CHAPTER 14
When Karima reached adulthood it meant that Hilal's tutelage came to an end. Although she showed certain difficulties in concentrating on her studies, over the years she improved and managed to demonstrate a deep understanding about administrative matters.
Hilal, meanwhile, had to deal with the disputes of his vassals. Salah and Ghobad had different opinions on the most basic things. Hilal sometimes heard them arguing deep in his mind. To avoid further stress he preferred not to opt for any, the best thing was to make them see reason according to his own opinion.
What was stressing Hilal was the education of his youngest son, Zahir. The boy was reaching maturity and needed some guidance to interact interpersonally with other people, especially girls. Hilal more than once showed him the example of how to do it so that his son does not seem a fool. Beyond this, Hilal appreciated Zahir, he was the younguest, pampered by all.
Sometime later news came from the south, thakur Akbar kalatid started a war against Sufyah claiming the throne in Debul for his nephew Muhammad, the son of his sister Beyan and Nizam habbarid. According to the stories, during the habbarid-doolanid war Nizam left his young son with the afghans of his brother-in-law as he believed Debul was not a safe place. Nizam was killed in combat against Ahmad doolanid and Beyan was killed during the siege of Debul. Little Muhammad grew up among the afghans and now claimed the throne against his uncle Sufyah. Akbar also called his ally Feraz panjhirid, vassal of the samanids of Transoxiana, who had just accumulated great power after conquering what was left of the kingdom of Kallar, the ancient lord of the Kabul valley.
Muhammad habbarid had the support of the afghans Akbar and Feraz.
Hilal waited in Multan for further news, and it soon arrived. Muhammad's claims were frustrated after the battle of Sibi, there he and Akbar faced Sufyah's army commanded by Sabar Notanid. In Sibi the rebels were crushed, they made the mistake of not waiting for Feraz panjhirid's reinforcements, they were too impatient.
Muhammad was captured and sent in chains to Debul, there he was executed by Sufyah and the rebellion ended. But this was not a complete victory, Umar, the son of Sufyah, died in the battle of Sibi. Probably this was the reason why Sufyah executed his nephew without delay. Fortunately for Sufyah Umar was not his only male son.
Muhammad and Umar, two major losses for the habbarids.
In those days Zahir reached adulthood. The time dedicated by Hilal was not enough to make the boy become a great warrior, but at least he managed to learn the basics. In any case, there is a great truth, the experience is the main source of knowledge.
One day, while Hilal was clearing his mind while walking in a grove near Multan, a group of bandits attacked him. Fortunately he was with guards, they helped him repel the attack. The attackers were very skilled, as if they were experienced warriors, it was not easy to finish them all. The problem is that they were not bandits, they were murderers. And they were hired murderers, one of them carried a small bag with coins inside, those coins had the face of Jatan Gujar.
After many rumors, Hilal already knew who wanted to kill him.
Hilal did not hesitate, he gathered his army and marched to war against the gujars.
The previous war was difficult, but it ended in victory, although it is true that it was a victory with the help of Sufyah. Hilal decided to trust himself and the surprise factor in his attack.
After the assassination attempt, Hilal and Jatan became rivals.
The hilalid army advanced unopposed through the gujar lands until they reached Lahur, the capital city. If Jatan was in the city he would be captured when the city fell, if he had fled he would have to return to defend the capital or the humiliation would be enormous. It turns out that Jatan was not there nor did he return to defend Lahur, but he did send his brother Kumar with an army.
Initial disposition of the battle.
This time the gujars were not up to the task, the hilalid cavalry charge was forceful, the new archers trained in Multan kill out dozens of enemies, but Juan's greatest pride was seeing his two sons, Ambar and Zahir, fighting alongside him.
After the victory, they resumed the siege of Lahur, but a new enemy army was approaching.