Clash Of Empires

Chapter 5

The Palace of Grand Commander Chaiyanar, in the city of Sushan. .

General Jedidia paced back and forth in the narrow confines of the Palace’s anteroom. Only a single window provided an occasional breeze, which did little to dispel the stifling heat. He felt the sweat dripping from his face and armpits, adding to the odor of men in close quarters. Not a pitcher of water, no platter of dates, not even cloths to wipe away the perspiration. Nevertheless, neither Jedidia nor the chamber’s other four occupants dared to complain, as they awaited the summons from King Shirudukh to attend his presence.

Jedidia had arrived at well before the requested time of midday, but as usual, King Shirudukh preferred to keep his visitors waiting. Noon had come and gone, and now, according to the sun, the middle of the afternoon would soon be upon them.

Jedidia recognized the deliberate insult. King Shirudukh knew the interminable waiting would grate upon the nerves of his generals, and increase any tendency they might have to say something foolish. Though General Jedidia understood the tactic, he still hated its effectiveness.

King Shirudukh, ruler of the Land of Elam and all its subjects, had arrived in Sushan ten days ago. Naturally he had taken over the quarters of Grand Commander Chaiyanar, who ruled the city as Shirudukh’s satrap. Chaiyanar’s waiting room, such as it was, contained no chairs, not even an un-cushioned bench or two.

Grand Commander Chaiyanar had no concern for either the comfort or patience of his guests, no matter who they might be or how long they had to wait. Now visitors to the King had to suffer in the same fashion as any of Sushan’s merchants appealing for some favor, no matter how distinguished they might be.

General Jedidia, tall and dark, resembled many of his battle hardened soldiers, most of whom came from Elam’s northern lands. A hook nose jutted arrogantly from beneath deep set brown eyes, and black hair tinged with gray half-concealed a wide brow. A thick beard covered his chin and reached well onto his muscular chest.

A fighting man, Jedidia had earned the respect of the men he commanded even as he rose to the rank of general. About to enter his thirty-eighth season, he cared little for the soft luxuries both King Shirudukh and Grand Commander Chaiyanar favored. Jedidia had known more than his share of pain and discomfort over the years.

Today, however, Jedidia felt his temper rising. Four years ago, in a battle near the Indus River, his horse had taken a wound. Mad with pain, the animal had thrown its rider. Jedidia’s left knee had struck a rock when he tumbled to the earth. Since that day, the knee often gave him trouble, especially when he had to remain on his feet for long periods. His prolonged standing had aggravated the injury, and soon Jedidia would face the humiliating need to ask for a chair.

One of the other occupants, Lord Modran, had no such difficulty. Lean and wiry, the commanding general of the largest contingent of Elamite’s forces appeared unaffected by King Shirudukh’s decision to keep two of his senior generals waiting. As if to annoy Jedidia even more, Modran had scarcely moved since they first entered the chamber.

Jedidia hated Modran with a fierce intensity that probably matched Modran’s feelings toward Jedidia. Both men sought the prestige and power that came with leading the majority of soldiers under the King. Jedidia knew that he was far more capable than Modran, but for years Modran had remained Shirudukh’s favorite, and he commanded nearly twenty thousand soldiers spread across the heart of Elam.

Grand Commander Chaiyanar, the least experienced of King Shirudukh’s three generals, already attended on the King. Since this palace in Sushan belonged, of course under the King’s authority, to Chaiyanar, Shirudukh had graciously permitted the Grand Commander to join him ahead of the others. No doubt Chaiyanar and the King had dined well, lounging on their respective couches, and enjoying the ministrations of the countless young slave girls who accompanied King Shirudukh wherever he traveled.

Jedidia gave scarcely a thought to the three other men also summoned to today’s audience. Soft city dwellers, they, too, showed signs of discomfort. Traders and merchants, they formed part of the Council that helped advise the King on matters of trade and policy. Though men of wealth, Jedidia considered them insignificant minions with no power or authority. Likely neither Shirudukh nor Chaiyanar ever bothered to heed their words. Jedidia doubted if any of them knew how to hold a sword.

The oldest, Shesh-kala, had well over fifty seasons. He owned most of the large tracts of fertile land that surrounded the city of Sushan. Though he might be a man of enormous wealth, he clearly suffered from a bad back. He clutched the arm of the youngest advisor, a trader named Aram-Kitchu, still a man in the prime of life.

The third man, Dajii, also traded up and down the River Karum, but he specialized in slaves, not goods. In fact, Dajii and his agents would be accompanying the invasion armies into the Land Between the Rivers, to begin the process of breaking and transporting vast numbers of new slaves into the lands of Elam.

The door to the chamber opened, and a messenger bowed to those waiting. “King Shirudukh regrets keeping you waiting. He is ready to receive you now. Please follow me.”

Jedidia forced a smile to his lips, clenching his teeth against the growing pain in his knee and refusing to show the slightest sign of weakness or discomfort. Any such display would soon have Modran and Chaiyanar whispering in the King’s ear that General Jedidia was unwell, perhaps not fit for the coming campaign.

Everyone in the room had straightened up when the door opened. Lord Modran moved first, falling in behind the messenger, and Jedidia followed. The three advisors, as befitting their lack of station, trailed the two generals.

The little procession didn’t have far to travel. Down a long corridor, around a corner, then through a doorway guarded by two soldiers and into the Palace’s main chamber. A raised dais at the far end normally held the throne-like chair that Chaiyanar preferred. Today that platform stood empty. Just in front, however, three couches of different sizes rested, all occupied. The largest held King Shirudukh. Grand Commander Chaiyanar reclined on the second, and another man sat upright on the third.

Jedidia needed a moment to recall the third man’s name — Meweldi — one of Shirudukh’s High Commanders. Jedidia glance took in the King’s personal guards, who lined the walls. Two stood behind Shirudukh’s couch, their hard eyes examining the latest arrivals. Jedidia knew they would kill anyone, even a general, who showed the slightest sign of hostility. And the soldiers lining the walls would be only a step behind them.

Jedidia counted twelve guards, and every one a member of the Immortals. An elite force of battle-tested veterans who fought only for King Shirudukh, the Immortals performed the dual role of personal household guards to the King, and the primary instrument of his power. They numbered exactly five thousand, and were the best and most loyal fighters in Elam.

By firm custom, whenever one Immortal was killed, seriously wounded or fell ill, he was immediately replaced with a new recruit, thus maintaining the number and cohesion of the Five Thousand. Every soldier considered it an honor to enter the Immortal’s ranks.

“Ah, Lord Modran, General Jedidia! The time for our final preparations has come, and your presence is most welcome.” Shirudukh didn’t waste his breath on greeting his advisors.

Jedidia bowed low, and held himself in that position until Lord Modran straightened up. Both men uttered the usual flattering words that kept the King in a pleasant mood. But Jedidia had already noticed the hint of a smile on Grand Commander Chaiyanar’s face. Something was in the wind, something that greatly pleased Chaiyanar. With a sinking feeling in his chest, Jedidia guessed that bad news was coming.

“My three favorite and loyal generals,” Shirudukh went on, “the last decisions on troops and dispositions have been made. Commander Meweldi will provide the information.”

Meweldi stood and waved his hand toward the guards. Two of them picked up a table and carried it to the center of the room. A large map rested atop its surface.

“The invasion of the Land Between the Rivers will begin in a few months,” Meweldi began. “Grand Commander Chaiyanar will take fifteen thousand men and advance along the coast of the Great Sea, to invest and capture the city of Sumer from the south. He will be supported by every ship that can transport a cargo.”

“It will be a great honor to capture the city of Sumer, and present it as a gift to My King.” Chaiyanar’s oily words garnered a smile from Shirudukh.

Jedidia noted that Meweldi showed no irritation at the interruption. Chaiyanar clearly remained in good standing with the King.

“At the same time, Lord Modran will lead a mixed force of thirty thousand men through the Dellen Pass, to capture the city of Akkad, where we expect the most resistance. And so we will hurl our largest army and finest troops at its walls. Two thousand Immortals will be among that force.”

“A great honor, my King.” Modran’s words sounded even more simpering that Chaiyanar’s.

“Meanwhile, General Jedidia will take a large cavalry force, at least six thousand men, through the Jkarian Pass, to cut Akkad’s food supply. Once that is accomplished, General Jedidia will swing to the south and provide whatever support is needed to Lord Modran and his siege of Akkad.”

The words came like a blow, and Jedidia struggled to keep his astonishment and anger under control. “My King, if I may speak, I have raised, equipped, and trained nearly fifteen thousand men. The lands north of Akkad are mostly barren and. .”

“Most of your infantry and siege workers will be transferred to Lord Modran, General Jedidia,” Meweldi cut in. “Some will be assigned to Grand Commander Chaiyanar. You will not need them once you leave the Jkarian Pass, since there are no cities or villages there capable of serious resistance. Our plan,” Meweldi turned slightly and bowed to King Shirudukh, “the King’s plan, is to overwhelm Sumer and Akkad with irresistible force, and so force them to collapse as quickly as possible. Once they fall, the remaining cities of Ur, Lagash, and Isin will be only too eager to throw open their gates and welcome our armies.”

Jedidia stood there, speechless. Not only were his best fighters being taken from his command, but he would have no chance to capture a jewel worthy of the campaign. The riches of Sumer and Akkad would guarantee enormous wealth to Chaiyanar and Modran, while he, Jedidia, Elam’s most capable general, would have to search for any crumbs remaining.

“My King, if I may protest, my soldiers are some of the best in Elam. I would. .”

“There is no need for concern, General Jedidia,” Shirudukh said. “Once Sumer and Akkad fall, there will be plenty of opportunity to demonstrate your leadership. And there are many other cities in the Land Between the Rivers that will challenge your skills. You will have many chances to win glory and wealth.”

Clenching his jaw, Jedidia fought to retain his composure. The King had made his decision, and would certainly not change his mind. Anything else that Jedidia said now would only undermine his position even more. Modran and Chaiyanar would get the two richest cities to capture and plunder, and Jedidia would get nothing. If he argued or protested, Jedidia might lose more than his soldiers. He took a deep breath.

“My King, it is an honor to serve. I will sweep the northern lands clean of every Akkadian dog.”

“Excellent, General Jedidia. You are a great leader, and your men will help speed the fall of our enemies.”

Jedidia didn’t dare let himself look at Modran or Chaiyanar. Their smug expressions would only infuriate him.

Meweldi glanced at the King, who nodded. “There is still much work required to plan and make the final provisions for our invasion. Our three great generals will need to remain here in Sushan until those plans are complete. Meanwhile, orders will be sent to General Jedidia’s northern camp, to begin the movement of his troops to the locations where Lord Modran is assembling his forces.”

Meweldi lied, of course. Those orders, signed by the King and delivered by a few hundred Immortals, would have gone north the day Jedidia entered Sushan. Even if he slipped out of the city and tried to return to his army, by the time he arrived, Lord Modran’s men would be firmly in command. And, of course, that would be the same as committing suicide. Even with his entire army, he would be no match for the forces of Modran and Chaiyanar, and the King’s Immortals.

Jedidia would have to wait his turn. In time, sooner or later, Modran or Chaiyanar would grow too strong, so powerful that either man might present a threat to King Shirudukh. Then the wheel would turn, roles would be reversed, and Jedidia would be used to counterbalance their forces.

The King did indeed know how to manipulate and control his generals.

King Shirudukh smiled pleasantly. “And our mighty armies will be well served by our loyal subjects. My Council of Advisors have their role to play in the invasion as well.” He waved his hand toward Meweldi.

“Master Trader Dajii,” Meweldi said, “will provide slave masters and guards to accompany Lord Modran and Grand Commander Chaiyanar. His men will ensure that, as captures are made, only the fittest are transported back to Elam. Much of the wealth we take from Sumer and Akkad will consist of slaves, and we will need that wealth brought to Elam as soon as possible.”

Jedidia had forgotten about the three advisors, hanging back silently several paces behind he and Modran. Their presence insured that the entire city of Sushan would soon know of Jedidia’s loss of status. Many of the friends and supporters Jedidia had worked so hard to cultivate in the last two years would disappear, transferring their efforts to the others.

“And Master Trader Shesh-kala will be responsible for providing all the food the invasion armies will need, enough to get them through the mountains and ensure the capture of Sumer and Akkad. Once our soldiers capture the enemy cities, they will be able to fend for themselves.”

Shesh-kala’s voice quavered. “It is my pleasure to serve, My King.”

“Master Trader Aram-Kitchu,” Meweldi went on, “will see that our men have all the supplies and weapons they will need to capture the enemy’s cities.”

“I am pleased to help our great generals defeat the King’s enemies,” Aram-Kitchu said. He, too, bowed low.

“Aram-Kitchu has also learned much about our enemy’s strengths and weakness. And he has established a network of spies through Sumer, Akkad, and Isin. Most of our information regarding the Akkadians and Sumerians has come through his efforts.”

For the first time, Jedidia glanced with interest at the three advisors. He had heard of Aram-Kitchu, but had never met the man. So this was the man who provided so much detailed information about the enemy.

“Is there anything new that you have learned, Aram-Kitchu?” King Shirudukh showed his respect for the man by addressing him directly. “Is the enemy preparing to resist?”

“My King, the latest reports are somewhat confusing,” Aram-Kitchu had a deep voice that seemed out of place in his small stature. “It is almost certain that Akkad has learned of the coming invasion. With so many trade caravans, there are more than enough people who will talk too much. I believe that Akkad most likely will attempt to resist. They are training more soldiers and reinforcing their walls even now.”

“You failed to have Eskkar assassinated?” Meweldi made his question sound like a rebuke.

“Yes, Commander, I have been unable to strike him down.” Aram-Kitchu’s voice admitted his failure. “Twice we have made attempts on his life, and both times they have failed. Nor have we been able to get rid of King Eskkar’s wife, the real ruler of Akkad. She spends most of her time within their guarded compound, which we have not been able to enter. But it may not matter. Lately my spies have heard rumors that the barbarian Eskkar may take his gold and flee to the north. He is aware of Elam’s might, and knows his city cannot withstand an invasion.”

Jedidia had let his attention wander, but he picked up on Aram-Kitchu’s statement that the Akkadian King might flee to the north with his personal retainers and wealth. Perhaps there might be an opportunity to seize that treasure.

“But only recently,” Aram-Kitchu said, “we’ve learned that King Naxos of Isin is secretly readying his soldiers to attack Akkad. Naxos has hated Eskkar for many years. Naxos is also trying to secure Sumer’s support, but so far they have not committed themselves despite his entreaties. If the barbarian Eskkar abandons his city, King Naxos will assume his rule. I believe he will be much more amenable to our offers of cooperation.”

Meweldi frowned at that lack of progress as well. “And the Sumerians? Will they resist?”

“They have not yet decided what course of action they will take. But even if they choose to fight,” Aram-Kitchu answered, “their numbers are far too small to withstand Grand Commander Chaiyanar’s forces.”

“That is so,” Chaiyanar spoke for the first time. “Some of my soldiers, skilled in siege craft, accompanied one of Aram-Kitchu’s caravans. They verified his assessment and studied Sumer’s weak defenses. They declare that the city will fall within a month at most.”

Jedidia clenched his jaw again. With fifteen thousand men, that fat fool Chaiyanar would capture Sumer and its wealth with ease, while Jedidia would be chasing after cows and collecting sacks of grain in the north.

“And what do your men say of Akkad’s defenses?” Lord Modran’s voice held a slight hint of jealousy at Chaiyanar’s good fortune.

“Akkad’s defenses are far stronger, and they have already withstood one siege,” Aram-Kitchu said. “If the barbarian decides to fight, the siege will be a difficult one. But with so many soldiers, Lord Modran, the city can be cut off and starved into submission within a few months. They will have many more mouths to feed than Sumer. But while Akkad is the largest city, it can raise and equip at best five or six thousand men.”

Meweldi nodded his agreement. “And what can you tell us. .”

But King Shirudukh had endured enough talk for the day. “We can speak more of this tomorrow. Tonight, we will celebrate with a fine meal that Commander Chaiyanar has arranged for our generals. And now, I am sure that they have important matters that need their attention.”

King Shirudukh rose to his feet, indicating the end of the audience. Everyone bowed low, but the King hadn’t quite finished. “Each of you will be expected to crush your enemies quickly and ruthlessly. This campaign must be a short one, and any general or advisor who does not do his utmost to ensure our victory will be punished.”

With those chilling words hanging in the air, Shirudukh, accompanied by six of his guards, swept out of the room, while everyone bowed low. Jedidia understood the warning. Even victory might not be enough to assuage the King’s judgment. All of them, including Modran and Chaiyanar, would be appraised not only on what they accomplished, but how efficiently they managed their armies in the process. And as Jedidia had just learned, the King’s favorite today might be at the greatest risk tomorrow.