The Moghul

stamp the order four days ago."
    "Was His Majesty entirely sob . . ." Nadir Sharif hesitated. "Was he in full understanding of what he was authorizing?"
    "That hardly matters now. But you must place the seal you keep on the order also before it's forwarded to the wazir to be officially recorded." She did not shift her gaze from the sunlit valley. "It's on the table behind you."
    Nadir Sharif turned and stared down at the gold-inlaid stand. The order was there, a single folded piece of paper inside a gilded leather cover. The string which would secure it had not yet been tied.
    "You were wise to have taken this precaution, Majesty." Nadir Sharif glanced back at Janahara, his voice flowing with admiration. "There's no predicting His Majesty's mind these days. Only yesterday I discovered he had completely forgotten . . ."
    "Have you stamped it?"
    "My seal is not here, Majesty." He paused. "And I was wondering . . . would it be wise to review our strategy briefly with His Majesty, lest he become confused later and forget he authorized the order? Perhaps even countermand it?"
    "Your seal will be sufficient. It's in the pocket of your cloak where you always carry it, the pocket on the left."
    "Your Majesty's memory is astonishing sometimes." Nadir Sharif quickly extracted the metal case, flipped off the cover, and with a flourish imprinted the black Seal of the Realm on the top of the order, beneath Arangbar's signature and the impression of his royal signet ring. "When will the army be able to move?"
    "Tomorrow. Most of the elephants are moving out this morning." Janahara turned back and glanced at the paper with satisfaction. "And tomorrow we will all return to Agra. The plague is subsiding, and I think His Majesty should be in the fort."
    "I agree entirely. Has it been ordered?"
    "I will order it later today. Jadar cannot move his army that rapidly."
    "I will begin preparations to go with the army." Allaudin rose and adjusted the jeweled katar at his belt.
    "You will be returning to the Red Fort, with His Majesty and with me." Janahara did not look at him as she spoke.
    "But I want to face Jadar. I insist." He tightened his gauze cloak. "I will demand an audience with His Majesty if you refuse."
    Janahara studied him silently for a moment. "I have an even better idea. Since Jadar has refused to lead the army to defend the fortress at Qandahar, how would you like to be appointed in his place?"
    Allaudin's eyes brightened. "What rank would I have?"
    "I think we can persuade His Majesty to raise your personal rank to twelve thousand zat and your horse rank to eight thousand suwar , twice what you have now."
    "Then I will go." Allaudin tightened his cloak, beaming. "I'll drive the Safavid king's Persian troops back into the desert."
    "You are as sensible as you are brave. I will speak to His Majesty tonight."
    Allaudin grinned a parting salaam, squared his shoulders, and pushed his way through the portiere and into the sunshine. Nadir Sharif watched without a word until he had disappeared into his own tent.
    "Was that entirely wise, Majesty?"
    "What else do you propose we do? It will keep him in Agra. I'll see to that. You don't really think I'd allow him to leave? Anyway, it's time his rank was elevated. Now all he needs is a son."
    "I'm sure he'll have one in time, Majesty. The Hindu astrologers all say Princess Layla's horoscope is favorable."
    "The Hindu astrologers may have to help him do a husband's work if they want to save their reputation."
    "Give him time, Majesty." Nadir Sharif smiled. "And he'll have more heirs than the Holy Prophet."
    "All the Prophet's children were daughters." She took the paper, inserted it into the gold case, and began tying the string. "There are times you do not entirely amuse me."
    "I'm always half distracted by worrying." Nadir Sharif followed her with his eyes. "Even now."
    "What in particular worries you at the moment?" Janahara paused as she was slipping the case into her sleeve.
    "I'm thinking just now about the Imperial army. The loyalty of some of the men."
    "What do you mean? Inayat Latif is entirely beholden to His Majesty. He would gladly give his life for the Moghul. I've heard it from his own lips, and I know it's true."
    "I've never questioned your commander's loyalty. But now you . . . His Majesty will be ordering the men to march against Jadar. Are you aware that fully a third of the army is under Rajput field commanders, officers from the northwest. Some of the rajas