Last King of Kings

Chapter 56: Prelude to the battle

"Are you sure it's here, general? Our scouts don't report any enemy sightings, even several kilometres from us."

"This is our only hope of finding them, commander Jalinus. Or do you know of some better way to lure the Arabs out?"

Jalinus looked into the scorching sun, his palm hiding his eyes from being the clear target of the sunshine. They sat on a small hill overlooking the Euphrates river, looking far into the distance on the other shore. It was in a place where the river narrowed itself into a passable crossing, while a few kilometres to the right was a small bridge that looked like it wasn't maintained very much, while it also wasn't meant for crossing armies.

"What about the plan? Do you know what to do, commander?"

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"Yes, I think I'll be alright. But do you really believe I should be tasked with such a responsibility? I mean, leading the whole left flank seems to be a bit too much, at least for someone as inexperienced as me."

"Don't worry that much. I wouldn't give you such a responsibility if I didn't believe you. General Rostam also seems to believe in you, which only furthers my point."

Jalinus was confused a bit. To him, it looked more like Rostam was trying to get rid of him.

"General Rostam? He and believing in me?"

"Does it not look like it to you?"

"Certainly not."

"Well, he can be a bit indirect with what he thinks. But the fact that he put you under me means he truly believes you'll make a good commander. I think he's just scared that you'll someday grow to be better than him and that you'll replace him. But, and I mean no offense to you, Rostam just lacks confidence. I don't think you'll ever outgrow him. Again, no offense, but skilled commanders like him are born only few times per hundred years. And most of them either don't become commanders or they die before they could prove themselves. Or, in Rostam's case, you actually make use of your skill."

Bahman again thought of what Rostam told him before he departed. "If Jalinus returns to the like of his defeat, then cut off his head." Yes, it was clear. Rostam clearly knew of this young man's potential.

Below them, along the bank of the river, dragging behind them along the foothill laid the camp of the Persian army. Fortified and supplied, ready to start fighting at practically any time. The small hill Jalinus and Bahman sat on was made into a provisory watchtower that served, well, as a watchtower. The sun glowed right in their eyes as it was setting down. Fair and not strong, but still energetic and warm ray of light fell on their faces, tickling them and their eyes. It would be a perfect spot to ambush them, with the sun facing them in the eyes. But not possible, for that would need the enemy army to cross the river, which was practically impossible, since Persians held control over the crossing. Jalinus heard an elephant roar somewhere behind him, down under the hill. They had few with them – ten at least – to use in the upcoming battle. Should scare the enemy soldiers, and if not soldiers, then horses at least. They had to cover their eyes, at least partially, for Arab archers could target them from the back.

When the night came, Jalinus couldn't sleep. He was staying on the hill, restless, waiting for scouts to bring any good news. When he was freezing, he went inside the watchtower, where a small fire was lighted, then he warmed up and was on the lookout again. He repeated this several times during the night, until a soldier who stood guard at that hour convinced him to go and get some sleep. After, he entered his tent, it was as if his legs gave out and he fell, barely clinging to his bed. Next thing he knew was the tender and warm darkness of sleep that engulfed him.

When the morning came, Jalinus was still asleep. Although most of the camp woke up already. Soldiers were preparing themselves breakfast, while the higher ranking officers had their breakfast served by servants. Common breakfast consisted of dairy products that were brought by supply wagons early in the morning from the surrounding towns and villages, but also dates, which were well-suited to be a part of an army's menu, because it could endure for a long time without rotting. And, if Ahura Mazda wished them well, some of them was able to catch a rabbit or kill a bird with a stone. Or sometimes both. If that happened, he and his group of friends were able to eat some delicious meat. Lot of soldiers went fishing, too, since there was a huge river right next to them. But they had to do so early in the morning, before anyone was awake, and come back around the time everyone was waking up, to be able to cook the fish well and still fulfil their responsibilities that came after the breakfast.

Officers had it better. Not only was meat on their daily menu, they also had access to high quality wine. The quality of the dairy products and their diversity also couldn't compare to what soldiers were offered. For example, milk with honey was something a soldier could only dream of. But not many of the soldiers cared. At least not right now, with the fall of their homeland so real, so close to them.

Jalinus woke up to the sound of the camp, which came alive a few hours before. His stomach grumbled from hunger, but that didn't stop him from climbing up on the watchtower again. He even ordered a random servant to have his breakfast brought there. As he climbed up on the hill, he noticed general Bahman Jaduya was already there. He seemed concerned somehow, but Jalinus couldn't think of any reason why would he be. Bahman spotted him as he was approaching the summit and waved his hand on him, as if inviting him. Jalinus slowly walked towards him, still thinking what could have happened.

"Good morning, commander. Slept well?" asked Bahman with a smile some would call mischievous. Jalinus' cheeks turned a bit red.

"Very well." answered Jalinus. "What happened? You seem to be concerned."

"Ah yes, well... the scout party we sent out yesterday still hasn't returned. They were supposed to scout for the enemy army."

"What do you think happened to them?" asked Jalinus, fearing he already knows the answer.

"I think we'll soon find out ourselves." answered Bahman while turning around to face the sound of the war horn coming from the other side of the river.