Battle For Empire

36

“Sargon, your father is coming.” Tashanella’s words interrupted the discussion between Sargon, Garal, and Jennat. As younger warriors, they had little interest in observing the Council of Leaders. Neither Jennat nor Garal was likely to get close enough to hear what the clan leaders had to say.

Instead the two warriors had decided to celebrate Eskkar’s arrival with Sargon. Now they glanced up to see the King of Akkad approaching. Tashanella, after delivering her warning, disappeared into the tent.

Eskkar strode up to the edge of the open space before the tent, where a small campfire would soon be set alight to cook the evening’s meal and to provide light for the warrior and his friends. Eskkar slowed when he saw the tent, more imposing even than Subutai’s.

Two men sat on the ground beside Sargon, a few paces from the tent’s entrance. The tent flap twitched, and Eskkar realized someone was watching him from inside. No other women were nearby, so that would be Subutai’s daughter.

A long stride from the men, Eskkar halted and studied his son. The boy had changed since their parting. Sargon sat relaxed, his back supported by a good sized boulder. He should have risen, to show respect to his father. Eskkar decided to ignore his son’s disrespect. He would not let Sargon set the tone for the meeting.

The other two rose to their feet in deference, suddenly nervous at the arrival of their friend’s father.

Eskkar knew the effect his presence had on strangers. As tall as anyone in the camp, his chest, despite his age, still revealed powerful muscles that bulged beneath his tunic. The scar on his face added to his grim demeanor.

“Sargon.” Eskkar used his son’s name as a greeting. He glanced around the area, then studied Jennat and Garal. “And these are your friends?”

Both men felt the pressure of that gaze. The two young warriors suddenly appeared anxious and awkward. One looked to be not much older than Sargon.

“These are my friends, Father. This is Garal, son of Chinua, and this is Jennat, another of Chinua’s warriors.”

Eskkar smiled at both of them and bowed in acknowledgement. “You are the fearless warriors that rode into the lands of the Alur Meriki with Sargon. I have just learned some of the brave deeds you accomplished. My thanks, and those of my wife, are offered to you both for protecting our son, and for your courage. If there is anything you need from Akkad, you have only to let me know.”

The young men looked flustered. Unused to dealing with men of power, they had expected Sargon’s father to be as grim and angry as Sargon portrayed him. Now Eskkar’s sudden warmth and easy greeting changed their attitude to one of respect.

Eskkar understood their confusion. Both must have known that he was likely to visit his son, and had wanted to be present. But now that Eskkar had arrived, the idea of getting involved in a family matter must have seemed foolhardy.

“It is we who are honored, Lord Eskkar.” It had taken Garal a moment before he could speak. “My father has spoken of you often. He said he learned much from you at the Battle of Isin.”

“I remember your father standing on the back of his horse, riding up and down the battle line, waving his bare ass at the enemy.”

Eskkar laughed at the memory, as vivid today as it was eight years ago. “Until that moment, everyone had felt only the dread of the coming conflict. Chinua’s bravado broke the spell of the enemy’s superior numbers. Soon that deed will be the only one anyone recalls from that battle. His courage, and that of all the other Ur Nammu warriors, helped turn the tide.”

Garal bowed at the words of praise. He turned to Sargon. “I think we should go. You and your father will have much to talk about.”

Jennat muttered something. He, too, bowed to Eskkar before he followed in Garal’s footsteps.

Eskkar acknowledged them both, then watched as they left, both of them glancing back for one last look at the King of Akkad. Then father and son were alone.

“You did well with them, Father. Now my friends will boast about meeting you, and how respectful you were.”

“They may be your friends, but they are allies of Akkad, and as such, they are worthy of more than just my respect.” Eskkar glanced around. “Are you going to invite me to sit down, or must I stand in the presence of my son?”

Sargon sighed. “Sit, Father. Would you leave if I asked you to go?”

By custom, every warrior ruled over his tent and its surroundings.

“Yes, after a time.” Eskkar settled himself on the ground, slipping the heavy sword from over his shoulder and resting it across his knees. He faced his son over the kindling that would soon be the supper fire. “But first, I must do my duty. You have become a man by killing an enemy in battle. For that, your mother and I honor you. And now that you are man, you must be treated as one. Remember that, if you remember nothing else.”

“Then you’ve done your duty,” Sargon said. “If you’ve come to bring me back to Akkad, you can tell Mother that I intend to remain here, as one of Subutai’s warriors. I want nothing more from either of you.”

A boy’s pride at becoming a man, Eskkar decided. That, and the arrogance of a son who believed he no longer needed his father or mother.

“Who said that I wanted you back in Akkad?” Eskkar smiled at the expression of surprise that crossed Sargon’s face.

“Why else would you visit my tent?”

“Ah, but there are a few reasons. First is that I’ve come to see my daughter in law.” He glanced around, as if expecting her to bound into his presence. “Or is she not allowed to meet her husband’s father?”

“She has nothing to say to you. Nor does she need to hear anything from you. She knows that my life in Akkad has ended.”

After his talk with Petra and Roxsanni, Eskkar doubted that. He contemplated his son for a moment. Sargon might have convinced these warriors that he had achieved manhood, he might even have convinced himself, but the boy still had much to learn.

“Well, then if your wife has more important duties than to talk to the ruler of Akkad and the ally of her father, I will depart. I’m sure Subutai will not take offense at the slight.”

Eskkar pushed the tip of the scabbard into the ground, and started to rise.

“Wait!” Sargon’s voice revealed the anger that still lurked just below the surface of his words. But despite what Sargon must feel, he dared not refuse his father’s request.

With a few words, Eskkar had already won over his two closest friends. Garal and Jennat were probably even now recounting their meeting with mighty Eskkar of Akkad, slayer of Thutmose-sin, and the words of praise he’d heaped on them and their Clan.

Tashanella would be devastated if her father learned Sargon had refused to let her meet with Eskkar. Not to mention that Subutai, as leader of the clan Sargon now claimed as his own, might simply order Sargon to produce his wife.

Eskkar settled himself back on the ground and again let the sword rest across his knees. He was beginning to enjoy himself. Sargon had always been difficult to deal with, even as a young boy.

Now, all that had changed, and Eskkar felt relieved that the obligations of fatherhood had ended. Sargon called himself a man, so now he had to act like one. And dealing with men of all kinds and ages was something that Eskkar had many years of experience with.

“Tashanella! Join us.”

A moment passed before the tent flap opened and the girl emerged, though Eskkar had no doubt that she had been standing just inside, listening to every word. She took the three steps needed to bring her to Sargon’s side.

“Yes, Husband.”

“This is my father, Lord of the City of Akkad.”

Eskkar ignored the hint of sarcasm. He was too busy studying the girl, dressed in what must be her finest dress and obviously new sandals. Among the Ur Nammu, she would be considered a real beauty, and even in Akkad her face and shapely legs would attract every man’s eyes. Long dark hair swirled around Tashanella’s face, and her wide, deep set eyes could make any man tremble.

She seemed familiar. Something about her tickled Eskkar’s memory. He must have seen her before, at Subutai’s camp, though he couldn’t recall it.

Tashanella took another step forward, to stand directly in front of him. “I am pleased to meet the father of my husband, Lord Eskkar.” She bowed low, her chin and eyes downcast.

A good strong voice, the words properly humble. Her figure appeared a bit thin, but a few children would change that. Then Eskkar realized why she touched a memory. Tashanella held herself much like Trella had, the first night he’d met his new slave.

The powerful recollection washed over him. Eskkar had to restrain himself from reaching out and lifting up her chin, the way he had done that night more than fifteen years ago. Though Sargon didn’t realize it, he’d chosen a woman much like his mother. Eskkar wondered what Trella would make of that fact.

“Your father did not tell me how beautiful his daughter is.” Eskkar’s voice now held a trace of sadness. As if it had happened yesterday, he remembered the rush of passion that had come over him, over both he and Trella, that night long ago.

“I am pleased that you do not find me unattractive.” She lifted her eyes and met his gaze.

Looking into those eyes, Eskkar realized something else. She appeared determined to stand by her husband, even against Eskkar’s wishes.

He also realized that the plan her two mothers had put forward earlier was not going to work. Not without some changes. Suddenly Eskkar felt better about that, too. Waiting a year or two for Sargon to grow up and change his ways didn’t appeal to Eskkar.

“Is there something you wish to say to my wife, Father?”

The moment of silence had stretched out longer than Eskkar realized. “No, Sargon. I don’t think there is anything I need to say. Except to give my approval on your choice of a wife. Your mother will be pleased.”

He turned back to Tashanella. “And I’m sure my wife would invite you to visit us in Akkad. It is the custom, is it not, to pay your respects to the mother of your husband?”

“We have no need to return to Akkad.” Sargon’s voice sounded as petulant as Eskkar’s had been lighthearted. “I wish to have nothing to do with either of you.”

Eskkar shrugged. “Well, then there is little more I can say. I will give Subutai the bad news.”

This time Eskkar used the sword to lift himself to his feet. Once upright, he took his time as he slung the sword over his shoulder.

“What bad news do you have for my father, Lord Eskkar?” Tashanella couldn’t keep the hint of worry from her voice. She might look much like Trella, might even have keen wits, but few women in the land, or men, for that matter, possessed Trella’s sharp mind. Not to mention that the young bride still had much to learn about the ways of men.

Eskkar took a deep breath. “Tomorrow I meet with Subutai and Chief Bekka of the Alur Meriki. It seems that Sargon made certain promises to him, in the name of Akkad and of the Ur Nammu. Those assurances were the real reasons Bekka rode to assist the Ur Nammu. I told him that I would stand behind my son’s words. Now I will have to tell Bekka that perhaps not all those promises may be kept. And Subutai also. Since your husband wants no part in Akkad’s future, his words do not bind me. It will be embarrassing for me to admit that my son wants to disown his heritage, but that will soon pass. Of course I will make my own arrangement with Chief Bekka and the Alur Meriki.”

Tashanella’s eyes widened in shock. Unlike her mothers, she had not considered all the possibilities of Sargon’s choices. The new found peace between the Alur Meriki and the Ur Nammu might vanish like smoke in the night. And all because of her husband and his stubborn pride.

“You would do that?” Once again, Sargon let his anger show through. “You would deny me in front of all my friends?”

“Four months ago, you told me you hated the entire Ur Nammu Clan. You called them dirty and ignorant barbarians. Now they are your friends, your new family. Who knows what you will think in another few months.”

Eskkar turned away from his son, and directed his words at the girl. “Of course, your father will be disappointed as well. He had hoped that closer ties with Akkad would help safeguard his people. That, too, may have to change. Akkad will have to decide what is in its best interest.”

“Damn you!” Sargon rose, his hands clenched and his face turning red, the pose of indifference gone. “I only did what you would have done!”

“Perhaps.” Not long ago Eskkar’s temper would have flared at such a display from his son. Now he merely shrugged, and kept his gaze on Tashanella. “But Sargon wants to keep his status with the clans as my son, and speak for Akkad in my absence. Bekka and Subutai must be made aware that Sargon, by his own choice, does not have that authority.”

Tashanella, her eyes wide, stared at Eskkar.

He softened his voice. “You need not be concerned with such things, Tashanella. Your husband will still see to your needs.”

“My Lord, why do you quarrel with your son?” Tashanella could scarcely keep the panic from her voice. “He has done nothing but good since he came here.”

“That pleases me to hear. But I no longer have any quarrel with him, Tashanella. I brought to your father a boy who needed training. Subutai and your people taught Sargon to be a man and a warrior, and my son has completed his training honorably. I wish him only the best of fortune.”

Eskkar leaned forward and looked into her eyes. “He did tell you why I brought him here, didn’t he?”

The girl couldn’t help but dart a glance at her husband. “Yes, he told me.”

The seed of doubt had been planted. She had probably accepted Sargon’s version of events. Now she would insist on hearing the whole story.

And if she didn’t get a satisfactory reply, there were other ways she could learn the details. Eskkar decided to tell Petra and Roxsanni the entire story, that the boy had defied his mother, physically threatened his father, and renounced them both. Yes, when Tashanella learned the truth, she would indeed guide her husband.

“Then I am satisfied.” Eskkar bowed to her, then turned to his son. “I thank you for letting me meet your wife, and for the hospitality of your tent. My men and I will leave for Akkad tomorrow, after I finish meeting with Chief Bekka. The sooner we return home, the better. Too many fighting men too close to each other always leads to trouble.” He lifted his gaze to the tent, and shook his head. “That is the grandest tent I have ever seen.”

Eskkar turned and strode off into the gathering darkness, wondering how long the silence would endure after he was out of earshot. He resisted the temptation to double back and try to catch a few words. If anyone saw him, it would be too embarrassing.

By the time Eskkar found his way back to Subutai’s tent, the feast had begun. Eskkar knew there would be no more serious talk for the rest of the night. The captured Carchemishi baggage train contained more than a few wineskins, and Subutai had managed to save six of them for just such a celebration.

Eskkar had always frowned on his men getting drunk, and had established a rule for his soldiers. No man was permitted to get drunk more than once a month. Even less often would be better, but men were men, and to try and stop something as natural as drinking would have made him look foolish. But no matter how much they drank at night in the ale houses, every man still had to attend to his duties the next day.

As soon as the evening meal was put away, the wine appeared, and Eskkar knew that everyone would soon be decently drunk. Unlike villagers, who had more access to heady date wine or strong ale, warriors seldom enjoyed that luxury, and so it took little more than a cup or two to raise both their spirits and voices.

Bekka and his commanders appeared, as did Fashod and Chinua and their men. Soon more than fifty warriors reveled in the fire’s light. Surrounding them were other Ur Nammu warriors, as well as their women and children, who came to stare at the circle of leaders.

Though Eskkar rarely drank more than a cup of well-watered wine, he let himself drink almost as much as the others. Fortunately for Eskkar’s head, the wineskins soon ran empty. The talking and shouting continued, broken by the occasional song giving praise to some battle or another.

Eventually the powerful wine had its effect. Eskkar had ridden hard for many days, and the rapid journey had taken its toll. He felt his eyes growing heavy. Warriors began to nod off, some falling flat on their backs. Others were led away by their wives or comrades. Subutai’s fire burned down to a dull glow.

Finally Bekka and his companions left, and Eskkar accepted Subutai’s invitation to sleep in his tent. Eskkar told Hathor to return to the Akkadian camp. Then Eskkar and Subutai fumbled their way inside the Ur Nammu chief’s dwelling.

By then Eskkar couldn’t stop yawning. Fortunately, Subutai was too tired or drunk to take either or both of his wives, not that the noise or activity would have kept Eskkar awake. He dropped onto the blanket they’d given him, flung his arm over his eyes, and fell asleep. Or passed out, he couldn’t be sure which.

When Eskkar awoke it was still dark. The leader of the Ur Nammu snored peacefully on the other side of the tent, flanked by his wives. But dawn approached, so Eskkar pushed himself up, eased the tent flap aside, and stepped outside. The sun had yet to clear the horizon, but already shafts of light struggled against the remnants of the night sky.

Most of the camp remained asleep as Eskkar headed down toward the stream to wash the grime from his face. At the water’s edge, he found a few other early risers. Most had drunk too much wine last night, and now some paid the penalty.

He ignored the sound of retching that floated over the stream. Despite the chill, Eskkar ducked his head into the water for as long as he could stand it. Then he washed his hands, and scrubbed the remains of last night’s meal from his tunic.

When he finished, a long piss against a nearby bush completed the morning ritual, and he sighed in satisfaction. A final dip of his hands in the stream, and Eskkar felt ready to face the dawn. The sun had almost cleared the horizon. A new day had arrived, and his instinct told him that important decisions would be made.

When he arrived back at Subutai’s tent, Eskkar found the Ur Nammu leader standing beside Petra. Two young boys were adding kindling to the struggling morning fire, but already the copper pot hung from its tripod. Soon the smell of fresh stew would compete with the smoky odor of the twigs and dried animal dung used to start the fire.

Before Eskkar could reach Subutai’s side, two more figures emerged. Sargon and Tashanella. Neither one appeared to have enjoyed a good night’s rest, though he had not noticed them last night at the feast. Nor did either one show the pleasant after effects of a bout of morning lovemaking.

“A good day begins.” Eskkar gave the usual greeting to Subutai, then nodded toward his son. “Sargon.” Eskkar even gave Tashanella a smile as he pronounced her name.

“A good day,” Subutai replied, “after a bad night. My tongue feels like it’s made of horsehide.”

Sargon spoke. “Father, I would like to speak to you.”

Despite the effects of last night’s drinking, Subutai frowned at Sargon. Sons did not interrupt their fathers, let alone the Sarum, when they were speaking.

Eskkar gave Sargon the briefest of glances. “Later.” He caught a glimpse of Petra watching. By now she probably knew all about last night’s conversation between father and son.

“It’s important, Father.”

Another breech of custom.

“I’ve got to take a piss.” Subutai turned away and headed in the direction of the stream.

Eskkar turned to face his son, but before he could say anything, Petra interrupted.

“If you wish to speak to your son in private, Lord Eskkar, you may use the tent.”

The rest of the camp had stirred itself awake, and of course, the children and family of Subutai would soon be hanging around the cooking pot, hoping for a few mouthfuls of stew.

“My thanks to you, Petra, but there is no need. My son assured me last night that he had nothing to say to me.”

Petra opened her mouth, but closed it without speaking. Instead she dropped to her knees beside the cooking fire. “I’ll take care of that,” she said. “You children go find more firewood.”

Tashanella remained as well, standing only a half-step behind her husband.

Sargon took a step closer. “Father, you cannot go back on my promise to Bekka. I told him that you would help his clan with food and anything else he might need. He saved the Ur Nammu, saved all of us.”

“Bekka will be here soon.” Eskkar kept his voice calm and his words soft. “I will explain the situation to him, and make whatever arrangements I feel necessary. You will not lose honor. Bekka will understand such things. You are a warrior of the Ur Nammu now. As you said to me and your mother, the affairs of Akkad no longer concern you.”

Sargon blanched. His own words had returned to damn him. His lip trembled, as much with shame as with anger.

“Honored Father, your son acted wisely and fought bravely to save my people.” Tashanella surprised them all by speaking.

Eskkar frowned at the girl. By custom, she should not speak unless spoken to, and certainly not in matters that concerned men. Even Petra, kneeling behind them, flinched at the words.

Eskkar’s voice held no sign that he took offense. “My new Daughter, your husband fought bravely to save you, and for that I honor him as a man. But even a coward will fight to save his wife or his children. When Sargon is as ready to risk his life to save his family, his kin, and the people of Akkad, including all those who raised him and fought for him and died for him, then he will be accepted back into his own family. Not before.”

Tashanella’s face turned as pale as her husband’s. Eskkar saw Petra shake her head in disappointment.

“Please, Father.” Tashanella fought to keep the tears from her voice. “You must not reject your son.”

“I do not reject him. But I will not embrace a son who abandons not only his mother, but his duties to those who raised him.” Eskkar turned back to Sargon. “If you wish to speak for me with the Ur Nammu, you may do so. There is much that you can do to help them. But you will not make any commitment in Akkad’s name, not before you consult with me. Do you understand that?”

“Yes, Father.”

Eskkar searched his son’s face, but did not see any trace of anger. “Then you may stay and attend the meeting. But you will keep silent, unless you are spoken to.”

The boy had finally swallowed his pride, humbled in front of his wife and her mother. Whatever Tashanella had said to him last night must have finally swayed his mind.

“Good. Then if you prove yourself, it may be that one day you can serve such a purpose with the Alur Meriki as well. I will talk to Bekka about that.”

“Yes, Father. I will do my best.”

“No man can ask another for more than that.” Eskkar turned to Petra, only a long stride away, stirring the contents of the stew pot. “That smells good, Petra. Might I have a cup?”

Petra looked up, as if caught by surprise, and as though she had not heard a single word of what had just passed between father and son. “Of course, My Lord.” She scooped a cup full of the hot liquid, rose, and handed it to him with a bow. “A good cup to start a good day.”

“My thanks to you, Petra of the Ur Nammu, for all you have done for me.” Eskkar doubted whether anyone else noticed the slight nod of approval she gave him. He hadn’t handled the situation as she wanted, but she would follow the path Eskkar had laid out for Sargon, and now Tashanella would help Sargon along the way.

Besides, Eskkar did not have the patience to wait years for his son to stand up to his obligations. At any rate, for Petra and Roxsanni, the end result should be the same.

Cradling the warm cup in both hands, Eskkar glanced around. Subutai had returned, but stood at the far side of the little clearing, waiting for the conversation to end. Beside him stood Fashod and Chinua, both arriving early for the Council Meeting. Behind them, Eskkar saw Hathor and Bekka and a few of the Alur Meriki approaching.

Eskkar lifted the cup toward Subutai in a gesture of thanks. Family matters had been taken care of. Now it was time for the Council of Leaders. And this time, Sargon would be present, as a dutiful son should attend to his father.

The new day had just begun, but already Eskkar had accomplished the most important of his goals. The long process of regaining his son had started. It would take time, and there would be setbacks. But it would happen. The good news about Sargon would bring relief and joy to Trella. And she would approve of how Eskkar had dealt with their son, of that he was sure.

Despite Eskkar’s hope to be on his way by midmorning, the meeting took much longer than expected. The sun had already passed well beyond its midpoint in the sky before Eskkar and Hathor said their final goodbyes. At last they climbed onto their horses, and led the Akkadian cavalry back toward home.

The horsemen riding behind their leaders had no complaint. They’d endured a hard ride out to these empty lands, but at least they had avoided any conflict, and now faced only a leisurely journey back to Akkad. Eskkar rode as complacently as any of his men. He had much more to smile about than just avoiding another battle.

The only man unhappy with the day’s events rode at the rear of the column, a rope around his neck. Kamanis. He would be taken back to Akkad. Once there, Annok-sur would wring every morsel of information out of him. Soon she would know all there was to know about the Carchemishi.

The Akkadians had covered more than ten miles before Hathor could restrain his curiosity no longer.

“Well, Captain,” Hathor began, “are you going to tell me why you’re looking so satisfied?”

Eskkar laughed. “Isn’t peace with the Alur Meriki, and good relations with the Ur Nammu enough to smile about?”

“And Sargon’s new bride? She seemed very interested in what the Council had to say.”

Tashanella had indeed managed to stay close to the chiefs and leaders while they spoke. With her mother and Petra, they remained just within earshot, ready to attend to their men, though of course they pretended that they could not hear a word.

“Sargon has chosen a good woman. I think she will prove a good match for him.” Eskkar related all that had occurred between Sargon, Petra, and Tashanella, to his trusted friend. “Now I think that between Tashanella and her mother, they will turn Sargon back to Akkad sooner rather than later.”

Eskkar shook his head in amazement of it all. “And my talk with Bekka went better than I could have hoped. I promised him even more help than Sargon did. Bekka understands my son’s role now, too. He even extended an invitation for Sargon to come and visit with the Alur Meriki.”

Hathor chuckled. “So Sargon’s wife and her mothers will plot behind Sargon’s back to make sure he remains in favor in Akkad, to make certain that the Ur Nammu are safe and secure. And the Alur Meriki will court Sargon as well, in order that they, too, can stay in favor with Akkad. No doubt as soon as Bekka returns home, he will be searching his tents for a suitably beautiful girl to present to Sargon as a second wife. Meanwhile you offered them even more than what your son had promised.”

“That sums it up,” Eskkar agreed.

“And what do we get out of all this, besides getting rid of these foolish Carchemishi invaders?”

Eskkar faced his friend. “Well, we haven’t lost a man. It will be many years before the Carchemishi or anyone else from that region dares to come near Akkad’s lands. More important, Trella and I will get our son back, and I think Akkad will get a leader, too. For an untried warrior, Sargon showed much courage, and made good decisions that benefited many. I could not have done as well when I was his age. It will take patience, but for the first time in years, I believe Sargon will make a good ruler of Akkad, when the time comes.”

“Not for many years, yet, I hope.”

His friend’s voice showed his feelings. Eskkar clasped the Egyptian on the shoulder. “Not for many years.” Then the smile faded from Eskkar’s face. “And now that we have our northern border secure, we can prepare for the Elamites.”

Hathor’s smile faded. “What can we do? We have no way to strike at them. And if they see us making preparations for war, they may attack even sooner.”

“Much as I might wish to attack them, you’re right, it would be unwise.” Eskkar sighed. “Trella says that first we must learn as much as we can about the Elamites. She and Annok-sur were already making plans when these Carchemishi came. They wanted Yavtar to establish a trading House in Sumer, to trade with Elam.”

“Then by now she may have discovered some way to gain knowledge of their armies and their plans,” Hathor said. “We need to know as much as we can about their tactics and training.”

“Trella will discover what we need to know, I’m sure of it. And make sure we are ready to meet Elamites when the time comes. What is that saying of your Egyptians? If you want peace, prepare for war. That is where we must now turn our attentions. Perhaps even Sargon will play a role in the coming conflict.”