Sam Barone: Clash Of Empires

“He was, indeed. And it is better to be impetuous than cautious. In that, fortune will favor you. She esteems the young because they are bold and fierce. Eskkar always preferred a daring course that promised a quick end to a conflict. Because he was willing to take such chances, to risk his life for what he believed in, he saved many lives and achieved a great many victories.”

“No man will ever achieve such triumphs again,” Escander said. “King Eskkar will be remembered forever for what he accomplished.”

“I think my husband would smile to hear such words. He knew great military deeds are soon forgotten, and already most people scarcely remember his name. When I am gone, his memory will fade away into the mist.”

“Perhaps I can help keep his memory alive.”

“Statues, battle memorials, and feast days?” Trella shook her head. “Eskkar would be embarrassed by such things. If you would give him honor and hold his memory, serve your people well.”

Escander stood and stretched. “So, now it is time for me to go north. I will try to return as soon as I can.”

“The Alur Meriki will know when you are ready to return. Den’rack is a wise leader, and Garal’s grandson will see to your training. Meanwhile, in a few months I will spread the rumor that you are not doing well, and that you will need to stay in the north much longer. That way you can appear in Akkad without warning, and take up the mantle of heir.”

“It may be many years before I come to rule.”

Trella sighed, and shook her head. “No, I do not think so. Your father’s bones already ache more than they should, and there are many days when pain sweeps over him. It is likely that you will be King sooner than you expect, so waste no time. Learn how to fight, and how to lead, and return as quickly as possible. You must prepare yourself to become a strong leader. Time drives all things before it, and may bring with it evil as well as good. The faster you return and help guide our people, the better for all of us.”

“What should I do now?”

“Go to your father, and tell him you are ready to depart. You need say nothing more. He is a proud man, and for him, the less said of these things the better.”

Escander rose and stepped around the table. He wrapped his arms around Trella’s shoulders, and kissed her cheek. “I can never thank you enough, Grandmother.”

“Oh, we’ll see about that when you return, and after you become King of Akkad. Be warned, I may have a bride waiting for you.”

He laughed. “Whoever you choose, I’m sure she will be both loyal and keen-witted. But if you haven’t yet picked her out, try to find one who is beautiful as well.”

“I will make no promises about that. A woman can have courage and honor as well as any man, and those traits are far more important than a pretty face or lush figure. Now go to your father.”

Trella watched the door close behind him. “For you, Escander, the great adventure of life can now begin.” She stared at the door for a long moment, then turned her chair so she could once again look out the window. The sun had set, and already darkness hid the hilltop where Eskkar’s body rested.

She sighed, weary after the long days with Escander. At least she had finally fulfilled Eskkar’s last and most important wish — that the line of Eskkar and Trella never end. Escander would be king one day, and he would father many children. Those yet unborn that will arise from his loins would ensure that Eskkar’s line endured, that their blood would never vanish from the earth. Even Sargon’s numerous offspring, soon to be banished to the ends of the Empire, would help continue their blood.

Her efforts had by now spanned more than forty-five years in Akkad’s service. Now each additional day of life would be a gift from the gods. She would continue to help Escander, of course, but already Trella felt certain he would rule wisely on his own. The heritage of Eskkar would be reborn in his grandson, and would continue on, growing stronger and spreading wider with each passing generation.

Eskkar had finally conquered his last and greatest enemy — time. She rose and went to the window. Leaning against the sill, her eyes returned to the hilltop where Eskkar was buried, the gravesite now almost invisible in the darkness. “Master, soon I will rejoin you. Then we will be together once again, and never more will anyone or anything part us.”

Almost she could hear him reply, as if he still held her in his strong arms, the way he had done that first night long ago. “And girl, who is the master, and who is the slave?”

Trella laughed at the vivid memory, and this time her voice was the sound of young girl once again. When her time came to depart, she would go willingly, for she knew that not even death or the power of the gods could keep them apart in The Land Beyond the Veil.