"But what happened to her?"
"There's a rumor in Surat that the Shahbandar, Mirza Nuruddin, is hiding her in the women's quarters of his estate house. But actually she left for Agra the next day, by the northern road. I'm very worried what may happen to her there."
"How do you know all this? It sounds like bazaar gossip."
"It's all true enough. She sent a pigeon, to the fortress here. The message was waiting when we arrived."
"It's good she's out of Surat. With Mukarrab Khan gone, she's no longer any help there. But I've always wanted to thank her somehow. She's one of the best. And our only woman. I don't think anyone ever guessed what she really did."
"I will thank her for you. Her message was a request. Something only I could arrange. A favor for a favor."
"And what was that?"
"Just something between women, my love. Nothing to do with armies and wars." Mumtaz shifted on the bolster and took a perfumed pan. "Allah, I'm tired."
Jadar studied her face again, marveling as always how it seemed to attest to her spirit.
"Then rest. I hope the cannon won't disturb you."