First In Last Out (CH 32)
The Knight in the Panther Skin, Book One: Avtandil's Quest
“The morning of our march dawned brightly, illuminating the armies before me. My men were arrayed against a backdrop of azure sky, ready and eager to begin. As their leader, and Amirbar of India, I stood before them like a lion. They waited only for my command. Looking across their endless ranks, I saluted before mounting and ordering the trumpets and bugles to be sounded.”
My Knights readied themselves, and foot soldiers opened the way for me. I rode forward, leading a tide of steel behind me. The time had come. We brought war to Khataeti.”
“None can accuse us of cowardice as we marched to the borders of our nation. In every town and village, the people celebrated our might and glory. We were heroes to them, off to slay the snake threatening their homes.”
“In time, we reached the farthest edges of our country and crossed into the lands of our enemy. From there, we traveled over hills and mountains beyond any road we knew. With no care for path or track, we made our way directly towards the palace of Ramaz.”
“We went on this way for weeks. Every time we came to a village or town, the people fled, though we left them untouched. They had done nothing to warrant my ire. Only their King and those who stood with him would suffer my wrath.”
“In time, a messenger approached us. He brought priceless gifts of treasure but could not hide his awe at our assembled might. He used a conciliatory tone as he spoke, ‘I bear a message from Ramaz, Khan of Khataeti, who regrets his hasty words. We realize too late the wolves of our lands are nothing before the least creature of India, yet you are lions! We beg you to forgive our sins and if by God’s grace you would be merciful, hold back your armies. Do not destroy us or bring the Heavens down on our heads.’”
“‘My Lord will swear an oath to you and bind our necks. Every castle and city will be delivered to you without the need for war. Our children and possessions will be yours for the taking should you desire. We ask only for your mercy, as it is unwise to ruin those who would serve you. He invites you to come forward with only a few of your Knights, where he will meet you and swear his servitude.’”
“When the man finished, I had him fed and given a place to rest. While he waited, I called my advisors to me. These were wise men who served my father before me, and we discussed how to proceed. They told me, ‘The Khataetians cannot be trusted. You are young and do not know this from experience, but we have seen it with our own eyes. They are traitorous, and we believe they plan to betray you to your death.’”
“‘We recommend you agree to this meeting but take your bravest heroes with you. Order the soldiers follow a day behind, keeping them informed by messenger. If Ramaz is true to his word, make him swear before God. Yet, if his men carry treachery in their hearts, pour your wrath over them like an ocean.’”
“I was pleased with the advice they gave me and composed a message of my own, which I relayed to the Khataetian, ‘I know of your decision, and it is wise. Life is better than death to you and your people, for stone walls will not stop the might of our army. But I will honor your plea and leave my soldiers behind. A handful of Knights will attend me as we march towards you to accept your surrender.’”
“The following day, I selected three hundred of my best men, each of them a hero. With these lions at my side, I rode before the rest of my army, calling out to the men, ‘I go before you as is the way of an Amirbar, first in and last out! Wherever I go, you will march behind me over the same fields and follow my track like shadows. Stay close, for I will call if I need your aid.’ When I finished speaking, my Knights and I rode away. We traveled for three days until meeting another man.”
“This man carried beautiful robes of the finest materials and another message, ‘My Khan wishes you to be near him. He said you are mighty and will receive many more gifts than this when you meet him. Before God, I swear to you this is the truth. He hastens to your side.’”
“I answered in kind, bidding him tell the Khan, ‘By the will of Heaven, I will do as you command. I come with haste. We will be most tender to one another. I like a son, and you as a father.’”
“After this, my men and I continued until we came to the edge of a deep forest where we were greeted by more messengers. They brought fine horses as gifts and saluted me as if I already held the Lordship over them. They said, ‘Our King desires no more than to see you. He asked us to tell you he left his home this morning and will see you on the fields tomorrow.’”
“I kept these men with me, treating them as my own. We put up a comfortable tent they could rest in, and I made sure they ate well. They behaved like groomsmen in my camp, resting and relaxing. But of course, you must know no good deed done to an honest man can easily pass from his heart. After a time, one of those men came to me, asking to speak in secret.”
“The man bowed before addressing me, ‘I owe a great debt to you. Though it is difficult for me to pay, I cannot forsake or forget this duty. Your father raised me to an extent, and the treachery planned for you pains me. My grief would never end if I saw your rose-faced and elegant form as a corpse. Listen carefully now to what they plan.’”
“‘The men who accompany me are traitors. They wish to deceive you with vain praise and worthless gestures, yet their words are no more than smoke before a fire. One hundred thousand troops are hidden in one place and thirty thousand in another. This is the reason they urge you to hurry. If you are not careful, grief will embrace you, and the darkness of eternity will be your blanket.’”
“‘The Khan will come a little way to meet you, as agreed, showing admiration and respect. But he will secretly be wearing armor. Meanwhile, you will trust his words and oaths, enjoying the lie of his friendship. His soldiers will make smoke and surround you from all sides. In this way, he will strike you with ten thousand men for each one you have. You and your Knights will be overwhelmed and brought to ruin.’”
“Often, I have heard it said there is honor among thieves, but rarely have I found an honest man in their company. This was one such man, and his honesty pleased me. I thanked him, saying, ‘If I am not slain by their deceit, I will repay you whatever you desire. Now, go back to your comrades. Do not let them suspect we met. Enjoy this night and celebrate with them. You earned my thanks, and I will not forget what you have done for me.’”
“I told no one what he shared with me. Instead, I kept it a secret, like unspoken gossip. I would act when the time came, but what is meant to be will happen. Fate gives no quarter to men, and in the end, all advice is equal.”
“That night, I secretly sent men from our camp to my armies. Though the way was long, I ordered them to march through the night and come up behind us without delay. The mountains and hills would hide them from my initial meeting with Ramaz, but if I needed them, they would arrive at the perfect moment.”
“In the morning, I made sure the Khan’s messengers were fed, and sent them away with a sweetly composed message, saying, ‘I come now with joy to meet you. Soon we will see one another.’ When they were gone from sight, my Knights and I broke camp.”
“We traveled at ease, and I allowed myself to relax. There was no reason to wrestle my conscience. I knew the treachery planned for me. If Fate decided I would die this day, where could I hide in all the world?”