The Brigand of Kandahar

Set in the mid-19th century during the British Raj, the action takes place on the North West Frontier near the Afghan border. The era is defined by imperial authority, frontier warfare, and strict military discipline. The period provides a backdrop for themes of honor, betrayal, and survival under colonial rule.

The story unfolds in the rugged borderlands of the North West Frontier, a volatile mix of military garrisons and tribal resistance. Forts, caves, and mountain paths shape the action as British forces confront brigands and the treacherous terrain. The setting’s harsh geography drives the tactics and the fate of the characters.

⚖️ Cowardice & Honor

Lt. Case is court-martialed for cowardice, forcing a clash between personal conscience and military duty. The narrative probes how fear and pressure intersect with concepts of honor in a colonial army. The moral ambiguity surrounding Case’s choices drives the central conflict.

🤝 Loyalty & Betrayal

Affairs, loyalties, and alliances prove unstable as officers, civilians, and brigands navigate shifting allegiances. Ratina’s scheming and Elsa’s vulnerability reveal how trust fractures under pressure. The story threads intimate bonds with larger political interests, showing how betrayal can be personal and strategic.

🏹 Colonial Conflict

The clash pits British forces against Eli Khan’s brigands, featuring sieges, ambushes, and tactical use of terrain. Terrain—forts, caves, and mountain ambushes—drives the action and military decisions. The narrative also invites reflection on the human cost of empire and frontier justice.