The Leopard Princess Read online

  ‘So many have died because of my kingdom … I thought it would help to know why Sameela died, but it hasn’t.’

  ‘It is war,’ Anjuli said. ‘Everyone died in my village, too, because we were different. That’s still a kind of war.’

  ‘I don’t want war. There must be another way.’

  ‘Try telling that to men,’ Anjuli said, and Jahani looked at her in surprise. At times she sounded so much older than ten summers.

  At nightfall Yazan padded into the area. Some men stared at him as if he were a jinn, while others grabbed their swords. With a flick of his fingers, Ali Shah warned them off.

  Yazan made no sound as he sat at Jahani’s feet, staring at the flames licking the cold air.

  There were murmurings in Burushaski from the men, but Ali Shah just watched Anjuli scratching the underside of Yazan’s chin as if he were a domestic cat.

  With Yazan by her side, Jahani felt better. But still doubt had crept into her mind. How could she rise to this challenge and be the shehzadi when she hadn’t been raised to rule?

  Nothing has changed. You were always the shehzadi. My mother knew this. Yazan turned his head so Jahani could see into his pale blue eyes. You must be yourself. He blinked at her.

  Thank you for being with me, Yazan.

  I was chosen.

  Yazan’s thoughts silenced Jahani’s qualms and her mind grew quiet. Peace. She breathed in and closed her eyes as her doubts flew away. It would be best to regain the kingdom with peace, not war, but Ali Shah would laugh if she suggested it. What if she and Anjuli travelled to the kingdom alone? Ali Shah and his army could join them later.

  Suddenly she thought of Azhar. It felt as if he should be here with her, but she wasn’t sure why. Perhaps because he had once been her protector. Where are you, Azhar? she thought.

  Then Baqir’s words echoed in her mind, filling her with sadness: Do you not want to get on with your life? Have another occupation? You can’t play nursemaid to Jahani all your days.

  Azhar had called her ‘shehzadi’ the night she joined the nomads. At the time she thought it was an endearment, but was he trying to tell her that he knew the truth? If so, why hadn’t he just told her? She sighed. Even if he had, she wouldn’t have believed him. It took Ali Shah’s account of the massacre to give substance to her dream and for her to finally acknow­ledge she was the lost shehzadi.

  Looking into the clear night sky, Jahani made her decision. She called to Ali Shah and Rahul walked over with him. ‘Ali sahib, when we collect your army at Gilit we will be noticeable. I think it would be best if I entered the Kingdom of Hahayul under cover and alone. Then I can find my grandmother and send word to you when the time is right.’ She didn’t say what she really thought: that if they marched into the kingdom together, there would immediately be a war with Dagar Khan’s army, and if support for her was not yet sufficient her subjects would die. She could not let that happen.

  Ali Shah didn’t laugh or argue that nothing is won without war. Instead he contemplated the fire, then said, ‘I would need to accompany you. Irshaad, my second-in-command in Gilit, can take command of the army.’

  ‘I will be with her,’ Rahul said.

  ‘Certainly,’ Ali Shah said smoothly, and Jahani gave him a swift glance. ‘But you may have need of a seasoned warrior. I also have influence at the borders.’ He raised his eyebrows at Rahul. ‘Not everyone is trustworthy.’

  Jahani watched them both as they glared at each other.

  Finally Ali Shah left and Rahul leaned toward her. ‘You don’t have to do any of this. You can return to the nomads with me. We can go south until this is finished.’

  She looked up at him, startled. His eyes were glistening and warm, but she was unsure of his meaning. She blurted, ‘You can return, but I would always feel I hadn’t fulfilled my destiny.’

  His mouth tightened as he inclined his head. ‘As you wish.’

  She took a deep breath and watched him walk away.

  10

  Indus River

  Kingdom of Gilit

  The path wound dangerously down to the Indus River but, a few days later, they managed to descend to its banks before early light. A stormy wind whipped about them, piercing their clothes with icy darts. The roar of the water grew deafening as they approached. The rest of Ehsan’s troop were camped on the bank and waking as they arrived.

  Ali Shah watched the river as if assessing its threats, then cast a glance over the troop. ‘The current is far too swift for the horses to swim across. We will need to organise boats. There will be a village nearby, so it should only take a few days.’ He peered at the terrain surrounding them. ‘We can hide in the mountains while we wait.’

  ‘Why do we need to cross?’ Rahul said. ‘We can follow the river to Gilit.’

  ‘Our journey time will be cut in half if we cross,’ Ali Shah responded.

  Rahul glanced at Jahani.

  She inclined her head in agreement. ‘We cannot wait,’ she said more firmly than she imagined she could. ‘Muzahid’s men will also head this way. We must keep moving.’

  ‘You will be safer if we can get you across the river with a guide,’ Ali Shah countered. ‘We can then meet up in Gilit. But if you wish, we can keep riding until we find a hanging bridge or an easier place to cross.’

  Suddenly they heard a loud whoomph above their heads. For a moment the dawning sky was blocked from their view by a shadow. The men ducked, but Jahani and Anjuli looked up.

  ‘Azhar!’ Anjuli shrieked.

  Jahani froze as she saw Azhar dressed as a warrior floating toward her on the carpet. It fluttered in the wind as if saying hello. Then she shouted, ‘Are you mad? It’s almost daylight.’

  The carpet drew level with Chandi’s back amidst shocked gasps from the men.

  Ali Shah spluttered. ‘What is this? Who are you?’

  But Azhar ignored him. ‘Jump across.’ He leaned toward Jahani, offering his hand.

  Anjuli squealed with excitement as she grasped it instead and climbed on. ‘You can fly an enchanted carpet! And Jahani is the shehzadi!’

  His glance swung swiftly to Jahani. Mixed emotions contorted his face as he regarded her. ‘You finally know the truth.’

  In that moment, Jahani realised Azhar had known all along. It made her feel more confused than ever.

  ‘How did you find out?’ Azhar asked.

  She lifted her chin, indicating Ali Shah. ‘The commander of the Makhfi told me.’

  His eyes widened. ‘And you believed him?’

  Jahani tried to show no emotion. ‘He was at the massacre.’ Then she said without considering how it would sound, ‘I won’t need your protection now. As you see, I have an army.’

  Azhar recoiled as though her words were a sword thrust.

  Rahul roused himself. ‘What is this … this evil thing? How—’

  Azhar interrupted. ‘There is a small army headed this way. I can take Jahani across the river to safety.’ Azhar searched Jahani’s face. His mouth was crooked as if he was trapping words he didn’t want to say. Then he said in Burushaski, ‘Do you want to go north with an army and start a war? If so, Dagar Khan is ready for you. Or do you want to go on your own terms?’

  Jahani’s face grew hot. Who did Azhar think he was? Always he’d told her what to do and he was just a protector. Well, she didn’t have to obey him anymore. She looked toward the other men.

  Rahul’s face had reddened with anger. ‘You can’t influence her like this,’ he growled.

  ‘I am trying not to,’ Azhar said, his exasperation showing as he kept his gaze on Jahani.

  ‘I will go when I’m ready,’ she replied in Hindustani between her teeth.

  Azhar gestured to the carpet, appealing to Jahani. ‘Remember when I promised to take you north that day?’ It was for your safety and destiny. I can take you there now.’

  Jahani stroked Chandi’s neck, staring at the carpet. How wonderful it was to fly, but what would it mean for her to go with him?


  Go north quickly, Shehzadi.

  She shook her head to remove Chandi’s thought. It seemed imperative that she make this decision herself. ‘Anjuli, come back to me.’

  But Anjuli was staring above Jahani’s head, horror spreading across her face. ‘Dekho, look!’ She pointed to the track behind them.

  Mounted riders were galloping toward them. ‘Muzahid’s men,’ Jahani said.

  Azhar nodded. He grabbed his bow and fitted an arrow while Ali Shah and his men drew their swords and galloped toward the approaching soldiers.

  The carpet began to rise. ‘Anjuli, lie down,’ Jahani shouted. It was too late to take her off. Azhar stood and began firing arrows at Muzahid’s men.

  Rahul slipped a circle of red thread on Bibi’s leg and threw her into the air. ‘Fly home, Bibi.’ He turned to Jahani. ‘Come, I’ll find a place to keep you safe.’ But she swept his hand from her reins.

  Just then Anjuli screamed, ‘Watch out!’

  Azhar pushed Anjuli down as a loud whack was heard. Azhar groaned and staggered, then fell to his knees on the hovering carpet. Jahani watched as if through a mist. Her dream! Suddenly the carpet shot off up the track and around a bend and, without thinking, she urged Chandi to follow.

  You mustn’t do this, Shehzadi. It isn’t safe.

  Please, Chandi, help me. I have to save them. She barely registered Rahul shouting for her to stop. She rounded the corner and found the carpet hovering, losing height over the track. It was perilously close to the edge of the cliff. Soon it would fall into the river.

  When Anjuli saw Jahani she cried, ‘Help! Azhar’s almost unconscious. He can’t fly.’

  Jahani rode under the carpet, stood in the stirrups and caught hold of one corner. ‘Ahister, steady,’ she whispered.

  The carpet didn’t pull away, so she dragged it down to her level. Anjuli was the closest, her face flushed with fear. Beyond her, Azhar lay twisted, an arrow protruding from his upper chest.

  ‘Anjuli, take my hand.’ The girl crawled closer and Jahani grabbed her arm. ‘Climb down my body to sit on Chandi.’ When Anjuli’s weight was against her chest Jahani staggered dangerously in the stirrups, but the girl slipped down and landed with a thump on Chandi’s back.

  ‘Ow!’ Anjuli cried.

  ‘What in the name of Qhuda is going on?’ It was Rahul. ‘Jahani, the carpet’s hanging over the river. Don’t move until I can help you!’

  Jahani forced herself not to glance down. Her hand still clutched the corner of the carpet. With all her strength, she drew it lower to see Azhar. His eyes were half-open. ‘Azhar? Can you hear me?’

  He groaned. ‘Ji … It will continue to fly … while I’m conscious. I don’t know how much …’

  ‘Can you crawl to me? Rahul can help you down.’

  Rahul shouted, ‘Leave him, Jahani!’ His voice was a mix of fear and anger. ‘You could fall!’

  ‘Come, Jahani,’ Azhar murmured. ‘You can fly to safety … go north.’

  She stretched out her hand to him, but he didn’t move. ‘Azhar? Azhar, can you hear me?’

  Just then he threw out his arm. She caught his hand and, for a moment, she thought she could pull him toward her, but he was too heavy. His fingers slipped through hers.

  ‘Azhar, hold on!’ She let go of the carpet and grabbed his forearm with both hands just as Chandi reared. Jahani had no choice. She jumped but still couldn’t gain purchase to crawl on. She was hanging midair and her fingers were losing their grip.

  Anjuli was sobbing. ‘Don’t leave me, Jahani! Don’t leave!’

  ‘Jahani, I’m right below you.’ She felt Rahul’s hand touch her foot. ‘Let him go. Jump to me, I’ll catch you.’

  Gasping, Jahani glanced down. Anjuli sat on Chandi, tears streaming down her face. Beside the track was a drop of hundreds of feet. She shouldn’t have looked. Was it true, could she fly the carpet?

  ‘Azhar will fall if I don’t help,’ Jahani cried. ‘I can’t abandon him. I have to take him to safety.’ She felt Azhar’s arm strengthen, drawing her closer until, finally, she scrambled onto the carpet beside him.

  Just then it dipped. Azhar’s eyes were closing, flickering open, then drooping again. She had to get them away from the cliff’s edge. Frantically she tried to recall the last time they were on the carpet. How did Azhar fly it? She remembered Hindustani words borrowed from Persian. ‘Ooper,’ she shouted. The carpet shuddered, but didn’t rise.

  ‘Simple … respect …’ Azhar murmured.

  She glanced at him but his eyes fluttered and closed.

  The carpet plunged toward the river.

  ‘Jahani!’ She heard Rahul’s shout and Anjuli’s scream.

  ‘Ooper, jao,’ she whispered, more calmly than she felt.

  The carpet halted its descent, rippled as if it were water, bucked like a giant fish and rippled again. Then it rose over the mountain path, flying away from Anjuli, Chandi and Rahul. Jahani blew out a breath as she watched them disappear. But there was no time to worry about leaving them; she had to find a safe place for Azhar to recover. Maybe there would be a cave in the mountains.

  ‘Ahister, slowly,’ she said, and the carpet hovered in response. They were near a ridge. ‘Azhar?’ He didn’t answer.

  Just then the carpet sped up, yet she hadn’t given a command.

  She looked behind. Chandi was galloping after the carpet, Anjuli riding astride and calling her name. As Jahani watched, Rahul caught up to them and grabbed Chandi’s reins. She reared and screamed, but Rahul didn’t let go. Instead, he stared at Jahani like he had when she first saw him on the road to Naran moons before. It was the last she saw of them before the carpet swept around a bend.

  The carpet was heading toward the white Qurraqoram Mountains in the distance, rising ever higher as if it also wanted to take her to the northern kingdoms.

  Azhar groaned and Jahani’s heart leaped into her throat. She tried to roll him over but he was like a dead weight. She held his wrist and was relieved to feel life still pumping in his veins. His turban had unravelled and she stroked his hair, praying he would be all right. Other than the arrow he seemed to have no other injuries. How would she get it out? It didn’t bear thinking about – the pain it would cause him. She knew he needed help quickly. His face was so pale. She would have to find a healer nearby.

  She gasped when she realised how high the carpet had flown. They were speeding through wisps of cloud but she could still see the northern peaks above them.

  ‘Ahister, slowly,’ she whispered.

  The carpet rippled and bucked; it didn’t want to follow her command.

  So she said firmly, ‘Neechay jao, ahister. Go down, slowly.’

  The carpet responded sulkily like a recalcitrant kite. Eventually they descended and flew amongst the mountains. Jahani scanned the sheer sides and soon noticed a stairstep village built on a ridge. Perhaps a person there could help. She guided the carpet toward the village. They were nearing the entrance when she heard a strange whirring. Too late, Jahani noticed an armed man standing above a cave. Before she could react, he threw a ring of rope toward her. It wrapped around her torso and ripped her from the carpet.

  ‘Bey ya! No!’

  The carpet plummeted. At the same time, Jahani plunged through the air until there was a sudden jolt when the rope pulled taut. The shock jarred all her bones. As Jahani was dragged upward, she watched in horror as Azhar and the carpet dropped like a rock toward the river far below.

  11

  Indus River

  Kingdom of Gilit

  Ali Shah and the Makhfi easily overcame Muzahid Baig’s troop. Muzahid called the remainder of his men to retreat, but not without casting his eyes over Ali Shah’s men. To Ali Shah it looked as if he were searching for someone.

  ‘No doubt they’ll return with reinforcements,’ Ali Shah said to Lateef, his hakim, as he grimly surveyed his wounded men. ‘We’ll need to move quickly to reach the town of Gilit before them.’ He wiped his sword as a hors
e screamed nearby. ‘What is that racket?’

  ‘The shehzadi’s mare,’ Lateef replied.

  Ali Shah regarded him in consternation. ‘Was the mare injured? Isn’t the shehzadi with her?’

  ‘We can’t find her, Ali sahib. Nor Rahul, the guide. Nor Rabb.’

  Ali Shah groaned. ‘We must find the shehzadi immediately.’

  Ali Shah ordered his troop to mount, when a man drew a weeping girl toward him. ‘The shehzadi’s friend has something to tell you.’

  He looked at her hopefully. ‘Do you know where she is?’

  ‘Jahani flew away on the carpet with Azhar. Rahul tried to stop her. Now Chandi has gone wild trying to follow because Rahul tied her up.’

  ‘And where is Rahul?’

  ‘I was too upset to notice. One minute he was by me and the next he wasn’t. He left me, just like Jahani.’

  ‘He may be pursuing them, but it will be futile. The old tales say enchanted carpets fly like the wind.’ He blew out a long breath. ‘So, it looks like she went north with this Azhar, you say?’

  Anjuli gave a nod, her eyes filling with fresh tears.

  ‘Maybe he will take the shehzadi to her kingdom, sire,’ Lateef said. ‘We all heard what he said when he arrived on that carpet.’

  Ali Shah pursed his lips. ‘We should ride on and check the track in case they are hiding.’ He looked back at Anjuli. ‘Do you think you can handle the shehzadi’s mare or do you want to ride with one of my men?’

  Anjuli straightened. ‘I’ll ride Chandi. It may help calm her.’

  When Anjuli mounted Chandi and turned her north along the track, she quietened.

  ‘Dekho, Chandi. We will find Jahani bai,’ Anjuli said.

  They had travelled for only a few hours when Ali Shah noticed Chandi becoming agitated again. Suddenly the mare reared and cantered off the track toward the cliff’s edge. Anjuli screamed for Chandi to stop as Lateef grabbed the reins. They were teetering on the edge when Ali Shah saw the carpet below. ‘Halt! The carpet is by the riverbank,’ he shouted. ‘Come with me, Lateef, in case you’re needed.’ He glanced at his closest men. ‘You come as well.’