by Sam Barone
“Let us forget about my father.” Sargon heard the hoarseness in his voice, as the desire rushed through him. He cupped her breast, and wondered if his father had ever felt such passion for a woman. His mother, of course, was far too cold and calculating to make a good bedmate.
Then all thoughts of his parents disappeared as he pulled Tashanella down onto the blanket. Laughing, she spread her legs wide for him, and the pleasure of the gods soon enveloped them both.
35
The sun had just passed midday when Eskkar halted the column of riders on the crest of the hill overlooking the Ur Nammu camp. From habit, he let his gaze roam over the landscape, scanning every part of the countryside from horizon to horizon. Much had changed since his last visit.
To his right, where the Ur Nammu tents had originally stood, Eskkar saw the blackened sod and trampled down earth of the abandoned campsite. Whatever Subutai’s people had left behind, the invaders had burned or taken with them before they pursued the fleeing clan. Now only debris littered the charred ground.
The new Ur Nammu campsite lay another half mile downstream. Eskkar could just make out the three streamers, yellow in color, that marked the clan’s three chiefs.
On his left, on the far side of the stream, stood the temporary camp of the Alur Meriki. There three red standards, attached to lances driven into the earth, waved in the light wind and marked the visitor’s tents.
He noticed something else. In place of the original tents of the Ur Nammu, destroyed by the invaders, now stood many of the captured Carchemishi tents. Eskkar shifted his gaze to the four herds of horses that filled almost all the space between the two camps, and extended far beyond them, away from the stream. Warriors from both camps patrolled the herds.
Hathor pulled his mount to a stop beside Eskkar. “I’ve never seen so many horses in one place.”
The Ur Nammu scout, who had met up with Eskkar and his men yesterday, claimed his clan had captured almost a thousand horses. Eskkar hadn’t believed him, but looking at the herds, he realized the man might have spoken the truth.
“A lot of horses.” Eskkar pointed toward the Alur Meriki camp. “The last two times these clans encountered each other, the ground ran red with blood.”
Hathor shaded his eyes as he stared at the fields below. “I see about two hundred warriors in the Alur Meriki camp. No matter what happens, we have more than enough cavalry to deal with them.”
The moment Subutai’s messengers brought word of the invasion, and the threat to both the Ur Nammu and Sargon, Eskkar had mobilized his forces in Akkad and prepared for war. It had taken but two days to collect five hundred riders and start the journey north, leaving his commanders and Trella to prepare the city for a possible siege. The day after Eskkar departed, Alexar started north, following Eskkar’s trail, with over a thousand infantrymen and archers.
Most of Eskkar’s worries about a possible conflict with the Carchemishi had vanished days ago, with the report of a great victory and news about the safety of his son, Sargon. Now the last doubts in Eskkar’s mind disappeared at the sight of the peaceful camp. The Ur Nammu and Alur Meriki had indeed joined together to defeat these invaders.
“They’re coming out to meet us,” Hathor said.
Eskkar turned his gaze back to the stream and field below. Three riders from the Ur Nammu camp had started toward them, their horses kicking clods of dirt into the air as they raced at top speed over the grassy earth. He recognized Fashod leading the way.
“Welcome, Eskkar of Akkad,” Fashod shouted, as he drew his horse to a halt. “Subutai sends his greetings. He says you should set up your camp over there.” Fashod pointed toward the southern end of the stream.
“It’s good to meet again, Fashod. You’ve won a great victory.”
Fashod laughed. “Well, we’re still arguing about who won the battle, but we’ve got all their horses and tents.” He waved his arm toward the camp. “Come, Subutai is eager to see you.”
“Tell Subutai that I will join him soon.”
Eskkar turned to Hathor. “We need to get the horses watered and set up camp. And I’ll want you with me when we meet the clan chiefs.”
Later, after settling down the Akkadian horsemen, Eskkar and Hathor washed the dust and grime from their faces. Then they strode through the Ur Nammu camp until they reached Subutai’s tent.
The Ur Nammu leaders awaited Eskkar’s arrival. He saw Fashod and Chinua standing on either side of Subutai, but no sign of Sargon. A few steps away stood Chief Bekka and two Alur Meriki warriors Eskkar didn’t recognize. Eskkar saw the Sarum’s copper medallion gleaming on Bekka’s chest.
Eskkar kept his face impassive during the introductions. He remembered Bekka, of course, but when Eskkar had ridden from the Alur Meriki camp, Urgo had been Sarum, and Bekka merely a young clan chief. He had sworn the oath of friendship along with Urgo, but what the Alur Meriki change of leadership meant for Akkad now needed to be redefined.
Greetings were exchanged, and Eskkar learned for the first time that Urgo had yielded command of the Alur Meriki to Bekka. One of Bekka’s companions was Chief Suijan. The other warrior was introduced as Den’rack, a leader of fifty.
“My respects to you, Chief Bekka, as leader of the Great Clan.” Eskkar bowed respectfully. Now was not the time to slight anyone’s honor. He also inclined his head to Bekka’s companions. “I have heard that the Alur Meriki and Ur Nammu have won a great victory and captured many horses. Though I never expected to see both clans fighting side by side.”
Bekka returned the bow, exactly as deep as Eskkar’s. “It is good to see you again, Eskkar of Akkad. As for our alliance with the Ur Nammu, your son Sargon is responsible for that.”
Eskkar’s face must have shown surprise, for Subutai laughed aloud, while the others smiled.
“Come and sit down.” Subutai motioned toward the ground before his tent. “There is much to tell you.”
The story took a long time to tell, while Eskkar and Hathor sat there too surprised, and occasionally even shocked, to say much of anything. Subutai spoke first, but then Fashod and Chinua took over the tale, relating the details of the first fight against the Carchemishi, the raid on their horses, and the flight of the clan to the heights of the bluff.
Then Den’rack picked up the narrative, describing his encounter with Sargon and Fashod, and their arrival at the Alur Meriki camp.
Eskkar’s eyes widened when he learned of Sargon’s challenge to Den’rack, who appeared fierce enough to fight anyone in the clan, let alone an untried youth.
Bekka continued the story, telling of the other challenges. He also described the meeting with the Council and explained his decision to join the fight alongside the Ur Nammu. Bekka related the details of the long ride, the final decision to press on through the night, and the arrival of the Alur Meriki just as dawn broke.
“The enemy had turned all their attention to the Ur Nammu,” Bekka finished up. “We caught them by surprise, used their own horses to break their ranks, then cut them apart.”
“And those Bekka’s warriors missed, we hunted down and killed,” Subutai said. “Sargon killed at least two, perhaps three in that fight, and he managed to find and keep alive a leader of the Carchemishi, a man named Kamanis. That’s one I think you will want to speak to yourself.”
Eskkar had a hundred questions, and the warriors took their turns explaining all the little details any fighting man would want to know. Every speaker gave praise to Sargon, his courage, and the way he had convinced the Alur Meriki Council to save the Ur Nammu. The sun had sunk almost to the horizon before Eskkar heard the complete story. He could not conceal the pride that he felt for his son’s actions.
At last, Eskkar rested his hands on his knees. “And where is Sargon?”
Subutai’s face lost a bit of its good humor. “He is at his tent, Eskkar, with his wife. Sargon has taken my daughter, Tashanella, as his bride. I asked him to join us, but he said he preferred to remain in his tent.”
Eskkar had assumed that Sargon was away from the camp. Eskkar knew his face betrayed the surprise and anger that surged through him. First, the boy had married without his father’s consent, a serious affair. And Sargon had declined to attend the meeting, a clear breech of familial duty that bordered on insolence.
Now Eskkar had to deal with the fact that everyone present must know all about the family’s troubles. He glanced down and saw that his left hand had clenched into a fist. It took a moment before Eskkar could control the urge to rise and stalk away, find his son, and give him a good beating.
“Well, perhaps a wife will help Sargon become a good warrior.” Hathor spoke for the first time, to end the uncomfortable silence.
Eskkar saw that impassive looks had appeared on every face. No one wanted to say anything further about his son, until they saw the father’s reaction. “What is your daughter’s name?”
“Tashanella.” Subutai, too, wanted to end the awkward silence that had greeted his words. “She has wisdom beyond her years, much like your own wife, Lady Trella.”
The mention of his wife’s name did little to calm Eskkar’s rising anger. “And how did Sargon come to choose her as his bride?”
“As a proven warrior, he had earned the right to take a wife. He chose Tashanella, and she agreed to the marriage. So I gave my permission. But even many days before that, he and my daughter had spoken to each other.”
Eskkar opened his mouth, then closed it. The phrase “spoken to each other,” meant that a great deal of words and probably more had passed between boy and girl. Eskkar knew he couldn’t, after all, complain about his son’s choice of a bride when she happened to be Subutai’s daughter. Obviously, a lot more had gone on than he knew.
The girl probably meant nothing to Sargon, who would likely discard her soon enough, creating a host of new problems. Eskkar took a deep breath. All this could be discussed later, when he and Subutai were alone.
“Then I’m glad my son has proven his courage.”
“If I may speak.” Bekka leaned forward, his face suddenly grave. “Your son did more than just prove his courage. He met with the Council of the Alur Meriki with honor, and talked of a new alliance with Akkad. He spoke to us as your eldest son, the heir to the ruler of Akkad, and as your representative. If his promises are not to be taken as your own, then we may have more to discuss.”
Eskkar met Bekka’s eyes. “No, Chief Bekka, whatever my son Sargon has said, you may take as if I had spoken. He was here, at the point of the battle, and whatever promises he made are binding on me. But you and I will speak of such things in the morning.”
“Then tonight we feast, to celebrate your arrival,” Subutai said, no doubt glad to change the subject. “We can meet tomorrow to speak of the future.”
Sargon must have acted wisely, Eskkar decided. Otherwise Subutai would have sent word to him. Eskkar might not fully trust his son, but he could rely on the Sarum of the Ur Nammu. If Subutai had not found fault with the boy’s decisions, then Sargon must have handled himself well.
Eskkar forced a smile to his face. “I am a little surprised at Sargon’s decision to marry. But as Subutai says, he is a warrior now and can make his own choices.”
The clan leaders and those who had gathered around them relaxed. They, too, knew that a crisis between father and son had passed, at least for the moment.
“Well, then, perhaps it is time that I visit my son and meet his wife. Afterwards, I am sure that Chief Bekka, Chief Subutai, and myself have much more to discuss.”
Eskkar glanced at Subutai, who nodded approval. This was, after all, his Council meeting and he made the decisions as to when those attending came or left. As Eskkar rose, a woman appeared before him. She bowed low in a sign of respect, and spoke.
“Lord Eskkar, perhaps you will permit me to guide you to your son’s tent.”
Eskkar recognized Petra, Subutai’s senior wife. For some reason, she wanted to speak to him. Otherwise a messenger boy could have guided Eskkar just as well. “Yes, of course.”
“With your permission, Husband?”
Subutai nodded.
Hathor had also risen, to accompany his friend, but Eskkar placed his hand on the man’s shoulder. “You might as well wait here until I return.”
Petra led the way. As soon as they passed beyond the area marked off for Subutai’s use, another woman joined them.
“I am Roxsanni, Lord Eskkar.” The woman bowed and fell into step beside them. “I am second wife to Subutai, and mother of Tashanella.”
Roxsanni’s appearance was not by chance. The women wanted a chance to speak with him alone. He wondered if Subutai knew what was happening.
“Your son has become a great and wise warrior,” Petra began. “He saved the lives of all of us.”
“And put an end to the blood feud with the Alur Meriki,” Roxsanni added.
“And now Sargon wishes to remain with your people,” Eskkar said. “Your daughter, Roxsanni, must be both beautiful and persuasive.”
“She is. But Petra is as much her mother as I.” “We have both raised her,” Petra said. “Every family in the clan has always thought of her as if she were one of their own.”
They reached the edge of the camp and Eskkar stopped. Unless Sargon had moved in among the Alur Meriki, the women had led him away from Sargon’s tent.
Petra moved to face him. “If you would permit, Lord Eskkar, we would speak to you about your son and his bride. This marriage can be good for both the Ur Nammu and the people of Akkad. I have spoken several times with your wife Trella over the years. If she were here, and knew about Tashanella, I am sure your wife would give her approval. In many ways, our daughter is much like your wife. Tashanella has eyes that see more than just the ground beneath her feet.”
Or as the dirt eaters would say, she didn’t need to fall down a well to find water. Eskkar shrugged. “Perhaps. But now it matters not. Sargon has made up his own mind.”
“Yes, he has.” Roxsanni moved beside Petra. “But now everything is up to you. You must find it in your heart to accept this union, though I see in your eyes that you disapprove. If you continue your quarrel with Sargon, you will lose him. He still feels much anger at you for removing him from Akkad. That is why he did not attend the Council Meeting.”
“He is still very young,” Petra said, “and he has much to learn. But in time, he will forget his anger. He will return to take his place in Akkad. And he will bring Tashanella and his sons with him.”
Eskkar felt his temper rising. He didn’t like being accosted by these women. They were, after all, seeking to advance the station of their daughter. If they weren’t Subutai’s wives, he would have ordered them to keep silent.
“And what does Subutai say about all this?”
“My husband is a good and brave warrior, who leads his people well,” Petra said. “He will be content if Sargon spends the rest of his days among us. Already he looks forward to his daughter’s children. But Tashanella can bring a new future for our people, a real alliance with Akkad that will ensure our people, and all our children, survive. You know in your heart there will come a day when Akkad and our clan will clash, either over land or some other dispute.”
“And when that day comes, the Ur Nammu will lose,” Roxsanni said. “Though our warriors refuse to admit it, Akkad has grown too strong for any clan to oppose. Even the Alur Meriki understand this. That is why Chief Bekka is here, waiting to speak with you. He, too, will want to strengthen his alliance with Akkad.”
Eskkar glanced from one to the other. Obviously Subutai knew nothing about this. Now his wives were not only asking him to favor their daughter, but also expected him to support the Ur Nammu in the days to come. Eskkar didn’t like the idea of women making such decisions behind the backs of their men. It seemed unnatural, unmanly. Of course Trella made many such decisions, but she was different. She was . . . he wondered what she would do if she were here.
He took a deep breath and let it out slowly.
It wouldn’t hurt to hear what they had to say. “And what do you suggest I say to my son?”
Petra kept her eyes on Eskkar, but Roxsanni could not control her face. She darted a quick glance at her companion at Eskkar’s acceptance, however tentative, of their advice.
“You need say nothing.” Petra spoke quicker now, eager to make her argument before Eskkar changed his mind. “All you need do is not make the situation worse. There must be no quarrel that ends in Sargon refusing to acknowledge his role in Akkad’s future. As he grows older, Sargon will realize that you and Lady Trella acted only for his own good. And during that same time, Tashanella will slowly bend Sargon back to your House. In a year or two, no more than three, he will return to Akkad, a dutiful son.”
“And he will be older and wiser, and better prepared to rule Akkad one day.” Roxsanni said. “Meanwhile, I am sure that he will soon be eager to visit his parents and present his wife to Lady Trella.”
Tashanella would make sure of that, especially with these two advising her. Eskkar wished Trella were here, to help deal with these women. But he would have to do the best he could. “And how soon before the first of these visits takes place?”
“A few months, perhaps three or four. Soon Tashanella will be carrying your son’s heir, and she will not want to travel far once she is heavy with child.”
Of course the girl would be pregnant soon, if she weren’t already. He had forgotten about the burning passions of youth. That led to another thought.
“It might be wise,” Eskkar said, almost thinking aloud, “if your daughter Tashanella delivers her first child in Akkad. You both could accompany her for that event.”
“You are indeed as wise as men say, Eskkar of Akkad,” Petra said. “Yes, it would be best for everyone to have the people of Akkad see Sargon’s firstborn as one of their own.”
Eskkar grunted. He hated this kind of plotting and scheming. “And how much of this should I discuss with Subutai? He is, after all, your husband.”
“Our husband has little interest in such things.” Roxsanni waved her hand in the air, as if these matters were beneath her husband’s notice. “He will be satisfied if Tashanella is happy, and if there is a union with Akkad as a result.”