Sam Barone: Battle For Empire

A boy’s pride at becoming a man, Eskkar decided. That, and the arrogance of a son who believed he no longer needed his father or mother.

“Who said that I wanted you back in Akkad?” Eskkar smiled at the expression of surprise that crossed Sargon’s face.

“Why else would you visit my tent?”

“Ah, but there are a few reasons. First is that I’ve come to see my daughter in law.” He glanced around, as if expecting her to bound into his presence. “Or is she not allowed to meet her husband’s father?”

“She has nothing to say to you. Nor does she need to hear anything from you. She knows that my life in Akkad has ended.”

After his talk with Petra and Roxsanni, Eskkar doubted that. He contemplated his son for a moment. Sargon might have convinced these warriors that he had achieved manhood, he might even have convinced himself, but the boy still had much to learn.

“Well, then if your wife has more important duties than to talk to the ruler of Akkad and the ally of her father, I will depart. I’m sure Subutai will not take offense at the slight.”

Eskkar pushed the tip of the scabbard into the ground, and started to rise.

“Wait!” Sargon’s voice revealed the anger that still lurked just below the surface of his words. But despite what Sargon must feel, he dared not refuse his father’s request.

With a few words, Eskkar had already won over his two closest friends. Garal and Jennat were probably even now recounting their meeting with mighty Eskkar of Akkad, slayer of Thutmose-sin, and the words of praise he’d heaped on them and their Clan.

Tashanella would be devastated if her father learned Sargon had refused to let her meet with Eskkar. Not to mention that Subutai, as leader of the clan Sargon now claimed as his own, might simply order Sargon to produce his wife.

Eskkar settled himself back on the ground and again let the sword rest across his knees. He was beginning to enjoy himself. Sargon had always been difficult to deal with, even as a young boy.

Now, all that had changed, and Eskkar felt relieved that the obligations of fatherhood had ended. Sargon called himself a man, so now he had to act like one. And dealing with men of all kinds and ages was something that Eskkar had many years of experience with.

“Tashanella! Join us.”

A moment passed before the tent flap opened and the girl emerged, though Eskkar had no doubt that she had been standing just inside, listening to every word. She took the three steps needed to bring her to Sargon’s side.

“Yes, Husband.”

“This is my father, Lord of the City of Akkad.”

Eskkar ignored the hint of sarcasm. He was too busy studying the girl, dressed in what must be her finest dress and obviously new sandals. Among the Ur Nammu, she would be considered a real beauty, and even in Akkad her face and shapely legs would attract every man’s eyes. Long dark hair swirled around Tashanella’s face, and her wide, deep set eyes could make any man tremble.

She seemed familiar. Something about her tickled Eskkar’s memory. He must have seen her before, at Subutai’s camp, though he couldn’t recall it.

Tashanella took another step forward, to stand directly in front of him. “I am pleased to meet the father of my husband, Lord Eskkar.” She bowed low, her chin and eyes downcast.

A good strong voice, the words properly humble. Her figure appeared a bit thin, but a few children would change that. Then Eskkar realized why she touched a memory. Tashanella held herself much like Trella had, the first night he’d met his new slave.

The powerful recollection washed over him. Eskkar had to restrain himself from reaching out and lifting up her chin, the way he had done that night more than fifteen years ago. Though Sargon didn’t realize it, he’d chosen a woman much like his mother. Eskkar wondered what Trella would make of that fact.

“Your father did not tell me how beautiful his daughter is.” Eskkar’s voice now held a trace of sadness. As if it had happened yesterday, he remembered the rush of passion that had come over him, over both he and Trella, that night long ago.

“I am pleased that you do not find me unattractive.” She lifted her eyes and met his gaze.

Looking into those eyes, Eskkar realized something else. She appeared determined to stand by her husband, even against Eskkar’s wishes.

He also realized that the plan her two mothers had put forward earlier was not going to work. Not without some changes. Suddenly Eskkar felt better about that, too. Waiting a year or two for Sargon to grow up and change his ways didn’t appeal to Eskkar.

“Is there something you wish to say to my wife, Father?”

The moment of silence had stretched out longer than Eskkar realized. “No, Sargon. I don’t think there is anything I need to say. Except to give my approval on your choice of a wife. Your mother will be pleased.”

He turned back to Tashanella. “And I’m sure my wife would invite you to visit us in Akkad. It is the custom, is it not, to pay your respects to the mother of your husband?”

“We have no need to return to Akkad.” Sargon’s voice sounded as petulant as Eskkar’s had been lighthearted. “I wish to have nothing to do with either of you.”

Eskkar shrugged. “Well, then there is little more I can say. I will give Subutai the bad news.”

This time Eskkar used the sword to lift himself to his feet. Once upright, he took his time as he slung the sword over his shoulder.

“What bad news do you have for my father, Lord Eskkar?” Tashanella couldn’t keep the hint of worry from her voice. She might look much like Trella, might even have keen wits, but few women in the land, or men, for that matter, possessed Trella’s sharp mind. Not to mention that the young bride still had much to learn about the ways of men.

Eskkar took a deep breath. “Tomorrow I meet with Subutai and Chief Bekka of the Alur Meriki. It seems that Sargon made certain promises to him, in the name of Akkad and of the Ur Nammu. Those assurances were the real reasons Bekka rode to assist the Ur Nammu. I told him that I would stand behind my son’s words. Now I will have to tell Bekka that perhaps not all those promises may be kept. And Subutai also. Since your husband wants no part in Akkad’s future, his words do not bind me. It will be embarrassing for me to admit that my son wants to disown his heritage, but that will soon pass. Of course I will make my own arrangement with Chief Bekka and the Alur Meriki.”

Tashanella’s eyes widened in shock. Unlike her mothers, she had not considered all the possibilities of Sargon’s choices. The new found peace between the Alur Meriki and the Ur Nammu might vanish like smoke in the night. And all because of her husband and his stubborn pride.

“You would do that?” Once again, Sargon let his anger show through. “You would deny me in front of all my friends?”

“Four months ago, you told me you hated the entire Ur Nammu Clan. You called them dirty and ignorant barbarians. Now they are your friends, your new family. Who knows what you will think in another few months.”

Eskkar turned away from his son, and directed his words at the girl. “Of course, your father will be disappointed as well. He had hoped that closer ties with Akkad would help safeguard his people. That, too, may have to change. Akkad will have to decide what is in its best interest.”

“Damn you!” Sargon rose, his hands clenched and his face turning red, the pose of indifference gone. “I only did what you would have done!”

“Perhaps.” Not long ago Eskkar’s temper would have flared at such a display from his son. Now he merely shrugged, and kept his gaze on Tashanella. “But Sargon wants to keep his status with the clans as my son, and speak for Akkad in my absence. Bekka and Subutai must be made aware that Sargon, by his own choice, does not have that authority.”