Disclaimer: I own nothing. It all belongs to Jacqueline Carey. This is only for fun & no profit is being made from it.
The Leopard
Chapter 1: Arrival
Khebbel-im-Akkad.
I stood on the deck of the ship, watching as the dark mass of land grew closer. We'd been at sea for a month and it was a welcome sight. Yet even as I was glad to see it, a sense of foreboding settled within me. I'd spent the last several months studying Khebbel-im-Akkad, yet I still felt as if the land was a stranger to me. It was an enemy nation until quite recently, when the Khalif and his majesty the King agreed to open diplomatic relations. That was why I was now bound for the faraway land, having agreed to serve as the King's ambassador. Although the Khalif had agreed to it, I feared the sort of reception I might receive. The Akkadians were a barbaric and cruel people; everyone knew that.
"There is somewhat troubling you. I can tell." Apolline's voice startled me out of my thoughts and I turned to look at her. Even though she was dressed in a simple traveling gown, she still looked radiant. Her thick red-gold hair was pinned in place atop her head and her blue eyes were the color of the bright spring sky above us.
"Are you quite certain of that, Apolline?" I inquired, though I knew well that there was little I could hide from her.
"Barquiel, I know you as well as I know myself. Somewhat is troubling you. Would you care to enlighten me?"
I gave a small sigh. "I should've known better than to hide anything from you. I fear what sort of welcome awaits us."
"We should be expected," she replied. "The King sent word ahead to inform the Khalif that we would be coming, did he not?"
"Yes, he did, but I am wary of what kind of reception a D'Angeline ambassador will receive here." The coastline was drawing nearer. We were making for the port city of Tyre, a city which had once ruled a trade empire with colonies as far away as Aragonia. That was long ago, before the Akkadians conquered it. The city was renowned for a very fine purple dye which they'd produced for centuries. I'd resolved to buy myself some Tyran purple cloth while we were there.
"Well, at the very least we can buy some fine purple clothing while in Tyre," Apolline commented as if she'd read my thoughts.
"Yes indeed. We shall see if Tyran purple will suffice for L'Envers purple."
Our conversation was interrupted by the captain, who strode over to us. He bowed. "Your grace, we should be docking at Tyre shortly. The harbor is on the other side of the island."
"Very good," I replied. "And what of the other ships?"
"They should be following presently."
I nodded and moved to glance back at the two D'Angeline ships behind us. Because this was the first ever D'Angeline delegation to Khebbel-im-Akkad, a large retinue was necessary. I had to admit that the other ships made me feel more at ease. "I'll go tell Valère," said Apolline. "She'll be glad to hear it." She disappeared into our family quarters. I remained on deck as we rounded the island which composed part of Tyre. It was connected to the mainland by a causeway, which had been constructed by Al-Iskandr the Great when he laid siege to the city. I knew that well, for I'd spent countless hours of my youth studying his campaigns, reading accounts in D'Angeline and Hellene. The majority of the population was concentrated on the mainland, but the Governor's palace was located on the island. That was our destination.
We made our way around the island and came to the northern port. It was quite an impressive harbor, on par with that of Marsilikos. Tyre had ruled a merchant empire when Tiberium was naught but a village. As we sailed into the harbor, Apolline and Valère emerged from our quarters. It still gave me a bit of a shock sometimes, to see how they looked together. Valère was taller than Apolline, for she had the L'Envers build- tall, slender and long-limbed. She resembled me much more strongly than she did her mother. The mark of House L'Envers was stamped on her features, as surely as it was on mine. The only difference was her honey-gold hair. Where she inherited that from was a mystery, for it might have come from my father or Apolline's mother.
Valère and Apolline joined me beside the railing. A Tyran ship was now moving toward us, mostly likely the harbor patrol. "Such a relief to see land once more," Valère remarked as she looked out at the city. "It seems as if we've been on this ship for an eternity."
"I completely agree with you," I replied. I'd been on a handful of sea voyages before, but never anything like this. It was indeed fortunate that none of us were prone to sea sickness. That would've made the trip extremely unpleasant.
"I cannot wait to bathe and sleep in a true bed again," Valère elaborated with longing in her voice.
"You are certainly not the only one who feels that way, dear," Apolline added.
The Tyran ship was beside us now. It very much resembled a Hellene trireme, but it was considerably smaller. The flag of Khebbel-im-Akkad, a gold lion and sun on a white field, flew from the mast. Below it was the blue and red standard of Tyre. I glanced up at our mast, where the purple and gold standard of House L'Envers flew beneath the green and gold standard of Terre d'Ange.
"State your business!" The voice, speaking in clear Caerdicci, startled me out of my thoughts. I turned my attention back to the Tyran ship. An official stood on the deck, dressed in a short, fringed tunic. I found myself oddly envious of his attire. Bereft of Tyran garb, I unbuttoned the first few buttons of my doublet. Summer-weight clothing or no, I was still warm.
"I come on the orders of his majesty King Ganelon de la Courcel of Terre d'Ange, transporting his majesty's ambassador, his grace Duc Barquiel L'Envers, to Khebbel-im-Akkad," our captain replied, also in Caerdicci.
The official nodded, much to my relief. "The Governor is expecting you. You are free to dock and I will have the Governor notified of your arrival."
"Nice to know that we're expected," Valère remarked once we were out of the official's earshot. I agreed with her sentiments.
As we pulled into the docks, I took time to look closely at the city. A rather impressive set of walls surrounded it, which prevented me from seeing as much as I wished. The docks themselves were quite busy. Ships from a myriad of nations were docked alongside rows of Tyran ships. Sailors moved about them, some in Akkadian tunics but most wearing naught but a loincloth wrapped about their hips. As warm as I was, I would've donned such a thing with no hesitation.
We did not have to wait long before our escort arrived. There were perhaps twenty men-at-arms, all wearing glittering mail and conical helmets, standing beside what had to be an Akkadian carriage. The vehicle was completely open but for an umbrella attached to the back. A driver sat in front, holding the reins of a pair of horses. The gangplank was lowered and we took our first steps onto Akkadian soil. I would've felt better if the forty men-at-arms who'd accompanied us to Khebbel-im-Akkad came with us, but I thought it would be best if they didn't. That could very well be taken as a gesture of aggression.
One of the men stepped forward to address us. I assumed he was the captain. "Greetings, ambassador from Terre d'Ange. I bid you welcome in the name of Azmelqart of the House of Ahum, Governor of Tyre," he said in Caerdicci as he bowed low. "We have been sent to escort you to the palace. Your belongings and retinue will be sent for later."
I nodded. "Very good." We climbed into the carriage. I situated myself in the middle with Valère on my right and Apolline on my left. The driver snapped the whip and we were off. We passed through the gates and entered the city proper. As soon as we were inside the walls, I was able to get a better look at the city.
Tyre may have faded from its days of grandeur, but it was still an impressive sight. Date palms, which I'd only seen in illustrations before, dotted the city. Row after row of stone houses lined the streets. A fair number of folk were about their business. Some of them paused to watch us pass before going back to their tasks. Eventually the buildings became larger and more elaborate, increasing in this fashion until at last we arrived at the palace. It was an immense structure of white stone, surrounded all along the outside by slender pillars. It did not compare to the Royal Palace of Terre d'Ange, but it was impressive regardless.
The guard captain who'd escorted us spoke with the guards stationed outside the massive cedar doors. They spoke in what I assumed was Punic, for I could not understand their words. It had been enough to learn Akkadian before we left; I'd no time to learn the Punic language of Tyre as well. The guards left together, no doubt to inform the Governor of our arrival. We waited in silence. I felt Apolline tense beside me. Valère, on the other hand, occupied herself by looking out at the city. There was another magnificent building not far from the palace. It was much taller than the surrounding buildings; I supposed it was a temple. I wondered if we'd have a chance to visit it while in Tyre.
The cedar doors opened and the captain reappeared. "The Governor will receive you now."
I nodded. "Excellent." We stepped out of the carriage and followed the captain inside. A pair of maidservants were waiting for us. They bowed instantly, their foreheads touching the tiled floor. One of them raised her head very slightly and I caught sight of a metal collar around her neck. These were not servants. They were slaves. With some effort I kept the revulsion out of my face.
"My ladies," she said in Akkadian, addressing Apolline and Valère, "we have come to show you to your rooms."
Apolline smiled graciously. "Thank you." She gave me a soft kiss. "Good luck with the Governor. I'll see you later."
"Indeed," I remarked after she broke the kiss. As she and Valère went off with the slave women, I heard Valère inquiring about a bath. I sighed wistfully. A bath would be very nice indeed. I was not looking myself at all and I was certain I reeked of the sea. But the Governor planned to see me now and I had no time to freshen up. I was led down a series of wide, pillared halls until we arrived at another set of cedar doors. These were elaborately carved with scenes of Tyran ships. My escort pushed them open.
It had been the throne room when Tyre was an independent kingdom. It was quite spacious and airy, the graceful pillars opening onto a fantastic view of the harbor and the sea beyond it. A throne was opposite the doors and upon it sat the Governor. He wore rich purple robes trimmed in gold fringe. They went to his feet. His sandals were gold as well. His hair was cut even with his chin and his short beard was curled. He wore a simple gold band around his head, signifying his rank. A pair of slaves stood on either side of him, holding large fans. "Duke Barquiel L'Envers, greetings and welcome to Tyre. I am Azmelqart of the House of Ahum," he announced as he stood. To my surprise, he spoke Caerdicci rather than Akkadian. He bowed low before turning to one of the slaves. "Leave that and fetch a chair for my guest. He has traveled a long way."
I gave him a bow in response. "I thank you for your welcome, Lord Azmelqart." The slave returned promptly with the promised chair. It was of Menekhetan make, ebony inlaid with strips of ivory.
"Please be seated," said Lord Azmelqart. He sat down upon his throne and I sat in the Menekhetan chair. That put us on the same level and I was glad of it. He might've been the Governor of Tyre, but I was the sovereign Duc of Namarre, scion of Naamah, Kushiel and Blessed Elua himself, and he did not outrank me. "I received a messenger a month ago alerting me of your impending arrival. I have sent your king's messenger along to Babylon and he must certainly have arrived by now. His majesty the Khalif should be expecting you."
"Excellent," I replied. "It will make things much easier."
"I trust your retinue is the same size specified in the letter your king sent?" Azmelqart inquired.
"It is. Everything has been done according to the agreement King Ganelon made with the Khalif," I assured him.
Azmelqart took a few moments to study me closely, his eyes widening slightly as he met mine. I returned his gaze steadily. If I was not keeping my face carefully blank, I would have grinned. "We do not see many D'Angelines here," he began, "even with Tyre being such an important port. Do not be surprised if many of the people here stare at you. And it will only increase as you travel to Babylon."
I allowed myself a small smile. "Indeed. I am glad you have been so welcoming and accomodating thus far."
He returned my smile. "The people of Tyre are traders and sailors. It has been so since our city was founded and we built our first ships. We have never been soldiers. It is trade that interests us. I would like to see a trade agreement with Terre d'Ange and I know many other folk feel the same. You are under the Khalif's protection, and it is not in my interest to cross the will of the Khalif."
"Well, that's good to know." I wondered if our welcome would've been different had I not been under the Khalif's protection before thinking on what he'd said about trade.
"We have prepared lodgings for the rest of your retinue. Also, your belongings shall be brought to your quarters," Azmelqart continued. "You are welcome to enjoy Tyre during your stay here."
"And how long will it take for an escort to be assembled for our journey to Babylon?" I asked.
"About one week. You will need an armed escort, to be safe, and a skilled guide. We will need the time to put together such a party for an entourage the size of yours."
I nodded. "Your hospitality is greatly appreciated."
Azmelqart leaned forward, a conspiratorial look on his face. "I would very much like to negotiate a trade agreement with you. I hope whatever negotiations you have with the Khalif will favor such a thing."
"Well, I can say with confidence that there certainly is a market for Tyran purple cloth and Tyran cedar in Terre d'Ange," I remarked.
"I am quite pleased to hear that." He sighed. "But it will have to wait until you make an agreement with the Khalif. I shall be sure to give you some Tyran purple silk before you leave."
"My wife and daughter would certainly appreciate that, as would I. Purple is the color of my house," I replied.
Azmelqart rose from his throne and smiled, extending his hand. I left my seat and took it. "I would be honored if you and your family would join me for a banquet tonight."
I inclined my head. "It would be our pleasure."
Notes
So here it is, the 2nd fic in my little series. You don't need to read The Times That Try Mens' Souls before reading this, since this is set before that fic.
Khebbel-im-Akkad- It's clear in the books that it's supposed to be ancient Mesopotamia with a bit of Arabization. We don't spend very much time there in the books, so I've been doing a lot of world building for this fic. I have tried to base everything on ancient Mesopotamia, but not everything is gonna be historically accurate ;) It is an alternate universe of our world, after all!
Tyre- RL Tyre was a very important ancient Phoenician city, located in modern-day Lebanon. The Phoenicians were a seafaring people & set up colonies all around the Mediterranean, the most famous being Carthage. Since we don't find out very much about Kushielverse Tyre, I have tried to base it on the RL city.
Babylon- We know in canon that the capital of Khebbel-im-Akkad is NOT Nineveh- Sinaddan was just given that city to rule. It never says what the capital is, so Babylon seemed a logical choice.