his growing fleet.
In his previous life, he had seen empires fall to such indirect tactics. Here, he was building the defenses to prevent that fate.
The Shadow Blade continued his work — turning Sindh into a fortress that no deniable piracy or official denial could break.