“It seems there is much more for me to learn.”
“Escander, in the time that I have left, I can offer you no better gift than this — a chance to master all that I have learned over the course of many years. One of the first and most important lesson for you to grasp is the use of terror. As a kingdom and a city, we are generous and loyal to our friends. But anyone who seeks to disrupt our ways or attack our people must learn the penalty for such activities. Remember what your grandfather did to the city of Larsa. The destruction of that city and the scattering of its people helped keep the peace in the Land Between the Rivers for the next twenty years. Even today, that message is still understood — those who go to war against Akkad will pay a heavy price. Your father also knows these things. Under King Sargon’s rule, the Empire has grown in size, and yet each expansion has required even more effort to govern.”
“Like what Father did to the Carchemishi,” Escander said. “When I heard what he had done, it seemed overly harsh, even brutal.”
“Yes, your father and I spent most of a day discussing that raid, and what Akkad’s response would be. But after our soldiers ravaged their city, the Carchemishi changed their ways. Now all the peoples in those distant lands understand the simple lesson we intended. If they do not bother us, we will not bother them. The careful use of terror may save many thousands of lives and prevent costly wars. Induce sufficient fear in your enemies, and you may not have to fight them in battle. But do not avoid war when it is necessary. The longer it is postponed, the greater advantage it will be to the other side. Remember, too, the application of military force, if sufficiently sudden and violent, often paralyzes political will.”
“When the time comes, I hope you will help me as you do my father,” Escander said. “You know so much about our people, and how to bend them to your will.”
“If I am still here, I will offer you advice. But only if you ask,” Trella said. “It is no shame to ask for help, but the sign of a wise ruler. However, always remember to guard yourself against flattery. Let everyone know that you take no offence in hearing the truth, no matter how unpleasant. Eventually you will come to trust your own instincts. Until then, listen to your Aunt Zakita and Uncle Melkorak. She has much wisdom, and he has mastered the art of planning and fighting.”
Escander smiled. “I’ve heard all of Uncle Melkorak’s sayings.” Escander altered his voice to imitate his uncle’s. “Never attack without concentrating your forces, conduct every pursuit with audacity and lethality, appreciate the importance of an ambush, always plan a strategic deception. .”
“Stop!” Trella laughed at the imitation. “Melkorak is a great general, as well as a master trainer and teacher. You would do well to follow his advice.” She changed her tone. “Don’t forget to rely on En-hedu, who knows much but speaks little. She took Annok-sur’s place after her death. En-hedu’s spies and agents keep close watch on Akkad and the other cities, and it is through her and from them that we quickly learn what dangers and unrest are among our people. The knowledge she brings you of our friends and enemies is invaluable. In times of prolonged peace, the collection of intelligence about potential enemies is even more important.
Escander took his time considering Trella’s words. “When I leave for the northern lands, there will likely be turmoil within the Palace. My half brothers and sisters will. .”
“Be even more troublesome than usual,” Trella agreed. “But Sargon and I have already spoken of what has to be done. I think I can promise that the most troublesome of your half-brothers will die in a training accident, and his mother from food poisoning. Others will be banished to distant parts of the Empire, where they will have no authority and little influence. Even so, they will be closely watched. If they appear too eager for power, they will be taken care of. Nonetheless, when your time comes, you must ensure that they submit to your authority or pay the price.”
Trella observed Escander’s grim look. “Does it trouble you to think of your brothers dying by your own hand? Then remember the lesson that Sargon failed to learn. Keep your sons and daughters close to you. No man, not even a king, needs more than two wives. If you want more women, do as I did for Eskkar. Bring in young, empty-headed girls to satisfy your needs. After a few months enjoyment, send them away or even better, marry them off to your soldiers. If they bear children, ignore them, and soon everyone else will do the same. Your father kept far too many of his women in the Palace, and now you have to live under that threat. Do not let your appetites bring the same fear to your own children.”
“That is one lesson I will heed, I swear it.”
“Good. And heed this lesson as well. Sometimes a son or a daughter can be more dangerous to your House than an enemy army. It may happen that in such a case, even banishment may not be enough. Remember, you must place the safety and security of your entire family and the people of your Empire over the love and affection you might have for one who is a potential threat. You must rear children that reflect your own values, if you want our line to endure. That is, after all, the test that Sargon nearly failed.”
“I hope that the Alur Meriki can help me as much as the Ur Nammu helped my father. It seems he learned much more from them than he expected.”
“Yes, Escander, that is true. He learned love and loyalty and wisdom without realizing it. No ruler is truly wise who cannot discern the faults of men, or the evil that may lurk behind a smiling face or flattering words. Your grandfather had that gift, though it is given to few men.”
“What if I cannot master these lessons?”
“Oh, you can. Of that I am sure. You will make mistakes along the way, we all do. You will lose some friends, and gain new ones. Change is a part of life, one you must embrace. Rule your people honestly and firmly, so that no shift in good or evil fortune obliges you to change your ways. Because if adversity forces you to change, then you will find it is too late to resort to severity. Any leniency you may use will be wasted, for your people will see that you are forced to it, and will give you no thanks.”
“So many decisions, so many things to consider. I’m not sure if I’m strong or wise enough to lead our people.”
“Not today, Escander, not even tomorrow. Such understanding takes time. But when you return from the north, you will be ready. Your father and I will give you all the help and support we can in the beginning. But soon enough you will be able to stand on your own. I once asked Eskkar what he thought was the most important trait for a leader. He said that a leader, or any man for that matter, must be willing to fight for what he truly believes in, even if a hundred men tell him he is wrong.”
“What of your own safety, Grandmother? When I leave for the north, you, too, will be in danger.”
“There are always threats to our House, Escander. But I have survived more than one attempt on my life. En-hedu and the Hawk Clan are most efficient. Remember, your enemies are not the only ones who can use conspiracy as a tool. Do not disdain using it yourself because others frown upon it. Don’t forget that murder can also be a tool, even if simple-minded people deplore it. Use all these as instruments. They are merely devices, however devious, means, however ruthless. A strong ruler must not hesitate to be deceitful if it is to his advantage. But always be fair in your dealings. Men are either to be kindly treated, or utterly crushed, since they can revenge minor injuries, but not graver ones.”