Jack had them moving before dawn, with horses and men rested and fed. Ursulla still led with Jack on his shoulder and some of the hills becoming familiar as they neared the Khyber.
"We have a tributary of the Kabul River to ford," Ursulla said, "and the Zargun Pass to get through before we are above Mardan."
Jack nodded his satisfaction. Although he could never relax on this Frontier, his understanding was increasing daily. He no longer felt a novice amongst these hills.
"How far to the Zargun Pass?" Jack consulted his map. The pass was marked, but he knew that Ursulla knew the area better than any western mapmaker.
"Two hours," Ursulla said.
The sound of the drumming came to Jack first.
"Tabla drum." Hassan listened for a moment. "I"ve heard that rhythm before."
"At Torkrud," Jack
