"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 1 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?"