Blood (Epic of the Mediterranean) [Book 1]

Chapter 4

ECBATANA, CAPITAL CITY OF MEDIA,

THE PERSIAN EMPIRE

An abominable yet translucent tornado of dust entangled together with dense fog, a sign of breaking dawn, was infiltrated with the first rays of the ascending Sun. Creating a mirage of a mobile paradise set amongst the clouds. 'Paridaiza' in the native language. When the clouds of hallucination started to wear off, it came into view that it was actually the imperial chariot from the princely state of Drangiana escorted by the many horsemen on both sides. The invincible triangular flag of silky cobalt blue adorned with a white ring in the center, adapted from the circle in Faravahar, waving with zeal. A symbol of unaltered truth and the command for fighting for it.

A royal visitor.

The caravan had broken the sleep of the majestic Medes with its grand entrance, not something which the citizens complained about. Primarily because it had been about five years since the Utian crown had paid a visit. The grand brick monuments and rectangular overhead doors embedded with stones sparked under the sunrise.

Hooves came to a halt, but the chariot moved on as it entered the Persian capital of the evergreen past glories, Ecbatana. Medes or Media was named so for it lied in the middle of Persia, holding Ecbatana in its center, making it the heart of the great empire.

The visit was uninformed about, hence there were no prior orders for any preparations regarding the welcome.

Set amongst the mighty Zagros, Ecbatana was a rather personal choice of the novel emperor who highly preferred to live in a more naturally pleasing and green city, because of which it had witnessed such massive reconstructions within the span of mere months that the entire exterior shone just like the royal capital of Persepolis, if not more that is.

Artakama filled her lungs with a deep and replenishing breath as the hard sole of her metallic boot clunked onto the ancient Median treasure whose rich historical presence could still be felt in the very air. The instant she appeared from behind the doors of her carriage, the servants and knights who had been assigned to receive the visitor were left in awe. Of course, Drangiana had arrived, but little had they anticipated the influx of the Satrap to the throne.

Being the Governor of the state along with the political and military head, Artakama was the main acting force behind Lady Anahita of the Utians, and the reason of the successful governance and leadership through the years. Sly, ingenious and profusely strong were a few traits of hers, a confident grin of sheer sarcasm covering her face at all times. She was famous for all the secrets she knew, and for the various modes of torture she used for it. A carrier of ill omens. The one and only object of her respect being the Lady whom she served, for no matter what she did, she would never take any actions against the will of her mistress. Only a few knew about this, and those who did still found it eerie.

"Of course, I require to return just as hastily as I have arrived. High priestess Taimat is the only person I have come to pay exquisite greetings to. The shahanshah needs not be disturbed." The request was quite uncalled for, yet the staff went forward to arrange the meeting without any further queries. The high priestess was sent for while Artakama was received and escorted with respect and grandeur. A resting quarter furnished with delicate details, consistent architectural excellence throughout the palace.

Artakama nodded just slightly as the servants took their leave after placing numerous appetizers, tobacco, flowers and lighted odor lamps all around.

She sighed while raising up, strolling forward to the grand verandah overlooking the garden and the artificial fountains. Her sturdy arms rested on the marble lattice over which she stooped her strikingly tall stature. It was just obvious that the iron armor on her handsome frame was embedded with the Utian crest, with the looks of a hero and a heart of valor. It was rather ironic, for Artakama was a Carmanian unlike the Lady and most of the ministry of the state.