The History of Fīrūz Shāh (Baranī) 4.27

4.27

When these messengers arrived at Karra, they saw that all was in vain, for that 'Aláu-d dín and all his army were alienated from the Sultán. They endeavoured to send letters informing the Sultán, but they were unable to do so in any way. Meanwhile the rains came on, and the roads were all stopped by the waters. Almás Beg, brother of 'Aláu-d dín, and like him a son-in-law of the Sultán, held the office of Akhur-bak (Master of the horse). He often said to the Sultán "People frighten my brother, and I am afraid that in his shame and fear of your majesty he will poison or drown himself." A few days afterwards 'Aláu-d dín wrote to Almás Beg, saying that he had committed an act of disobedience, and always carried poison in his handkerchief. If the Sultán would travel jarída (i.e. speedily, with only a small retinue), to meet him, and would take his hand, he should feel re-assured; if not, he would either take poison or would march forth with his elephants and treasures to seek his fortune in the world. His expectation was that the Sultán would desire to obtain the treasure, and would come with a scanty following to Karra, when it would be easy to get rid of him. * * * Almás Beg showed to the Sultán the letter which he had received from his brother, and the Sultán was so infatuated that he believed this deceitful and treacherous letter. Without further consideration he ordered Alm&s Beg to hasten to Karra, and not to let his brother depart, promising to follow with all speed.