by J J Moriarty
Tsy shook his head.
“Are you ok too?” Tsy asked.
“Yes. You said you’d taken full account of the West Country campaign?”, Hyzou said.
“Yes, sir, I’ve spoken to everyone”, Tsy said.
“Good. So you can make a report?” Hyzou said.
“I can, sir”, Tsy said.
Hyzou waited, but it seemed that Tsy wasn’t going to elaborate further.
“Make your report then”, Hyzou said.
“Oh, sorry sir”, Tsy said.
“You’re far too literal a man”, Hyzou said.
“Too long in the mercenary corps, sir”, Tsy said.
“If you say so”, Hyzou said.
“In any case. This campaign has been an overwhelming victory for the Piquean army. At an early estimate, we only lost three and a half thousand Servants of Qi”, Tsy said.
“And the enemy dead, have you an estimate for them?” Hyzou asked.
“Only a rough one, it’s nearly impossible to count them”, Tsy said.
“Give it to me”, Hyzou said.
“Anywhere between one hundred and ninety thousand, and two hundred and fifty thousand”, Tsy said.
“Are you being serious?” Hyzou said.
Tsy nodded.
“Along a front of nearly a hundred miles, that is, but yes, practically all of the enemy have been slaughtered or left to die. We’ve still taken a large amount of prisoners”, Tsy said.
“Have we? How many?” Hyzou asked.
“Sixty thousand or so”, Tsy said.
“Gods. What will we do with all them?” Hyzou said.
“That’s your decision, sir”, Tsy said.
Hyzou rubbed his eyes. He was tired.
“We need labour, we need slaves”, Hyzou said. “This was a great victory but there’s still a war to come.”
“I agree. Sixty thousand though”, Tsy said.
“We probably can’t transfer them all”, Hyzou said.
“I’d imagined we couldn’t, no”, Tsy said. “Not quickly, in any case. It’s too far.”
“We could travel with twenty thousand or so, correct?” Hyzou said.
Tsy nodded.
“Yes, sir”, Tsy said.
“I know what we’ll do, it’s traditional, isn’t it?” Hyzou asked.
“I thought you would think it excessively barbaric”, Tsy said.
“It is”, Hyzou said.
Tsy looked at him, an inquisitive expression on his face.
“But this is war, and we’ll give the Pharaoh every chance to surrender”, Hyzou said.
“We will”, Tsy said.
“How soon can we get word to the Pharaoh?” Hyzou asked.
“By tonight, I’d say”, Tsy said. “Using ekstasis.”
“The Pharaoh can’t use ekstasis”, Hyzou said.
“But our spies can, and they’ll just change into messengers”, Tsy said.
“Very well, do it”, Hyzou said.
“What message should I send?” Tsy asked.
“Tell the Pharaoh we’ve won in the West Country, that his army lies in tatters, and we’ve captured his Nobles as prisoners. Tell him that, in return for his surrender, those prisoners will be left unharmed. Tell him that if he refuses to unconditionally surrender, all those Nobles will be executed”, Hyzou said.
Tsy nodded.
“I’ll do that now”, Tsy said.
“Wait”, Hyzou said.
“Yes, sir”, Tsy said.
“Get them ready, the prisoners”, Hyzou said.
“For execution?” Tsy asked.
“Yes. I want anyone of any education or rank killed. All their captains, anyone who was in a leadership position. It should make it easier then to subdue their masses”, Hyzou said.
“I agree. A wise decision”, Tsy asked.
“Once that is done, just use a random method to choose the ones to die. Two out of every three I suppose”, Hyzou said.
“I’ll see to it that it’s done”, Tsy said.
“No crucifixions, or anything like that. I want this to be as quick and efficient as it possibly can be”, Hyzou said.
“Again, I’ve done this before sir”, Tsy said.
“If we win, there’ll be a lot of unclaimed land in the River Cities”, Hyzou said.
“Where did that come from?” Tsy said.
“I was just thinking while we were fighting. There hasn’t been a battle like the one we just fought in history, has there?” Hyzou asked.
“Perhaps, I don’t know my histories very well. But none in the recent past”, Tsy said.
“Will whoever wins be left ripe for conquering?” Hyzou asked.
“What do you mean?” Tsy asked.
“Look at the amount of men of fighting age left dead or wounded by this war. Even if we win, how can a Kingdom be defended by such a depleted force”, Hyzou said.
Tsy barked a laugh.
“Depleted? Sir, I don’t think you understand the meaning of the word. I assume you’re talking about an attack from far in the east or in the west, but I think it’ll be unlikely”, Tsy said.
“Why?” Hyzou asked. “I’ve been to CaSu. I’ve seen what they can do. They’re rich. Richer than the Pharaoh, richer than anyone on earth.”
“A city of a million people is an impossible place to defend, you should know that Hyzou. CaSu might be big but how big are the Mountain Cities in the whole?” Tsy said.
“Pretty big, I’d imagine”, Hyzou said.
Tsy smiled.
“You don’t understand Sira Su, sir, if you don’t mind me saying”, Tsy said.
“Enlighten me”, Hyzou said.
“The River Cities are the future of Sira Su. The Pharaoh is right about that. I’ve been everywhere in Sira Su at some point since the Anarchy. I’ve seen each of the Crown Cities. Nowhere recovered properly from the Anarchy. Nowhere but the River Cities”, Tsy said.
“Are you sure?” Hyzou asked.
“I’m certain. Emperor, do you know how many people you rule over?” Tsy said.
Hyzou had to think about it. He had been told this before.
“Four and a half million people”, Hyzou said.
“Exactly. And that’s a lot of people. How many does Pharaoh Ganymedes rule over?” Tsy said.
“I don’t know”, Hyzou said.
“Seventeen million, from what I’ve heard”, Tsy said.
“That’s absurd”, Hyzou said. “Then the King of Kings of CaSu must rule over… Well…”
“Just under two million”, Tsy said.
“What? How could that be possible?” Hyzou said.
Tsy shrugged.
“CaSu is rich, because all the metal in Sira Su comes from CaSu. It’s also small, and weak, when compared to the River Cities. The other three Mountain Cities, CaSu’s poorer neighbours, only have four million people between them. Do you see? You could, without ever beating the Pharaoh, raise an army that would outnumber the King of King’s”, Tsy said.
“I never knew”, Hyzou said.
“That’s quite alright. You had no real cause to know. But, you see, that’s what makes this war so important. Whoever wins will gain absolute supremacy over the River Cities. Will it be the Lamyblan Empire, or the Empire of Nuyin?” Tsy said.
“It won’t be the Empire of Nuyin. I’m not looking to conquer like the Pharaoh”, Hyzou said.
“Really? So you would merely rest with enemies on every side of you? The surest way to secure your borders is to expand them to include your enemies”, Tsy said.
Hyzou sighed and rolled his eyes.
“Anyway, this is all very far from the original point I was going to make”, Hyzou said.
“What’s that?” Tsy said.
“There’ll be a lot of unclaimed land. I know what I’ll do with it”, Hyzou said.
“What’s that?” Tsy said.
“Divide it among the people. Tiny parcels of lands, and the abolition of the Nobility”, Hyzou said.
Tsy raised an eyebrow.
“I never had you down for such a populist”, Tsy said.
Hyzou shook his head.
“It’s not about emotions”, Hyzou said. “It’s about making sure Piquea remains stable.”
“I don’t understand”, Tsy said.
“The richer my deputies are, the better placed they’ll be to depose me and just assume my throne. Land reform, with tiny farms belonging to families. Piquea will be run by mandarins and my army, not by Nobility. The only people who can inherit vast wealth and power will be the Royal Family’s children. It will make us untouchable, it will secure the future of the Throne”, Hyzou said.
Tsy seemed genuinely shocked.
“Why are you telling me this?” Tsy asked.
Hyzou shrugged.
“I thought you might want to know. I might have to fight the Piquean Nobles, force them to give land up so I can redistribute it. You’re in charge of my army, you should know about future enemies of mine”, Hyzou said.
Tsy shook his head, as if he was in a strange dream.
“Sir, we haven’t beaten the Pharaoh. We might not beat the Pharaoh”, Tsy said.
“You’re right. I’m likely to be ruler over nothing more than ash”, Hyzou said.
“I didn’t say that”, Tsy said.
“I know”, Hyzou said.
“I believe in you. I was one of the original twenty who nominated you for the position of Archai. I’ve always believed in you”, Tsy said.
“I know. I know you have”, Hyzou said.
“If you’re certain”, Tsy said.
“Go. You have work to do”, Hyzou said.
Tsy arose. He bowed, then left Hyzou alone. Still tired, Hyzou arose and went to look for Safia.
He found her chaining some horses by a trough made just for them.
“Hello”, Hyzou said.
She turned.
“Are you done with all your work?” Safia asked.
“I sure am. Are you?” Hyzou asked.
“I was just finishing up with the horses”, Safia said.
“They seem happy”, Hyzou said.
“I need a bath”, Safia said.
“I can get you one”, Hyzou said.
“Would Your Majesty really do that for me?” Safia said. “I didn’t know where to find any water.”
Hyzou rolled his eyes.
“I jest. I’d love if you could arrange me a bath”, Safia said.
“Vak has told one of the Servants to set my tent up. The water may be cold, unless you’re willing to wait until nightfall”, Hyzou said.
“I’ve been in Uqing since I was eight. A cold bath will do me fine”, Safia said.
“I miss the snow baths”, Hyzou said.
“I don’t”, Safia said.
Hyzou began to walk away.
“Who’s Vak, by the by?” Safia said.
“Oh, yes. Vak was my deputy in my company. He knows his fighting. Former mercenary”, Hyzou said.
“Oh, would I like him?” Safia said.
“Probably not”, Hyzou said.
“Why not?” Safia asked.
“You like no one”, Hyzou said.
“That’s not true”, Safia said.
“I told you I loved you and you told me I was a terrible person”, Hyzou said.
“Because you were a terrible person! Don’t you remember the night you beat me up by the road to CaSu?” Safia said.
“I hit you as a part of the training”, Hyzou said.
“It wasn’t the hitting that made you a terrible person”, Safia said. “It’s what you said. Do you remember?”
“Yes, I remember”, Hyzou said.
“Good”, Safia said.
“So how did we end up marrying again?” Hyzou asked.
“You just slipped through my defences. Somehow”, Safia said.
Vak and his fellow Servants were lying out in the winter sun, sharing mangoes among each other.
“Your Majesty, everything is ready”, Vak said.
“Thank you Vak, I hope you enjoy the evening”, Hyzou said.
“No more riding is good enough for me”, Vak said.
“This is Queen Safia”, Hyzou said.
Safia waved awkwardly to the group of men.
“Your Royal Highness”, Vak said. “Good to finally meet you.”
Safia smiled. She didn’t seem to know what to say.
“We need to go”, Hyzou said.
“Goodbye, sir”, Vak said.
The others nodded to him, then Hyzou led on, bringing Safia with him to his tent. The fabric was simple, as was the inside. Just a carpet for he and Safia to sleep on, and at the other side, a bath full of water. A heavy cloth was laid over it, and upon this cloth rested several bronze blades and a large bowl filled with flakes of lye. Hyzou took the cloth and its contents up, placing them gently on the ground beside the bath. Then he stood up and began to undress Safia.
“Did you join with another company? Or was it just you and your group of friends?” Safia said.
“Just the fifty of us yes. And I’m not sure if we were ever friends”, Hyzou said.
“Come on Hyzou, they’re all clearly in love with you. You inspire devotion among your subordinates, as you did with me”, Safia said.
Hyzou kissed her brow.
“We killed so many men”, Safia said. “I killed so many men.”
“It’s war. You say that like it’s a bad thing”, Hyzou said.
“I’m not a butcher Hyzou. I can’t do it. I can’t kill like that”, Safia said.
“I remember the first man I ever killed”, Hyzou said.
“Who was he?” Safia said.
“A fellow slave. His name was Bee. He’d rape me and beat me within an inch to death. I stabbed him with a crucifix nail, right into his thigh. He bled out in minutes”, Hyzou said.
Hyzou removed last of Safia’s clothes, then rubbed his finger along her back. He began to get undressed himself.
“How did you feel?” Safia said.
“Good”, Hyzou said. “He was going to kill me. He deserved it.”
“The first time I killed was for you”, Safia said.
Hyzou lifted Safia into his arms, then stepped into the bone-chilling water.
“I remember. I was there”, Hyzou said.
They settled into the water, and Safia reached over for the bowl of lye. To emphasise the point, Hyzou pointed to the scar still on his right leg.
“Do you remember when you sowed this up?” Hyzou said.
Safia nodded.
“Did I ever say thank you for that?” Hyzou said.
“You did”, Safia said.
“Good. That’s good”, Hyzou said.
“Why did you have to give me my own company?” Safia said.
“Because you’re the Queen. But more than that, you’re powerful, and you’re born to be a leader. You’re brilliant, and you don’t even know that”, Hyzou said.
“So charming”, Safia said.
Hyzou took some of the lye into his hands, wet it, then began to clean Safia’s feet and legs.
“It’s soon. The birth”, Safia said.
Hyzou looked at her.
“It’s only been five months”, he said.
He began to clean around her waist, then up to her stomach. He took special reverence when touching her stomach.
“Hetep was born after seven months”, Safia said. “That’s quick, but with the Qi it can happen even quicker. Especially with the second and third child.”
“Two girls. I’m going to have two girls with you”, Hyzou said.
Safia smiled.
“How great, isn’t it?” Safia said.
“It’s everything I’ve ever wanted”, Hyzou said.
Safia kissed his soapy hand.
“You remember that vision, the one I had soon after Piquea fell? I kept having it, it was of me and Tabiry, and my sister and my father and we were eating together at a table out in the sun. It’s what would have ha
ppened had Piquea never been sacked”, Hyzou said.
“I remember you telling me about it”, Safia said.
“It left me sad. It created the void I never thought I could fill. But I have. You and me. Our children”, Hyzou said.
“I miss Hetep”, Safia said.
“Me too. But he’ll grow up knowing his parents were warriors, warriors who risked everything for the cause they believed in”, Hyzou said.
“I had some ekstasis”, Safia said.
“I think I know what you used it on. How is he?” Hyzou said.
“Fine, and healthy. He can hold his head up, even sit by himself. He’s still not sleeping at all, and he’ll be weaned off milk soon”, Safia said.
“Our little Prince. It won’t be long until he’s leading armies of his own”, Hyzou said.
Safia’s face darkened slightly.
“Forget I said that. Now isn’t the time to talk about things like that”, Hyzou said.
Safia began to wash him. Once he was clean, Hyzou used a bronze blade to shave Safia’s head, leaving her bald.
After that they lay together. First in the tub, among the dirty water, then on their bed. Still drenching wet, they didn’t bother to dry off before having one another again.
So three days passed. Unable to do anything until word returned with regards the prisoners, Hyzou and the army were forced to stay where they were. Hyzou, of course, didn’t expect the Pharaoh to surrender, but he may be willing to grant Hyzou some concessions in return for his Nobles. Hyzou had been vague about Prince Menes’ fate deliberately. The Pharaoh was no fool, he’d know well that Hyzou would have mentioned it if he had the Prince in his care. The Pharaoh wouldn’t however think that the Prince was already dead. Hyzou planned to get that information to Ganymedes using rumours. The rumours would be from a source close enough to Hyzou to be credible, while also being vague enough to not seem quite true. The uncertainty coupled with no contact from the Prince would affect the Pharaoh’s psyche a lot worse than if he was just told straight up that his son and heir was dead.
Waiting for the response, the Servants had no choice but to stay where they were. Some meditated, some slept, others were a bit more proactive with their recreation. Hyzou, for his part, spent the whole time alone with Safia.
Finally, on the third day, Tsy appeared at the flap of his tent.
“Your Majesty”, Tsy said.
“Come in”, Hyzou said. “I’m sorry, I don’t have anywhere to receive you properly.”