Last King of Kings

Chapter 60: The greatest challenge

"Yes my Shahanshah, our losses were minimal. We routed the Arab army using the strategy I have told you about. Their general, Abu Ubayd died during the battle. Everything went exactly as we hoped it will. We can trust that Arab, be it whoever he wants. But I believe you already know that."

"Thank you general. I just wanted to hear the report from your own mouth."

Yazdegerd has called Bahman to him right as he returned so he could bask in the delight of hearing the words of victory from the general himself. But somehow, he felt like the general had more to say than that. And his intuition was right, as Bahman started talking right as he finished the report.

"My Shahanshah, may he be immortal, I do not wish to be bearer of bad news, but I have to tell you what my scouts reported right as we departed from the battlefield any made our way here. They said that they followed the remnants of the Arab army. They said a massive army was waiting there for the survivors to join their ranks, then they reportedly marched northeast. I would recommend being very cautious, as as long as they control Hira, they can march wherever they want."

Yazdegerd's expression darkened. He seemed to fall deep into thoughts, his overjoyed expression and mood nowhere to be seen.

He then raised his head, cleary shaken by the news that just fell upon him.

"How many soldiers do they have? At least a rough estimate?"

"The scouts reported at least 30,000, but I'd take that with a grain of salt."

"So you don't really know?"

"I am sorry my Shahanshah, but I do not. Maybe 40,000? Or 50,000? I really can't tell. What I can tell is that we ought to prepare for them. I have a rough idea where they will strike."

Yazdegerd was surprised by this information. He didn't really know how could Bahman ever know this though, so he was reluctant to believe him.

"General Jaduya, why not call over Spahbed Rostam and Hazarbed Jalinus? That way we can discuss the location of the attack more properly."

"Great idea, my Shahanshah. I agree."

Yazdegerd had his servant bring Rostam and Jalinus right away, as well as ordering them to bring some wine and food, as he felt the upcoming discussion will be quite long and tedious.

The food and wine arrived before Rostam and Jalinus did, so Yazdegerd and Bahman could indulge themselves before starting any meaningful talk.

"Jalinus fought in that battle too, didn't he? How did he fare?" Yazdegerd asked this question very unexpectedly. Bahman was a bit surprised, but recovered quickly and answered appropriately.

"I had him take charge of the surprise attack. Breaching the dam, I mean. As you can see, by the result, he did very well. He's quite the commander. A talented one. One wouldn't think he hails from Armenia."

That intrigued Yazdegerd.

"Why so?"

"They are a cowardly bunch. Always hiding in their fortresses and walled cities deep in those mountains. Isn't that cowardly? As if they didn't want to fight on even grounds."

"Not every nation has the luxury of being granted fertile soil and large territory. They just work with what they have. Tell me, do you think Daylamites are cowardly? Just because they use their mountains to their advantage?"

"Of course not. Their mercenaries are renowned far and wide and their accomplishments on the field of battle are numerous. They are anything but cowardly."

"Yet you think Armenians, who once held a great empire from Caspian to Mediterranean sea are?"

Bahman's expression changed, as if he saw the error in his own ways.

"One can't really judge a whole nation based on individuals. Being an Emperor of all Iranians has taught me many things, this being one of them."

"I disagree, my Shahanshah. Some nations are nothing but barbarians. What about Khazars or G?ktürks? They have only pillaged our and our neighbours land. Never have they shown just a bit of mercy towards those they killed. Not to the women, children or elderly. No mercy whatsoever. And you try to tell me that I can't judge them based on that?"

"Perhaps some people have cruelty and barbarism deeply rooted in them, as if it was their religion. But I still believe that somewhere, there are Khazars and G?ktürks that disagree with the cruelty they are taught to endorse."

"Perhaps. But until someone like that appears, I will continue to view them with disdain."

"And there is nothing wrong with that. Anyway, I feel like we've diverted from the topic. So you say Jalinus would make a great general?"

"I said good commander. But yes, I feel like he has potential. If guided well, I think he'll become someone great."

"I think so too. After all, that's why I sent him with you. I felt like he had the potential."

"You thought he had a potential? How am I supposed to understand that, my Shahanshah?"

"I am not sure how to explain it. I just read people well. Maybe a bit too well. For example, I see that you still don't trust me as you should, general."

Bahman was taken aback by that words. It was true he still didn't hold his Shahanshah in high regard, but he never said it outright. Did the small child he was facing see right through him?

"It's allright, general. I can understand why you feel that way. After all, respect isn't something that is granted just like that. It should be won, and the ruler should be one to prove he is worthy of his subject's respect."

Just as he finished saying that, knocking on the door could be heard.

"My Shahanshah, may he be immortal, Rostam Farrukhzad and Jalinus have arrived."

Yazdegerd looked on the door with a stern expression.

"It seems our pleasant talk has come to an end, general. Now we have to go back to our unpleasant responsibilities."

Bahman just sighed and shook his head as Yazdegerd welcomed Rostam and Jalinus.

---

"I believe the attack will lead across the Euphrates, through enemy occupied Hira. They will probably move along the river, capturing as many fortresses and towns they can. They will surely not try to cross Tigris. That would be suicidal."

Bahman, who recovered from the shock fairly quickly was explaining his plan of defense against the Arab.

"You say that, general, but what is your plan? You still haven't told us what you plan to do."

"Please, be a bit patient, dear Spahbed. I believe our best move would be to cross Tigris and wait for them close to Hira. And I have found a perfect spot. Quadisiyyah – a small village near an old castle. Very defensible and it would be easy to chase Arabs should they refuse to take the fight."

"It sounds like a good plan, general, but what do you plan to do in case Arabs won't fight?"

"Spahbed, do you also plan for the case your enemies won't fight?"

Rostam chuckled. "No, I don't."

"What about you, Jalinus? Do you have anything to say?"

"I do not, general. I believe we should go along with your plan."

"My Shahanshah, may he be immortal, your thoughts on this?"

"Let us not waste any time, general. I say we should begin with preparations. The plan sounds good. Rostam, go and prepare the soldiers. General, go ahead and devise some sort of strategy you would use for the battle – after all, you are one of the few ones who fought with them. And take Andarzaghar with you, he fought with them too, after all. Jalinus, prepare my pushtigban for escort – I am going too."

"My Shahanshah, are you sure? Battlefield is dangerous place. You never know what might happen."

"I trust my pushtigban to keep me save. And, after all, I can't be absent when my people fight and bleed in what will most likely be the most important battle of this war. It is my war, too. And I intend to fight it."

"As you wish, my Shahanshah."

It was year 636. Yazdegerd was barely older than 12, but he already had one of his greatest challenges right in front of him. And he had to overcome it.