Last King of Kings

Chapter 75: To brave the unknown

After Yazdegerd left, Rostam didn't even finish the wine that was left in his cup, and left too, in search of a certain person. After the victory against the Arabs, the land was slowly returning to peace. He heard from Farrukhzad that they are expecting the biggest harvest in a while. Towns were starting to be prosperous, trade flourished, and craft was on the rise. Markets were full of daily produce from the farms, fisheries, blacksmiths, carpenters, woodworkers and numerous other.

But not everything was so positive. The war took its toll not only on the land, but also on the people. Many men didn't return from the war. Many women were now widows, and many a child without a father. People were also furious, and persecutions of Muslims rapidly rose. Thankfully, the guards prevented any pogroms happening, but many merchants refused to sell to Muslims, or only at an increased price. Yazdegerd definitely knew about this, but Rostam decided not to discuss it with him today. He felt like the boy had enough on his plate as it is.

As he was touring the corridors, he reached the main entrance, through which he got into a courtyard, where the person of interest was already waiting. Sitting on a bench under a tree, looking on a beautiful fountain with statues made of sculpted marble. He wore a linen tunic with a head wrap to protect him from the blazing sun. He had his sabre at his hip. His face bearing a magnificent beard to show off his importance.

Rostam approached him, he himself wearing a linen tunic with silk robe on top. His beard no less magnificent, his sturdy leather boots made a distinct stepping sound as he approached.

The man noticed him and stood up.

"Piruz, good to see you. What a heat today, huh?"

"I feel like I was in a Fire Temple, enveloped by eternal fires all around me, Rostam. It's horrible. Anyway, how do you fare?"

"Well enough, should I say so. But I believe we have a matter at hand that we should discuss, don't we?"

Piruz laughed. "Ha, you always skip right to formalities. Why not enjoy yourself a bit?"

"I would if I could, Piruz, but this, this is something of tremendous importance. We have to take it seriously."

Piruz' smile faded and his face became stern and solid. He then looked straight on Rostam.

"Of course we have, my friend. Of course. But let us take it perhaps somewhere more out of sight. Don't want to be overheard by a wrong person."

Rostam nodded and then, after Piruz stood up from the bench, they were on their way into Piruz' chambers. Along the way, they talked.

"So, what are you doing these days, Rostam? What job might spahbed have in times of peace?"

"The same as general. I inspect the troops, I search for any possible threats and I also train soldiers and sometimes recruits. That and a lot of paperwork."

"You can read Rostam?" asked Piruz, laughing. Rostam laughed too.

"And what about you, Piruz? What are you up to?" asked Rostam the same question, this time aimed at Piruz.

"Oh, you know. Since I have much more free time, I visited my home, to see how my son grew up. Let me tell you, he's got his handsomeness after his father." Said Piruz with a grin.

"Enough boasting. How old is he again?"

"I believe he turned fifteen some half a year ago. I'm proud of him. He got decent at swordfighting, he can read and write and he has been learning Greek lately and doing great."

"Fifteen?" asked Rostam, looking straight at Piruz.

"I mean, he doesn't have an Empire on his shoulders."

With that, their discussion ended, but only because they arrived at their destination. Piruz opened the door and compelled Rostam to go in. The room was big, filled with tapestries, paintings, sculptures, trophies and floored with carpets. In a corner stood a small table with comfortably looking chairs and sofas. Piruz sat into one of the chairs, signalling for Rostam to also sit down.

As Rostam made himself comfortable, Piruz began speaking.

"Forgive me for the lack of hospitality, but I do believe the secrecy outweighs any lack of wine or food. So, let us get right on topic, no?"

"I agree. Piruz, I don't know how much you already know, but I'll tell you everything from the beginning. As you know, our old Indian allies have been absorbed into a so-called Chacha Empire. We don't know where they came from and we have little to no knowledge about their ruler and leadership, who is most important and so on. What we do know, though, is that they seem to be hungrily eyeing our territory."

"Was there any attempted invasion or such?"

"No, but there were few border clashes and they regularly send scouts across the border, mapping the terrain. If this is not an obvious attempt at invasion, I don't know what is."

"Does our Shahanshah know about this? Have you spoken to him?"

"Yes, he does and yes, I have. He said to gather more information on them so he can make a move informed of the circumstances. That is why I wanted to talk with you."

"And? What exactly do you need me to do?" asked Piruz rather curiously, but with a hint of carefulness, his expression becoming stiffer.

"I wanted to send you there, to assess the situation and provide me with a report. That way I can easily recognize the level of threat and proceed accordingly. Will you do that for him?"

Piruz smiled. "After what he has shown to us? Gladly."

Rostam also smiled, feeling relieved. "Very well then. I will send a small aswaran detachment with you as an escort and some fighting force. You will be travelling under Shahanshah's direct orders, and thus will speak in his name and resolve issues with his will. Thank you, Piruz, and let the eternal fire guide you."