Battle For Empire

2

The summer of 3130 BC, the City of Akkad. .

King Eskkar stood at the Workroom window, staring down at the garden courtyard below. The deepening shadows within the Compound’s walls told him the sun had already set. The two willow trees that shaded the house’s private well had spread their branches, and threatened to intertwine. For the last few years the gardener had to trim the topmost branches and boughs, to keep them within the walls.

As always, living things struggled into existence, grew strong and hearty for a time, then succumbed either to their enemies, fate, or in this case, the gardener’s saw. Men were much the same. They strove for mighty endeavors that often came to naught, despite all their efforts.

Now, much like the trees that struggled against the gardener’s blade, Eskkar planned a new and dangerous endeavor, but one necessary if the City of Akkad were to continue growing. Once again he would be risking his life against a hardened and steadfast enemy.

In three days the campaign long planned in secret would begin. Without fanfare, Eskkar and a small contingent of soldiers would ride out of the city, heading northwest. Fewer than a handful knew what he intended, though many had participated in the preparations.

The myriad and diverse rumors, carefully fed by Trella’s network of agents and spies, had already run their course. Another wearisome training mission, everyone said, as they nodded their heads knowingly. But only Eskkar and a few others knew that barbarian horsemen were once again on the move toward the Land Between the Rivers.

The barbarian horde, known as the Alur Meriki, traveled in a long migration cycle. This time they returned, after many years, to the northern lands, moving across the foothills of the Zagros Mountains on their journey to the west. Aware of Akkad’s strength and long reach, the Alur Meriki would seek to avoid any direct conflict.

Nevertheless, there would be numerous raids on Eskkar’s northern border. The barbarian honor code would accept nothing less. And so more than a few villages and countless homesteads would be destroyed, farms and crops burned, people and livestock killed.

Eskkar had decided the time for barbarian raids had ended. For the last two years, he and Trella had planned for the day when the barbarians returned to the fringes of Akkad’s lands. Many of the people no longer remembered the daring raid that brought the Alur Meriki within Akkad’s walls during the war with Sumer, but Eskkar had never forgotten. In that battle, the barbarian horsemen had discarded their warrior code and attempted to sneak into the city by treachery.

This time Eskkar intended to crush the Alur Meriki once and for all, and put an end to their depredations. The fact that Eskkar had been born into that same clan, had lived as one of them until his fourteenth season, mattered not at all.

Three quick knocks sounded on the open door. Eskkar turned away from the window, to see Annok-sur, his wife’s closest friend and companion, standing in the doorway. Her presence surprised him. She had left the Compound well before dusk, to return to her home a few steps down the lane. Something important must have brought her back.

“What is it?”

Before Annok-sur entered, she turned and spoke to the guard at the landing. Then she closed the door.

“Lord, I need to speak with you about. . something has come up.”

Her demeanor told him as much as her words. Tall and sturdily built, Annok-sur’s long hair contained more gray than brown, though she was only a few years older than Eskkar. As leader of Akkad’s network of spies, she held more power than anyone else in Akkad, except for Trella and Eskkar.

Her husband, Bantor, was one of Eskkar’s top commanders and Captain of the city’s Guard. Despite her responsibilities, Annok-sur seldom let her thoughts or emotions show in her face or manner. Now she seemed hesitant, almost agitated. He waved her toward the table, and she accepted his offer to sit.

Eskkar sat as well, but not across from her. Somehow facing his friends over the width of the wide table always seemed so formal. Besides, he wanted to see her in the fading light. Over the years, Annok-sur and her husband Bantor had grown into part of Eskkar and Trella’s family. “Something that can’t wait until tomorrow? Should I send for Trella?”

Trella had gone to visit Hathor the Egyptian, Eskkar’s second in command, and his wife, who had just delivered her third son. Their dwelling, too, was but a short distance away, though in the opposite direction from Annok-sur’s.

“No, I’m glad that she’s not here. Otherwise, I would have to ask her to leave the room. I gave my word that I would speak to you, and you alone.”

Eskkar furrowed his brow. Trella had been at his side and involved in every decision for almost fifteen years, and no one stood closer to Trella than Annok-sur. For her to go against that confidence surely meant something serious had arisen.

“A man called at my house just after dusk. He gave no name, just insisted that he had to speak with me. The guards refused to pass him in, but he persisted. He wore a hooded cloak that kept his face in the shadows. He told the guards he had something urgent to tell me, and that they should give me that message.”

Annok-sur took a deep breath. “Naturally, I came. The man surrendered his sword and knife, and we spoke in the courtyard. He declined to enter the house. He made sure no one could overhear our words, and he kept his face in the shadow of his hood.”

“How did you know he didn’t mean to attack you?” Annok-sur had almost as many enemies in Akkad as Eskkar and Trella.

“No, I sensed that was not his purpose. But I kept both guards close by, just far enough away so they could not hear the man’s softly spoken words.”

“What did he want?”

“That’s what surprised me. He wanted me to bring him to you, in secret. He wants to talk to you. No one, he insisted, must know his name or his face, or even that he visited with the king.”

“You said no, of course.”

“Yes, but he expected that. He asked me to give you a message. He had a presence about him, a force of will that I found hard to deny. He was very. . persuasive. He said you would see him when you heard the message.”

“This stranger seems very sure of himself,” Eskkar said. “What did you tell him?”

“I refused to carry a message to you without knowing his name. He thought for a moment, then gave me one that he said you would understand, and the message. The name he gave is Master Guide Tarrata.”

By now, Eskkar’s curiosity had taken control. Tarrata was not an uncommon name, and Eskkar had known several over the years. None that he could recall held any claim on his time.

He shrugged. “What was the message?”

“He said,” she paused again, as if to make sure she had the words right, “that he was the man who left you the five silver coins buried beneath the bloody rock along the southern road that leads to Orak.”

“Ahhh.” Eskkar leaned back in surprise as the memory swept aside the years. Orak was the old name for Akkad. Trella and he had changed the city’s name soon after they defeated and drove off the barbarians more than fifteen years ago.

Without thinking, he touched the scar on his leg, the wound that had nearly killed him when it became infected. Eskkar had been almost delirious when he limped into Orak for the first time. Now he remembered the name Tarrata well enough. Not just a guide, though. A caravan master as well. Tarrata had died in the same fight against bandits that had left Eskkar with the wounded leg.

“Describe the stranger.”

“It was hard to see much beneath the cloak, but he was smaller than I am by a good three fingers.”

Annok-sur leaned forward. “A black beard covered his chin, and his nose had been broken, I could see that. A faded scar stretched down his right cheek. His complexion seemed dark, and he might have been born in Sumeria. I couldn’t place his accent, but he could have come from the south.”

It had to be Bracca, the only close friend Eskkar had ever had. He had never told anyone about the coins, and even if someone had gotten the story from Bracca himself, Tarrata’s name likely wouldn’t have come up.

“Bring him here. Give him back his weapons and bring him here.”

“Lord, are you sure? At least let me hold his weapons.”

“No, I can take care of myself if need be. Make sure that we are not disturbed. Find Trella, tell her everything, but ask her to wait downstairs until I summon her.”

“Do you know who he is?”

“Yes.”

“And you trust him?”

He shrugged again. “After a fashion.”

Annok-sur waited a moment, until she realized Eskkar didn’t intend to say any more. “Be careful, Eskkar.” She extended her hand and brushed his arm. “You take too many foolish chances.”

Her concern touched him. Over the years, Annok-sur had become like a sister to him. Her devotion to Trella was beyond question. “I’ll take care.”

After she departed, Eskkar returned to the window. The ground below now held only darkness. The moon hadn’t risen yet, so the sky displayed the vast spread of stars, like sparkling silver sand flung high across the heavens.

As the years passed, he spent more time studying the night sky, and often spoke with reputed wise men who claimed to know the secrets hidden from ordinary men’s eyes. Still, Eskkar guessed that they knew little more than the old shepherd whose wisdom first gave the stars meaning to a young and wandering barbarian outcast.

His thoughts returned to Bracca. Over the years, Eskkar had wondered often enough what had happened to the wily, smooth-talking Sumerian who lived as much by his wits as by his sword. The two of them had met by chance and nearly came to a death fight. Instead, they became companions.

For almost five years they fought and drank and whored together through good fortune and bad. Both had escaped death more times than Eskkar could call to mind. He remembered his disappointment when Bracca went south with the merchant Aram-Kitchu.

Eskkar pushed the old memories aside. Whatever evil tidings brought Bracca to the Compound in secret like this meant something truly important had occurred. Otherwise he could just have given his name to the guards at the gate, and been assured an entrance.

Eskkar went to the wall behind the table. The great sword hung there, not the original he carried defending Akkad against the barbarians, but a finer one that Trella had ordered made for him two years ago. Beside it hung another sword, a shorter blade much like those used by his soldiers. As finely cast as his long sword, its blade was both wider and a bit longer than the usual short sword the city’s guards and soldiers used. Eskkar carried the smaller one when he moved about Akkad. Its bronze edges were honed so sharp they would cut through bone.

Pulling the shorter blade from its scabbard, he tossed it on the table. A hanging pouch held sharpening stones, and Eskkar removed one and dropped it beside the sword. Bracca was, after all, Bracca. A devious, dangerous man, he was as liable to do anything for gold as anyone else.

Almost twenty years had passed since they parted, and that length of time can change a man, even make him forget old loyalties. Once they had been friends, each trusting the other in the face of death, but now?

Eskkar didn’t intend to take any chances. He stepped out of the room onto the landing, and gave the guard there a series of orders. The man raised his eyebrows at the unusual instructions, but nodded understanding, before he dashed down the stairs to do the King’s bidding. Then Eskkar summoned one of the servants, and bade her bring candles and refreshments.

Eskkar waited on the landing, gazing down into the house’s Great Room. The thick outer door, still open to take advantage of the evening breeze, led to the main courtyard. It didn’t take long before he heard voices approaching. Then Annok-sur, accompanied by two guards, escorted a man wearing a long cloak into the house. The garment’s hood hid the visitor’s face.

The stranger glanced around, and lifted his eyes upward toward the stairs. He appeared surprised to see the King there.

Looking down, Eskkar glimpsed the familiar scar. Despite the years, he recognized Bracca. “Come on up.”

The man glanced around the Great Room a second time, and started for the stairs. He ascended slowly, and just before he reached the landing, Eskkar turned and stepped inside. The servant was spreading the pitchers of wine, ale, and water on the table. A large platter of dates, nuts, figs, as well as the sweet cakes made of flour, dates, raisins, and butter rested in the center.

As ordered, she had lit four of their thickest candles, a huge extravagance, but one that almost banished the night. Eskkar wanted plenty of light while he studied the features of his visitor.

“Close the door,” Eskkar said to serving girl, as she scurried from the room after darting a curious glance at the hooded stranger. Eskkar moved behind the table and sat, the sword close to his right hand.

Bracca entered the workroom and glanced around, noticing the two doors. One led to Eskkar and Trella’s bedroom and the other to the Map Room.

“We’re alone up here, Bracca,” Eskkar said. “And I’ve ordered the guards to remain downstairs. So you can speak without worrying about anyone overhearing your words.”

Bracca took one last look around the room. Another table across the room, a handful of chairs, stools, and a bench. Two chests, covered with brightly colored blankets, completed the simple furnishings.

“Nothing very fancy. Not what I expected for the King of Akkad. Still, you’ve done very well for yourself, Eskkar.” He pushed the cloak back away from his face. “Better than I ever thought you could do.”

“It serves me well enough.” Eskkar saw more than a sprinkle of silver in the man’s once black-as-night hair, though Bracca was about the same age as Eskkar, both in their mid-forties. Eskkar’s hair still retained the dark brown color of his youth, except where his temples had started to gray. Old age, the curse of every man, approached. Already he could feel the first hint of it in his bones. “I was lucky a few times, Bracca.”

Bracca moved to the table and slipped into the chair opposite his host. “Nice sword.” He gestured toward the weapon. “Mind if I try it?”

“Only if you want your hand cut off,” Eskkar said pleasantly. “There’s wine and ale, food if you’re hungry.”

“A cup of ale would be good,” Bracca said. He selected the ale pitcher, filled his cup halfway, then paused to examine the cup. “Nice carving on these, but I doubt if you picked them out yourself. You never had an eye for such things.”

He raised the cup up in a gesture of thanks. “Well, to an old friend, and to King Eskkar of Akkad. You’ve done very well indeed.” He took a few swallows, then sighed. “Good brew. Don’t get anything near as good in the east.”

Eskkar watched his old friend’s movements. Shorter than most men, and quick as a cat in the old days, Bracca still appeared to carry plenty of hard muscle on his frame, though the loose fitting tunic concealed most of his strength. Even so, the man’s arms looked as strong as ever. Many a dead man had underestimated Bracca’s toughness and quickness with sword or knife.

“You look fit and as ready for a fight as ever.” Bracca had observed the movement of Eskkar’s eyes. “Though it seems strange not to see that long sword sticking up from your shoulder. We surprised a lot of enemies in our wanderings. We were both quicker than we looked. I never understood how you could draw that blade so fast.”

The two companions had always presented an odd contrast. Bracca, short, dark, and quick, had provided the perfect compliment to Eskkar’s height, powerful frame, and long arms. And just as in the old days, the man seemed to read Eskkar’s thoughts. He would have to take care not to reveal too much. “So you’ve been to the Indus. Are you still working for Aram-Kitchu?”

“Ah, well, there’s a long story. Yes and no, I suppose. Aram-Kitchu is dead. Not long after we forded the Indus, he took a bandit’s arrow in the back and died soon after. Half the caravan died that day, too. Before he passed on, Aram asked me to continue the venture and return the wealth to his family. One thing led to another, and by the time I reached Sumer, almost a year had passed, and I had become Aram-Kitchu.”

Eskkar smiled, as much at Bracca’s story telling skills as at the story. “That seems convenient.”

Bracca laughed, the familiar quick burst that always came easily to the man. “Yes, I suppose it was. But as I was carrying a fat bag of gold, his widow accepted me into her household. Since she didn’t enjoy the prospect of finding a new husband, soon she and I were wed. We decided I should take on Aram-Kitchu’s name. It seemed easier that way to keep the trading ventures going.”

“So you became wealthy and respectable at the same time?”

“As respectable as Aram-Kitchu or any greedy trader could ever be. He’d also taken three wives in the land of the Indus, so now I’ve a good-sized family there, too. In fact, I own two large estates in that land, along with a few hundred slaves and servants.”

“I’m glad to hear you’ve plenty of gold.” Eskkar poured himself a small cup of ale and laced it with water. “I gave orders to double the guard on the coin storeroom as soon as I learned it was you.”

Bracca laughed again. “We did steal quite a few purses, didn’t we? Still, I’m glad to see you survived your wounds and found those coins. Enough of us died to earn them, as I recall. But all in the past, that. Now you’re the mighty King Eskkar, revered by his people and ruler of the greatest city in the west.”

“You missed a few good fights,” Eskkar said. “I could have used your help once or twice.”

“If I’d stayed, then I’d be the King of Akkad, and you’d be working for me training horse fighters.” Bracca smiled at the idea. “But as it is, I’ve come to save your worthless life once again.”

“Who wants to kill me this time?”

“Not you in particular. It’s just that the ruler of the Elamites wants to conquer Akkad and add it to his empire. He hungers for the caravans full of tribute he’ll expect delivered each year.”

“Elamites?” Eskkar frowned. “Who are the Elamites?”

Bracca shook his head in feigned disappointment. “You see what I mean? You don’t even know your peril. A vast army marches toward you, and you’ve never heard of them.”

“Enlighten me, then, friend Bracca.”

“The Elamites are a warrior race far to the east. For twenty years, they have fought and conquered every city and nation in the land of the Indus. Now their eye has turned toward the west. Already they are planning their first steps toward the Land Between the Rivers. In two years, perhaps a little more, they will be here, knocking at your gates.”

“Ah, then at least I can sleep well tonight.”

“Sleep lightly, my old friend. The Elamites are a dangerous enemy, and they have a long reach. They prefer to kill their enemies’ leaders well before their armies arrive. Well before they invade, they target those wise and strong enough to resist them. Poison, assassins, treachery, betrayal, the Elamites are masters of all of these. The weak and foolish they leave alive and in power. Until they’re ready to crush them.”

“And how is it, friend Bracca, that you know so much about these Elamites?”

“Oh, did I forget to mention that I am in their pay? Very well paid, I might add. I gather knowledge for them, especially from the Land Between the Rivers. The more they know about Akkad and its allies, the easier it will be to conquer the city. When the time comes, I’ll be one of those dispatching assassins to eliminate any who still stand in their way.”

“And that would be me?”

“Well, not only you.” Bracca took another sip from his cup. “In Akkad I suppose Trella would be their first target. Her reputation is well known. In Isin, it would be King Naxos. Of course, it might be easier to turn him against Akkad. The Elamites always try to sow distrust among those they are preparing to attack. A good tactic, that.”

He shrugged. “Their plans will be decided when they are ready to move against you.”

King Naxos of Isin ruled his city state with a strong hand, but every powerful man posed a potential threat to Akkad’s rule. Which was why Annok-sur kept so many spies in Isin.

“What of your own cities to the south, Bracca? Is Sumer and the rest of Sumeria to be spared this invasion?”

“Alas, no.” Bracca’s voice held a hint of sadness. “The southern cities must also be brought under Elamite rule. Only the entire wealth of the Land Between the Rivers would be enough to justify the war and satisfy King Shirudukh.”

Eskkar had never heard of this King Shirudukh. “And that would be bad for your trading ventures.” Eskkar grunted in disgust.

If any of this were true, he should probably kill Bracca tonight. Eskkar had only to raise his voice, and the four guards now waiting on the lower landing would burst into the room, swords in hand.

The idea tempted Eskkar. After all, many years had passed, and he owed the man nothing. A day or two in the torture pit would make Bracca reveal everything he knew. Besides, a spy was always a danger, and someone as clever as Bracca would make the best and most dangerous spy of all.

“So why are you telling me all this, Bracca? Especially since you’ll be one of those plotting against me.”

“Ah, I have my reasons.” Bracca leaned back in his chair and made himself more comfortable. “For one, you saved my life, and more than once. For another, I never felt good about leaving you here. I was certain you were going to die, but I suppose I should have stayed with you to the end. It’s what you and your foolish barbarian code of honor would have done, if our situations were reversed. But Aram-Kitchu was leaving, and I had only a moment to choose. It was five years before I learned you were alive. Still, if you had died like you were supposed to, my only regret would be leaving behind those five silver coins.”

Eskkar remembered the sadness that had come over him when he awoke from his fever and delirium to discover that Bracca had indeed gone. “We did save each other’s life a few times. But things worked out well enough.”

“Yes, and I’m glad for you. But I wouldn’t have come upriver and risked getting my throat cut just for that. There’s something else I should have told you, wanted to tell you long ago. Do you remember the fight at Marcala?”

Eskkar thought for a moment, but the name evoked no memory. “Marcala? No, not really. Where was it?”

“The gold mine in Sumeria. We rescued the slave from the mine for his mother, and stole the Village Elder’s gold.”

“I remember. . the time the madness came over you. You killed the slave master, the one twice your size. I really thought he would take you down.”

“Dargo, his name was. Yes, the battle rage was upon me that night.” Bracca scratched at his chin. “Not important now. But that fight. . I should have died that day. I’d brought death down upon us all. There was no reason for you to stay and fight beside me. That’s why I told you to go, expected you to go. You shouldn’t have stayed.”

“Perhaps I was foolish.” Eskkar drummed his fingers on the table, his hand almost brushing the hilt of the sword. “But what does it matter now? I’m sure you didn’t come all the way to Akkad just to thank me for saving your miserable life on one particular day.”

“Well, of all the fights we were in together, that’s the one I can’t forget. So, yes, I did come to warn you because of what you did that day. I don’t expect you to understand why.” Bracca paused to take another sip of ale. “That, and maybe because I don’t like the idea of the Elamites just marching in and crushing the cities of Sumeria. I was born there, you know. And I’ve seen what they do to a conquered city. Even worse than what you did to Larsa.”

Eskkar grunted. In the Sumerian War, he had reduced the city of Larsa to a pile of rubble. Even today, no one lived there. That single act of retribution and terror still gave pause to anyone thinking about attacking Akkad. “Whatever your reasons, I thank you for the warning. But why the secrecy?”

“Because even among my own men, the Elamites have other spies who watch my doings. They trust me, I’m sure of that, but they take no chances with anyone not born into their ruling clan. Tonight, I had to wait until all the others were busy with their own pleasures before I could slip away. As it is, I must return to my inn soon enough. My vessel’s cargo is sold, and tomorrow we take ship for Sumer.”

“I’m sorry you have to go.” Eskkar meant the words. Despite Bracca’s gloomy forewarning, Eskkar sensed that his old friend would have liked to spend some time talking about the past, like old comrades who have fought side by side. Eskkar would have, too.

Bracca nodded. “It can’t be helped. But before I go, I’d like to speak with your wife, Trella.”

Eskkar’s frown returned. “So you can learn more about her, if you need to send assassins?” His fingers reached out and caressed the sword’s hilt.

“Always the suspicious barbarian.” Bracca shook his head. “No, so that she can hear my words herself. As I said, I’ve learned much about her. Some men say she rules Akkad as much as you.”

Or with even greater authority than the King, according to more than a few of those rumors. Eskkar studied his visitor. Well, why not? She would want to know what had been discussed. Besides, she was already the most guarded person in Akkad. And after tonight, that protection would increase.

Eskkar rose, picking up the sword as he stood. Bracca’s eyes widened when Eskkar lifted the blade, but Bracca made no move and showed no fear. Eskkar turned his back to the table and replaced the blade into its scabbard, still hanging on the wall. “I’ll summon her.” Walking around the table, Eskkar went to the door, pulled it open, and stepped onto the landing.

Four Hawk Clan guards, one of whom carried a strung bow in his hand, looked up anxiously from the lower landing when he appeared. With his left hand, Eskkar gave the signal that all was well, though none of the guards bothered to relax. In the chamber below, Trella sat on a bench, her head almost touching that of Annok-sur. Both raised their eyes to Eskkar.

“Trella, will you please join us.”

Without waiting, Eskkar returned to the table and again took his seat. Bracca hadn’t moved, and he still held his ale cup in both hands.

A moment later, one of the guards pushed the half-open door aside, glanced inside the chamber, then stepped back to allow Trella to enter. She swept into the room, moving with purpose until she reached the end of the table. As if by chance, she took the one place at the table where her body would not block the light from any of the candles. She, too, wanted to observe their visitor’s face.

“Yes, Husband?”

“This is my old friend and companion, Bracca.” Eskkar kept his eyes on his guest, to see what reactions Trella’s presence evoked. “We rode together for several years. Bracca has come to warn us of a new danger.”

“Then he is doubly welcome to our home.” She gazed down at Bracca, smiled, and inclined her head in a slight bow.

Whatever Bracca had heard, whatever he’d expected, Trella’s appearance and manner caught him off guard. His mouth opened slightly as he gazed up at Eskkar’s wife.

Trella, now just thirty years old, wore an unadorned linen dress that barely brushed the floor, though one that showed her figure to its best advantage. Eskkar noticed that it was not the every-day garment she’d worn when she departed to visit Hathor’s household. After hearing Annok-sur’s words, Trella had changed into something finer, to reflect the important status of Eskkar’s guest.

As she spoke, Trella held her head high, and her shoulders back. Her feet were bare, and her only jewelry was the single filet of silver that kept her thick black hair away from her face. Not only was Trella’s face devoid of the fashionable oils or copper paints to color her eyes or cheeks, but her face showed no hint of ever having used the artifices that most women of wealth employed. The bright candles sent glimmers of light shining in the lustrous hair that brushed her shoulders.

Under the influence of her smile, Bracca slowly rose to his feet, the chair scraping awkwardly as he stood and returned her bow. Trella’s eyes held his own, and it took a moment before Bracca remembered to break the silence.

“My thanks to the Queen of Akkad for her hospitality.”

To Eskkar’s ears, Bracca’s voice sounded a trifle unsure, though he doubted anyone else would have noticed. Eskkar held back the smile at Bracca’s reaction to Trella’s presence. He’d seen the effect before.

Trella, of course, noticed everything. Her eyes now studied Bracca, his face, hands, even the man’s clothes and the manner in which he wore them.

“For such a close companion of my husband my name is Trella. Please call me that. And if there is anything that you want or need, you have only to ask. Now please, sit.” She selected the pitcher of ale, and refilled the guest’s cup.

Bracca sank back into the chair, then had to move it back to the table. “Thank you, Queen. . Trella. Lady Trella.”

“Eskkar recounted several stories about your travels, and how you brought him safely to Orak.” She handed him the cup, and gracefully took her own seat at the table.

“Did he, now? Well, Eskkar was never very good at telling stories. Sometimes days would go by, and all he ever did was grunt.”

Trella laughed, her white teeth flashing in the candlelight. The melodious sound filled the room. “He took some persuading. I explained that I needed to know his thoughts and deeds. . all those things that helped him survive so many battles. The more I learned about him, the more I could help him. He told me your wits were as quick as your sword.”

Bracca glanced at Eskkar. “And what else did you tell her of me?”

Eskkar laughed. “Nothing good. Only that you kept getting us into trouble and then I had to save both our skins.” He paused a moment, remembering Bracca’s earlier words. “Nothing about Marcala.”

“Marcala?” Trella inclined her head. “I believe there’s a gold mine near the village of Marcala, in the western part of Sumeria.”

“You are well informed, Trella,” Bracca said. His composure had returned. “But the Marcala mine produces little these days. It is said that you are also from Sumeria.”

“Many things are said about me,” Trella answered. “Most of them are untrue. But Eskkar said that you’ve come to warn us of some new danger?”

Neither Eskkar or Trella ever volunteered any information about their past. The less said about Eskkar’s days as a wandering rogue and bandit the better. Nor did Trella want any more known about her early life, and the fact that she came to Akkad as a slave.

“Ah, yes, the Elamites. I was telling Eskkar that they plan to move against this land, once they have finished consolidating their conquests east of the Indus.”

Bracca repeated what he’d told Eskkar before she arrived.

“Why would they want to invade our land? I’ve heard that the lands of the Indus are vast and fertile, full of many different peoples.”

“Indeed they are, Lady Trella. But the constant fighting has drained every city of its wealth. Meanwhile they have a large army eager for war and glory, with leaders that demand ever more loot. And each conquest only serves to whet their appetite for the next. If the Elamites wish to survive, they must add to their empire, and so they now have cast their eyes to the west.”

“The Sumerians sent over twenty thousand men against us in the war against Sumer,” Eskkar remarked.

“I know, and you defeated them at Isin. The Elamites will field two or three times that number. And these men are well trained and well supplied, not like much of the rabble Sumer sent against you. I know all about that effort. I delivered many of the weapons that King Shulgi used to arm his men against you.”

“The fight at Isin was no hillside brawl,” Eskkar said, annoyed in spite of himself at his friend’s knowledge.

Bracca raised his palms. “I meant no offense, Eskkar. I know how hard you and your men fought to win that victory. But this coming fight will be different. This time the men you will face are battle-tested veterans, conquerors of many cities. Already the first few spies are in Akkad, Sumer, and Isin. They will lie in wait, until the time comes to strike. I know. I helped put them in place. Soon more will come.”

“If you know so much about these spies,” Eskkar said, “perhaps you can tell me their names?”

The moment he finished asking the question, Eskkar regretted it. If Bracca were going to reveal their names, he would already have done so. A quick glance at his wife confirmed it. Trella had not asked the obvious question, because she knew what Bracca’s answer would be.

“Well, that’s something I cannot tell you.” Bracca sent his eyes from husband to wife. “If I did, suspicion would fall on me, and I can’t have that. Besides, the Elamites would only find others to serve them, and you would be no better off.”

Eskkar frowned. His thoughts returned to the idea of the torturers, and their ability to extract information. Trella, meanwhile, began asking questions about the Elamites, their customs, the way they lived, how they were ruled. Soon she’d drawn Bracca into giving more than just brief answers. Eskkar listened, but kept his attention on Bracca. The man had always been devious, capable of anything. Yet the more Eskkar saw and heard, the more he felt the man could be trusted, at least in part. For some reason, Bracca wanted to help.

Bracca’s answers grew shorter, and at last he lapsed into silence.

“Your warning is well delivered, then,” Trella said, “and again you have our thanks. We will be on our guard. Will it be possible for you to provide us with more information when you next visit Akkad?”

“It is unlikely that I will visit your city again anytime soon. I do, however, journey to Sumer at least once a year, sometimes more often.”

“We have friends in Sumer,” Trella said. “If you wish, you could send a message to Eskkar through one of those.”

“Perhaps. Though most of your agents in that city are known to. . the Elamites. Perhaps, if it could be managed safely, I will consider it.”

Trella caught Bracca’s slight pause, and understood its meaning. Bracca knew the names of her spies in Sumer. Which also meant that at least one or two of them were in his pay as well as hers.

“I think it could be arranged.” Trella kept her face as neutral as her voice. “Such a man would have no dealings with any others. He would wait only for you to contact him.”

Bracca considered her words, weighing the risks. He would be placing himself in danger. “How soon can you give me your man’s name?”

“I can tell you his name now.” Trella chose a name from those she and Annok-sur had selected. “It is Steratakis, a trader from the city of Lagash. It will be a few months before he is established and in place. He will make himself known to you.”

“I make no promises, but I will see what can be done.” Bracca drained his ale cup and stood. “I must return to my inn. We depart for Sumer at first light.”

He turned to Eskkar. “I said before that you had done well. Now I see that you’ve done far better than that. Just watch your back.”

“Are you sure you don’t want to stay and join us?” Eskkar rose as well. “You were always handy in a fight.”

Bracca shook his head with a hint of sadness. “Not this time, friend Eskkar. This time, you’re on your own. But I see you have a better companion to help you.” He faced Trella. “Keep him safe, and watch for your own safety.”

Bracca drew his cloak close, and lifted the hood up over his head. “I’d better leave.” He bowed a farewell to Trella.

Eskkar stepped around the table, and placed his hand on Bracca’s shoulder. “Before you go, I want to thank you for seeing me safe to Orak. Without you delivering me to the healers, I would never have met Trella. And now I have to thank you again for warning us.”

Bracca, half way to the door, halted. “It’s nothing that you wouldn’t have done for me, if you had the chance.”

Eskkar laughed. “Don’t be so sure. But you can consider your debt at Marcala paid.”

“Well, then I’ll sleep better tonight.”

“I’ll see that Annok-sur passes him through the gate.” Trella moved beside their visitor.

Her voice told Eskkar that she wanted a moment alone with Bracca. Eskkar stayed behind as the two of them stepped out onto the landing, and he heard their footsteps on the treads. A murmur of voices floated to him, then silence.

Eskkar went to the table and poured himself another ale. He rarely drank more than a single cup, but tonight was no ordinary night.

He raised the cup to his lips, then hesitated. For a brief moment, Bracca had been alone in the room, while Eskkar went to summon Trella. More than enough time to slip a bit of poison into his cup.

“Damn the gods.” Eskkar poured the contents of the cup back into the pitcher. The ale, the wine, even the water, would all have to be discarded, just to be safe. He didn’t think Bracca had done any such thing, but the man had warned Eskkar of the very possibility. And it was just the sort of devious thing that Bracca would do.

Eskkar muttered an oath at the evil gods who bedeviled him. Once again, events outside his control were trying to take over his fate. Soon new enemies would be coming for him, eager to strike him down and take by force what he and Trella had labored so long to build. And this time they would move in secret.

Poison, a knife in the back, an arrow from a rooftop, any of a handful of ways to kill a man. And starting tomorrow, Eskkar would have to guard against them all.

He blew out three of the candles, returned to the window and stared down into the garden once again. The watch fire in the courtyard provided enough light to see the leaves on the trees, the branches swaying gently in the night breeze. Bracca had spoken the truth. Eskkar had never admitted it to himself, but Bracca should have stayed at Eskkar’s side, either to nurse him back to health or see to his burial.

Eskkar’s only friend had broken the sacred code of the warrior, something Eskkar had never done. No doubt the failure to stand by his friend and brother in arms had gnawed at Bracca over the years.

In a way, that proved the man’s worth. A lesser man would have soon shrugged off any concerns. Add to that whatever guilt Bracca felt over the fight at Marcala, and the result had brought Bracca to Eskkar’s house, to pay his debt to the man he once called his friend.

“What are you thinking, Husband?” Trella closed the door to the Work Room and moved to his side.

“That we’ve enjoyed many years of peace. That all the problems we’ve faced since the war with Sumer now seem insignificant. Now threats of war and invasion will change our lives once again.”

“Yes, but thanks to your friend, at least we are forewarned. With that knowledge, we can do much to prepare.” She laid a hand on his shoulder. “You were glad to see your friend. You tried to mask your feelings, you both tried, but the friendship was there. Bracca felt it, too.”

“Well, I suppose. But one thing hasn’t changed. Wherever Bracca goes, trouble follows.”

“Even so, I’m thankful that he came. Will this change your plans for the Alur Meriki?”

Eskkar considered that for a moment. “No, Bracca’s warning only makes the conflict with them even more important. One enemy will be bad enough. The sooner the barbarians are dealt with, the better.”

He placed his arm around her shoulder and drew her close. “And now I will have to worry about you every time I leave the city.”

“Do not fear for me, Eskkar. Annok-sur and I will take extra precautions. And King Shirudukh of the Elamites may find that Akkad is not as easily taken as the cities of the Indus. He may even find that he is not as safe on his throne as he thinks.”

Eskkar kissed the top of her head. “Then starting tomorrow, we will begin preparing Akkad for war.”

“Yes, and just like last time, no one must know what we are doing.”

“Bracca’s spies will soon know what we are up to. He said Elamite spies are already here. He could have named them.”

“No, not without putting himself at risk. And we may need his help in the future for more important tasks. I will think about that tonight.” Trella leaned her head on his shoulder. “Tomorrow Annok-sur and I will consider what to do. Perhaps we can find a way to take care of the Elamite spies in our city.”

In spite of the grim prospect that faced them, Eskkar managed a smile. From tonight on, Trella would turn all her thoughts and efforts into meeting this new threat. Whatever might come from those plans, Eskkar had no doubt that Trella and Annok-sur would teach the king of the Elamites a thing or two about terror.