Part 21 (1/2)
Hawksworth tried to construct a ball of the mixture but finally despaired and simply scooped up a handful. It was rich but light, and seemed to hint of every spice in the Indies.
”There are times,” Mukarrab Khan continued, ”when I positively yearn for the so-called deprivation of Ramadan. When the appet.i.te is whetted day long, the nightly indulgence is all the more gratifying.”
Hawksworth took another mouthful of the savory mixture. After the many long months of salt meat and biscuit, he found his taste confused and overwhelmed by its complexity. Its spices were all a.s.sertive, yet he could not specifically identify a single one. They had been blended, it seemed, to enhance one another, to create a pattern from many parts, much as the marble inlays of the floor, in which there were many colors, yet the overall effect was that of a single design, not its components.
”I've never tasted anything quite like this, even in the Levant. Could you prepare instructions for our s.h.i.+p's cook?”
”It would be my pleasure, Amba.s.sador, but I doubt very much a _feringhi_ cook could reproduce this dish. It's far too complex. First my kitchen prepares a masala, a blend of nuts and spices such as almonds, turmeric, and ginger. The bits of lamb are cooked in this and in ghee, which we make by boiling and clarifying b.u.t.ter. Next a second sauce is prepared, this a lighter mixture--curds seasoned with mint, clove, and many other spices I'm sure you know nothing of. This is blended with the lamb, and then layered in the pot you see there together with rice cooked in milk and saffron. Finally it's covered with a crust of wheat flour and baked in a special clay oven. Is this really something a s.h.i.+p's cook could do?”
Hawksworth smiled resignedly and took another mouthful.
Whoever thought there could be so many uses for spice. We use spice in England, to be sure--clove, cinnamon, pepper, even ginger and cardamom-- but they're intended mainly to disguise the taste of meat past its prime. But here spices are essential ingredients.
”Let us return to your requests, Captain Hawksworth. I'm afraid neither of these is entirely within my power to bestow. In the matter of trading privileges for your cargo, I'll see what can be done. Yours is an unusual request, in the sense that no Europeans have ever come here to war with the Portuguese, then asked to compete with them in trade.”
”It seems simple enough. We merely exchange our goods for some of the cotton cloth I saw arriving at the customs house this morning. The Shahbandar stated you have the power to authorize this trade.”
”Yes, I enjoy some modest influence. And I really don't expect that Prince Jadar would object.”
”He's the Moghul's son?”
”Correct. He has full authority over this province, but he's frequently on campaign and difficult to reach. His other duties include responsibility for military conscription here, and maintaining order.
These are somewhat uneasy times, especially in the Deccan, southeast of here.”
”When will we learn your decision, or his decision? There are other markets for our goods.”
”You will learn his decision when it is decided.” Mukarrab Khan shoved aside his plate and a servant whisked it from the carpet. ”Concerning your second request, that I pet.i.tion Agra to authorize your travel there, I will see what can be done. But it will require time.”
”I would ask the request be sent immediately.”
”Naturally.” Mukarrab Khan watched absently as more br.i.m.m.i.n.g trays were brought in, these piled with candied
fruits and sweetmeats. A hookah water pipe appeared and was placed beside Hawksworth.
”Do you enjoy the new _feringhi _custom of smoking tobacco, Captain Hawksworth? It was introduced recently, and already it's become fas.h.i.+onable. So much so the Moghul just issued a decree denouncing it.”
”King James has denounced it too, claiming it destroys health. But it's also the fas.h.i.+on in London. Personally, I think it ruins the taste of brandy, and wine.”
”Overall I'm inclined to agree. But tell me now, what's your opinion of the wine you're drinking? It's Persian.”
”Better than the French. Though frankly it could be sweeter.”
Mukarrab Khan laughed. ”A common complaint from _topiwallahs_. Some actually add sugar to our wine. Abominable.” He paused. ”So I gather then you only use spirits?”
”What do you mean?”
”There are many subtle pleasures in the world, Amba.s.sador. Liquors admittedly enhance one's dining, but they do little for one's appreciation of art.”
As Hawksworth watched him, puzzling, he turned and spoke quietly to one of the eunuchs hovering behind him. Moments later a small golden cabinet, encrusted with jewels, was placed between them. Mukarrab Khan opened a tiny drawer on the side of the box and extraced a small brown ball.
”May I suggest a ball of _ghola_? He offered it to Hawksworth. It carried a strange, alien fragrance.