Last King of Kings

Chapter 39: Gears are in motion

Rostam arrived back to Ctesiphon, his army accompanied by a parade the city didn't see for a long time. The Persian army didn't achieve such stunning victory for a long time now, even if they just crushed a rebellion. While the western army bled against Arabs, the one in the east celebrated its victory in the newly "liberated" Herat. Rostam did keep his promises and issued an order to punish every soldier that tries to use his influence for looting or rape. Soldiers were, instead of the right of pillage, awarded with a celebration in the whole city with wine being free to drink for every soldier in Rostam's army. The governor of Herat, the one who negotiated the surrender, was taken into custody for interrogation, were he in any way collaborating with Endarghar. Rostam left this to his subordinates, but as far as he knew, he was later released.

Rostam and his army were welcomed in the city as grand victors. Of course, it was Yazdegerd that ordered the parade to be prepared as a means to elevate the morale of the army and the city. People were still not very trusting towards their young Shahanshah, and the defeats of the Persian army didn't help. So this was the best he could do, for now, as the situation would quickly change. With the Rostam returning back victorious, Yazdegerd finally gathered enough power and influence to take control of the country as a whole. He would gain control over the Khorasan rather quickly and he held considerable power in the rest of the country. It was finally time for him to take control over religion by installing the kid, supposed Zoroaster's reincarnate as the head of the religion. At this point, no one would have the power to stop him.

Yazdegerd had Farrukhzad be called to him. He also called Jalinus, with whom he didn't speak since he sent him to Ctesiphon. With the Arabs fed for some time, turning their attention to Roman Syria, Yazdegerd had the opportunity he never had before. The unruly clergymen in Persia would finally cease to be independent from the state. He also called Bashir, who was meant to act as an advisor of sorts for the Zoroaster's reincarnate. The act is very important, as the only thing he would have to do is to act according to his Shahanshah's, or Yazdegerd's wishes.

Farrukhzad met Bashir in front of their Shahanshah's office, both aware what the content of the discussion they'll partake in will be. Farrukhzad smiled on Bashir, who responded with a slight nod. He wasn't in a mood for something like that. Farrukhzad noticed that and his face suddenly turned more serious.

"It seems it's time." said Farrukhzad, his face turning into a slight grin.

"That it is." responded Bashir with a serious expression.

Farrukhzad then opened the door.

Yazdegerd welcomed them with a smile on his face and with wine on the table. They knelt down, greeted their Shahanshah, stood up and sat down. Just by looking at their faces, you could tell they were nervous. The solid, steel expression, as if abandoned and left by time. They both looked at their Shahanshah, with exactly that expression. It was time for him to change expressions. He stood up, so he wouldn't have to look up to see their faces. Both Farrukhzad and Bashir were becoming more and more relaxed.

"Bashir, how is the child? Is he alright? Does he show any signs of... well, anything?"

It was quite ironic for Yazdegerd to be talking about the reincarnate as a "child," while being a child himself.

"My Shahanshah, he's doing good. I feel he's getting grasp of the written language. He's always pointing at thing, wanting to know how they're written."

Yazdegerd forgot the reincarnate was mute. It was a waste, really. To be born under such divine circumstances, only to not be able to speak. But perhaps your voice was the price you had to pay for divinity.

"That's good to hear. Do you think you'll be able to assist him with any positions I may or may not bestow upon him?"

This was the type of questions that you don't refuse. So it was more of an order placed like a question. Everyone knew what Yazdegerd was getting at, but never stated it explicitly.

"Of course I will be able to. I'll be glad to, my Shahanshah."

Yazdegerd smiled upon his answer and turned around. Farrukhzad was still there, sitting down, wanting to know what is his purpose in the discussion. Suddenly, someone knocked on the door. Bashir and Farrukhzad were a bit anxious, but Yazdegerd was relaxed. He knew who it was.

"Jalinus, come in."

Jalinus entered, also with a steel expression. He then knelt down.

"My Shahanshah, may he be immortal."

"Stand up."

Yazdegerd gestured for him to stand up, only for him to sit down a few moments later. Yazdegerd was still standing up when he talked to the three men.

"Gentlemen, I will be blunt. I need every one of you to assist me in this matter. As you surely know, the only men standing in my way are the greedy clergymen, opposing any attempt at centralizing my power and my country. My empire."

The men looked at him, fully knowing what he plans.

"Bashir, please, continue educating the child, teach him to write and to comprehend the concept of religion."

Bashir slightly nodded, without changing his expression.

"Farrukhzad, write down the names of all clergymen that showed any disobedience against me, together with the temples they serve in."

Farrukhzad sighed slighty, not knowing what he exactly expected.

"Lastly, Jalinus, my hazarbed, detach a group of pushtigban, my guards, and have them guard the reincarnate. He may be targeted."

Jalinus knelt down with a nod. The room fell silent after that. So silent one would say you could hear heartbeat of others. They all then left, only Yazdegerd remaining. It was a strange relationship they had. Something between vassals and comrades. He couldn't quite come up with a suitable word. The wine was left untouched, so he might as well drink it all. It was no coming back now. He said that before, but he only truly felt it now.