History of the Khaljis, A.D. 1290–1320 c5.38

c5.38

At last the bank was reached. To all appearance ‘Alāuddīn was happy to receive his uncle. As the boat touched the bank ‘Alāuddīn came forward with his nobles and fell at the feet of the Sultan. Jalāluddīn raised him up and addressed him in very affectionate terms, “ . . . I have brought you up from infancy” the Sultan reminded ‘Alāuddīn, so that now you look grown up. Have I brought you up and raised you from post to post only to assassinate you? You have always been to me dearer than my own sons, and are so even now. The world may change but not my relationship with you, and my love for you cannot grow less." Having addressed his nephew thus, Sultan Jalāluddīn took 'Alāuddīn's hand in his own and led him towards his boats. Just then Nusrat Khān gave the fatal signal. Mahmūd Sālim of Samanah assaulted the Sultan with his sword, but the blow fell short and cut his own hand. Writhing with pain he struck another blow and wounded the old king. Perplexed and pained at the sudden assault the Sultan ran towards his boat crying. "Oh 'Alā, what hast thou done." Ikhtiyāruddīn Hūd, another hired assassin ran after the Sultan, threw him on the ground, severed his head from the body and brought it to his ungrateful and treacherous nephew. Needless to say that except Malik Fakhruddīn all those who accompanied the sultan were either drowned or put to the sword.