Arslan Senki

Book 4: Chapter 1 (3)

"We seem to have a need for strange and ingenious schemes quite often."

Spreading more than ten maps on the floor, Narsus, who was sitting cross-legged, murmured to himself. Daryun sat opposite him, looking at the maps just the same.

Has the invasion of the Lusitanians turned the page for the history of Pars? Or will it just be a mere sentence? Perhaps they would know within the year. The defeat at the Battle of Atropatene and the fall of the royal capital, Ecbatana, was certainly a tragedy, but there were several ways to make up for this loss. Narsus was already considering what kind of state to build on the land of Pars after driving the Lusitanians out.

During the expedition to Sindhura, he had left a hundred or so men inside the borders of Pars with the task of drawing detailed maps. Several men were assigned to survey each road, and then each of the reports were summarized. That was how thoughtful Narsus' thinking was.

"No matter how big the country is, you can see everything with a map."

Narsus had said this to Arslan. Narsus' strategy and warfare methods seemed miraculous, but in fact it was still based on accurate perception and judgment of the situation. To do this, it was necessary to know the situation at home and abroad and to continuously collect intelligence. With a map, Narsus' mind could paint a distinct picture of the landscape.

"But it must be illegible if he drew it himself, right? His hands are not as nimble as his mind!"

Daryun had said. Nevertheless, he quickly made use of the map in determining how to maneuver his troops. Ambush these troops here, follow this road around behind the enemy, etc.

"Cracks cannot be created in a rock. As soon as cracks are created, it will all begin to crumble."

Narsus advised the crown prince in this way. In short, those who had been with Arslan since the beginning, and those who had recently joined the camp, could not fight against the Lusitanian army if they began to quarrel with each other. This problem had become more obvious since the incident of Jaswant and Zaravant.

"Narsus has a point. The other day, Jaswant and Zaravant almost drew their swords on each other. What should be done to keep the new arrivals from becoming disgruntled?"

"How about appointing a new Satryup? The current one is far too young and isnt taken seriously."

Arslan's eyes widened, and then he laughed out loud. Wasn't the current Satryup Narsus himself?

"Then, who does Narsus think would be a suitable replacement? Let me hear your opinion!"

"Please forgive me. I think that Lucian is qualified for this position. He is older, and he is extremely thoughtful and considerate, not to mention very well-liked among the shardaran."

"Does Narsus think this is good?"

"I think it is the best way."

"Then, Ill do as Narsus said!"

So, Narsus "stepped down" from his position as the Satryup after only half a month. His new position was that of Fossat. The Fossat was the head of military orders and administration directly under Crown Prince Arslan, in other words, the work of the military advisor. In terms of status, of course, he was not as important as the Satryup, but there was no other position on the battlefield that was more important than that of a military advisor.

For Narsus, status was not important at all. However, because of the need for authority to mobilize troops, formulate strategies, and exercise tactics, he assumed the post of Fossat. However, even so, he was always ready to give up his position if someone else asked for it. For Narsuss most desired position was that of court painter.

The position of the court painter required not just skill, but prestige. A certain degree of age, status, experience and popularity. Narsus had a reputation within Pars as a man of wisdom and strategy, but because he had seen the court of Andragoras, there was no shortage of people who were jealous of him among the old nobles.

It would not be good if the Satryup who integrated the two camps inspired jealousy in his comrades. It would be best if Narsus had not been in the position from the very beginning, but sometimes it is necessary to make a show of giving something up.

When the military troops began to organize, men like Gieve, who rode around on "horses of wind" and "saddles of clouds", didnt really fit in. The expedition to Sindhura proved that he was a man of great talent, but given his temperament, giving or taking orders was something he could not stand. If it was Prince Arslan or the tactician Narsus himself who gave the order, he would have been more inclined to listen.

"I am of much more use to His Highness the Crown Prince than you are. Those who show up late should not act so high and mighty!"

Gieve had such thoughts. However, he could not help but be surprised at himself when he realized that he was in such a mood. He felt a slight sense of wonder that he, who was accustomed to freedom and did not follow any ruler, and considered the wind and sky as his friends, was now spending his life as someone's subordinate.

With a shrug of one shoulder, Gieve went to the terrace outside his room and played the oud. When the beautiful melody flowed out like a dream, even the impetuous soldiers could not help but listen.

The first person to say the name "Arslan the Liberator" was Gieve. This young man, who had both a beautiful appearance and difficult personality, had a strong personal affection and interest in Arslan. However, if he was expected to stay, he did not want to become entangled in annoying interpersonal troubles.

Farangis, who showed more concern for Arslan than Gieve, showed her relaxed attitude by saying "I can accept any kind of change in circumstances". Alfreed pestered Narsus, fought with Elam, and sometimes practiced archery with Farangis. Everyone had their own ideas in mind, while preparing for the approaching day of recapturing the capital. The newcomers, Isfan and Zaravant, also practiced their swordplay and trained their horses, waiting for the day when they would ride into battle.

Although Lucian, who had just obtained the position of Satryup, did not join Arslan only for the position, he was very happy to be so highly praised. Of course, he had a high opinion of both Arslan and Narsus. Therefore, he was also actively involved in the integration of Arslan's camp. No one would have any objection if Lucian was to mediate between the shardaran.

Narsus' personnel management proved to be very successful. Since Lucian had solidly integrated the soldiers, Narsus was able to focus all his wisdom on the battle plan against Lusitania. On one occasion, he invited Gieve to his room to discuss some matters together. And when the discussion came to an end, Gieve was walking down the corridor with a cheerful expression on his face.

    While the formation of Prince Arslans army in the fortress of Peshawar was under way, some changes began to take place in other areas of Pars as well.