Nezzar

Part One: One With The Eye

They had chained him like a beast. Shackles around his neck and wrists. The two chains linked to the metal collar around his neck were pegged to the ground. 

Usman stood alone in the wide space of the tent. The heat was unrelenting. It seeped through the leather above, causing rivulets of sweat to slide down his body, and his numerous wounds to itch.

The constant sound of the heavy footfalls of marching guards kept him from flying into mania. Worry battered him. Possibilities wouldn't stop pushing in.

Had King Nebuchadnezzar hurt her? Surely, Usman would have known by now if that was true. He drew in long ragged breaths. Every joint ached. Standing made the pain at the soles of his feet worse but sitting would not be any less painful.

Suddenly, there was the collective sound of swords hitting shields. The king was about. Footsteps drew nearer. Usman heard King Nebuchadnezzar's words before he pushed the tent flap open.

"Princess Amytis, there is someone I must show you."

Immediately falling to his knees, Usman tightly clutched his hands. The sinews and veins of his forearms bulged from the forceful action. There was a great boulder upon his back; he had no strength to look up. To see her face. He wished they had killed him, that they had struck him dead the night before. Knowing the nature of King Nebuchadnezzar, he would inform Amytis of his status as a spy of Babylon. She would loathe him.

It was all Usman's fault. He had danced between masters, weary to pick whom to serve. Even though he danced, in his heart, he always knew where his true loyalty lay. The first time Princess Amytis grinned at him and called him the Egyptian giant, he had sworn to protect her to his last breath.

I shall die a traitor in her sight.

Usman shut his eyes and turned away.

"My King, what—"

Usman heard her breath catch.

He did not look up.

"Usman..."

That boulder pressed down. It wouldn't let him raise his head and look her in the eyes.

"You say he is your personal bodyguard?" There was a hint of anger in the King's voice.

"I... Yes," her voice trembled. "He was also the one who helped me gather information on Egypt."

Usman stared harder at the bruises and cuts on his arms. His entire head throbbed and his right eye was swollen shut. Perhaps, if he focused on his physical pain, he wouldn't have to hear whatever was happening in front of him.

"Why is he in chains?" there was an unmistakable sound of a sniffle. What was the princess doing? Royalties do not weep over servants. It seemed she had found favour in the King's sight. Her show of emotions towards him may—

"Do not waste your tears over him." King Nebuchadnezzar's voice was low and cutting. "His chains are necessary and his fate has been sealed."

Amytis gasped. Usman clenched his clasped hands harder. If he had a dagger handy, he would have ended his own life there and then.

"I beg you, my king. I plead for his life. I know he killed some of your men but he did so to protect me."

"I find your ignorance amusing." King Nebuchadnezzar drew nearer, and soon Usman felt the cold steel of the King's sword at the base of his neck. "The one you weep over is a spy of Babylon. He knew I was heading to Media. He knew those you love will be slaughtered; and you, probably given to one of my generals. He also knew any attempt to flee with you would be futile." The King applied more pressure on the blade. "I have no use for a spy who has forgotten loyalty."