Chapter 16
‘Oh dear, oh dear,’ Ibn Zamrak the Sultanic Secretary said, looking round the new court in the stark morning light. Despite the early hour, the activity of the artisans was quietly frantic. ‘A mere . . . ten days to go till the birthday of the Seal of the Prophets. And so much,’ he turned to the Grand Vizier, ‘still to do.’ He sighed, a hiss between the teeth. ‘To report to the blessed Presence of our beloved Sultan on progress made – or lack of it – will be a most painful task.’ The Sultanic Secretary looked as if he would relish that pain. It was the Grand Vizier who would answer to the Sultan if the deadline was missed.
Lisan al-Din needed no reminders. The time that had elapsed since he last stood here with Abu Abdallah had flashed past. God, nearly a week . . .Time is a s
