Free Tiger Thief by Michaela Clarke Page A

to the land. Besides, it’s in everyone’s interest to enslave the jinnis. Only they know how to find the jewels that lie buried deep below the earth, and without the jewels how would we pay for food?”
    Rookh looked reproachfully at the Emperor. “Surely Your Majesty doesn’t want his people to starve?”
    Suleiman pressed his lips together. He knew all about the mines of course, but so far he’d been refused access. Only Doctor Rookh was allowed down there, along with a few select members of his inner circle.
    “Isn’t it time I was allowed to visit these mines?” he demanded. “How can I be expected to make decisions about
anything
if you won’t let me know what’s really going on?”
    Rookh’s voice was smooth. “My dear boy, allow me to point out that you are still very young,” he said. “Trust me. The mines are very dangerous, and I have a duty towards you. I was your father’s best friend and most valued advisor. When he died so tragically, he appointed me as regent, and I promised to keep you safe.”
    The generals exchanged glances. Rumour had it that Rookh had been instrumental in the old Emperor’s death, but he was so powerful that nobody had been brave enough to challenge his version of events. Besides, there were numerous financial advantages in keeping close to the man who controlled the jinnis.
    “Your Imperial Majesty, we are waiting for your command,” said one of the generals, a stocky man with grey hair and a soft voice.
    “Yes, yes. I know,” said Suleiman. The weight of responsibility pressed on him. He wished he didn’t have to make these kinds of decisions, he would far rather be feeding his elephants.
    Feeling helpless, he leaned over to sign the scroll, but even as he did so he resolved that one day he would take matters into his own hands. Soon he would be thirteen – old enough to appoint his own advisors, and when that time came he was determined to inspect the mines, but most importantly of all, he wanted to have a full enquiry made into these mysterious jinnis.

Chapter Eleven
SEWER-GIRLS
    “G otcha!”
    Sharat heard a high-pitched squeal of joy from somewhere in the darkness. It sounded nothing like the palace guard.
    “Well done, Lalita!”
    There was another squeal, followed by giggles. Then, before Sharat had time to get to his feet a sack was thrown over his head and his arms were bound to his sides. He struggled as he felt himself being held tightly by several pairs of hands.
    “Don’t move! We’ve got knives!” a high voice warned him. Cold metal was pressed against his throat.
    By the size of their hands and the sound of their voices Sharat realised they must be children. They chatterednoisily as they pulled him along.
    “We’ve been following you all day,” bragged the one who was holding his arm.
    “Who are you?” demanded Sharat, his voice muffled by the sacking. “What do you want?”
    “Listen to him!” someone giggled. “He talks funny.”
    “I’m not from around here,” said Sharat, struggling against his bond. “I’m from the circus. Let me go!”
    “They’re travellers in the circus,” piped up a little voice off to the right. “They don’t come from anywhere.”
    “That’s a bit like you, then, isn’t it, Lalita!” someone shrieked with a giggle.
    “Shut up!” a sharper voice called out from behind. “No fraternising with the prisoner!”
    “We’re not fraternising!”
    “Yes, you are! You’re talking to him!” snapped the voice. “Now take him down without a word, or there’ll be trouble.”
    There was a sober silence.
    “All right, Nara,” someone muttered.
    Sharat’s captors tugged the rope that bound his arms to his sides, and he stumbled down some steps.
    Once they reached the bottom he was shoved unceremoniously to the ground. Then the cord around his neck was released, and the sack was lifted off his head.
    “Let’s have a look at you, circus boy!” crowed a high voice.
    Sharat blinked. About fifteen