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One of the other occupants, Lord Modran, had no such difficulty. Lean and wiry, the commanding general of the largest contingent of Elamite’s forces appeared unaffected by King Shirudukh’s decision to keep two of his senior generals waiting. As if to annoy Jedidia even more, Modran had scarcely moved since they first entered the chamber.

Jedidia hated Modran with a fierce intensity that probably matched Modran’s feelings toward Jedidia. Both men sought the prestige and power that came with leading the majority of soldiers under the King. Jedidia knew that he was far more capable than Modran, but for years Modran had remained Shirudukh’s favorite, and he commanded nearly twenty thousand soldiers spread across the heart of Elam.

Grand Commander Chaiyanar, the least experienced of King Shirudukh’s three generals, already attended on the King. Since this palace in Sushan belonged, of course under the King’s authority, to Chaiyanar, Shirudukh had graciously permitted the Grand Commander to join him ahead of the others. No doubt Chaiyanar and the King had dined well, lounging on their respective couches, and enjoying the ministrations of the countless young slave girls who accompanied King Shirudukh wherever he traveled.

Jedidia gave scarcely a thought to the three other men also summoned to today’s audience. Soft city dwellers, they, too, showed signs of discomfort. Traders and merchants, they formed part of the Council that helped advise the King on matters of trade and policy. Though men of wealth, Jedidia considered them insignificant minions with no power or authority. Likely neither Shirudukh nor Chaiyanar ever bothered to heed their words. Jedidia doubted if any of them knew how to hold a sword.

The oldest, Shesh-kala, had well over fifty seasons. He owned most of the large tracts of fertile land that surrounded the city of Sushan. Though he might be a man of enormous wealth, he clearly suffered from a bad back. He clutched the arm of the youngest advisor, a trader named Aram-Kitchu, still a man in the prime of life.

The third man, Dajii, also traded up and down the River Karum, but he specialized in slaves, not goods. In fact, Dajii and his agents would be accompanying the invasion armies into the Land Between the Rivers, to begin the process of breaking and transporting vast numbers of new slaves into the lands of Elam.

The door to the chamber opened, and a messenger bowed to those waiting. “King Shirudukh regrets keeping you waiting. He is ready to receive you now. Please follow me.”

Jedidia forced a smile to his lips, clenching his teeth against the growing pain in his knee and refusing to show the slightest sign of weakness or discomfort. Any such display would soon have Modran and Chaiyanar whispering in the King’s ear that General Jedidia was unwell, perhaps not fit for the coming campaign.

Everyone in the room had straightened up when the door opened. Lord Modran moved first, falling in behind the messenger, and Jedidia followed. The three advisors, as befitting their lack of station, trailed the two generals.

The little procession didn’t have far to travel. Down a long corridor, around a corner, then through a doorway guarded by two soldiers and into the Palace’s main chamber. A raised dais at the far end normally held the throne-like chair that Chaiyanar preferred. Today that platform stood empty. Just in front, however, three couches of different sizes rested, all occupied. The largest held King Shirudukh. Grand Commander Chaiyanar reclined on the second, and another man sat upright on the third.

Jedidia needed a moment to recall the third man’s name — Meweldi — one of Shirudukh’s High Commanders. Jedidia glance took in the King’s personal guards, who lined the walls. Two stood behind Shirudukh’s couch, their hard eyes examining the latest arrivals. Jedidia knew they would kill anyone, even a general, who showed the slightest sign of hostility. And the soldiers lining the walls would be only a step behind them.

Jedidia counted twelve guards, and every one a member of the Immortals. An elite force of battle-tested veterans who fought only for King Shirudukh, the Immortals performed the dual role of personal household guards to the King, and the primary instrument of his power. They numbered exactly five thousand, and were the best and most loyal fighters in Elam.

By firm custom, whenever one Immortal was killed, seriously wounded or fell ill, he was immediately replaced with a new recruit, thus maintaining the number and cohesion of the Five Thousand. Every soldier considered it an honor to enter the Immortal’s ranks.

“Ah, Lord Modran, General Jedidia! The time for our final preparations has come, and your presence is most welcome.” Shirudukh didn’t waste his breath on greeting his advisors.

Jedidia bowed low, and held himself in that position until Lord Modran straightened up. Both men uttered the usual flattering words that kept the King in a pleasant mood. But Jedidia had already noticed the hint of a smile on Grand Commander Chaiyanar’s face. Something was in the wind, something that greatly pleased Chaiyanar. With a sinking feeling in his chest, Jedidia guessed that bad news was coming.

“My three favorite and loyal generals,” Shirudukh went on, “the last decisions on troops and dispositions have been made. Commander Meweldi will provide the information.”

Meweldi stood and waved his hand toward the guards. Two of them picked up a table and carried it to the center of the room. A large map rested atop its surface.

“The invasion of the Land Between the Rivers will begin in a few months,” Meweldi began. “Grand Commander Chaiyanar will take fifteen thousand men and advance along the coast of the Great Sea, to invest and capture the city of Sumer from the south. He will be supported by every ship that can transport a cargo.”

“It will be a great honor to capture the city of Sumer, and present it as a gift to My King.” Chaiyanar’s oily words garnered a smile from Shirudukh.

Jedidia noted that Meweldi showed no irritation at the interruption. Chaiyanar clearly remained in good standing with the King.

“At the same time, Lord Modran will lead a mixed force of thirty thousand men through the Dellen Pass, to capture the city of Akkad, where we expect the most resistance. And so we will hurl our largest army and finest troops at its walls. Two thousand Immortals will be among that force.”

“A great honor, my King.” Modran’s words sounded even more simpering that Chaiyanar’s.

“Meanwhile, General Jedidia will take a large cavalry force, at least six thousand men, through the Jkarian Pass, to cut Akkad’s food supply. Once that is accomplished, General Jedidia will swing to the south and provide whatever support is needed to Lord Modran and his siege of Akkad.”

The words came like a blow, and Jedidia struggled to keep his astonishment and anger under control. “My King, if I may speak, I have raised, equipped, and trained nearly fifteen thousand men. The lands north of Akkad are mostly barren and. .”

“Most of your infantry and siege workers will be transferred to Lord Modran, General Jedidia,” Meweldi cut in. “Some will be assigned to Grand Commander Chaiyanar. You will not need them once you leave the Jkarian Pass, since there are no cities or villages there capable of serious resistance. Our plan,” Meweldi turned slightly and bowed to King Shirudukh, “the King’s plan, is to overwhelm Sumer and Akkad with irresistible force, and so force them to collapse as quickly as possible. Once they fall, the remaining cities of Ur, Lagash, and Isin will be only too eager to throw open their gates and welcome our armies.”

Jedidia stood there, speechless. Not only were his best fighters being taken from his command, but he would have no chance to capture a jewel worthy of the campaign. The riches of Sumer and Akkad would guarantee enormous wealth to Chaiyanar and Modran, while he, Jedidia, Elam’s most capable general, would have to search for any crumbs remaining.