CHAPTER SIXTEEN - THE MESSAGE FROM THE DESERT

Sapphire blew small clouds of smoke in the already hazy establishment.

Around him were various old men, reclining in soft seats, smoking from their nargile pipes.

He drank from a small cup containing Arattan firewater that warmed his insides, and his thoughts were comfortably clouded by the pipe he was smoking. A soft murmur in the background as the elders discussed in hushed tones, most sitting in silence with closed eyes, one slightly snoring.

The sound of heavy boots made Sapphire turn his head, and he saw a large dark bearded figure entering the smoky hall. Despite his civilian clothes and apparent lack of weaponry it was clear he was a warrior; The straighter than straight spine, the dominant eyes methodically scanning the occupants of the room, the more than occasional scarring, and - Dan Sarpa craned his neck to see better- yes; a missing pinky-finger.

The warrior crossed eyes with Sapphire, then sat down in a shadowy corner, ordered a drink and emptyied it in one go. The warrior’s gaze returned to Sapphire; lingering like a wolf watching a sheep.

Sapphire sucked on the nargile pipe as he mulled his options. The King’s man? - Perhaps.

He blew out a hazy cloud and pushed himself up from the chair. He excused himself to the two elders beside him and moved to the broad shouldered newcomer. Built like a damned plough this one.

The warrior looked up from his empty cup. ‘River-port. Midnight. A boat will pick you up there.’

The man promptly left with quick heavy paces.

The inn’s hall was the same as it had been before. His comfortable cushioned seat stood ready for him and his pipe was still burning. Nearby two masters were arranging their armies on a board of Chattanga. But the tranquility had been broken, the calming atmosphere lost. Sapphire’s outward appearance was cool, yet inside his heart was racing. The secret he carried now had a certainty of getting out. But to whom?

Approaching a King was always a dangerous task, especially the Royal of Uruk. Nothing was ever simple in this city. Worst of all was Eneduanna’s eunuch; Heabani. Sapphire knew of his reputation; under that soft powdered face, ever smiling, lived a relentless creature. A creature not shy from prodding hooks, knives, pliers, tweezers, red-hot bronze and anything else found in the deepest torture chambers. Anything for another whisper.

Sapphire felt nauseous. He no longer had control over the situation. The stakes were high as they could be; his life, and there was no backing out now. This was why he had come back to Uruk, and he had known very well the risks of this endeavour. He preferred to have the option to slither away when things went faulty, but not this time. He would see it through. Success or failure, and at the very least make sure Yaya did not die for nothing.

 ***

River-port was one of the busiest districts of Uruk, and even more so at night.

The city walls ended at the river-banks and in a wide channel the great waters flowed into Uruk - quickly fragmenting and diverting into the many eager canals. Dockyards and piers reached out over the soft waves to cater to the merchant vessels. Here, under the auspicious gaze of a legion of merchants, the goods of the world flowed through Uruk.

Ancient grand estates loomed over the broad port canal, inviting the passing boats with bright lights to their water-side doors. Nightly ink-black water flowed past gently. On its surface reflected red Uruk.

Sapphire reluctantly strode through the masses. At night the city seemed even more crowded. The numbers on the walkways had doubled. Men and women were everywhere, cast in the light of red lanterns. Sapphire had to make way for a group of warriors, openly armed and shriveled ears hanging from their necklaces. In their wake came drunkards, beggars, and singers proclaiming their latest melodies to the masses. There were thieves, entertainers, and of course the whores, omnipresent and skillfully picking out their customers. Merchants, travelers, buyers, sellers. RIch and poor, everyone eager to pick the nightly fruits of Uruk.

He reached the docks. A small ship had just moored, unloading cages containing tiny dark skinned men. They were size of children, but held black beards like adults. They had large mouths with broad rows of white teeth gnashing in rage and their tiny limbs were pulling on their bars. A curious sight.

‘You with the gemmed turban, are you looking to purchase?’ The equally dark naval-trader asked from his deck. ‘Kecil-Kecil. Twenty silver per head. They are caught on a tiny island in the far East. They can be very entertaining in gladiatorial fights. Do not mistake their small stature for lack of aggression, but douse them with enough wine and they can even be tamed enough to pet.’

Sapphire glanced at the tiny caged men, their dark eyes now watching him, shining with hatred.

‘No thank you.’ He walked off to the edge of the pier.

Sapphire stood at the water side and he saw the essence of life pass by. Boats and walkways, everything crowded with excitement. He envied their happy faces. Even the destitute beggars he envied, for they had not his burden.

An ornate boat glided towards him, the prow of the ship carved as a swan's neck. That’ll be it then. As the vessel slid past Large bearded men pulled him aboard. It rounded the river-harbour and glided towards the open river.

Sapphire was quickly checked for weapons. Then with firm hands gripping his arms he was brought towards a cabin at the back of the boat. The ship was similar to Yayatum’s - may you forgive me one day - although less richly decorated.

The cabin contained, as Sapphire expected, the royal himself. Commander of warriors, King of Uruk, Kitun the bearded rock of flesh and bone, the bull-man. His large frame was hunched over a small table. Two round dark eyes pierced towards Dan Sarpa under thick frowning eyebrows.

‘Sapphire.’ The King rumbled.

He took up the empty seat at the opposite end of the table. Sapphire’s stomach twisted, a faint glimmer of sweat glistening on his forehead.

‘Even the walls of my palace have ears.’ The King spoke. ‘Here on the waters is where one can find privacy. My men have their ears filled with wax. Whatever it is you want to tell me, you can do it now. Undoubtedly that little eunuch knows you want something, but I tried to keep him at bay tonight, at least for a few hours. Now speak, Sapphire.’

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The merchant forced himself to remain calm as he prepared his words. ‘I come from the western sands…’ He stalled, a sense of panic creeping up to him. It would come out now. All of it.

‘Yes, what then?’ Kitun asked. ‘You got my curiosity Sapphire. It better be worth my while or this city will dawn another day without her favorite caravaneer.’

Sapphire coughed nervously. ‘Its, I…’ He struggled, finding the words refusing to come out of his mouth. He swallowed as he saw a shadow creep over Kitun’s face.

‘You mumbling merchant. Spit it out.’ The King reached out with one large hand and pulled Sapphire’s small frame over the table. A bronze dagger shined in candlelight, the hilt carved from ivory, pointing at the merchant’s throat.

‘I dont take you for a fool Sapphire, so dont act like one. Say what you have to say. Dont waste more of my time.’ He let go and Sapphire slithered back in his seat.

‘I went into the deep of the desert. I found something there.’

‘You told me already.’

‘I return with a curious proposal. Its one of marriage. For you Lord of Uruk , someone has requested your attention.’

Kitun frowned. ‘Who then?’

Sapphire bit his lip. ‘Please do not take my words as blasphemy.’

Kitun’s eyes narrowed. ‘Tell me now or you won't survive the next minute.’

Sapphire took a deep breath and pushed away all resistance. ‘I collected all the information I could, every rumor I pursued. I navigated my way through the sands and there I met her. In a world of sand and rock. She is there.’

‘Who is this she?’ Kitun barked.

‘Eneduanna’s sister.’ Dan Sarpa’s words lingered in the silent cabin. The oars splashed in the water and bumped against the boat’s hull. Distant laughter from the docks, yells, clinking glasses, while the two men sat without sound, staring at each other.

Kitun’s expression consisted of a mixture of disbelief and disgust. ‘What lies…. You peddle mé, merchant?’ His flat wide nose wrinkled in anger, creasing like that of a lion. The King’s knuckles tightened around the knife. ‘You take me for a fóól?’

Sapphire felt the sweat trickle from the fold of his turban down his neck. ‘Her name is Semiramis.’ He quickly said. ‘Eneduanna’s sister.’

The King’s sizable body recoiled in fear. ‘Shut your damned venomous snake-mouth Sapphire!’

Anger turned to panic, and the King pushed back his seat until he bumped against the wall behind him. ‘The sacrilege, the blasphemy you speak off…’ Kitun began breathing heavily. ‘-It must be punished by death.’ The King held up a single finger. ‘There is only one: Eneduanna.’

Sapphire slowly shook his head. ‘The mother birthed seven, not one. And they are all carry the same blessed blood. From what I have heard Eneduanna the first born did not want to share the nest. Accidents started to happen, then open murder commenced. She suffocated her siblings in their beds, drowned them in the baths. Divine children, just a few years old. The old mother, ailing, exhausted and ancient, could not control what occurred. By my knowledge I swear I do not know what daughter still lives or does not. Semiramis was smuggled out at the age of eight. Know that this occurred a long time ago. The tall do not age like we do. Eneduanna took the temple, killed or drove away her kin, exiled her mother when taking power - as is tradition - and as I am told, the High-priestess has continued to hunt down her sisters. It is likely Heabani knows of the things I tell you, Eneduanna’s right hand he is, and Eneduanna does not hunt with her own hands.’

Kitun shook his head. ‘You must speak carefully now. I deem your blasphemy absolute. I serve Eneduanna, whatever sister she has I care not. Its far from my city, away in the desert then. Here, hér commands are absolute, not her sisters. If Eneduanna, like you said, still hunts these sisters, or sister, who am I to go against her command? It is she that lives in the temple of the Queen of Heaven. It is she that speaks with the spirit of the Godess. No. Place your hands on the table, Sapphire, so I can bind them.’

Sapphire did no such thing. He remained unmovable. His anxiousness had passed, and all that remained was calm and coldness.

‘I have gone through great effort to bring you this information. Kill me if you must, but I shall not go until I have said all.’

Kitun groaned. ‘There is more?’ He did not seem eager to hear, rather to forget.

‘How loyal are your troops, Lord of Uruk?’

‘Blasphemy.’ Kitun said again. ‘Inanna will punish you.’

‘Inanna smiles upon all her daughters. I asked how loyal.’

‘Absolute. Blood of my blood. And they’ll be no-ones puppets to die. I have enough difficulty keeping them alive with one living Godess around. We are on the verge of total war with two, possibly three Kingdoms and you come asking how loyal my men are, for your damned, yes damned, desert-....’ Kitun fell silent and shook his head in confusion. ‘How do you know she is genuine? This sister of the mistress…. Does she look similar?’

Sapphire’s silver eyes narrowed with joy as he nodded. ‘Tall. like Eneduanna.’

‘Silence!’ Do not speak hér name. She will know these things.’ Kitun’s voice had turned to pleading.

‘Semiramis survived the sands. She bent a native tribe to her will. Hardy, small in number, but they serve. She seeks to ascend, Kitun, in the same way your High-priestess is undoubtedly trying to merge with the Heavenly powers. Semiramis tires of the poor dry nothingness. Instead she eyes the riches of the River Kingdoms, the vast amounts of devoted, the slaves, the many prayers. Her sorcery is powerful. If you only saw what I saw…’

‘I have heard too much of your poisonous babble, Sapphire. I already serve my Godess, and she is magnificent.’ The blade trembled in the King’s hand.

‘Listen to me now, King, you can make your judgement later. I would not have come without clear purpose. Are you content to serve, or do you wish to rule? If your troops are loyal prepare them for uncertain times. Tall Semiramis is offering you marriage. She already knows your name, your image is in her head. All you need to do is open the door of your house to her. Who are you to refuse a Divine?’

Kitun said nothing, mouth opened slightly, staring at the table.

Sapphire leaned forward. ‘I am only a carrier of words. Words destined for you. A promise worthy of a King. You can do with these words as you please. In time, Semiramis will find the means of inquiring of your desire. You are not forced into anything. I would advise you to keep this proposal to yourself, the High-Priestess will not let you live with this knowledge even if you refused. Now my words have gone dry. My burden is gone. I killed my friend Yaya to keep the secret, I am ready to leave, or to die, whatever you decide. For the tribe and for her I do what I must.’

‘You killed Yayatum?’ Kitun shook his head, cursing softly. ‘What have you done Sapphire… You bring poison to my ears, burden me with things I did not ask for…’

‘We are all mere pawns for the Gods, dear Lord of Uruk.’

Kitun sighed. ‘And what am I to do with you? If I let you go and Heabani gets his hands on you he will find out what you said to me. He has his way of pulling knowledge out of people, and from what I heard he can be very persuasive. Better to have you killed then.’

Sapphire shook his fingers, showing the many rings. ‘ I am aware of what Heabani does with his victims. But if I end up in his nets he will only find a corpse. I carry many poisons. My veins will course with venom before I talk. Killing me will not improve the relations between you and the tall mistress. She might even turn hostile. Better to let me go, and I can assure you, no word of this meeting will ever pass my lips. Now our meeting has been conducted I would prefer to return to the desert. I will take my caravans and travel far through the sands.’

The King thought for a moment, tapping his knuckles on the wood of the table. ‘You leave tonight?’

‘I will.’

‘Can you swim?’

Sapphire nodded.

‘Good.’ Kitun rose from his seat, took hold of the merchant’s arm and dragged him out of the cabin. ‘Leave this city at once. Pray you never see me again.’ Then he threw him effortlessly from the boat. The nightly water awaited Sapphire. It was cold.