Read Online Daughter of Nomads by Rosanne Hawke - Free Book Online

do what the Emperor Akbar did and reduce the tax that cripples the poor and rescind the one that minority faiths pay.’
    Azhar stared at her thoughtfully. ‘It would be like bringing snow in summer.’
    Jahani glared back in defiance. ‘You can scoff, but something needs to be done. Why do we have so many poor?’
    Azhar didn’t answer and urged Rakhsh forward.
    â€˜It’s because some have too much,’ she called to his back.
    He turned in the saddle and said, ‘It is not a sin to be blessed by Qhuda.’
    Jahani coaxed Chandi to a trot and rode beside him. ‘It is a sin if the wealth was gained by killing or thieving.’
    Azhar gave her a long considered look. ‘Such passion. I trust it will be put to good use.’ Then he pressed Rakhsh into a canter.
    Jahani wasn’t sure if he was impressed or disgusted by her opinions. Not that she cared what he thought. One day she’d show him.
    As it grew dark, Azhar led them from the main thoroughfare and through a wooded area until they found another stream. ‘We will camp behind these rocks,’ he said.
    Jahani and Azhar brushed down the horses, while Hafeezah cooked chapattis over a fire. Anjuli sat watching the flames with tears rolling down her cheeks. Jahani’s breath caught at Anjuli’s distress. She also had an aversion to fire but, unlike Anjuli, she didn’t know why.
    As she cooked, Hafeezah spoke to Anjuli trying to engage her in a conversation. ‘I suppose you make chapattis like this, too.’
    Anjuli shifted her gaze from the fire to Hafeezah, but she didn’t say a word.
    That night Jahani lay on Sameela’s quilt near Anjuli and Hafeezah. She could hear Anjuli’s gentle breathing and won­dered if exhaustion from her sadness had sent her to sleep. Anjuli hadn’t spoken many words since they found her. Jahani supposed the shock had stolen her tongue. She glanced across the fire to where Azhar was lying rolled in a blanket. There must be so many weeks ahead and miles still to travel; she hoped Anjuli would be able to talk freely when they reached the Kingdom of Kaghan.
    Just as Jahani was drifting between wakefulness and dreams she heard a crack. Her eyes shot open.
    There it was again: a twig snapping.
    Azhar sprang from his blanket. Jahani could see the moonlight glint on the sword in his hand.
    Hafeezah stirred. ‘What—?’
    â€˜Chup, quiet,’ cautioned Jahani. She sat up and peered over the rocks to watch Azhar creep behind a line of trees.
    Suddenly there was a clash of steel. Jahani stood up, but Hafeezah pulled her back. ‘Lie down. If they are bandits and Azhar is not successful they mightn’t notice us.’
    â€˜We can’t let Azhar get hurt. I could help him,’ Jahani said, putting out the fire.
    Hafeezah frowned. ‘What sort of talk is this? You would be killed or, worse, abducted. Girls do not fight.’
    â€˜I’ve read stories. The wife of Emperor Akbar could use a sword and battled beside her husband.’
    Hafeezah snorted. ‘You can put that thought out of your mind – you will not be marrying a king.’
    â€˜I might marry someone. I have a father now.’
    The silence hung heavily between them.
    Just then they heard a groan.
    â€˜Azhar!’ Hafeezah’s voice shook.
    â€˜I should go to him.’
    â€˜Bey ya, no, Jahani. You are just a girl. Quickly, pick up Anjuli. I’ll fetch the horses. If Azhar is overpowered, we must escape.’
    â€˜But we can’t leave without him.’
    â€˜Azhar will not want us to be in danger.’
    They had just mounted when they heard someone approaching.
    â€˜If it is not Azhar, we will flee,’ Hafeezah said, holding the reins high.
    â€˜It has to be him,’ Jahani whispered, surprising herself. She cradled Anjuli as the girl yawned.
    There was the glint of steel in the moonlight.
    Jahani urged Chandi forward.
    â€˜Stay