This is a story that involves sex between males. If such a story is offensive, or illegal for you to read where you live, then do not continue, go and surf elsewhere.
This is a work of fiction and in no way draws on the lives of any specific person or persons. If there is any similarity to any real persons or events it is entirely coincidental.
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My thanks to John who has read this through and made a number of corrections and suggestions. Any remaining errors , grammatical, spelling or historical or whatever are entirely my fault.
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The language classes with Ravi proceeded well, in spite of the mutterings from Alan Smith. It was on the seventh day that Ravi joined Lex when he went to take his bath.
"I need to teach you all sorts of things, Sahib. What better time to teach you the parts of the body than when you are taking your bath."
"I suppose so." Lex wondered if there was going to be a repeat performance of what had happened at Chandernagore.
"This is my head" said Ravi, holding his head. "That is your head," and he pointed at Lex's head. "Repeat."
So they went through all the parts of the head. There was a complication when it came to the eyes. "My eyes are brown, your eyes are blue." Also with the hair, "My hair is black, your hair is fair." Lex was a quick learner Soon they were building up other sentences. "I see with my eyes, you see with your eyes." "I see with my brown eyes, you see with your blue eyes." There was a certain amount of laughter.
Ravi then started on the arm, hands and fingers, followed by legs, feet and toes.
Lex began to wonder how far this was going to go. There was a significant group of body parts to be taught, but his were under the water, and Ravi's hidden by his dhoti.
"Do you want to learn the names of these parts?" asked Ravi in Bengali, pointing to his crotch.
"Yes, why not?"
Ravi removed his dhoti, and proceeded with the same method to teach Lex the Landerabadese for penis, testicles, buttocks and so on.
"Are the words you have taught me the official words, or are they the every day words that boys would use?"
Ravi giggled. "They are the official words. Do you want to use the other words?"
"Why not? You never know when it might come in useful."
"Stand up, and I will teach you."
Lex stood up in the bath, so he was now fully exposed to Ravi. Ravi pointed to Lex's prick - "Lund."
Lex repeated, "Lund" until Ravi was satisfied with his pronunciation.
Next he pointed to Lex's and his own balls. "Und."
Again Lex repeated the word.
Ravi turned round and pointed to his arse, "Gand."
"Gand."
The words for the various parts were taught, accompanied by a certain amount of giggling.
"Your language is like mine, with several different words for each part."
"Will you teach me the English words?" asked Ravi.
Lex then gave Ravi the various slang words that could be used. "It is sometimes called a dick, pintle, or pizzle, or lance, or yard, or pirate peg, or mutton dagger." They both laughed.
Then in very halting English Ravi said, "I think the pizzle of you is good and big."
"I think your land is good, and must be big....." Lex was lost for the word for hard or erect.
Ravi giggled and gave Lex the word. "Now we sleep," he added, "Lesson over." He put his dhoti back on and left Lex to dry himself. Lex was amused at the whole episode.
Every day Ravi spent a lot of time with Lex. The only time he was not with him was when Lex was closeted with Alan Smith. Ravi had detected that Alan did not like or approve of him, so he kept out of his way. In any case that was where Lex did his serious work, and the two Englishmen needed to be alone. Every night the same ritual was performed. Lex wondered if anything more would develop, but he received no encouragement beyond what had happened on the first occasion, so he did nothing. As he began to speak more and more Landerabadese they became more at ease with each other. Ravi was eager to learn about England, and Lex more about the customs of that part of India.
A couple of weeks after Lex's arrival in Landerabad there was procession from the Rajah's Palace to the site of the battlefield where one of his predecessors had won his famous victory. The two elephants that had come with Lex were to be in the parade. Lex noticed that their mahouts had painted them. One had the badge of the East India Company painted on its sides, the other the arms of his Majesty King George III. Lex wondered if it was tactful to have the royal arms emblazoned on the flank of an elephant on such an occasion, but he said nothing.
It was expected that Lex would ride on one of the elephants, but he insisted on riding one of his horses. He let Alan Smith ride one, and Peter Green the other. There were stables behind the Residency, and ten horses were stabled there. Most mornings Lex went out for an early ride, often wondering about Artemis back in England.
It was a colourful and noisy procession that made its way through the town, and the three miles out to the site of the battle. There a temple had been built, and the Rajah dismounted from his elephant, and made his way into the temple to perform the customary rituals. It was the first time that the young Rajah had performed this ritual. He looked nervous as he made his way into the temple, and Lex noticed there was a more relaxed look on his face when he came out.
The procession then made its way back through the town to the royal palace. When the procession was dismissed, a servant came over to Lex. "The Rajah wishes to speak with you."
Lex looked around for Ravi, who was never far away, and the two of them made their way to Rajah's presence. The both bowed to the young man.
The Rajah spoke to Ravi. "How are the language lessons going?"
"Ravi good teach," answered Lex.
"You learn quickly."
Lex did not understand `quickly' which had to be translated by Ravi into Bengali.
"I work good," said Lex.
"Good. When you know our language, then we will be able to talk." That had to be translated. The Rajah turned to leave, and Lex and Ravi bowed.
There was regular communication between Landerabad and Calcutta. A good horseman in good weather could cover the distance in less than a third of the time it had taken Lex and his contingent to travel it. Though it took a lot longer at the height of the monsoon season. Both Lex and Peter Green were expected to send reports back. It was Alan Smith's task to put these into code. He found it arduous and boring work, and always complained at the length of the report. As time went on there were sepoys to be sent back to Calcutta and new ones to take their place. With just over a hundred men there on the business of the East India Company there were occasional deaths and certain diseases resulting in changes.
Lex's first report contained a report of his meetings with the Rajah and his assessment of the political situation. "The young Rajah is inexperienced in government, but is apparently growing in confidence. The favourite wife of the old Rajah, who had no children of her own, supported Rajah Kainshka's bid for the throne. The Rajah's mother is an older woman, and had fallen somewhat from favour when the old Rajah was attracted to the younger woman. On official occasions the old Rajah's favourite is present behind a curtain within whispering distance of the Rajah. It is believed that she intends to rule through him. All his advisors appear to be old men, who were, no doubt, appointed by his father. There is no French presence at the moment in Landerabad.
"On a personal level the Rajah provided me with a Bengali speaker who can teach me their language. I managed to have a few words with the Rajah in his own language last time we met. I think I am progressing well, and look forward to being able to hold a conversation with him in the not too distant future."
Lex also included a letter to Hugh North, but to his own sadness it did not contain the name - Abhijit. Lex had told Hugh that he would include the name of his special servant Abhijit, if he had found a sexual compainion.
Lex and Alan Smith had two horses each. These were stabled at the Residency. Every morning at first light Lex took to riding one of his horses for several miles out into the countryside. This was a precious time for him. He was alone, and often he thought of Artimis back in England.
Once a week Lex held an inspection of the sepoys. This was a formal occasion, and helped to maintain standards. Peter Green appreciated all contact with Lex, and they often talked at length afterwards. Lex also liked to pay informal visits when he could talk to the men, and gauge their morale. Most of them seemed to be enjoying the posting to Landerabad. There were a couple of brothels in town, and these saw to the sexual needs of most of the men. Often Lex would talk for a few moments with Sahl and Mohi. He once asked them if they were able to get behind some bushes. They looked at him with a puzzled expression and when they realised what he was asking, they burst into laughter, and nodded. "Though not as often as we would like," said Sahl the older one. Lex grinned and walked away.
In the third week in March Lex, Alan Smith and Peter Green were summoned to what might be called in British terms a `soiree' at the Rajah's palace. This was held after the siesta in the afternoon, and was expected to continue into until the evening. Refreshments were served, and there was music. It was an opportunity for the Rajah to meet leading members of Landerabad society. There were both men and women present.
The soiree was held in the larger hall that Lex had gone through when presenting his credentials to the Rajah a few weeks before. There were at least two hundred people standing around in the hall talking. At the far end on a raised platform was a divan on which the Rajah would be seated.
When the Rajah arrived, coming in from one side, everyone bowed low. He was clothed in red, and again Lex noticed the diamond ear rings, which were by his estimation worth a King's ransom. He wore many other jewels, a practice which Lex found a strange contrast to European custom, where men did not wear anywhere near as much jewellery. The Rajah took his seat on the divan. By his side there was a table on which food was set. A servant stood to one side ready to wait on the Rajah. The Rajah sat there observing the concourse. From time to time he asked someone to be brought to speak to him. It was a very relaxed and colourful gathering. The women wore their best saris, and there were no restraints when it came to the colourful nature of the men's attire.
Lex felt that the three Englishmen, in their British clothing, were very dull creatures in comparison, though by twenty first century European standards they were brightly clad. But their European attire was more restrained in comparison with the Indians, and was certainly not as comfortable. Lex wondered if the old Rajah's favourite wife was present.
The three Englishmen split up on arrival as each had his own circle of acquaintances. Lex was speaking to an Omrah (noble) who was on the Rajah's council when a servant came up to him and said that the Rajah wished to speak with him. He was led up to the divan and bowed to the Rajah. Ravi mysteriously appeared at his side.
"Mr Sircander Penbarton how is your learning to speak our language progressing?"
"I believe I am making progress."
"Ravi, here, tells me that you are doing very well. I want to be able to speak with you, so that I can learn more about your home country and its people."
"He is a good teacher, Sir."
"Good, next time we will speak more." The Rajah inclined his head to show that the interview was over.
These functions were held once a month.
A pattern of life soon evolved for Lex. He rose just before dawn, and then went out riding for about an hour. When he returned to the Residency he broke his fast. Usually the morning was spent closeted with Alan Smith, but what Lex much preferred was to go down to the cantonment where the sepoys were living, or to carry out some other visit.
It was on one of these visits that Jock came up to speak with him. He was obviously uncertain about what he had to say. He started with various ummms and arrrrs.
"What is it Jock? What are you trying to tell me?"
"Captain Green, er Peter, has told me to tell you myself before you find out another way."
"What is it? What have you been up to?"
"Well, sir. I've found myself a couple of lady friends."
"So?"
"They are living with me!"
"A couple?"
"Yes, Sir." Jock looked rather fearfully at Lex.
"Living with you? At the same time?"
Jock nodded, with a suggestive grin on his face.
Lex burst out laughing. "You lucky man. As long as they don't interfere with your duties, and that you are a happy man, that's fine with me."
"Thank you, Sir."
"All the best, Jock." Lex turned away muttering, "Two, and both at the same time!"
A further report to Calcutta was sent off in May. "There is still no sign of any French interference. The people of this State seem very friendly, and peaceful. I am sure they have no hostile intent either towards us, or their neighbours. They regard themselves as secure as long as they control the defile that leads to this small but peaceful State."
He sent another message to Hugh North.
His language lessons with Ravi proceeded well. Having learnt Bengali, he found learning another Indian language proved much easier.
Towards the end of the month the Rajah held another soiree. The climate was now very hot and dry, and everybody was beginning to look forward to the arrival of the monsoon. The three British men, Lex, Alan and Peter made their way up to the Palace. It was as before. The Rajah entered when everyone was present. This time he was dressed in yellow, and with many jewels, and again the diamonds in his ears and on his turban glittered.
Again Lex was called into the Rajah's closer presence. This time there was no Ravi appearing at his side. Lex bowed.
"Ah, Mister Sircander Penbarton I hear you now speak my language well."
"I am working hard at it, Sir."
"So tell me, why do you continue to wear your English clothes?"
"They were made in Calcutta, Sir."
"Maybe. But they must be hot. Why don't you wear Indian clothes. We have found over the centuries, what is most comfortable, certainly at this time of the year."
"I wear my English clothes, because I am here as an official of the East India Company, Sir."
"I am sure the East India Company would not disappear or fail if you were to wear Indian clothes."
"I often wore them in Calcutta."
"Well then? Shall I send my tailor, to make you and Captain Green, and your secretary some Indian clothes?"
Lex bowed slightly. "That would be most kind, Sir."
"At that moment an Indian woman, dressed in the most beautiful and expensive sari, bejewelled with a fortune in gold and diamonds, came up to them. "This is my father's Rani, Mister Sircander Penbarton."
Lex looked at the woman, and bowed slightly. She had piercing eyes, and a large nose. There seemed to be a ruthless, even cruel streak in the shape of mouth and face. Lex was conscious of being examined by the woman.
"I hear you are learning our language, Mister Penbarton."
"He's doing very well," interjected the Rajah.
"I hope you are not expecting to control the affairs of Landerabad, like so many of your people control so much of India?"
"The aim of the Company is to live in peace to the benefit of both."
"I hope that is indeed so." She held Lex's look for a moment, before turning away.
"She is a strong person, Mister Sircander Penbarton. I'll talk with you more some other time." The Rajah signified that the interview was over, and Lex moved away to mingle with the other guests.
Half an hour later Lex found that the heat in the hall, in spite of the doors being wide open, was becoming over-powering. He moved out to the Chah Bargh, the formal garden. The fountains and movement of water made it seem much cooler. The Char Bagh was lit by various colourful lanterns. Lex wandered around alone. He went over to one side, where there was a low wall, which looked out over the valley. He stood with his hands on the wall, and looked over to the mountains. He saw light in the sky heralding moon rise. His mind went back to Whitgest. He wondered how they all were, Thomas and Georgina, and the young nephew he would never see. He even thought with some affection of Edward and Caroline.
"Are you thinking of your homeland?" said a voice he recognised at his side. He turned and bowed to the Rajah.
Lex bowed. "Yes, I was, Rajadhiraz. Moon rise is always a moving time, even in old England."
"Mister Sircander Penbarton is such a long name. Surely you are not called that at home. I wish to call you by a shorter name."
Lex smiled. "My proper baptismal name is, as you know, Alexander. But I have never been called that regularly. My family call me Alec, and my friends Lex."
"May I call you Lex? At least when we are alone?"
"I shall be honoured, Sir."
"Lex, is it right what I hear, that almost every morning very early at sun rise you ride your horse?"
"Yes. I enjoy it. Your valley is so beautiful in the freshness of dawn. I come back wanting to eat."
The Rajah laughed. "You think of your home in England?"
"Yes. When I was sixteen my father gave me a horse. I called her Artemis, after a Greek goddess. I often think of her. I used to ride her over the fields. I believe she is still alive and well, or she was when I last heard from home."
"How long does it take for a letter to get from India to England?"
"Usually about six months when I was in Calcutta; now, of course, it takes longer."
"A lot can happen between letters."
"One of my brothers writes to me."
"Are your parents still alive?"
"No. My mother died when I was quite young, and my father a year or so before I came out here."
"Why did you come to India?"
"That is a long and rather complicated story, Sir," remarked Lex sadly.
The Rajah detected that Lex did not want to go into any explanations. "I would like to join you riding some morning."
Lex's face brightened. "That would be my honour."
"And my pleasure too. The only trouble is I have to have a small escort with me when I go riding; but they can ride behind."
If I send a message to you the evening before would you meet me outside the lower gate at sunrise?"
"Certainly, Sir. Tomorrow?"
"Why not? See you tomorrow morning." The Rajah lightly touched Lex's arm and walked away.
The next morning as the sky began to lighten Lex was waiting on his horse outside the lower gate. He did not have to wait long. The gate opened and the Rajah, escorted by five mounted guards, came into view.
"Fine morning, Lex?"
"Indeed, Rajadhiraz."
They walked their horses down through the wakening town, and out through the town gate.
"Now we can really ride." The Rajah dug his heels into the horses flanks and galloped away. Lex immediately followed, and he was followed by the escort.
Lex immediately realised that the Rajah was a fine horseman. He rode his horse well. Lex knew that the Rajah was shorter than himself, and he was reckoned tall at five foot ten. The Rajah was just over five foot. What Lex had not realised was though the Rajah was slim, his muscles were well developed. He was no weakling.
They galloped for about a mile. The Rajah pulled up. "That does me good. I feel so much better getting away from the Palace. For a few minutes I can be free, and do what I like doing."
The escort came up, and though they did not come close to Lex and the Rajah they were on the border of hearing any conversation. Lex noticed that the carefree look on the young man's face disappeared, and the usual careful and more formal look took its place.
They cantered their horses back to the town. The Rajah asking Lex questions about his home in England. When they arrived at the point where Lex would turn off for the Residency, they stopped for a moment.
"Can we do this again, Lex. Perhaps for a little longer and further next time."
"It would give me pleasure, Sir."
Later that morning a serious faced Alan tackled Lex. "I hear, Sir that you went riding with the Rajah, and an armed escort this morning."
"Yes, Alan, I did. Why?"
"I don't think you were wise. You could've been killed. They were armed and you were not."
"Why should they want to kill me?"
"They are natives, and not to be trusted."
"Alan, if they killed me the Company would be angry. The last thing these people want to do is to stir up the wrath of the Company. They just want to live in peace."
"That is what you think, Sir. But they are uncivilised natives."
"Ballocks, Alan! Ballocks!"
The Rajah rode out with Lex on two or three mornings each week. They started going a little further, talking as they rode, and then racing back. The Rajah insisted that his escort fall behind sufficiently far not to be able to overhear their conversation. There were a number of things that he said that revealed to Lex what life was like in the Palace.
"It is good to ride out on a morning like this. I am free. I have not got to do this, listen to that, and settle the other. There is only one place in the Palace where I can be truly alone."
"Where is that?" asked Lex.
"On the top roof. As no enemies can get me there, I can order the guards to wait for me at the bottom of the stairs."
"Do you never get time alone?"
"There are always servants within call, and when I go out, even as now, an escort to keep me safe."
"Do you think you are in danger?"
"The Rani does. I don't think so."
And on another occasion, "The Rani is very suspicious. She wonders why I like riding with you, and always asks what we talked about."
"What do you say?"
"I tell her something you have told me about England. She's quite interested."
Lex thought he might be earning his keep when one of the Omrahs [nobleman] on the Council died.
"Now the palace is astir with everyone wondering who will take his place."
"Who decides?"
"I do. My father just decided. But for me because I am so young, and new to the position of being the Rajah of Landerabad, I am expected to take counsel. Of course, the Rani knows who she wants."
"So who is being suggested, and who do you want?"
"The Councillors are all old, most were appointed by my father, some of the recent ones he appointed under the influence of the Rani. I don't want to get rid of them, for most of them at least, serve me well. But I would like to have someone different, someone younger, someone nearer my own age. I think the newest man on the Council has been on it for ten years! The Rani keeps urging me to appoint a certain man. But I do not like him. Anyway I do not want someone who just does and says what she wants."
Lex thought for a moment. And began to suggest various names. This was met with comments like, too old,' a close friend of the Rani!' Eventually Lex suggested a middle aged man, who had an estate at the head of the valley, the furthest away from Landerabad.
The Rajah pulled his horse up. "Why not? Why not indeed? Omrah Soumitra! That would be an excellent move. Someone who lives well away from Landerabad. He is not the Rani's creature, and his name has not been suggested by any of the others. Yet I think he would be acceptable. I like it, Lex. I will make it happen."
They resumed their ride.
These morning rides became to mean more and more to both men. Rajah Kainshka shared more and more with Lex about life in the Palace, and the political set up. The Rani and his mother had secured his succession as Rajah, but the Rani was not liked. Such actions by a wife of a Rajah were to be expected when an old Rajah died, but she wanted to remain the power behind the throne, and that was resented. He thought that on the whole the old guard, who had been appointed by his father, supported him, but he would be glad when he was able to make some more of his own appointments. The number on the Council was determined, and a vacancy only occurred when a man died, or resigned or was dismissed by the Rajah. Kainshka could dismiss any member of the Council, but to do so without a very good reason would cause greater problems.
In July the man who had looked after the horses at the Residency had to return to Calcutta. On his next visit to the cantonment Lex sought out Sahl.
"I wondered if you and Mohi would be interested in a different job."
"What, Sahib?"
"Tapash, who has looked after the stables up there, has completed his years of service and is returning to Calcutta. I wondered if you and Mohi would be interested in the job?"
"Where would we live?"
"Tapash lives in a couple of rooms over the stables, and his food is prepared in the Residency. Could the two of you live in the rooms?"
Sahl's eyes lit up. He realised the implications of Lex's offer. "I'm sure we could. There would be no problem." His grin spread from ear to ear.
"Good. I didn't think you would mind sharing." Lex winked.
"You are very good to us, Sahib. We often wonder why, and this will make us wonder even more."
"There may come a time when you can do something special for me. You know I go riding early most mornings. So there will be no long staying in bed any morning. I expect my horse to be saddled up and ready for off, just before dawn."
"I think we'll be able to make sure of that, Sahib."
"Good. Tabash leaves in five days time, he will show you both all that needs to be done." Lex turned away.
"No more bushes," said Sahl to Lex's retreating back.
As could have been expected there was a protest from Alan Smith when he heard what had happened. "Sir, I think you are unwise. They are criminals, and ought to have been punished. They will murder us in our beds."
"I don't think so, Alan. What they did has long been forgotten by everyone except you, for some reason. What they did was accepted by their people. Unusual, yes, but is not illegal and punishable as it is back in Britain."
"More's the pity, if you ask me. The thought of what they may be doing in the stables will keep me awake at night."
"I shall have to give you even longer reports to encode, that will take your mind off them."
Lex was aware of a problem with his reports to Calcutta and the communications he received in reply. There was not always a direct match between what he had written, and the returning comment. This discrepancy nagged away in Lex's mind. It was nothing Lex could directly identify; it was a general impression. But it caused him to start thinking.
Rajah Kainshka's levees were held at each full moon. Because Lex and the Rajah were riding out together frequently in the morning they had no more one to ones on these more social occasions, until the August levee.
It must not be thought that the monsoon season, July to September, was a period of constant rain. There was a lot of rain, most of it extremely heavy, but there were times when the clouds rolled away and the sun came out. The main problem was the heat and humidity of those months.
The August soiree was hot and sticky, and the gentle breeze did little to cool everyone down, but the clouds had rolled away, and the full moon rose in all its silvery beauty clear for all to see.
Lex was in the big hall when Peter Green came up to him. "I see our Alan is engaged in deep conversation with the Rani."
Lex turned and looked across the hall. Alan and the Rani were looking at him, and turned sharply away when they saw he was looking at them.
"I have noticed that they usually talk together a lot on these occasions."
"Do they?" asked Lex. "I hadn't noticed that."
"Sometimes they go off into a side room, or into the char bagh [formal garden].
"Do they? Thank's for telling me. Don't say anything to anyone, please."
"I thought you might be interested, if you had not noticed it yourself."
Lex wandered out in the char bagh to think over what he had just learnt. He knew the relationship between Kainshka and the Rani was not good. His own relationship with Alan Smith could not be described as cordial. He wondered what the two were talking about. They had looked as though they were talking about himself by the way they had turned guiltily away when he caught them looking at him.
Lex was turning these things over in his mind when the Rajah appeared at his side. Lex gave him a small bow, as this was a semi-formal occasion.
"Lex, I want to ask for your advice. We need to talk privately."
"Won't it do when we are out riding, Sir?"
"No it is too serious to be done then. Can you come up to the Palace tomorrow just before siesta, there is one place in the Palace where we can be alone, where no one can see or hear us."
"On the roof, but how do I get there?"
"You'll just have to wait until tomorrow to find out,." said Kainshka with a broad smile.
It was a short while after midday that Lex made his way up to the Palace. There had been some heavy rain, but it looked as though the clouds were going to part and the sun come out. He was met by a servant and escorted into the Palace. Then one of the Rajah's guards, who was well known to Lex from his escort duties on some mornings, came up. "The Rajah asks you to come this way." Lex followed the guard into places he had never been before. He was shown into a small room and asked to wait. Within the minute Rajah Kainshka arrived, carrying a lantern.
"Come with me, Lex." He led the way along a corridor to a door way with a guard standing by it. "There is always a guard here. Only the Captain of the Guard and myself have the key." Kainshka unlocked the door, and Lex saw a flight of steps ascending. Kainshka locked the door behind them, and led the way up the stairs. It was a long flight. At the top there was another door, which Kainshka unlocked. They stepped out. While the Rajah locked this second door Lex looked around. He immediately realised that they were on the very roof of the palace. It was a large flat area of roof, about the size of what would later be known as a tennis court. It was surrounded by a low wall. There was also a pillared pavilion with a carpet, cushions and a low table.
"This is the only place in the Palace where I can be alone. I can only be interrupted by the Captain of the Guard, and then only when the State is in danger."
Lex wandered around, admiring the view on every side. "There is the Residency. I think I can just make out the balcony outside my bedroom."
"We could send messages to each other like naughty schoolboys."
They both laughed.
Kainshka pointed down to the saddle on the ridge between the Palace and the higher hills and mountains. There was a flat area of bare stones. In the middle of it was a low stone built platform. "I will be cremated down there on my funeral pyre, when my time comes."
"I hope that is a long time coming."
"So do I. Let us have something to drink." Kainshka went over to a sort of cupboard. He pulled on a rope. It was a dumb waiter, used for bringing food and drink up from below. Soon a tray with a container of cold fruit juice and a couple of glasses appeared. Kainshka carried them over to the table.
"Sit down, Lex." Kainshka sat opposite, "I think up here, when we are alone together, we can drop the Sirs, and Rajahs. I call you Lex, and when we are alone you may call me Kainshka. My mother usually calls me Kain, but she is the only one who does."
"Thank you. You give me a great privilege and honour."
"But I did not bring you up here to exchange pleasantries I have a problem, Lex, and I want to talk it over with you. I think you are the only person I can talk it over with. The Council have their ideas, and the old Rani's spider's web of intrigue reaches everywhere. I think you are the nearest I have to a friend."
Lex felt sad. He appreciated his relationship with Kainshka, but he knew how much more a good friendship could mean, and he was not thinking of the sexual activities he had had with some of his friends.
"As you know there is a Zenana attached to the Palace. It is where the women live, eat, and sleep. The women are of all ages. The older ones are wives of my father, and others are his concubines. My father frequented the Zanana often. He fathered many children."
"My father fathered a good few."
"I thought you could only have one wife in England?"
"True. My father liked to have all the attractive virgins in the village, and break them in. I have quite a number of half brothers and sisters."
"Like me. But my mother keeps urging me to visit the Zenana."
"Have you?"
"Yes, a number of times. But all those women, and the young ones trying to catch my eye, hoping I will enjoy them and give them a son."
"Are there many?"
"Since I succeeded as Rajah, the Rani, my mother and the Councillors have brought at least twenty young virgins into the Zenana, for me. My mother tells me how beautiful and attractive each new one is. Details of her skin colour, her hair, her eyes, and especially her breasts. The Rani wants me to marry someone who will owe everything to her, and can be trusted to obey her."
"Most men would think they were in Paradise with at least twenty young virgins to enjoy."
"I am not most men," said Kainshka slowly.
"Have you ever enjoyed a woman?"
"No. Have you?"
"Yes, just once."
"In England or in India?"
"In England, shortly before I came to India."
"So you have not enjoyed an Indian girl like so many of your countrymen? Do you not like them, their colour or something."
"No," said Lex, with a dry laugh. "I think your women are very beautiful, but not for me."
"You would not thank me if I sent you down half a dozen virgins?"
"No!"
"I hear Peter Green has an Indian woman, and your soldier Jock has two. But not Alan Smith or you."
"Alan is suspicious of all Indians, I'm afraid."
"And you?"
"And me? I like your people. On the whole I think your countrymen are attractive, lively, and most of them friendly to outsiders such as members of the Company. I find India a fascinating and wonderful place, and that includes most of its people. I love it here."
"I thought so. What am I to do?"
"Kainshka, I think if I'm to help you I will have to ask some very personal questions. Not the sort of questions the Resident of the East India Company to the State of Landerabad should ask of his Rajadhiraz, Prince Kainshka of Landerabad." Lex leaned forward and placed both hands on the table.
Kainshka lent forward and placed his hands on the table so that the tips of his fingers rested on the tips of Lex's fingers. Lex realised that this was the very first time he had actually touched the Rajah. He looked deeply into the brown eyes facing him. Kainshka looked back into the blue eyes of the Englishman. How long they looked neither of them could say, but both knew it was a profound moment in their relationship.
Still keeping his hands on the table, touching Kainshka, Lex spoke. "Kainshka, would you like to enjoy those concubines?"
The Rajah shrugged his shoulders. "I'm not sure."
"Let me put it another way. Could you enjoy one of those concubines?"
"Do you mean, could my lund get hard enough and keep hard enough to do the necessary?"
Lex nodded.
"I think so; but I am not sure. I wouldn't be absolutely sure until I had done it."
"Do you give pleasure to yourself?"
Kainshka nodded. "Quite often," He grinned.
"It is the same with me." They smiled at each other. There was a long pause, while Lex considered asking a further question, but it remained unspoken and the silence hung between them.
"I too have a problem, Kainshka, that may, or may not, be related. It may or may not be connected. Your mother always makes a point of speaking at some length to Alan Smith at your soirees. I had not noticed, Peter Green pointed it out to me."
"I wonder what they talk about? I know the Rani is not happy with my riding with you on so many mornings. She approves of the manliness of my riding, but not with you."
"I think we need to find out what is going on between them."
"But Lex, what about my problem? What am I to do? Has your King George the Third any attractive daughters?"
"He's got daughters, but I don't know if they are attractive." They both laughed. "Could you just not marry?" continued Lex, "We had a Queen two hundred years ago who played around in flirting with several men, and she was being pressured into getting married. But she became known as the Virgin Queen!"
"I must think, Lex. I must think this one very carefully. Now have some more to drink." he refilled the glasses, and their talk turned to more everyday things. This was the first time they had talked as freely, though they had talked a great deal when out riding, it had never been as easy as this time.
It was a thoughtful Lex who went back to the Residency, but an idea came to him. He did not act on it straight away, but thought it over while he ate, and for some time after. It was dark when he took a lantern and made his way over to the stables behind the Residency. He could see the light of a candle in one of the rooms occupied by Sahl and Mohi. He knocked on the door.
A partially dressed Mohi appeared, he was covered in embarrassment when he saw who it was at the door. "Sahib!"
"I want to speak to you and Sahl where no one can over hear us."
"Come on up to our room." Mohi called out to Sahl in the room above, "It's the Sahib, Sahl, He wants to speak with us."
There was a noise of haste from the room above.
"I am sorry to interrupt the two of you. I did not want anyone seeing me come over to talk with you." Lex sat down on the floor, as was the custom with these two men. They were obviously embarrassed at a European sitting on the floor with them. Lex soon allayed their feelings. "What I am going to say to you, and ask you to do, must just be between the three of us."
He looked at them and they both nodded.
"Does Alan Smith go out on horseback very often?"
"Not very often, but he does sometimes. I think when he does he goes quite a distance, the horses always look as though they have been ridden a long way," said Sahl.
"Horses?"
"Yes, Sir he always takes one of his servants with him."
"Can you try and find out where he goes? I don't mind how you find out, either from his servant, or by following him, or getting someone else to follow him. I will pay if money is required."
"We will do that, Sahib Penbarton."
"I believe that Mr Smith goes out into town quite often. I want to know where he goes, and who he speaks to, if possible."
"Is Sahib Smith in trouble, Sahib?" asked Mohi.
"Maybe. I want to know what is going on."
"We will enjoy doing that for you, Sahib," said Sahl. "Sahib Smith does not like any Indian very much, and he does not like the two of us at all."
"I know. For some foolish reason he is very suspicious of all Indians. You know of course, that what you two were doing behind the bushes was against the law in England."
"We thought so. What could happen to us in England?"
"Possibly death, more likely a time in prison, or in the stocks." He had to explain what these were.
"Are there no men who like doing things with men in England?" asked Mohi.
"Yes, there are. There are certain houses in places like London, called Molly Houses, where such men go, but from time to time such places are raided and those caught there are in big trouble."
"Are there no bushes in England?" asked Mohi with his big brown eyes wide open.
"Oh, yes, there are bushes in England." Lex smiled as he remembered his escapades with Ralph, Billy and others in the bushes around Whitgest.
The conversation moved on, with Lex learning more about India, and the two men eager to learn about England.
The early morning ride gave Sahl and Mohi the opportunity to report back to Lex. For two mornings there was nothing to report.
On the third morning Sahl spoke softly to Lex. "Sahib Smith went into town yesterday. He visited Tapash, who is a cloth tailor."
"Don't say that Alan Smith is going to adopt Indian clothing!"
"Then he went to the home Omrah Ankan. He was there quite a time."
On Friday morning Sahl was bursting with news, "Sahib Smith went to the Palace at midday."
"Did he, by Jove!"
"A servant met him at the gate, and he went inside. We were unable to follow him in there. But he was there for a good hour."
"Well done. Thanks for that information. Remember - tell no one what you are doing."
Lex shared the information he had gathered with Kainshka when they were next out riding together.
"If he comes up to the Palace I will get someone to find out who he is visiting. Ravi will do that for me, very willingly. As your two servants dislike Mr Smith, Ravi dislikes the Rani, and with good reason. He'll enjoy doing that."
"I shall see if there is any pattern or regularity to his visits in town," added Lex. "It may take a little while to find out what, if anything, is going on."
Then one morning about three weeks later Mohi whispered to Lex that Alan Smith had ordered his horse to be ready at an unusually early hour. "We are to make sure the horse is well shod, as he said he does not want the beast to cast a shoe while he is away."
"Can one of you follow him?"
"Easy. Not just one of us, we have some friends in town and they will come with me. One of them sells cloth around the valley. It can be a business trip for him, and will provide cover when we arrive at the same place as Mr Smith. No one will question a travelling salesman."
"What about you? Might he not recognise you?"
"No. I have my disguise. I can do magic tricks, which children like watching. Mr Smith won't think it's me. Anyway, he thinks all Indians look alike!"
"These salesmen? Friends, you say?"
"Yes, Sir," muttered Mohi.
Even Lex could see the blush under the brown skin.
The next day the sun was setting when Lex heard the clatter of hooves and he presumed the sound marked the return of Alan Smith. About a quarter of an hour later there was a further arrival and Lex thought that it must be Mohi. Sahl and Mohi would attend to the horses, and would probably leave it until the morning before reporting back the news.
The Residency stood as part of a compound surrounded by a high wall. Two sepoys were always stationed at the gate, but inside the compound there was not a great deal of security. The level of crime in Landerabad was very low, and what lawyers there were earned their keep settling small land disputes, and petty squabbles between neighbours. Lex read for an hour or so, and then retired to bed.
He was about to settle down for the night when he heard steps on the stairs, followed by a knock on his door.
"Come in." He sat up in bed, to see who it was. Mohi and Sahl walked in and sat on the floor close to Lex's bed.
"Sorry to disturb you, Sahib Penbarton. We thought you might like to know where Sahib Smith went today." said Sahl, the elder of the two. "Tell him, Mohi."
"We were able to follow Sahib Smith to Gandapore."
"How far is that?"
"Long way, many leagues. Once we knew which way he was going it was easy. We kept well back, only seeing him and his servant in the far distance. It is a small village up one of the side valleys. The last village before the mountains."
"Do you know who he went to see?"
"Yes, the head man of the village. There were some others there as well."
"How do you know that?"
"There were three other men on horses that left at the same time as Mr Smith, and they went off in different directions."
"You don't know who they were?
"No, but my friends will try and find out. They travel all over the valley, and, given time, they can find out all sorts of things."
"Good. Well done, Mohi. I am very pleased. Have you eaten?"
"Yes, he's eaten," said Sahl, "I got the cook to leave him something to eat."
"I shall be riding out in the morning as usual."
"Yes, Sahib Lex." They stood up. Mohi looked down on Lex. "You know, Sahib Lex, you need to have someone share your bed. Jock has two women, and Captain Green has one too. Sahib Smith?" He shrugged his shoulders, and they all laughed.
"Yes, and Mr Smith?"
"He wouldn't know what do do with his lund," muttered Mohi.
"And you think I do?"
"Yes, Sahib, you need a woman," said Sahl.
"Or a nice young man," muttered Mohi, so Lex only just heard.
"Mohi!" said Sahl and Lex in unison. But Sahl added, "Come on Mohi, before you say something you shouldn't say to the Sahib."
Lex watched them leave the room, and then lay back on the bed and wondered.
Kainshka rode out with Lex the next morning. "Alan Smith went to Gandapore yesterday."
"Did he?"
"I hadn't given him any orders. I wonder what he's up to?"
"I think I know. But I can't say now. We need to talk privately."
"Up on the roof of your palace?"
"Yes, and I've thought a reason for you to visit regularly."
"What?"
"Be at the palace gate tomorrow at noon, and you'll find out."
They had a good ride that morning, cantering out, and then racing back to the town gate. There was much laughter between them. Lex won that morning. There had been horror-struck faces the first time he beat Kainshka, as it was not done to win at anything against the Rajah. Kainshka had looked surprised at first, and then had laughed.
The next day Lex when presented himself at the Palace gate; there was a servant waiting. He was taken in through the soldiers areas, then up to the second level where the Zenana and other buildings were, and then finally up to the highest gate, through the Char Bagh, and into the Palace itself. Kainshka was there waiting, Lex give him the customary respectful bow, which he acknowledged, and then he led the way again to the stairs and up to the roof. A carpet had been laid out in the pillared pavilion, and on this were several cushions, and also chairs and a table. On the table were set a tray with glasses and jug of fruit juices, and also an Indian chess set.
"Chess?" said Lex, pointing to the set.
"You know the game?"
"I know a game like it, but I wonder if the rules are exactly the same."
"I shall teach you how to play Indian chess. We will play regularly, it will give us a good excuse to be together. No chess player likes to be interrupted. We can play, and we can talk."
They sat at the table, and Kainshka poured out some drinks for them both.
"Before we play, let us talk. Gandapore is at the end of its valley."
"So I gathered from my servants."
"What many people do not know is that there is a path out of the valley from there."
Lex looked at Kainshka with some surprise. " I didn't know there was another way out of the valley."
"It is a long, rough and dangerous path. If you went on it alone you would soon get lost. You must have a guide, and only the people of Gandapore know it. It is a very difficult path for any animals, so that anything carried along that path must not be too heavy or too bulky. A horse might manage with great care, but certainly not an elephant."
"Diamonds!"
"Exactly. That is what I suspect. We do not mine many diamonds each year. We don't need to, we want to keep the selling price high. But always there are some who try to smuggle some out. If anyone is caught smuggling diamonds, he is executed. The path is only passable in the dry season, and that will be here in soon. We must try to catch the crooks."
"But what has Alan Smith to do with it?"
"I don't know. We must find out."
Lex looked at Kainshka. "I don't know if you know that I have to write a monthly report back to Calcutta, telling them that I am still alive and kicking, and any news about Landerabad."
Kainshka grinned. "Whether the young Rajah has taken a mistress or got married yet?"
"Yes, I would be expected to report that. I write the report, and Alan puts it into code. Just in case there is something that we don't want other eyes to see."
"Other eyes being those of Kainshka, the Rajah of Landerabad!" His eyes flashed for a moment.
"You keep an eye on us, Peter Green and his woman, and Jock and his women, for example. We keep an eye on you."
"So what about your Report, Mr Alexander Penbarton?"
"I get a communication back from Calcutta. It tells me what is going on in India, and in the wider world. I would need to be told if we started fighting the French for example."
"I would have thought it was when' rather than if', knowing the way you two countries fight each other."
Lex laughed. "I wonder if Alan Smith tampers with my report."
"In what way?"
"Makes the situation here sound difficult, different or something."
"Why?"
"That is what I don't know."
"What are you going to do about it?"
"I have an idea, I shall make another copy of my Report and will send it to my old school friend Hugh North. He is aide-de-camp to the Governor General Warren Hastings. I will ask him to compare my report, with the one sent in code."
Kainshka smiled. "That sounds a good plan. But now let me teach you this game."
When Lex sent off his next report in late October 1781 he sent off a copy of his report to Calcutta in a letter to Hugh North, asking him to compare it with the `official' report written in code.
When Lex had been appointed the East India Company's Resident in Landerabad he been told that one of the great celebrations was the Rajah's birthday. There was a procession to a temple, with all the elephants on parade. Then in the great hall of the Palace the Rajah was weighed in diamonds. This was to show, to use twenty-first century terms, that the financial reserves of the State were sound. The previous Rajah had grown very heavy during his last few years, and some of the Omrahs [nobles] had had to make loans for the day to the Rajah for this to be done. However Rajah Kainshka presented no such problem as he was short and thin, and weighed considerably less than half his father had done in his final years. After this, all the members of the Council presented birthday gifts to the Rajah. Lex had also been told that it was expected that the Company's Resident should present a gift. He had given this some thought, and had talked it over with Hugh. He had his gift ready.
The Rajah's birthday was bright and sunny. The summer heat and humid monsoon season were passing. In the early morning the procession made its way to the temple just outside the town. The Rajah clothed in red, adorned with the beautiful diamond earrings, and the colossal sparkling diamond in his white turban, rode in a howdah with a cloth of gold canopy. The procession was made in almost complete silence. His face was expressionless as the procession made its way from the Palace, through the town to the temple. Priests welcomed him into the temple, and the rites took place inside. This was to give thanks to the gods for the all the years of his life, and especially the last one.
The procession back was entirely different. Everybody was shouting and cheering, anything that could make a noise was blown, beaten, or scraped! Rajah Kainshka smiled and waved to his people.
Back in the middle of the Great Hall stood the golden scales for the weighing in. The Rajah undressed down to his dhoti, and sat on a chair that formed one of the scales. The diamond from his turban was the first to be put into the other scale. Other diamonds were added, and then two cloth of gold squares were brought. One was placed over the diamonds on one scale, and the other placed with the Rajah. Further diamonds were added until the Rajah's scale lifted from the ground, and adjustment made until the scales were evenly balanced. When this happened everyone present shouted, "Long live Rajah Kainshka!"
Lex had noticed that the two diamond earrings had not been placed on the scales, but were with Kainshka's white robes.
When the time came for the presentation of gifts, each member of the Council came forward with his gift. Only they were allowed to give presents to their Rajah; if just anybody was allowed to give a present, it could lead to all sorts of problems. Finally it was Lex's turn. It was a small package that he handed to the Rajah. He knelt before the Rajah, as the others had done, while the package was opened. Inside was an exquisite carriage clock, of finest European workmanship. Such timing pieces were rare among Indians at that time. Lex leaned forward and made an adjustment, so it struck the hour. As a gift it went down well not just with Kainshka, but also with all those present.
When they were next alone Lex asked Kainshka asked why the diamonds in the earrings had not been placed in the scales.
"The diamond in my turban is a state jewel. It is not mine, I cannot sell it, or give it away. The diamonds in the earrings are mine. I can do with them what I like."
For the rest of the day the Palace was full of the great and the good of Landerabad. Kainshka walked around among his guests, speaking to as many as possible. Towards the end of the proceedings he came over to Lex. "I shall be glad when this is over. It is a long and exhausting day. Why could not my mother have given birth to me in the coolest months of the year."
"Because," whispered Lex, "Your father wanted your mother at the coolest month of the year."
Kainshka looked at his for a moment as he worked that out. He then laughed. "Chess tomorrow as usual?"
"Yes, your Rajadhiraz," replied Lex, with a bow.
The chess sessions provided more than just an excuse for Kainshka and Lex to meet. They enjoyed their games, as well as talking. Sometimes they went up on to the roof, where they knew they would be completely alone; but at other times they met in one of the rooms in the palace. They made no secret of their playing chess.
The Rani initially was suspicious of the arrangement, and quizzed Kainshka, but the innocence of his replies soon convinced it was one of these male things, this liking to play various games with each other.
Lex would frequently mention to Alan Smith that he would be playing chess with the Rajah later in the day. When he asked Alan about his activities there was a list of innocent activities, to do with work, and his own personal interests. Never once did he mention his visits to the Palace, or to other interesting men in the town.
Slowly over the back-end weeks [see footnote] a pattern began to form round Alan Smith's activities. Twice he paid further visits to Gandapore, but never to anywhere else with in the State. He visited two Omrahs [nobles] at ten to fifteen day intervals. But every week, on different days, and at different times he would visit the palace. Sahl and Mohi got on to friendly terms with one of Alan Smith's servants. On the evening before he visited the palace he would tell his servant to put out his best clothes. They told Lex in the morning. If Kainshka was joining him that day there was no problem, and Ravi would be around to see where he went, and how long he stayed closeted with the Rani. When Kainshka was not joining him for a ride Lex did not pull the curtains in his bedroom window. This could be seen from the roof of the palace, and was a signal that Lex had some news.
"What do you think they are talking about?" asked Kainshka one day.
"I don't know." Lex was silent for a moment, and then grinned. "Perhaps he makes love to her?"
Kainshka doubled up with laughter. "That is something I cannot imagine. I cannot picture her risking making love to any man. What if she had a baby? And would Mister Smith know how?"
Lex laughed, "I doubt it. He's a rather dried up old prune."
It was in the final months of the year 1781 when Kainshka and Lex had played their game of chess, and they were in the roof-top pavilion that they had a further serious discussion.
"I have decided that I must get married, Lex."
Lex was silent, and then nodded. "Have you decided whom to marry?"
"I shall not marry anyone from this country. They would be likely to be under the thumb of the Rani. I am thinking of marrying the daughter of the Rajah of Kampore."
"What do you know about her?"
"She is young. Just seventeen. She is apparently very beautiful. She is the only child of the Rajah, who loves her greatly."
"We had a King in England who was told of a beautiful bride, but when he saw her he could not stand the sight of her. They never actually married."
"I need to father a child, preferably a son. A bride from elsewhere will look to me. She becomes the Rani, and old scheming misery-guts the present Rani will be demoted. In fact she will have to behave herself."
"A son would be your heir?"
"Yes. If had several sons it could be any one of them. Then one the Council thinks best to become Rajah."
"What happens to his brothers?"
"Sometimes they are put to death. Sometimes they are given some money and sent a long way away."
"Did you have brothers?" Lex asked this knowing the answer, but had never heard Kainshka's account of what had happened.
"Yes, several."
"What happened to them?"
"My two full brothers were killed. My half brothers were sent away."
"What would happen if you died now, say of a fever, or did not have any sons? Who would then be the next Rajah?
Kainshka thought for a moment. "I think they would bring back one of my half brothers."
They looked at each other. A light dawned on both their faces.
"I think we have been thinking wrongly" said Kainshka.
"It is not a matter of taking diamonds out of Landerabad."
"No, it is bring something, someone in."
"We've got to think carefully, Kainshka. Who are wanting to do this? Why are they wanting to do it? What will they gain?"
"The Rani has not been pleased the way things are going. yes, she supported me becoming the next Rajah after my father. But I know she was hoping to get the French here, not the British."
Lex looked at Kainshka in surprise. This was something completely new to him.
"The request from the Governor General of the East India Company was discussed at my second council meeting. There were those who wanted to continue the British connection, and a similar number wanting to have the French here instead. There were quite a number undecided. I said the British were at present the dominant power in most of India, and becoming more powerful by the day. They had not interfered in our affairs in my father's time. They were more than satisfied that we remained neutral. Those opposed were unhappy because the request was for you to come with 50 sepoys, not the 20 with the previous Resident. I pointed out that 50 sepoys were no threat. If the worst came to the worst we could easily deal with them, and any Englishmen around."
Lex grinned at this. "They are just to keep the Frogs out."
"Exactly, I thought so."
"But I spoke out in favour of the Company having this small garrison here."
"It was my first real intervention on the Council. I know that she was not pleased. Her attitude to me began to change from then on. Then came the appointment of someone to fill the vacancy on the Council. She described him as a nondescript. Actually he is a very useful member of the Council. And she resents my friendship with you. She thinks I should just see you on formal State occasions, and not go riding in the dawn light, or play chess with you."
"Sufficiently to want to get rid of you and make someone else Rajah?"
"She effectively ruled the Country during the last few years of my father's life. Her furious regret is that she never had a son. She misses that power."
"But why is Alan Smith involved?"
"Does Alan Smith hope to return to Britain?"
"Yes. I think so. I'm sure so."
"And he would like to return a rich man?"
"Of course."
"It is well known that he does not like you. He regards you, my friend Lex, as too young for the job, too foolish. The offer of a handful of diamonds would be attractive to him?"
"Very."
"So there you have more than the makings of a plot."
"So now, Kainshka, we have to try and find out exactly how."
They sat looking intently at each other.
"Thanks, Lex. You are a help."
"And you are a help to me. Alan Smith is very much my problem."
They stood up. The sun was beginning to go down over the western mountains in a blaze of colour.
"Isn't that beautiful. I am coming to love your country, Kainshka, as if it was my own."
"Thanks."
They stood side by side. Then to Lex's surprise he felt his hand being held by Kainshka.
"Though you are a servant of the Company, Lex, I think our interests are the same. You are a real friend to me. I trust you, more than anyone else."
They turned and faced each other, with Kainshka still holding Lex's hand. They looked at each other. Lex looking down on the shorter Rajah. As if pulled by some strong force, Lex bent his head and placed a kiss on Kainshka's forehead.
Footnote:-
- Back-end.' It felt somewhat inappropriate to use words like Autumn' or `Fall', as these seemed more appropriate to more temperate northern climes, where the trees are largely deciduous. So I have used a term widely used in the North of England for the months at the end of the year. Often it is used in a sentence like "It is feeling back-endish." meaning it is feeling colder today. I would be interested to know if the term is used further afield.
Jeff at jeffyrks@hotmail.com