Awalmir guided Jack to within a mile of the British camp at Kushi, beside the Shutargardan Pass. “I will leave you here, Major Windrush. You will be safe with your people.”
Jack nodded. “You probably saved my life in Kabul, Awalmir. If you had not intervened, the Heratis would have chopped me to pieces.” He held out his hand, but Awalmir had already turned his horse and was returning to the hills. Jack watched him for a moment and then approached the camp.
“Halt! Who goes there?” the cry from a British sentry was welcome. Jack raised his voice.
“Major Jack Windrush, 113th Foot, returning from Kabul by way of Ramsud.”
“That won"t do, mate,” The sentry knelt, pointing his rifle. “Fighting Jack died in Kabul. Now say truthfully, or I"ll blow your b****y head off!”
“Sorry to disappoint yo
