The Battle for Ghazni
997 CE – The Fate of a Kingdom
The winds howled across the plains of Charkh, carrying the scent of dust and blood. The banners of Ghazni fluttered wildly, their golden crescents gleaming under the dim morning sun. In the distance, the army of Mahmud ibn Sabuktigin stood in perfect battle formation, their warhorses snorting in anticipation.
Opposite them, the army of Ismail ibn Sabuktigin was scattered, an uneasy collection of palace guards, newly recruited soldiers, and mercenaries hired in haste. Their armor lacked the polish of seasoned warriors, and their formation was sloppy compared to Mahmud's disciplined ranks.
At the center of his lines, Mahmud sat tall on his warhorse, Asad, his piercing eyes scanning the battlefield. Beside him, his most trusted generals—Malik Ayaz, Arsalan, and General Ameer Hassan—awaited his command.
Malik Ayaz leaned forward. "They are nervous, my lord. They have never seen real war."
Mahmud smirked. "Then let us show them what war truly is."
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The War Drums Begin
A single trumpet blast shattered the morning silence.
On the opposing side, Ismail sat atop his white stallion, gripping the reins tightly. His face was pale, his hands trembling slightly.
His vizier, Abu'l-Abbas Isfaraini, urged him, "We must attack first, my Sultan. If we hesitate, Mahmud will crush us."
Ismail swallowed hard. "Then give the order."
A drumbeat rolled through the ranks, and the left flank of Ismail's army surged forward, their swords raised high.
Mahmud watched calmly, his grip tightening on his sword.
Arsalan glanced at him. "Shall we counter, my lord?"
Mahmud shook his head. "Not yet."
As Ismail's troops advanced, Mahmud's cavalry remained still, their hooves barely shifting on the ground. The enemy soldiers shouted battle cries, expecting Mahmud's forces to engage.
But Mahmud's men did not move.
The enemy charge slowed, confusion spreading through their ranks.
And then, when they were within striking distance—Mahmud raised his sword.
"Now."
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The Charge of the Lion
With a roar, Mahmud's cavalry thundered forward, their spears glinting in the sun.
The impact was devastating. Steel met flesh, and Ismail's front lines collapsed instantly. Mahmud's warriors, trained for years under his father, cut through the enemy ranks like a storm, pushing them back within minutes.
Arrows rained from Mahmud's archers, striking down soldiers before they could even raise their shields. The battlefield turned into a scene of chaos—men screaming, horses falling, blood soaking the ground.
Ismail, watching from a distance, panicked.
"They are breaking! Reform the lines!" he shouted at his commanders.
But the commanders were already fleeing.
Ismail turned to Abu'l-Abbas. "What do we do?"
The vizier's face was grim. "We retreat, my Sultan."
Ismail's eyes widened. "Retreat? But—"
Before he could finish, the second wave of Mahmud's forces charged, led by General Ameer Hassan.
The battlefield erupted into a full rout.
Ismail's soldiers threw down their weapons, running for their lives. Some tried to surrender, while others were cut down as they fled.
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The Fall of Ismail
Ismail turned his horse sharply, spurring it toward Ghazni's gates. His mind raced. If he could just reach the palace, he could regroup—
But a thunderous gallop sounded behind him.
Ismail turned and saw Mahmud riding toward him like a storm, his sword drawn, his eyes burning with fury.
"Brother, don't do this—" Ismail tried to plead.
Mahmud didn't slow.
With a single strike, he knocked Ismail off his horse, sending him crashing into the dust. The white stallion bolted away, leaving its master helpless.
Mahmud dismounted, standing over his fallen brother.
Ismail groaned, clutching his bruised ribs.
Mahmud's voice was cold. "You were never meant to rule, Ismail."
Ismail's breathing was heavy. "Then kill me. End it."
Mahmud stared at him for a long moment. Then, with a flick of his sword, he pointed toward the palace. "Take him."
Two soldiers grabbed Ismail by the arms, dragging him back to Ghazni in chains.
Mahmud turned, looking at the battlefield. His soldiers stood victorious, their banners flying high.
The battle for Ghazni was over.
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A Sultan Crowned
Days later, Mahmud rode into Ghazni at the head of his army. The streets, once divided, were now filled with people cheering his name.
Inside the royal palace, the nobles who had once supported Ismail now knelt before Mahmud.
Khwaja Suleiman stepped forward. "Ghazni needs a ruler, my lord."
Mahmud nodded. "Then let it be known—I am Sultan of Ghazni."
The royal seal was brought forth, and Mahmud took his place upon the throne.
Ismail was escorted into the hall, his hands bound.
Mahmud looked down at him. "I do not seek revenge, brother. But you will never rule again."
With that, Ismail was taken away, his fate sealed.
And so, the House of Ghazni was united once more.
The reign of Sultan Mahmud had begun.
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End of Chapter 5