The Kidnapping of Amir Hamza

The Contest Emperor Akbar looks in awe at the painting of the splendid palace garden that is held up before him, as the storyteller, painter of ideas, draws another picture in the minds of his audience.

Malik Argus had the most splendid garden in the world. It was paradise. Rose buds and pomegranates shining like rubies, decorated the bushes. The pebbles in the stream sparkled like turquoise jewels. The flowers smelled so sweet, that when a breeze ruffled their petals, the whole city was perfumed. In a corner of this garden stood a majestic chinar tree, blazing with copper and amber-coloured leaves. The tree looked as if it was on fire.

The people of Takaw thronged to the royal garden. The air was full of excitement as the palace drums rolled and the trumpets blared.

Two arrow-shots away, a pavilion had been erected for the King Malik Argus and his guest, the giant Zumurrud Shah. Everyone took their places. The contest was about to begin.

The past champion, Mahlaj Khan, galloped into the garden on his handsome horse and boasted, “I can lift the heaviest weights in the world. Let me prove my strength. I will win again this year!”

A camel strapped with heavy sand bags on its back was brought before him. The champion stabbed the camel with a long spear.

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