Part Nine
October, 1637
Troubled no longer by the priestly lore
—The Rig Veda
Chapter 55
Surat
The Gulf of Khambhat
By the time he rode onto the quay at Surat, Salim knew he was too late.
Barely—but still too late. Drawing up his horse at the end of the stone pier, he watched the flotilla sailing with the tide down the Tapti River toward the Gulf of Khambhat. He had no doubt of the identity of the four ships, since they were quite distinctive in their design. Even a landsman like himself could tell the difference.
They were still quite visible, although few details could be determined at the distance. For one, they flew the odd standard of the USE and that of Hamburg. He could make out a few human figures well enough, but it was impossible to distinguish faces.
He did not curse. In truth, meeting Jahanara here before she sailed would have been an enormous risk, even a deadly one should they be discovered. He had simply not been able to resist making the effort—which had gained him no favor among the men of his escort. He had driven them very hard, and for many days, even using up some of the remounts.
He could hear their horses’ hooves clatter on the stone quay as they joined him upon it, could feel the sullen fatigue in their stares on his back.
They’d live. Hardships had benefits of their own, after all.
* * *
After staring at the distant figure of the lone horseman at the end of the quay for a moment, Jahanara looked around the rear deck of the Lønsom Vind. The ship’s captain—she couldn’t remember his name at the moment—was but a few steps away, facing downriver and seeming happy to be on his way.
“Monique,” she said. “Would you ask the captain if I might use his spyglass?”
Monique was back in a few seconds with the telescope.
It took Jahanara more effort than she thought it should to bring the device into focus, but soon enough…
She spent several minutes gazing upon the figure of the horseman, until distance and the slight haze covering the waters made the effort pointless.
“Thank you,” she said, handing back the spyglass.
She was suffused by a great warmth. In truth, she was surprised he had made such good time. Even so, she could only delay here for so long without raising suspicions, and Dara Shikoh would not have sent Salim his new instructions until he was certain the Amir could not possibly reach Surat before she departed.
Jahanara would miss him. Begum Sahib dare not show it.
Stifling a sigh, Begum Sahib turned to Priscilla, who was standing silently beside her at the rail. “We shall be together for a long time now, with many opportunities to speak. Of many things.”
“Yes,” said Priscilla, eyes on the distant shore.
After a while, Jahanara added, “There are many things I think it would be good to discuss. With a woman from the future.”
“Oh, yes,” said Priscilla.
Glossary of Terms
Akbarnama Book of Akbar, one of the great Mughal Emperors.
Atishbaz Caste-workers who manufacture rearms and cannon.
Begum Princess.
Begum Sahib Princess of princesses.
Betel A leaf containing stimulants that is consumed in Southeast Asia, noted for causing staining of the teeth in regular users.
Caravanserai Way station on a caravan route. Often paid for out of royal coffers.
Chakram Sharpened throwing rings of thin steel hurled like a Frisbee.
Dastak A scepter, specifically a symbol of diplomatic status and protection of the sovereign.
Deccan Plateau in north-central India.
Diwan Royally-appointed manager for some specific trade or bureaucratic entity.
Diwan-i-Khas Hall of public audience.
Diwan-i-Am Hall of private audience.
Doab A tract of land between two rivers.
Ferenghi Foreigner, usually European.
Firman Written permission or order. Necessary for trade.
Qalam Writing instrument.
Gaz Distance, much like a cubit or yard.
Howdah Passenger compartment on an elephant, sometimes enclosed.
Jagir Income property rights, not usually overseen in person by the holder, a Jagirdir.
Jagirdir Holder of a jagir.
Jali Ornate stone or wooden screens to preserve purdah.
Julabmost Nonalcoholic fruit drink.
Jizya Muslim tax on nonbelievers.
Katar Triangular double-bladed punch dagger.
Khalat Robes of state, embroidered and decorated, that were given as gifts to umara who pleased the powerful.
Khan-i-Saman Manager of a harem’s dealings with the outside world, usually a eunuch.
Kharkhanas Craftsmen collected by a royal, the product of which can be many things.
Khutba Friday prayers. In this instance, Friday prayers proclaiming a new emperor.
Kokas Milk-brothers. Those warriors of the inner circle of a prince who “shared the milk” of their mothers, meaning they were to be trusted in all things.
Kos Length of distance equivalent to approximately 2.25 miles.
Maghrib Afternoon prayers for Muslims.
Mahout Elephant handler and trainer.
Mansab A set of jagirs, often scattered throughout the empire.
Mansabdar A holder of mansab.
Mihmandar Person responsible for the upkeep, care, and security of an envoy visiting the Mughal court.
Nizam Mughal title for foreign princes and sultans—a way to avoid admitting in writing that another could hold the title of sultan.
Nökör Personal guard of a prince.
Pulu Polo.
Purdah Separation of women from men in accordance with cultural and religious norms.
Shehzadi Princess.
Shehzada Prince.
Sowar Cavalry trooper. Also one of two rankings in the emperor’s court, this one denoting how many actual sowar were paid for out of the rank-granter’s treasury. Inspections were common.
Sultan King.
Sultan Al’Azam High Sultan, the emperor’s honorific.
Umara Nobles of the court.
Wazir First advisor, minister.
Zamburak Camel gun, small cannon like a swivel gun aboard western ships.
Zamburakchi Camel gunners.
Zamind Land rights settled region.
Zamindar Recipient of land rights to a region, usually resided in or on and defended by the zamindar himself.
Zat Courtly rank, strictly a sign of the emperor’s favor, compensated with cash allowances and jagirs, but no troops.
Cast of Characters
The Mission
John Dexter Ennis USE TacRail veteran and titular leader of the Mission. Technology specialist for the Mission.
Rodney Totman NUS Army Medic, former college football player. Medical expert for the Mission.
Priscilla Totman Paramedic, married to Rodney. Medical expert for the Mission.
Bobby Owen Maddox Up-timer and USE 2nd Lt of TacRail Unit, security specialist for the Mission.
Ricky Wiley Up-timer and USE 2nd Lt of TacRail Unit, security specialist for the Mission.
Ilsa Ennis Down-timer, married to John Dexter.
Gervais Vieuxpont Down-timer and onetime con man, skilled linguist and father of Monique. Disgraced physician.
Monique Vieuxpont Down-timer and onetime con woman, skilled linguist and daughter of Gervais.
Bertram Weimar Down-timer, spy for the USE, and distant relation to Don Nasi.
Lønsom Vind Crew
Captain Rune Strand Danish captain with experience at the Dutch trade
