Alcinor lifted his eyes, and put aside any misgivings. “Rather than waste men trying to defend the Jkarian Pass, I think we should close it.”
Eskkar’s mouth opened in surprise, and even Trella seemed at a loss for words.
After Alcinor’s words were spoken, his voice grew more confident. “There is a particular place, just short of the highest point on the western slope, where I believe I can bring down enough of the surrounding cliffs, part of the mountain, really, to close the Pass once and for all.”
Eskkar leaned forward with interest. “What do you mean by close it? A rock slide won’t stop an army for long. With so many men and horses, they could soon clear any blockage.”
“If I can bring down the cliff, it will be much more than a mere landslide. The Jkarian Pass will be choked with large chunks of the mountain itself. No horse, cart, or wagon could climb over such an obstacle. Men with the proper tools and supply animals might be able to clear the debris, but it would take months, perhaps half a year. An army on the move would have none of those things. Of course I will need to return, to study the site more closely, confirm my estimates, and make sure there is not any way to get around the obstacle.”
“And you believe you can seal the Pass long enough to halt the Elamites?” Trella asked the question, but her husband surprised her by answering it.
“When young Master Builder Alcinor claimed he could destroy an entire city, I didn’t really think it could be done, not until I saw the channel dug and the river’s water poised to flow. So now, if he says he can move a mountain to close the Pass, I believe him.”
“Then Akkad’s finest Engineer,” Trella said, “needs only to tell us what he requires to accomplish this feat, and we will supply it.”
Alcinor took a deep breath. “It won’t be easy. I’ll need plenty of men, skilled stone workers. The work will be dangerous, and it is likely that some will be injured or die. Also, I will need a large number of the great logs from the northern steppes. I would have to dispatch Jahiri, my senior apprentice, at once, to purchase exactly what we require, then float the logs down the Tigris. And I must have a large force of laborers and pack animals to transport everything back to the Pass.”
“And soldiers to guard you and your equipment,” Eskkar said. “Well, they can help carry your supplies.”
“All this will cost a great deal,” Alcinor said.
“Whatever it costs,” Trella answered, “will be far less than what it takes to feed and equip three thousand men in the field. You will have whatever is necessary.”
“Then I’ll dispatch Jahiri to the north as soon as possible. He will need several boats, plenty of gold, and an escort to protect both him and the logs.”
“I can have soldiers ready for you within a few days.” Eskkar’s voice now sounded confident, the way it always did at the prospect of action. “Commander Draelin is eager for a new assignment, and he has dealt with the northern tribesmen before. Yavtar can provide however many fighting boats and transport vessels you need.”
“How much gold will you require?” Trella knew the practical details of the operation would fall on her and her clerks.
Alcinor hesitated. “I’m not sure. The usual time of year to purchase the great logs has passed. The tribesmen may want more than their customary demands.”
None of the trees, mostly date palm and willows, that grew in the Land Between the Rivers, possessed the size and strength of timber taken from the northern lands. Nor did the local trees grow as straight and tall as the northern oaks. Akkad’s gates were constructed from such timber floated down the Tigris, as were the beams that supported the upper chamber of Eskkar’s house where the three now sat.
“You will have more than enough.” Trella turned to her husband. “One of my clerks can carry the gold and go with Jahiri. He will need to be protected and guarded as well.”
“Draelin will see to it,” Eskkar said.
“Then as soon as you can provide an escort,” Alcinor said, “I must return to the Jkarian Pass. I’ll stay five or six days at the site, to study the cliffs. As soon as I am certain, one way or the other, I’ll come back.”
Trella reached out and touched Alcinor’s arm. “This is important, Alcinor, even more than you know. Make sure you have everything you require. The Elamites must not be allowed through the Jkarian Pass. We will be stretched thin here at Akkad, and need every soldier we can find.”
Eskkar laughed. “When he built the ditch at Isin, I complained about all the tools and men he demanded. Now, if Alcinor says he can move a mountain to block our enemies, then I believe he will do it. Trella and I will ensure you have everything you demand.”
“I’ll use all my skills to make certain the mountain comes down.”
“And no one must know what you intend,” Trella cautioned. “Your plan must remain a secret for as long as possible.”
“Only Jahiri knows, and Corio, my father.”
Trella nodded in satisfaction. “No man has ever moved a mountain before,” she said. “But if anyone can do it, it will be Akkad’s first and foremost Engineer.”
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.