Eskkar Saga 02 - Empire Rising

by Sam Barone

  “Good-bye, Lani, Tippu,” he said. “I must report to Lord Eskkar.”

  “My sister and I thank you for your help, Alexar,” Lani said. “You have been more than kind. May the gods keep you in their favor.”

  “Lord Eskkar is not in the city,” Uvela offered. “But at this hour Captain Gatus should still be at the council house.”

  “Then I will find him there.” Alexar bowed to all of them and disappeared into the garden.

  “These two will be your rooms,” Uvela began as soon as Alexar left, indicating two adjoining rooms farthest away from the kitchen area. “I suggest you take the larger one, Lani.”

  So Uvela knew who Eskkar had chosen. Lani wondered what else the people here knew about her and Tippu.

  “This house is owned by Lady Trella,” Uvela went on, “and is reserved for important visitors and guests. One room is vacant, and the other is occupied by a trader from the south. He will be leaving in a few days, so you should have the house to yourselves. Lady Trella asked me to meet your boat, bring you here, and help with whatever you need.”

  “You are most kind, Uvela,” Lani answered courteously, “but what we both need more than anything is a bath, if such a thing is possible. We have been journeying in the company of men for more than three days.”

  Uvela nodded her understanding. Traveling for women remained a difficult and dangerous task, even by river. “It’s best to bathe in the Tigris.”

  She gathered up two blankets from a small table next to the bed. “Leave your things here. They will be safe. The guard is always here, and no thief would touch the property of Lord Eskkar. Follow me.”

  “The cat,” Lani said, “Lord Eskkar said to bring the animal. Can we get food and water for the poor creature? It’s been caged up the whole trip.”

  Uvela nodded. “I’ll tell the guard. But it might be better to keep it in the cage for a few more days, until it gets used to its new surroundings and learns its new home.” She told the guard what was needed, and they left the garden.

  As the three women walked back toward the river gate, Lani looked about at the crowded lanes, filled with people and animals, all busy about their own business. She’d never seen a city so large. “How many people live here, elder?”

  “They say almost five thousand now,” Uvela answered, moving steadily through the throngs.

  Lani wanted to know more about Akkad, but that could wait until later. “How long have you served Lady Trella?”

  “Since she first came to live here, Lani. It was called Orak then. My husband died, my only granddaughter fell ill, and we had nothing to pay a healer. We couldn’t even feed ourselves. Lady Trella sent a healer to us and paid the bill herself. Thanks to her, my granddaughter recovered.”

  “Lady Trella must be a great lady. Does she help many in the city?”

  Uvela slowed and turned to meet Lani’s eyes. “She looks after those who are her friends. Those she dislikes find it better to leave.”

  Plain enough, Lani decided, but she had one more question. “And where is Lord Eskkar today?”

  “Lord Eskkar rode out with some soldiers this morning.” Uvela saw the disappointment on Lani’s face, and softened her next words. “I don’t know where he is, but I think he’s expected back tonight or tomorrow.”

  Lani felt her sister’s hand tighten. It took only a glance at Tippu to know what she wanted. “Uvela, do you know anything about Grond, Lord Eskkar’s guard? My sister . . . We heard he was wounded in the fighting.”

  Alexar had known of Grond’s wounds, but could only tell Tippu that Grond was still alive when he left for Bisitun.

  Uvela saw the look of worry on Tippu’s face. “Grond lost much blood, but he is recovering from his wounds. The healer said Grond would heal faster away from the city, so Lord Eskkar had him carried to Noble Rebba’s farm to recover. It’s just a short distance from the city,” Uvela added, “and I’m sure you can visit him tomorrow, if you like.”

  “Thank you,” Tippu said, the relief plain in her voice, but her hand still clutched Lani’s.

  By then they had returned to the river gate. Once past it, Uvela turned to the left, away from the crowded docks, and guided the women about two hundred paces downriver. The Tigris turned in here, out of sight of the docks, and an eddy pool, bounded with hedges that marked the women’s area, provided a somewhat private place to bathe. A half-dozen women stood in the water, washing themselves, their children, and even some clothes. No one took any particular notice of Uvela or her companions.

  Leaving Uvela on the bank, Lani and Tippu disrobed and entered the water. Both girls could swim, but heeding Uvela’s warning, they stayed close to the riverbank and within the eddy pool. When they finished cleaning themselves, Uvela helped rub them dry with the blankets.

  After the sisters dressed, Uvela guided them back to the house. Lani realized she could never have found the place by herself. Her mind couldn’t comprehend Akkad’s size in such a short time.

  “You both should remain inside, until you are summoned,” Uvela said.

  “I will return shortly.” The old woman left, stopping at the gate to speak to the guard.

  So they would be summoned. Lani expected it. Wherever Eskkar might be, Lani realized that she and her sister were in Lady Trella’s power.

  For weeks she had asked everyone she met about Akkad, Eskkar, and, of course, Trella. All accounted Trella as being a fair and decent woman, and more than a few depicted her as the city’s real ruler.

  And soon Lani, Eskkar’s new concubine, would be presented to the second most powerful person in the city. Lani did not think she would be welcomed with open arms by her lover’s wife.

  Nevertheless, she and Tippu made good use of their time. Vigorous toweling with another set of blankets Lani found within the house dried their hair, and Tippu used the big wooden comb to arrange her sister’s soft brown tresses. Lani clothed herself in her best gown, the one she had worn the first night for Eskkar.

  From her bag Lani extracted her pot of ochre, and she and Tippu took turns applying the stain to their eyes. Another vial provided perfume for each, and a small sachet held a store of mint leaves that they both chewed to sweeten their breath. Lani added a simple ring to each hand, and a single gold pin in her hair.

  Tippu examined her sister and proclaimed her ready. As for Tippu, she needed little artifice to enhance her own beauty.

  They finished their preparations just as they heard Uvela’s voice outside, speaking to the guard. Lani saw the look of fear in Tippu’s eyes.

  “Don’t worry, Tippu,” Lani said. “Whatever happens, Eskkar will see you safely to Grond.”

  “And you? What will happen to you?”

  “Whatever is meant to happen,” Lani answered, trying to sound more confident than she felt. “Remember, Eskkar sent for us.”

  By then Uvela had entered their room. “Lady Trella wishes to see you both,” Uvela said. “I’ll take you there.”

  Lani didn’t know what to say, so she forced a smile to her lips.

  As they stepped into the lane, every man’s eyes turned toward them, admiring their beauty and wondering who these unfamiliar women might be. It took only a few steps before they reached the courtyard of Trella’s home. Lani could not help but be impressed at the size of the house, almost hidden behind a wall taller than her own height. Two soldiers guarded the big wooden gate. Freshly painted and decorated, it swung open for them, and they passed into an expansive courtyard that seemed large enough to hold half a hundred people.

  Uvela gestured them toward the main house. They entered into a large communal room, empty now, except for two servants who stared curiously at them. Lani looked in wonder at the stairs that led to the upper chambers. She’d never entered a house with a second story.

  Single file, Lani and Tippu followed Uvela up those stairs and into a spacious and well-ventilated room that held two beautifully carved tables and a half-dozen chairs. Three walls showed fresh plaster, a soft whi
te color that soothed the eyes, while the fourth wall, with its door leading to another room, had been colored a pale blue. Two women sat behind the larger table, their backs to the second doorway, waiting.

  For a brief moment, Lani could not trust her eyes. The dark-haired girl looked so young that Lani found it hard to believe this was Lady Trella.

  She didn’t even look as old as Tippu.

  Lady Trella wore only a silver fillet to hold back her hair, but her dress boasted a soft weave as fine as the one Lani wore, a deep crimson that complimented Trella’s hair and skin. She wore no makeup of any kind, no rings or bracelets. But her tresses had been combed and brushed into a lustrous wave that cascaded about her shoulders and onto her full breasts.

  Trella stood as the three women approached the table.

  “My thanks to you, Uvela. You have done well. Please wait downstairs.”

  Trella sat back down, but did not offer chairs to her guests. Lani realized the gesture of respect had been intended for Uvela, not as a greeting to her visitors. Trella’s voice surprised Lani. Not the voice of a girl but of a woman full grown, one with the force and habit of command.

  Uvela left the room, closing the door behind her.

  Lani felt Trella’s gaze upon her. Akkad’s ruler took her time, examining Lani at length before she turned to study Tippu, an inspection that lasted only a few moments. Trella returned her eyes to Lani. “You are Lani, from Bisitun?”

  Lani bowed respectfully. “Yes, Lady Trella, and this is my sister, Tippu.

  May we give thanks to you for the rooms you provided?”

  For the first time Lani looked directly into Trella’s eyes, and Lani saw this was no mere girl who faced her. Trella’s face revealed no trace of emotion. Instead Lani saw strength there, and power, but no hint of what she might be thinking. And whatever Trella’s age might be, her eyes announced that she saw everything, knew everything.

  Trella ignored the polite question. “This is my friend and advisor, Annok-sur. She is also the wife of Bantor, commander of the gate.” Annok-sur did not stand, but nodded her head the slightest amount. “She is still recovering from a wound she received in the struggle.”

  Bowing to Annok-sur, Lani saw no kindness there, only determination and toughness. She recalled the story she had heard from Alexar about the fighting that had taken place in this house, in this very room. Annok-sur, too, had fought against the usurper. Lani looked around for any signs of the struggle, but nothing remained. Still, Korthac had been wounded and taken captive right in this very spot. “I heard there was a great fight in the house of Eskkar. Alexar said that Lady Trella was also injured?”

  Trella smiled briefly. “Yes. It is twice now that I have been stabbed since I came to Akkad. Soon I will have as many scars on my body as Eskkar.”

  Lani saw no sign of any wound, but Trella’s loose-fitting gown revealed little, though she did look a bit pale. Alexar had mentioned that Lady Trella had lost a lot of blood during the birthing, in addition to the wound. Still, the battle had ended ten days ago, and both women had time to heal. Lani started to speak, but the soft cry of a baby in another room interrupted her.

  Annok-sur rose from her seat, wincing as she did so. “I’ll tend the child, Lady Trella.” She passed behind Trella’s chair and went into the other room.

  “May I offer felicitations on the birth of your son, Lady Trella?”

  Trella acknowledged the compliment with another brief smile. “Sargon grows in strength each day. He will bring honor to his father, I am sure.” For a moment she turned toward the inner room, but the crying stopped, so she again faced the two sisters.

  “Eskkar has told me the story of your plight, Lani, and you, Tippu,” she said, acknowledging the younger sister for the first time. “You both have suffered much at the hands of villains, and I’m glad Eskkar was able to release you from your captivity.”

  Lani lowered her eyes at the mention of her past but quickly lifted them again. “Lord Eskkar freed us from . . . our captor, and protected us from the wrath of the villagers. We owe him our lives.”

  “You seemed to have repaid him well enough, Lani. I learned of your . . . activities weeks ago.”

  Lani lifted her head a little higher. “I do not regret what I have done, Lady Trella. Lord Eskkar had fought a hard battle. He needed someone to look after him and take charge of his household. It is not so strange that he should want a woman to comfort him.”

  Trella sighed and pursed her lips for a moment. “A woman to comfort him I can understand, Lani. But somehow you managed to do more than that. Not to mention that you saved his life.”

  So Trella knew about the fight in Bisitun. Lani shook her head. “It was little enough that I did, Lady Trella. I fell to the ground and one of his attackers tripped over me.”

  “Eskkar described it somewhat differently. And he also told me that he cared for you.”

  A thrill went through Lani at the words. “As I care for him, Lady Trella. He saved more than our lives.” Lani bit her lip, then decided she might as well say everything on her mind. “You are the one he loves, Lady Trella.

  The moment he heard that you might be in danger, he had no thoughts for me or anyone else.” She paused. “He has never told me that he loves me.”

  “And what do you feel toward my husband, Lani? Do you merely seek his protection? Perhaps you just wanted someone to comfort you in the night? Or do you love him?”

  “When I was with Ninazu, I swore that if I escaped somehow, I would never let a man touch me again. When the soldiers came and I pleaded for mercy, Lord Eskkar looked at me, the way any man looks at a woman. But instead of taking me or Tippu, or giving us to his men, he put his protection around us. That surprised me, Lady Trella, that a great warrior could want someone, but not take advantage of our weakness. So I went to him, just to serve him, and . . . he was tired and dirty . . . and somehow I knew he was different . . . from the others.”

  Her voice trailed off, and Lani realized she had avoided answering Trella’s question. She lifted her chin and spoke firmly. “Yes, Lady Trella, I do love your husband.”

  She watched Trella shake her head, as if in disbelief, but then Trella smiled, and for the first time her face showed the warmth of a young woman.

  “A man should be more than just an animal. Isn’t that right, Lani?”

  Lani felt confused, both by Trella’s smile and her strange words. “I do not understand, Lady Trella. I . . .”

  “No, of course not. But I do understand, Lani. I once had much the same feelings toward Eskkar myself. I think it’s the barbarian in him that appeals to women. The savage horse fighters apparently honor and respect their women more than city dwellers, who seem to be crueler and harsher to us than any barbarian.”

  Annok-sur slipped back into the room, partially closing the inner door so that the conversation would not wake the child. “Sargon is asleep, Trella, but I think he will need to nurse again soon.” She stared at Lani, but said nothing.

  Trella’s eyes brightened at the thought of feeding her child. “We will be finished soon, Annok-sur.” Then she turned to Lani again. “Do you have any children, Lani?”

  The question caught Lani by surprise. “No, Lady Trella. Ishtar has never blessed me with a child, though I sacrificed to her often when . . . when I was married.”

  “Perhaps the fault was with your husband,” Trella offered.

  Lani’s eyes widened. The scandalous words could never be said in front of a man. Every husband knew that if a woman didn’t conceive a child, it was her fault.

  “No, I was his second wife. His first wife died in childbirth, and the babe was lost.” Then Lani understood. Trella wanted to know if she might be carrying Eskkar’s child. “I carry no child, Lady Trella. The moon has risen for me since Lord Eskkar left Bisitun.”

  Trella said nothing, just sat there for a long moment, staring down at the table. When she spoke, her voice took on a gentler tone. “I am sorry to have kept you standing,
Lani, and you, too, Tippu. You must both be tired after your long voyage. Please sit down.” She turned to Annok-sur. “Give our guests some wine, Annok-sur, and a small cup for me.”

  The other table held two pitchers and a half-dozen dark green glass goblets.

  Lani and Tippu glanced at each other, then took seats across the table from Trella. Something must have satisfied Trella, Lani decided. Servants and inferiors stood in the presence of their betters. Annok-sur poured wine into a pair of goblets, diluted them with water, and handed them to Lani and her sister, before pouring a third glass for Trella.

  “Welcome to Akkad, Lani . . . Tippu,” Trella said, her voice low.

  Lani looked down at the dark wine glinting in the green glass, and wondered if it contained poison. She saw Tippu’s hand trembling with the same thought. Trella had not raised her glass. Still, Lani had no choice, not really. If Lady Trella wished them both dead, they would die, one way or another.

  Lani lifted the glass to her hostess. “To Akkad,” and drank deeply, emptying half the contents before she put the goblet back on the table.

  Tippu watched her for a moment, then took a small sip from her own glass.

  “Drink up, Tippu,” Lani said. “The wine is very good.”

  “You do not fear poison, then?” Trella asked drily.

  “No, Lady Trella. If you wish to kill me, then I am in your power and at your mercy. But I would remind you that my sister has done nothing to offend you.”

  “You are both safe, Lani, though I must admit there were nights when I was jealous of my husband in your arms. Would you like to know what I did about it?”

  “Did about it? I don’t understand?”

  “No, you could not. As soon as I learned you were more than a casual bed partner and that Eskkar was growing attached to you, I sent a rider to your birthplace. I wanted to learn about you. The rider returned only three days ago. Do you know what he told me?”

  “I . . . My land is very far away. How could you send . . . I don’t know what to say, Lady Trella.”