Last King of Kings

Chapter 54: To trust or not trust

"What do you think, Rostam?" asked Yazdegerd when they left the room where they held Usama. He was conflicted. He didn't know what to think of Usama's information, whether it was useful or whether it was completely useless. But Usama looked very confident, both about the information itself, but also when he was telling it. Nevertheless, Yazdegerd didn't have enough knowledge and experience to be the judge. So he was asking Rostam.

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"My Shahanshah, I believe we can make something from this much knowledge. If they really mean to attack across the Euphrates in a shallow passage with a bridge nearby, we can work with that terrain. And with such specific information about the place given, I'd say we can pinpoint the probable location in a few days at most. But, my Shahanshah, I don't mean to disagree with you, but do you think it is wise to trust that man?"

"Rostam, at what point has my rule been wise? It was always risk after risk, with some failures mixed in. At not point have I ruled "wisely." No, I don't think it is wise. But if trusting him is stupid, then not trusting him is idiotic."

Rostam sighed a bit. He started to get used to this. "As you wish my Shahanshah. How should I proceed then? Should I-"

"Gather the army and make the necessary preparations. I'll leave it to you. But one thing – I want Jalinus to be one of the commanders in the army. Can you grant me that wish?"

Rostam was dumbfounded. He couldn't comprehend what exactly was his Shahanshah saying. He wanted Jalinus – hazarbed, captain of darigan and pushtigban – to lead and command in what will most likely be a bloody and cruel battle. And that were only facts. Rostam didn't even count his personal dislike of Jalinus, but even without considering his feelings he was strongly against such an idea. Hazarbed should stay by his Shahanshah's side. That is a fact based on which Rostam made up his mind. But to outright refuse request from his own Shahanshah – that would be outrageous.

"My Shahanshah, if I may – while I believe there is something to your request – don't you also think that hazarbed, captain of your own personal guards should stay by your side in every situation? I don't think it is a good idea to outright send him to the frontlines, not talking about his fighting and commanding experience."

Yazdegerd wanted to sigh, but that would just look like disrespecting Rostam, who Yazdegerd actually held in high regard. Rostam had some flaws, like this way-too conservative approach to things. Old ways should remain only if new ways don't benefit as much as the old ones. But other than that and few other flaws, like dislike of anything foreign, Rostam was a capable leader, perhaps, along with Bahman Jaduya the only one that could challenge Khalid ibn al-Walid in a battle and win. His prowess in battle both as a fighter and as a commander couldn't be understated.

And Yazdegerd knew that. He knew very much how good Rostam is in what he does. He understands even most advanced concepts of warfare and know how to work with them. He is aware of his position, not only on the battlefield, but also in society. You could say that he has mastered Persian military tactics. But despite the effectiveness of these tactics and strategies against a highly-armoured and heavy enemy, like Romans, these tactics, utilizing mainly heavily-armoured cavalry were certainly lacking against a quick and swift enemy, like Arab light horsemen and infantry were.

And that was the issue. Even though Rostam knew how and why were Persians defeated by Arabs every single time – by being outmanoeuvred – he would most likely refuse any changes, due to his conservative nature, and would lead the Persian army into a slaughter. And even if he won, which was still highly probable, the victory would most likely be a Pyrrhic one. If Rostam was the one who would lead Persian army to the battle, it was needed to send someone with him. Someone, whose influence would be enough to make Rostam at least consider changing some tactics to suit the tide of battle.

And Jalinus was a perfect "someone." Although Rostam didn't have many positive emotions for him, he still respected him as a capable hazarbed and a responsible man. And so, with some luck, he would be able to influence Rostam's decision-making and to help with the war effort, possibly being the key in winning the battle. Yazdegerd knew he needed him to be there, and was determined to do not anything, but surely a lot of things to make his request go through.

"I want Jalinus to experience how battles are. You surely know what I am talking about. He needs to see that although being just is noble, not always can situation be resolved justly. Not always does truth prevail, and not always does good win."

Of course, Yazdegerd didn't say to Rostam that he wanted to ensure the battle is won, but what he told him wasn't a lie, either. Jalinus was too fixated on being just, honest and, in a sense, noble. And all of these traits were befitting of a hazarbed – when it came to representation and interaction with the guards, at least. But when it came to the darker side of the job, Jalinus was hesitant. He was too just to torture any suspect. Too honest to lie to anyone, and too noble to participate in any scheme. And it wasn't as if he only didn't want to do the torturing himself – he didn't let anyone do it. And, while it surely was noble, he barely got anything out of any suspect.

But Yazdegerd didn't want him to lose these traits – after all, it were exactly these characteristics that made him so loyal and dependable subject. But for Jalinus to be able to execute his office properly, he had to harden a bit. He had to be able to enclose his just and honest nature in a box, at least temporarily, to deal with any moral crisis he may encounter without emotions blinding his rational decision-making. And battles, after all, change men.