Sons Of Tashbaan

Copperfox said:
The part several posts back, about rebuking a soldier for undisciplined action and refusing him credit for first blood, reminds me of something. I seem to recall reading once that there was an ancient Roman or Greek general who had forbidden his men to conduct individual duels on the battlefield...and that this man executed HIS OWN SON for having fought an unauthorized single combat.
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Thanks Copperfox,
I've never encountered that before, although I do occasionally enjoy a bit of ancient Greek or Roman literature. I'm fond of ancient history in particular and I'm a member of the UK classical association (by default I might add, as I've never studied the languages).
One of the grand dames of our club once asked me "Are you one of those fake classicists then?"
To which I replied that if I ever reach that level, I will be satisfied.:)
 
They left the wagon and spare horses with the soldiers and carefully negotiated their way down the rocky track. The Tarkaans lead their horses; two positioned behind the boy and Radeesh behind the ladies.

It was slow going but the trees afforded some shade and their roots some hold on the dusty ground. After about an hour the group halted. The shepherd boy was pointing across a ravine. On the far side it was possible to see sunlight reflecting off the armour of soldiers concealed in the undergrowth. They would have been quite invisible from the road.
“There are some others on the other side of the road too Sirs, but you can’t see them from here” the boy said.

The lady called Rosa turned to Radeesh and spoke. “What is the name of the general under whose command you are placed”?

“General Kan-Katil my lady”.

“Oh I see! But you are...” she stopped herself and spoke quietly with her friend for a while, who finally nodded in agreement.
“Then it is a good job we warned you about the barbarians we believed to be on the road ahead of us. Most fortunate you found this alternative route down and most unfortunate we saw your poor soldiers killed, wouldn’t you say?”

Radeesh was speechless. To underestimate the mind of a Calormen noble woman was a mistake only a fool could afford to make.

“But can we trust them?” Aref asked his friends some time later as they paused to rest. It was the afternoon and they were almost at the road south of the village.

“I hope so” the archer replied. “They could serve us up if they wished but I don’t have the feeling they will.”

There had been something in the girl’s eyes that had told him she would not betray them.

They bade farewell to the boy, as they reached the road. He promised to say nothing to the soldiers and sped off, lamb still under his arm, towards the village. After twenty minutes the party reached the main road and were just about to turn east, to follow the direction the army would have taken, when some movement along the road in the opposite direction caught their eye.

“Cavalry, lots of them. Calormen”. Danush said thoughtfully. “They’ve already seen us. If it’s some of Katil’s men looking for us, we’re finished”.

“I doubt it” replied Aref with a look of suspicion on his face. “There are too many Cavalry and besides, aren’t there a couple of chariots at the front!”

“That’s very unusual” Radeesh mused. “Chariots are hardly ever used in any military divisions, mainly just for races and sport. It’s certainly something the general didn’t have in his army”.

The thunderous column came to a halt alongside the small party. The leading chariot contained a man of high rank in full war gear and the banner that flew above his chariot was unmistakably of the blue, as were the pendants of his Tarkaans and cavalry.

“Hail soldiers!” He boomed “What news?”

“Hail Consul!” Replied Danush. “We have rescued these maidens from the clutch of the barbarian and are making our way back to General Kan-Katil’s units”.

“By Tash, If it’s not young Danush!” The man roared. “What in the name of all that is good are you doing in that general’s army?”

“It’s a long story my uncle and one I will gladly tell you, if we may ride with you.”

“Of course my boys. We don’t have spare horses for your ladies but I’m sure you can look after them.”

Aref helped the one called Iris up onto his horse. Radeesh courteously offered Rosa a place before him in the saddle. As they rode along Danush kept pace with the chariot exchanging information with the leader, who clearly knew him from somewhere.

To be continued.
 
Radeesh had to hold the reins in one hand and place an arm around the waist of the girl in front of him. A faint scent of rose oil was upon strands of her hair as they lightly drifted back into his face. He had expected the girl to be embarrassed at the situation but she did not seem to be. She held one arm upon the one he’d placed around her and he could feel the warmth of her arm upon his.

His heart pounded. He had never known the feelings which now coursed through him. He would have held her there for ever, if he could, and she in turn softly relaxed upon his chest.

Then Danush was alongside them.

“Apparently, we’re not too late for the battle my friend. They have Kan-Katil’s army in check-mate and this is the best of it Radi. They have informed him that unless they get free passage out of Calormen territory, two Tarkheenas of high birth they have as hostages will be slain. No prizes for guessing who they are then.”

“Who is the man?”

“He’s a consul and this is his province. My family know him and I’ve spent time on his estate. It’s Consul Atarxa - a blue to his bones. We couldn’t have landed on our feet better than this Radi. The man is absolutely first rate - a bit eccentric but he’s here with his units to stick his nose in where it most certainly will not be wanted”.

He laughed as he moved away to take the news to Aref.

As twilight broke, Kan-Katil’s camp came into view. Some distance away, on high ground the camp fires of the barbarian army were visible.

The sentries made way for the chariots and riders as they passed through.

The girl stroked his arm and turned a little to him.

“I thank Tash I have met you my lord. Trust me, I will never betray you. I understand the danger you are in”.

Then they came to a halt. Before them stood General Kan-Katil and his deputy, the Tarkaan Aceed Jakeel. The consul dismounted and spoke to the general.

“Dear general, it appears we have arrived in the nick of time. I have been informed of the plight of two maidens for whom you must unwillingly withhold your hand. That obstruction has now been removed.
I beg you to permit three bold Tarkaans, of your acquaintance, to present the self-same ladies the barbarians claim to have in their power”.

The face of the general was as hard as granite when he saw the three friends, his eyes burning with a dark fury but his smile was as perfect, as protocol would have required.

“Ahh yes, a blessing and a delight. Are they not as dear to me as sons. And sons who reward their father’s love thusly are truly blessed”.

Iris dismounted and said something to the general who bowed deeply before her. It was with seeming reluctance that Rosa released her grip on her Tarkaan’s hand, giving it one last imperceptible squeeze.

As she dismounted she walked over to Aceed, removing her veil. He looked satisfied.

“My sister”, he said “Thank Tash you are safe. After we found the villa so plundered I had grave misgivings”.

Radeesh was stunned, his mind in turmoil - his head spinning. He gripped the reigns of his horse tighter as the words of his dream returned to him.

“Then I will teach you to love the blood you hate Radi. You shall yearn for that which you despise.”

Now it was clear where he had seen those compelling amber eyes before.

To be continued.
 
Do you use the title "Consul" as a convenience, just to have something to call such officials, or do you intend the use of this title to suggest the Calormenes being more European-rooted in their origins than many of us are accustomed to envisioning them?
 
Good question and one I asked myself at the time. I think on reflection it's more a convenience as most readers would be able to relate to what it means.

Of course I could have invented a title or fished through the history of the middle east to garner something less European in tone but this may have meant nothing to a reader, as Lewis never (to my knowledge) mentioned Calormen titles of this kind.

On balance, I left it as it was but would be open to any suggestions.
 
The three friends were invited to dine with the consul in his improvised tent. It was basic but the consul ate with his men and was generous.

“Well gentlemen, it is with great pleasure I can inform you that you have rescued a lady of supreme importance. No less than the noble Laschivia Zilvahris, niece of the Grand Vizier and a favourite of the Tisroc himself - may he live for ever. So you can understand why the general was utterly unwilling to risk her life in an assault on the barbarians”.

Aref sighed and smiled. “That explains the lack of any outward affiliation to colour. I had wondered why I couldn’t tell”.

“Of course!” The consul retorted “All that kind of thing has to be dropped the closer a family comes to the very epicenter of the court. His highness and those closest to him rule a unified empire and impartiality is an absolute must. I know the lass and her parents. They have had a modest country villa within our province for several generations now, though they were originally greens for those in the know”.

“And the other girl?” Quizzed Radeesh, guessing which was which.

“Oh, her. The little sister of that Tarkaan. A friend of Laschivia I believe on some kind of visit. May be the one they’re lining up to marry Katil’s son”.

Radeesh dropped his head and felt the pain of despair and jealousy. The thought that this girl may be offered up to marry into this brute’s family.

“In any case gentlemen you will be required to present your report to the general this evening when we gather to council. Danush has agreed to be the spokesman but you two may also feel free to speak”.

The consul paused and fixed his gaze on Radeesh. With a slight smile he said. “So you must be the runaway archer who is causing a certain beautiful lady a few sleepless nights?”

Radeesh was astonished and unsure how to respond.

“Ha ha! Not to worry lad” bellowed the consul, who Radeesh found pleasant if not slightly mad. “The only reason I got to know about this little party was thanks to a hasty dispatch I received from Tashbaan, on your behalf I might add. This lot don’t want me joining in you know. They’ve got me now though haven’t they?”

At once it became clear. “My cousin?”

“Of course - a fine girl and as blue as they come. I’ve only met her twice but she remembered me and took the liberty of sending a message, explaining the situation and requesting me to find you. She’s a looker I’ll say. If I had my time again eh! A clever one too, what?
I’ll wager that if I hadn’t found you by now all three of you would be... lets just say... to be diplomatic... not of sound body or mind”.

Radeesh felt his face burning with embarrassment. Once again his beautiful elder cousin had rescued him and he knew it, but as a young man keen to demonstrate his independence, this was quite awkward news.

“Tash paise her” said Danush with just a hit of mockery in his voice.

“Indeed” reflected the general. “You are very lucky to have such a lady within your family Radeesh. Still, it goes without saying that all three of you will be given a place in my camp tonight”.

“He is luckier than he yet realises.” Added Aref.

A guard tapped Radeesh on the shoulder. “Excuse me Sir, there is a messenger outside who craves your audience”.

To be continued.
 
He was glad to have an excuse to leave the tent for a moment. With any luck the conversation would have moved on to topics other than his famed cousin. Outside stood a servant carrying a bag slung off his shoulder.

“Sir, my master bids me offer you a trade. It appears you both posses something which rightly belongs to the other”.

Radeesh was unsure what this meant or who the man in question was.

“A glove for a bow my lord Tarkaan?” Ventured the man producing Radi’s bow from the bag. Slowly the Tarkaan drew a glove out of a pouch he carried and handed it to the man who silently gave him the bow in return. The servant bowed and withdrew.

“You got your bow back then boy!” Boomed the consul as Radeesh re-entered the tent.

“Yes, it looks like the dual’s off. The servant took the glove back”.

“Well, I should darn well think so! You saved his sister’s hide didn’t you? The very least the weasel could do I’d say”.

It was just occurring to Radeesh that Danush must have also told the general about his predicament when the sound of horns rang out along the valley, echoing off the walls. It was at once alarming and spine-chilling.

Everyone jumped to their feet, apart from the consul who looked unconcerned. Surely the barbarians were not going to attack in the darkness? Outside there was the thunder of horse’s hoofs and Radish ran out of the tent. The scene was quite chaotic and bizarre.

Streaming past him and wheeling around the tent were a file of mounted archers bearing torches. A mighty chant arose from the camp AGARI, AGARI, AGARI! Radeesh was dumfounded and exhilarated at the sight. Like lightening pouring from the darkness the Agari streamed into the camp, horns blowing and torches whirling and spinning in the blackness.

“They’re here at last then”. The consul had sauntered out of the tent and stood next to the wonderstruck young man and the assembled crowd. “Don’t half make a fuss though don’t they? Well, we’ll be able to get down to business now”.

To be continued.
 
The two generals and the consul met in private for a short time, then others including the three friends were summoned to Kan-Katil’s pavilion.

Inside Radeesh could see a large crowd. On three raised seats in the middle, towards the back sat Kan-Katil flanked by the consul and another man Radeesh had not yet seen. It was clear he was the leader, although quite young, of the Agari, as his garb was that of a mounted archer. Unfortunately, from his livery it was clear that he was also a son of the green.

It would have been too much to hope, he mused, to expect a division of blue Agari. Obviously the general from the outset had only intended to include those he favoured in the battle. The consul’s arrival was doubtlessly an unpleasant turn of events for him. A justified payback from one he called a “hen that crows”.

“Gentlemen it is with great honour and with the manifold blessings of Tash himself that I am able to introduce two great warriors who have joined our enterprise”. Katil rose and gestured towards the consul. “The magnificent Consul Atarxa in whose province we find ourselves has brought with him three hundred cavalry. Seated to my left is the famous General Arkana-Godaan who has arrived with five hundred Agari.

I feel confident that we shall enjoy some easy sport in the morning, especially as we have now recovered our two dear hostages from the clutches of the fiend, who I believe are still unaware of that fact”.

There were further speeches. Radeesh later discovered that there had been a power struggle between Katil and Atarxa over who should have command. It had been settled on the advice of his friend Aref, who had advised Atarxa on a legal precedent. In this situation Atarxa was by rights the senior but he graciously declined to take supreme command and offered the compromise of joint leadership.

Needless to say, the ire of the general was stoked further by this young upstart and his friends who existed only to thwart him it seemed.

Radeesh was snapped out of his introverted mood by the summons to step forward and give an account of the rescue. The friends bowed before the three leaders and Danush proceeded. It was first rate oratory, of the pithy military kind, of which he was well skilled. A report which faithfully followed the suggestion given by the girl with the amber eyes. They could tell that Katil had already heard it before. If he had the suspicion that he had been stitched up, it didn’t show.

There was no challenge from him. The young men were relieved. The girls had kept their word.

“So we must thank these men for their heroism. In particular the archer here who gave hot pursuit to the wagon”. The general said with a magnanimous air.

Radeesh had been aware of the Agari watching him closely and with some curiosity, throughout the proceedings. As the general finished Radeesh spoke out. Falling on his knees he proclaimed.

“Oh my noble father, I cannot take any credit for the work of your hands. Had you not sagaciously commanded us to scour the ridge we would never have found the hostages. Your foresight and experience, your dedication to sound military strategy have yielded their just desserts. Tis you my father who henceforth must be known as the saviour of these ladies. We were but instruments of your will and no more”.

As he stood back the general nodded with an ice cold smile. Aref whispered in Radi’s ear “You’re learning fast my friend”.

To be continued.
 
Well, I hope you like the next bit:

As the council broke up Danush and Aref were left discussing matters with the consul. Radeesh was tired and not feeling particularly sociable. He felt a deep longing to be with the girl who had been in his arms that afternoon. He wasn’t sure whether he would ever get the opportunity to see her again. He didn’t even know her real name or whether she was betrothed to the general’s son. He walked out into the night towards the consul’s tent, his head hung low.

“Hail brother Agari” came a voice from behind him. He turned to see the leader of Agari who had carefully watched him in the tent with a companion he had not yet seen.

“Alas Sir, I am a mere Ann-Agari. I have no commission, although I am qualified”.

“I would be honoured if you would consent to be my guest for a while in my tent yonder”.

He hesitated. Then he noticed a strange thing. The high ranking Agari Tarkaan who was with the commander was wearing blue insignia.

“Yes, I would be honoured Sir”.

It was clear that the young general didn’t stand on ceremony. When the three of them were seated in his small, modest tent he introduced his companion. The man was called Javed Tarkaan and was a friend of his.

“So how did you come to be in Katil’s brigade?” He asked.
Radeesh told him of his vow to avenge his friend and how he came to join the general’s units.

“Then, it’s a miracle that man didn’t harm you”.

Radeesh was surprised by this remark, coming from one of the same colour as the general.

“I know what you’re thinking but we’re not all like him. Particularly amongst the Agari, we are all brothers in the bow. The colours serve us for competition but no more than that”.

He pointed to Radi’s quiver.

“What is that arrow you have there friend? It is clearly not one of yours”.

Radeesh had forgotten the barbarian arrow he’d picked up at the river. He handed it over and the young general turned it over in his hands, carefully inspecting it.

“It’s the sort the barbarians shoot. They use some kind of longbow which has a greater range than ours. I was told it was akin to those used in the northern lands”. Radeesh explained.

“Really? The quality is lousy. Look at the shaft, it isn’t exactly straight. It’s hefty alright but who told you that the Narnians make arrows like this?”

“A Tarkaan who serves with the general by name of Aceed Jakeel. He has been to those lands apparently”.

“Has he now?” The Agari laughed and turned to his friend who also chuckled. “Is that what he’s telling everyone, that he’s been to Narnia?”

“He said that he was part of some merchant expedition that went there several years ago”.

“Well, he certainly was... but due to his xenophobic attitude and tendency to pick fights, he was left to guard the supply base in the outer foothills of Archenland. We did not want to risk taking a trouble maker like that in with us. I didn’t realise he was here. There was no sign of him at the council”.

“So you know of this expedition Sir?”

“The mission of Jarlan Zosh! Yes, we were part of it. Javed here got as far as Anvard, then I’m afraid got distracted by a pretty girl, who he subsequently took home to meet his parents.” He nudged his friend with his elbow and grinned.

The companion shook his head “They still haven’t forgiven me. It has not been easy.”

“Seven of us were picked by Zosh to accompany him north to Cair Paravel in Narnia. I spent a very interesting fortnight there”.

“So the arrow is not from these lands”.

“No brother”. He reached into a pouch hung around his neck and produced a beautiful silver arrow head and handed it to Radeesh.

To be continued.
 
Did you get the idea for the Blue/Green rivalry from the rivalry between the Roman sports teams?
 
Glenburne said:
Did you get the idea for the Blue/Green rivalry from the rivalry between the Roman sports teams?
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Spot on dude :rolleyes: I was very influenced by late Byzantine / Ottoman history for the feel of it. In any society there's usually a rivalry of some kind which informs and sometimes distorts the actions of its people. I liked the way in which the colour rivalry in Byzantium spilled out from sports into the political arena. ;)
 
This is a very good story!Please post more,as the plot is gripping and you have a clear,descriptive style of writing.My compliments.:)
 
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Well, thank you. I'm glad you're enjoying it. The next bit:
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“It’s exquisite. I’ve never seen anything like it before”.

“You never will either. It’s not of human manufacture. I was given a dozen of them by a dwarf. Look at the inscription - some kind of charm. I’ve never mounted any of them on shafts”.

“So it is true what they say about the beings in those lands?”

“Some of it at least. The dwarves are short humanoids about the size of a boy but as strong and stocky as any human adult. Usually bearded. Then there are centaurs; with the body of a horse and....” The Agari looked into the face of Radeesh and saw it full of astonishment.

“Forgive me, if what I say seems unbelievable. If you haven’t seen such things for yourself, I won’t trouble you with it further”. He handed the barbarian arrow back to Radeesh.

“I have seen such beings my general but I have scarce told anyone about it for fear of derision or worse. For many years I have suspected that I laboured under some evil hallucination”.

The two watched him closely, then Javed spoke.

“The mission of Jarlan Zosh was the last diplomatic contact we have had with these lands brother. The recent powers that be have since decreed it wiser to suspend direct relations. How is it possible you have seen these people?”

Radeesh breathed deeply, there was no retracting now. He felt he could trust the two men. He carefully recounted how he and four companions had sailed out into the great ocean and had been blown off course. How he had swam to an island north of the great peninsular and there in a glade had seen things for which he had no explanation.

Fantastic beings and maidens with shining hair like fire or sun. Of how he ran from that place when he saw trees come alive and how he had kept this secret like a burden all these years.

“The musicians you saw were, I think, Fauns. The short men dwarves. The others are woodland beings and talking animals. And yes, the humans there, though few in number do look as you describe them. It was doubtlessly a sacred gathering in an ancient grove in honour of their deity who takes the form of a lion”.

Radeesh started and looked in surprise.

“Did you see the lion?”

“No but I... No I didn’t”.

“I never saw the trees dance when I was there, so you were fortunate friend. Please, keep the arrow head - it is a gift from one ‘Narnian’ to another” Godaan said with a smile. “They are the finest of people and the kindest. Never believe anyone who tells you otherwise. They are no threat to our nation. Our leaders fear the code by which they live a thousand times more than any army they could ever field”.

To be continued.
 
Javed looked thoughtful. “I remember hearing something about you five lads. Didn’t you get picked up by a merchant ship?”

“Yes, that is correct. Our best navigator, my dear friend was the one I mentioned earlier”.

“Why don’t you have a commission yet?” The commander asked.

“There have been no divisions of Agari near the capital for months. I have been told that there is a unit due back from the south under General Zratan that I should be able to join”.

At the mention of this name both men looked in surprise. “With respect to the man he is no Agari and his army is not part of our fellowship”.

“I don’t understand”.

“He has put together an army which comprises all units; infantry, cavalry, lancers and archers. It’s his great project; an ‘integrated military approach’. He is very popular with the young Tisroc - may he live for ever - but his ideas could spell the end of the Agari as we know it. It is said that when the retired Agari generals who served under the old Tisroc pass away, his son will roll the plan out across the empire.

The life we know will end. I do not think I could ever serve under such an arrangement. The Agari are the spearhead of the Calormen race. Before our people lived in cities, we rode and hunted from horse back. We owe everything we have become to that principle. We travel lightly and require no barracks. Need few supplies and gather what we need like hunters. I know every well and spring between here and the western mountains and can track an animal or man for days.

Of course, you must choose for yourself, but if you wish to learn of this and not serve as a side show, I invite you to join with us and take your commission with me at daybreak before the battle. As you see”, he motioned towards his friend “I do a good job of putting up with you blues”.

The young leader was fired with love and passion for his calling and Radeesh felt a powerful bond with him.

“I will gladly accept Sir. Thank you.”

He returned utterly exhausted to his tent. It had been the longest day of his life. His two friends roused from their sleep when he came in.
“Where have you been Radi?” “Hey, we thought you’d ran off with the Grand Vizier’s niece”.

He hardly heard them tell him that someone had delivered a package for him. Already half-unconscious he stuffed it into his kit bag and surrendered to sleep.

In the dead of night twenty ghostly soldiers melted back into Katil’s camp. None saw them but a few sentries who were under strict orders to ask no questions. One of the phantoms made its way to Katil’s pavilion.

To be continued.
 
Your latest installment scored major brownie points with me, for a simple reason: you used the verb "comprise" CORRECTLY!!!!!! Have you noticed how MANY writers misuse that word? They would say, "The army IS COMPRISED OF infantry, etc." Kudos to you, mighty Tarkaan of the English language!


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"Every liberal is in reaction against the previous form of liberalism."
-- Archbishop Fulton Sheen​
 
Copperfox said:
Kudos to you, mighty Tarkaan of the English language!
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Your humble servant Sir Fox.

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Although Tash is the main deity of the Calormen pantheon, the ancestral Lord of The Hunt and Lunar Goddess are also propitiated by the Agari. In the half-light of the cool morning a small flame flickered on an improvised altar, as the officers prayed for victory and Radeesh was formally initiated to the rank of Agari. He had said nothing of this, nor of his whereabouts the night before, to his friends, merely drifting over to the Agari camp after breakfast.

Now he took his place amongst the mounted warriors as they moved to their positions. He rode next to Javed who explained the battle plan to him. Ahead was the barbarian position. They were securely lodged on flat, raised ground a short distance in front of the steep wooded side of the valley. They had driven sharpened stakes into the ground around them to foil any cavalry assault and their archers stood poised behind a solid shield wall, secure in the knowledge that their bows would outdistance their rivals.

“An ideal place to fight from.” Said Radeesh.

“Used to be an old fort hundreds of years ago. This valley marked the boundary of the Calormen Empire in those days. Hard to believe eh? That high ground is all that’s left of it.
We’ve sent two hundred Agari, on foot, up the side of the valley wall. The elevation will allow them to get their arrows right into that group. There are a few hundred infantry positioned in front of them in case the barbarians flee in that direction.
One hundred Agari are concealed on the left and right flanks behind the trees and the curvature of the valley. They can be here in minutes if summoned. The remaining hundred are here to have some fun.”

“So, what will happen now?”

“In all probability the barbarian leader will first make his demands and then Katil will respond”.

Radeesh looked around the valley. Opposing the barbarian ranks were lines of infantry and cavalry. Two chariots appeared. He laughed with joy when he saw who was in them. One contained the Consul with Danush as his charioteer, the other Aref wielding a lance being driven by the Consul’s personal charioteer.

They waited patiently and Radeesh asked his neighbour a question.
“Did I understand correctly that you married a lady from Archenland?”

“Yes brother you did.”

“How did you get past the taboo?”

“I didn’t, I’ve had to fight it ever since. My parents disinherited me when I refused to send her away. They have refused to see their grand children and in all probability my boy will only ever be a Freeman, not a Tarkaan. My sister is the only one who secretly sees us when she can. We get by in a modest way which has its advantages in the current climate. If I had my time again though, I would still marry Helena but with hindsight I should never have returned. It’s just a choice you make. Why do you ask?”

“Oh no reason. I was just curious.”

“Look, they’re moving!”

From both sides a small party of people moved forward, about ten in each group. On the barbarian side the leader swaggered out in front of nine warriors, as if taking a stroll. On the Calormen side Radeesh could make out General Kan-Katil flanked by Consul Atarxa and General Arkana-Godaan. Behind them were a few Tarkaans, one of which appeared to be Aceed and behind them, eight soldiers carrying a covered litter upon their shoulders.

The barbarian leader stopped a few yards away from the Calormens. He appeared to be sniffing in the air. Radeesh was close enough to hear what was being proclaimed.

“Bad smell around here - someone’s been having garlic for breakfast.” The nine others laughed out loud.
“Ahh!” He shouted in mock horror “We have company, a few Calormens, I should have guessed!”

“Well, they are no doubt wondering how we came to be here. Shall we tell them men?”
“Yeah, Yeah, Yeah!” The response from behind.

To be continued.
 
“Mmm so. Well I took a little ride past that bridge of yours and took objection to a silly construction I saw and decided to remove it. Well blow me down if a little Tarkaan didn’t pop his greasy head up and stop one of my arrows with his belly.”

The mob behind him roared.

“He’s your man Radeesh”. Said Javed quietly. “If we can set up the kill, we’ll get you him I promise.”

“When nobody came across the river to see us, we decided to come to see you. Didn’t we men?”

“How much more of this drivel do we have to tolerate” Radi asked, fury burning within him.

“Patience brother. Let the buffoon gloat while he can. You’ll enjoy the next bit.”

The barbarian went on to pour scorn on the Tisroc, the prowess of the Calormens and gleefully recount with relish the heinous deeds his men had visited upon the defenceless population of the province.

“And as you are no doubt aware, we also have two young ladies in our power of very high status. Not right here of course, so don’t try looking, but we will free them for you when my army is back over the river with a hundred thousand gold crescents in their pockets. Oh, didn’t I mention we put the price up? You’ve kept us waiting around gentlemen.”

The barbarians pounded their shields and howled in scorn.

“Now general, who have you brought to do the fighting for you? A couple of your little friends and your nurse maid, in that ‘thing’ there, in case you soil yourself during battle.”

The uproar from the barbarian side was incredible. Yes, their leader had finished on a wonderful and humiliating note.

Kan-Katil stepped forward.

“I couldn’t hope to upstage such an eloquent speech dear barbarian, one which so clearly demonstrates your intellect.
Your army is surrounded and outnumbered so it only remains for me to offer you the choice my custom demands. Either you lay down all your weapons and surrender to toil as slaves for the rest of your wretched lives in the mines of the mighty Tisroc - may he live forever, or you fight to the death.

I trust you will choose the latter, as I’m sure your worthless creed assures you of some heavenly reward should you fall in combat. Don’t disgrace yourselves by surrendering.”

He turned away as if finished, then paused.

“Forgive me, you asked about the occupants of our litter here. Move the curtains back men and let him have a good look. I introduce the Tarkheenas Laschivia Zilvahris, niece of the Grand Vizier and Kara Ravinka Jakeel, sister of my most trusted deputy.”

Radeesh could see neither girl from where he stood but the effect on the barbarian leader was devastating. His face dropped in complete astonishment.

Radi now knew the name of the girl his heart yearned for, Kara Ravinka Jakeel. Kara Ravinka, an unusual name by Calormen standards.

To be continued.
 
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