“My King, if I may protest, my soldiers are some of the best in Elam. I would. .”
“There is no need for concern, General Jedidia,” Shirudukh said. “Once Sumer and Akkad fall, there will be plenty of opportunity to demonstrate your leadership. And there are many other cities in the Land Between the Rivers that will challenge your skills. You will have many chances to win glory and wealth.”
Clenching his jaw, Jedidia fought to retain his composure. The King had made his decision, and would certainly not change his mind. Anything else that Jedidia said now would only undermine his position even more. Modran and Chaiyanar would get the two richest cities to capture and plunder, and Jedidia would get nothing. If he argued or protested, Jedidia might lose more than his soldiers. He took a deep breath.
“My King, it is an honor to serve. I will sweep the northern lands clean of every Akkadian dog.”
“Excellent, General Jedidia. You are a great leader, and your men will help speed the fall of our enemies.”
Jedidia didn’t dare let himself look at Modran or Chaiyanar. Their smug expressions would only infuriate him.
Meweldi glanced at the King, who nodded. “There is still much work required to plan and make the final provisions for our invasion. Our three great generals will need to remain here in Sushan until those plans are complete. Meanwhile, orders will be sent to General Jedidia’s northern camp, to begin the movement of his troops to the locations where Lord Modran is assembling his forces.”
Meweldi lied, of course. Those orders, signed by the King and delivered by a few hundred Immortals, would have gone north the day Jedidia entered Sushan. Even if he slipped out of the city and tried to return to his army, by the time he arrived, Lord Modran’s men would be firmly in command. And, of course, that would be the same as committing suicide. Even with his entire army, he would be no match for the forces of Modran and Chaiyanar, and the King’s Immortals.
Jedidia would have to wait his turn. In time, sooner or later, Modran or Chaiyanar would grow too strong, so powerful that either man might present a threat to King Shirudukh. Then the wheel would turn, roles would be reversed, and Jedidia would be used to counterbalance their forces.
The King did indeed know how to manipulate and control his generals.
King Shirudukh smiled pleasantly. “And our mighty armies will be well served by our loyal subjects. My Council of Advisors have their role to play in the invasion as well.” He waved his hand toward Meweldi.
“Master Trader Dajii,” Meweldi said, “will provide slave masters and guards to accompany Lord Modran and Grand Commander Chaiyanar. His men will ensure that, as captures are made, only the fittest are transported back to Elam. Much of the wealth we take from Sumer and Akkad will consist of slaves, and we will need that wealth brought to Elam as soon as possible.”
Jedidia had forgotten about the three advisors, hanging back silently several paces behind he and Modran. Their presence insured that the entire city of Sushan would soon know of Jedidia’s loss of status. Many of the friends and supporters Jedidia had worked so hard to cultivate in the last two years would disappear, transferring their efforts to the others.
“And Master Trader Shesh-kala will be responsible for providing all the food the invasion armies will need, enough to get them through the mountains and ensure the capture of Sumer and Akkad. Once our soldiers capture the enemy cities, they will be able to fend for themselves.”
Shesh-kala’s voice quavered. “It is my pleasure to serve, My King.”
“Master Trader Aram-Kitchu,” Meweldi went on, “will see that our men have all the supplies and weapons they will need to capture the enemy’s cities.”
“I am pleased to help our great generals defeat the King’s enemies,” Aram-Kitchu said. He, too, bowed low.
“Aram-Kitchu has also learned much about our enemy’s strengths and weakness. And he has established a network of spies through Sumer, Akkad, and Isin. Most of our information regarding the Akkadians and Sumerians has come through his efforts.”
For the first time, Jedidia glanced with interest at the three advisors. He had heard of Aram-Kitchu, but had never met the man. So this was the man who provided so much detailed information about the enemy.
“Is there anything new that you have learned, Aram-Kitchu?” King Shirudukh showed his respect for the man by addressing him directly. “Is the enemy preparing to resist?”
“My King, the latest reports are somewhat confusing,” Aram-Kitchu had a deep voice that seemed out of place in his small stature. “It is almost certain that Akkad has learned of the coming invasion. With so many trade caravans, there are more than enough people who will talk too much. I believe that Akkad most likely will attempt to resist. They are training more soldiers and reinforcing their walls even now.”
“You failed to have Eskkar assassinated?” Meweldi made his question sound like a rebuke.
“Yes, Commander, I have been unable to strike him down.” Aram-Kitchu’s voice admitted his failure. “Twice we have made attempts on his life, and both times they have failed. Nor have we been able to get rid of King Eskkar’s wife, the real ruler of Akkad. She spends most of her time within their guarded compound, which we have not been able to enter. But it may not matter. Lately my spies have heard rumors that the barbarian Eskkar may take his gold and flee to the north. He is aware of Elam’s might, and knows his city cannot withstand an invasion.”
Jedidia had let his attention wander, but he picked up on Aram-Kitchu’s statement that the Akkadian King might flee to the north with his personal retainers and wealth. Perhaps there might be an opportunity to seize that treasure.
“But only recently,” Aram-Kitchu said, “we’ve learned that King Naxos of Isin is secretly readying his soldiers to attack Akkad. Naxos has hated Eskkar for many years. Naxos is also trying to secure Sumer’s support, but so far they have not committed themselves despite his entreaties. If the barbarian Eskkar abandons his city, King Naxos will assume his rule. I believe he will be much more amenable to our offers of cooperation.”
Meweldi frowned at that lack of progress as well. “And the Sumerians? Will they resist?”
“They have not yet decided what course of action they will take. But even if they choose to fight,” Aram-Kitchu answered, “their numbers are far too small to withstand Grand Commander Chaiyanar’s forces.”
“That is so,” Chaiyanar spoke for the first time. “Some of my soldiers, skilled in siege craft, accompanied one of Aram-Kitchu’s caravans. They verified his assessment and studied Sumer’s weak defenses. They declare that the city will fall within a month at most.”
Jedidia clenched his jaw again. With fifteen thousand men, that fat fool Chaiyanar would capture Sumer and its wealth with ease, while Jedidia would be chasing after cows and collecting sacks of grain in the north.
“And what do your men say of Akkad’s defenses?” Lord Modran’s voice held a slight hint of jealousy at Chaiyanar’s good fortune.
“Akkad’s defenses are far stronger, and they have already withstood one siege,” Aram-Kitchu said. “If the barbarian decides to fight, the siege will be a difficult one. But with so many soldiers, Lord Modran, the city can be cut off and starved into submission within a few months. They will have many more mouths to feed than Sumer. But while Akkad is the largest city, it can raise and equip at best five or six thousand men.”
Meweldi nodded his agreement. “And what can you tell us. .”
But King Shirudukh had endured enough talk for the day. “We can speak more of this tomorrow. Tonight, we will celebrate with a fine meal that Commander Chaiyanar has arranged for our generals. And now, I am sure that they have important matters that need their attention.”