Blood (Epic of the Mediterranean) [Book 1]

Chapter 33

Wooden pointers were placed around the borders of Babylonia and Syria.

"Horsemen left for Susiana this morning. No birds have arrived still, though. We will move to Susa as soon as we could."

"Here", Asmaka leaned in, "Tackle Armenia first."

"Messages were sent already. Their army is capable of protecting the borders."

"Army is a waste if the leader is a failure. Send any General from Ecbatana there right now. If the situations turn for the worse, we need someone to protect, there. It is but known how Armenia would be the ideal target, considering its geography and political position in the empire."

Everyone seemed to agree for his notion was rather shared.

"Alright", Arsicas raised his hands, "We will assign Arabic tribes on the south, for both the states. A lengthy border, and not a place they might be highly wary of. This is an advantage."

"Why would they abandon everything and fight for a battle from which they might not even return, just for an empire they are not even a part of", Vaski protested, being aware of foreign sentiments, for he was partly a part of some other one himself.

"They would, if they care for their lives. No one will defy me, for they are alive out my mercy. I won't hesitate to burn their houses to ground", Arsicas placed.

"Very well then, I will send a messenger right away."

"And a battalion through the sea right to their coast. We are not going Egypt anyway, use those ships if you require."

"There is no need", Er Dimpas burst in through the doors in visible panic, "Our ships are already wrecked. All of them. In fact, it is our coast which is under attack."

Coastline of Persis was far lengthier than Babylonia or any other state laying on the Persian Gulf. This made it harder to be covered completely. The potent assault projected that it was preplanned, as if waiting there for orders. This wasn't some random pirate attack but the enemy itself. They were a step ahead of them and were monitoring their moves.

Then it raised the question about whether the spy was among them, even though it was hard to frame anyone.

Susiana had reported about sea attacks earlier this year too, which had been brushed off for it posed as a frequent combat. But with Drangiana being unaffected, it should have been considered a bit more seriously. Pirates don't aim for a single state.

It was tackled for the time being.

Even though Medes still remain untouched, this provocation of Persis made his blood boil. They had no honor, not fighting but attacking on their backs. They didn't have the courage of facing them, creeping under the mercy of night. What they forgot was that the night wasn't here to stay. Sooner or later the Sun will rise again, revealing their filthy faces.

But still, he couldn't attack, not just yet. They held Larsa, and he needed to bring him out alive before commencing the slaughter.

Afternoon stretched in, every moment feeling like an eternity without any news from Susiana. Arsicas was worried at this point and thought about going in himself. But it didn't come to it.

A horse from the procession which was sent, returned. Alone.

They came out to receive it, relieved at last for the wait was over. But they were too quick to relax.

The horse held no rider. Vaski restrained him as the shahanshah walked forward for any signs of what had occurred. The bag attached on its torso felt heavy. Perhaps because it held two severed heads and a letter.