Hathor nodded at Sabatu, but said nothing.
“Hathor comes from the distant land of Egypt, far to the west. Nearly fifteen years ago, he was once the enemy of Akkad. In the battle for the city, Hathor was wounded and captured during the fighting, before he could kill himself. But he had shown mercy to Trella when she was captured. To repay that kindness, and because she knew Hathor was more than a mere soldier, she wanted to spare him. From that day, he, too, was alone among strangers, but he has become my friend. Like many in Akkad, he has found a home and a new family here. The soldiers under his command fight willingly and bravely.”
Sabatu stared at the Egyptian.
“It’s true.” Hathor’s voice held just a faint trace of an accent. “I can still remember what it felt like to be completely alone and facing death. But King Eskkar and Lady Trella gave me not only my life, but a new purpose. Now my family is not just my wife and children, but my soldiers, and the people of Akkad. In time, they not only forgave me, but also befriended me.”
Another knock sounded, a different pattern, and once again the door opened. The guard stepped into chamber. “They’re here. Should I bring them in?”
“Yes. Thank you for getting them so quickly.”
This time Sabatu knew his surprise showed on his face. The King of Akkad thanking a guard for obeying orders, and no one thought it odd or unusual.
A sturdy young man strode in, and a moment later, two more men, both older, slowly paced their way into the room. One man had a patch covering an eye, and the other appeared lame. They held onto each other, the lame guiding the half-blind.
To Sabatu’s shock, both Eskkar and Hathor rose to their feet, and the tall Egyptian moved quickly to arrange the chairs so that the two older men could sit comfortably.
“Captain, it is good to see you again.” These words came from the young man, who apparently felt free to speak before the King gave permission. Suddenly Sabatu noticed that the man was a cripple, with his left arm hanging awkwardly.
“This is Tammuz,” King Eskkar said, nodding to the young man. “And it is good to see my other companions, Dragan and Ibi-sin. They are brothers, and both of them had suffered torture and injury by the hand of the King of Larsa. At the risk of their lives, they helped me defeat his forces and capture his city, and they have been honored in Akkad ever since.”
The King resumed his seat. “And Tammuz, he fought beside me in my very first fight, when the people of Akkad battled against the invading barbarians. Only a horse boy at the time, he disobeyed orders, took up a bow, and managed to kill a warrior before his arm was crushed. He has been a member of the Hawk Clan since that day. In our war against Sumer, he once again fought for Akkad and helped bring about our victory.”
Sabatu bowed slightly. He’d heard about the Hawk Clan and its status. Daro had spoken of it with obvious pride. But these others? Three cripples, not only allowed into the presence of the King, but welcomed as companions and fellow fighting men. In all of Sabatu’s visits to King Shirudukh’s palace, he had never seen a cripple. Sabatu didn’t know what to say.
King Eskkar paused a moment, to let his words sink in. “Sabatu was tortured in a distant land, but found his way to Akkad. He has only been here a short time, and is yet unfamiliar with our ways. His hands are injured, and he will likely not ever use a weapon again. But I thought it might be good for him to see that there are other ways a soldier can fight. A sword is not always needed to make a man a warrior. Dragan and Ibi-sin proved that. They risked even worse torture and death, but saved hundreds of Akkadian soldiers.”
“King Eskkar is too kind,” Dragan said. “It was little enough that we did. But even if we had died, it would have been worth it to see those who tortured and killed our family destroyed. For that, we will always be thankful to King Eskkar and Lady Trella.”
“The Hawk Clan will always be in your debt,” King Eskkar said.
Dragan glanced at his brother. “If there is anything that we can do to assist Sabatu, we will be glad to help. We understand the pain he suffers.” He turned to Sabatu. “It is said that torture weakens a man, but I say it makes him stronger, even though it may leave him maimed and mangled. As many of us have learned, even a man with a crooked leg or one eye can fight.”
Tammuz leaned forward. “I was only fifteen when my arm was crushed. I thought my life had ended, and I prayed for death. Instead, Lady Trella and King Eskkar took me into their family. Lady Trella arranged a wise wife for me, one who shares my life. For that, she and I willingly went into battle against their enemies.”
Unsure of what to say, Sabatu bowed his head.
“I am glad Sabatu had the chance to meet all of you,” King Eskkar said. “A man needs to know that he is not alone, that others have suffered as he did and survived, even thrived. In the next few days, he may want to spend time with you, and hear your stories.” The King stood. “Hathor, will you see that Dragan and Ibi-sin are escorted home? And my thanks to you, Tammuz.”
“Yes, Captain.” Hathor rose, and with Tammuz helping, they assisted the two brothers out of the chamber.
Sabatu could scarcely keep his thoughts under control. He still wasn’t sure what it all meant. But as soon as the door closed, the conversation took a different tone.
“Sabatu, I asked them here to meet with you, so that you could see that a new life can be made, even when it seems impossible. You have been given that chance, and Trella and Daro say more than enough time has passed for you to choose. Now you must decide what it is you will do, and in the morning you will give us your decision. If you choose not to help us, then you will be given some coins and a horse, and you will be banished from Akkad. You may go wherever you like, but you cannot remain here. I cannot have anyone who is not completely loyal within the City.”
“I. . I know I am in your debt, King Eskkar. Daro and Yavtar saved my life at the risk of their own. But what you ask is not something that comes easy to me.”
The King nodded. “A soldier’s life is indeed a hard one, with death always at hand. Every man must make his own path, and uphold his honor in his own way. And while we would welcome your assistance, such a choice must be freely made. Otherwise, we could not put our trust in you. But sometimes a man needs to choose who his people will be. I was born in the steppes clan, and I fought against my own kind again and again. But many years ago, I chose Akkad and its people to be my kin and family.”
Sabatu sensed the understanding behind the King’s words.
“But Sabatu, I want you to think on this. If you saw the man who put your family to death walking in the lane, what would you do? Would you attack him, even if it meant the loss of your own life? Or would you let him pass by, unaware of your presence? That may be the choice that you face.”
“King Eskkar, I don’t. .”
“There is no need to say anything now, Sabatu. Go. Decide what you want to do. In the morning, tell Daro of your decision.”
Surprised at the abrupt dismissal, Sabatu stood. He’d expected more entreaties or threats or promises of gold for his service. But this King offered nothing, merely a chance to serve and become one of his people.
Once again Sabatu bowed low, and then turned and left the chamber. On the landing, he looked down and saw Daro lounging in a chair with his legs sprawled, waiting for him.
The King of Akkad had spoken the truth. The time for a decision had indeed arrived. Sabatu knew he would sleep little tonight.
Sabatu and Daro strolled through Akkad’s lanes, moving at a slow pace as almost everyone they encountered seemed to know Daro and wanted to have a few words with him. They visited the marketplace and the docks, stopped by the site of the new temple being built for the goddess Ishtar, and even paused at the soldiers’ barracks.