"First, sentries are posted on all the roads leading into the preserve to keep villagers out, and then the entire preserve is surrounded by beaters, we call them _qarawals_, who begin to close the circle and drive in the game. For this week's hunt he used thirty thousand _qarawals_. The grand master of the hunt informs His Majesty when the game has been brought together. The next day the court and officers from the army leave early, to be at the appointed place to meet His Majesty when he arrives. His Majesty usually hunts alone at first, if there are no tigers, and everyone else must wait at a distance of about one _kos_. Only some members of the Imperial army are allowed to accompany him, for protection. After His Majesty wearies of the kill, then others of his choosing are allowed to kill the last of the game. But if tigers are to be hunted, it's customary that only His Majesty and the royal family enter the circle. It's always been the tradition of Moghul rulers that only they and their kinsmen are allowed to hunt tigers. But this hunt will be different. This time His Majesty will merely watch." "Who'll do the killing then?" "That my surprise you, Ambassador. Let me merely say that it is no man. You will see." Hawksworth was still wondering what he meant. But the time was not far away when he would know. They were nearing the area that Nadir Sharif had said was designated for the hunt. "Inglish," Arangbar shouted back over his shoulder. "Does your king hunt?" "Rarely, Your Majesty. But he has no elephants." "Perhaps we should send him some. But then I assume he has no tigers either. Should we also send him some tigers to run free in Ingland so he can hunt them?" "I'll remember to ask His Majesty." "But first you must see our tigers for yourself, Inglish. Today you and Nadir Sharif will join us as we go into the _qur_, the hunting round. Have your elephants fitted with leather armor." Nadir Sharif started with surprise. "I thank Your Majesty for the honor." Allaudin stirred in his _howdah_, and Hawksworth caught the disdain in his eyes. "Majesty, why are you inviting the _feringhi _into the _qur_?" "Her Majesty suggested it. And it amuses me." Arangbar seemed to dismiss Allaudin's question. "He will not have a weapon. All he'll do is watch." As servants rushed forward to begin fitting the leather armor, Hawksworth saw the queen's elephant approach. This was the closest he had ever been to her, and still he could not see her. Her _howdah _was completely enclosed with curtains, which now flapped lightly in the midday breeze. "Her Majesty, Queen Janahara, will be going into the hunting circle." Nadir Sharifs voice was discreet as he spoke to Hawksworth. "She rarely joins in _shikar_, but she is an excellent shot. This is a rare honor for you, Ambassador." Hawksworth studied the closed howdah and wondered why the "honor" seemed to leave him with such an uneasy feeling.