Last King of Kings

Chapter 9: Duality of armies

Piruz was reviewing the army Rostam gave him to fight the G?ktürks. But he didn't saw an army. He saw either young boys or old men being forced to serve the Empire for meager gain but huge risk. This was the state of the army. As Shahanshah controlled only regions around Istakhr, this was the best he could do in the moment. Half of this army were old men and young boys.

"Rostam, when you said that you'll give me an army, I didn't think you'd force me to be both kindergarten teacher and caregiver in retirement home simultaneously. What do you expect me to do? Teach the half how to drink milk and the other how to take care of your joints?"

"Calm down Piruz. These men are all completely able to fight and to process commands. And, above all, this is the best I can give you. So stop complaining."

"I didn't think our Shahanshah, may he be immortal will send his whole pushtigban and darigan to help me, but this? I doubt they are even qualified to be soldiers!"

"Look, Piruz. I know that it is more than bad, but you just have to bear with it. Our Shahanshah, may he be immortal, is currently trying to get back in control of other regions as well, but that will take time. And we don't have time. So stop your whining, because it won't help you."

"Try to understand my situation. You are saying that I should go to fight against G?ktürks with brats who barely left mothers womb and old men with one foot in the grave already. Would you accept this insane request were you in my place?"

"I wouldn't, because I wouldn't have anything to gain, apart from fame and glory. But you do."

That hit Piruz right where it hurt. He was right. Piruz had to defend his properties and couldn't accept this request. Because for him, he got his own personal army for free, as long as he could hold Merv. And even if this army was temporary, he still could secure his property isn't raided. All he could do in protest was to complain, but other than that, he would be a fool had he not accepted. After having said this, Rostam left Piruz with his army. Piruz felt frustrated a bit, but had the obligation and even a reason to repel the G?ktürks.

"Damn you, Rostam. Why do you always convince me in the end?"

Piruz then, with the help of his other commanders and officers searched his army for anyone literate or at least smart. Having found a few of them, he let them do some work that common soldiery couldn't do, like taking care of rations for a certain part of the army or reporting any malfunctioned equipment. Then Piruz issued orders and reorganized the army to his liking. He also sent letter to marzban of Merv, Mahoe Suri, so he knows about the incoming help in advance. Of course, main point of the letter was to show that new Shahanshah cares about his subjects and will offer his help against G?ktürk invasion. After having taken care of that, he gave an order. He then discussed with the other officers handling of supplies and logistics, as well as salaries for the soldiers, who grew inpatient every hour. Then, he told them to relay one command and prepare. Tomorrow, they march to Merv.

Abu Bakr was reviewing the military parade his commanders organized in Mecca, to show him the strength, mightiness and organization of the army they formed to fight Persia. Khalid ibn al-Walid, marshal of the army Abu Bakr had built was also looking at the columns of soldiers shouting "Allahu Akbar" every while. He was proud of his creation and hoped he could climb in his lieges ladder of trust.

"You have built a grand army for me, Khalid. For that I thank you."

"I thank you, Caliph Abu Bakr, for entrusting me with leadership in this campaign. I promise I will not let you down, in the name of our god."

"And I believe you, Khalid ibn al-Walid. I believe you will be victorious in the fields of battle, crushing the fire-worshipping Persians."

"I shall."

After this exchange, the two of them watched the parade, fully concentrating and observing the mightiness of their troops. A servant brought them some dates and milk with honey. Then he left and the two men started indulging themselves in the taste and flavour of their meal. It was Abu Bakr who broke the silence.

"Khalid ibn al-Walid, tell me, who do you think will succeed me?"

"Caliph Abu Bakr, what kind of question is this?"

"Just tell me. Who will you chose as Caliph when I die?"

"Please, Caliph Abu Bakr, don't talk about your death so openly, or-"

"Or what? Please, my dear friend, I just want to hear your opinion on this matter. I am not afraid to die and I am not afraid to talk about death. One day, when it will come to silence me, I won't be able to talk about death anymore. So why shouldn't I when I still can? But nevermind this, I want your honest opinion, Khalid ibn-al Walid."

"Umar. I think Umar ibn al-Khattab is best suited as your successor."

"I see. Umar is indeed a competent man capable of great deeds. Yes. But it seems our candidates differ."

"Who would you want to see as your successor, Caliph Abu Bakr?"

"Young Usama ibn Zayd. That boy has great potential. I can see it in him. I think he would make great Caliph."

"But isn't Usama ibn Zayd a bit young?"

"Isn't age just a number in our god's eyes?"

Both of them fell silent after that, thinking about what the other said and organizing their thoughts. Then, Khalid ibn al-Walid had other matters to attend to, so he left Caliph to stare at still ongoing military parade. Abu Bakr was still in awe from his army, not even a flame of doubt appeared in him. This was the second mistake Abu Bakr made. He overestimated his own power.