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The Moghul

Page 71

by Thomas Hoover


  As is oft the way in Heathen lands, the story of the Son's successionis a marvelous convoluted Tale. There were said to be two Sons incontention, belike both Knaves, and the Hollanders have deduced thatthe late Arangbar's Queen, named Janahara, favor'd one Son over theother, for reasons known best to her Self, and intrigued in hissuccession. They have concluded thus because the new Moghul is said tohave promptly rewarded her with a large secluded Estate of her ownoutside of Agra, with his personal Guards to protect her, something theDutchmen claim has never before been done for a Moorish Queen in India.The Hollanders further deduce that this Queen effected the favoredSon's succession through her Prime Minister, a subtle Rogue calledSharif, who, when the Moghul Arangbar died, secretly arranged theAssassination of the other Son before he could reach Agra and make hisown claim for the Throne. This said Sharif was again appointed PrimeMinister by the new Moghul, doubtless a Reward for his cunning Service.

 

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