The Moghul
weather at sea.
"I think it may take practice."
"Women from the zenana ride elephants all the way to Kashmir in the summer. I'm sure you'll manage a two-day hunt." Nadir Sharif swung easily into his howdah. Around them other elephants were kneeling for nobles to mount.
"Where will the hunt be?"
"This time we're going west, out toward the old city of Fatehpur Sekri. But His Majesty has hunting preserves all over. In the neighborhood of Agra and near the small town of Delhi north of here, along the course of the Jamuna and reaching into the mountains, there is much uncultivated land. There are many places with grasses over six feet high and copse wood. This land is guarded with great care by the army, and no person, high or low, is allowed to hunt there except for partridge, quail, and hare—which are caught with nets. So the game—nilgai, deer, antelope, chitah , tiger, even some lions—is plentiful. Some of His Majesty's hunting preserves may extend as far as ten kos in every direction—I believe that's around twenty of your miles."
"You said preparations for the hunt had been underway for days?"
"Of course. When His Majesty announces a shikar , a royal hunt, the grand master of the hunt in that particular location has to begin extensive preparations. The hunts now are usually a qamargha , which was invented by Akman."
"What's that?"
"First, sentries are posted on all the roads leading into the preserve to keep villagers out, and then the entire preserve is surrounded by beaters, we call them qarawals , who begin to close the circle and drive in the game. For this week's hunt he used thirty thousand qarawals . The grand master of the hunt informs His Majesty when the game has been brought together. The next day the court and officers from the army leave early, to be at the appointed place to meet His Majesty when he arrives. His Majesty usually hunts alone at first, if there are no tigers, and everyone else must wait at a distance of about one kos . Only some members of the Imperial army are allowed to accompany him, for protection. After His Majesty wearies of the kill, then others of his choosing are allowed to kill the last of the game. But if tigers are to be hunted, it's customary that only His Majesty and the royal family enter the circle. It's always been the tradition of Moghul rulers that only they and their kinsmen are allowed to hunt tigers. But this hunt will be different. This time His Majesty will merely watch."
"Who'll do the killing then?"
"That my surprise you, Ambassador. Let me merely say that it is no man. You will see."
Hawksworth was still wondering what he meant. But the time was not far away when he would know. They were nearing the area that Nadir Sharif had said was designated for the hunt.
"Inglish," Arangbar shouted back over his shoulder. "Does your king hunt?"
"Rarely, Your Majesty. But he has no elephants."
"Perhaps we should send him some. But then I assume he has no tigers either. Should we also send him some tigers to run free in Ingland so he can hunt them?"
"I'll remember to ask His Majesty."
"But first you must see our tigers for yourself, Inglish. Today you and Nadir Sharif will join us as we go into the qur , the hunting round. Have your elephants fitted with leather armor."
Nadir Sharif started with surprise. "I thank Your Majesty for the honor."
Allaudin stirred in his howdah , and Hawksworth caught the disdain in his eyes. "Majesty, why are you inviting the feringhi into the qur ?”
"Her Majesty suggested it. And it amuses me." Arangbar seemed to dismiss Allaudin's question. "He will not have a weapon. All he'll do is watch."
As servants rushed forward to begin fitting the leather armor, Hawksworth saw the queen's elephant approach. This was the closest he had ever been to her, and still he could not see her. Her howdah was completely enclosed with curtains, which now flapped lightly in the midday breeze.
"Her Majesty, Queen Janahara, will be going into the hunting circle." Nadir Sharifs voice was discreet as he spoke to Hawksworth. "She rarely joins in shikar , but she is an excellent shot. This is a rare honor for you, Ambassador."
Hawksworth studied the closed howdah and wondered why the "honor" seemed to leave him with such an uneasy feeling.
The waiting nobles formed a line with their elephants as the Imperial entourage moved past. Armed guards followed on horseback at a distance. Leather padding had been fitted over the face and shanks of
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