The Great Mogul

A Persian family fleeing religious strife struggles across the dry country between Herat and Kandahar, hoping to reach the realm of Akbar. Mirza Ali Beg, his wife and their children depend on a failing cow for food and transport. With the rains delayed and their strength nearly gone, the parents face a desperate choice over their infant daughter. This opening gives The Great Mogul an immediate focus on family ties, endurance and the fragile hope of help.

Louis Tracy's historical adventure also moves into the dangerous public world of the Mogul court. In a later scene, Roger Sainton's extraordinary intervention saves Sher Afghan from a tiger, leaving Emperor Jahangir to contain his anger before watching nobles. Sainton and Walter fear that Jahangir is only waiting for another chance to act. Readers can expect physical daring, sharp exchanges and conflicts between individual courage and royal power, set against the uncertainty of life under imperial rule.