The year was Pars 315, five years prior to the battle of Atropatene. That year, Tulahn, Shindula and Chulk formed an alliance, and with a combined army of 50,000 strong had broken through the Eastern border of Pars to begin their invasion. The kingdom of Tulahn had battled with the kingdom of Pars countless times and were one of its greatest rivals. Following the fall of the kingdom of Badafshan, Shindula had come to border Pars directly, and was a cause of unending strife. As for Chulk, it aimed to claim authority over Pars’ public roads and the right to taxation along with it.
Regardless of the aim of each, they shared a view of Pars as a mere obstruction in the path of their goal, and Tulahn from the Northeast, Chulk from the East, and Shindula from the Southeast all conspired towards unified assault. Even the great Shah Andragoras was unsettled, and in addition to moving to unify his army, had commanded to the Shafuldalan that each region’s private troops now gather in the capital of Ecbatana.
Between the various feudal lords, the regional lord Teos, in control of the Daylam region facing the northern Derbent Sea, had long since been friendly to the Shah, and pleased him greatly when he promised to send 5,000 cavalry and 30,000 footmen into battle.
Despite this, just prior to their departure, Teos had fallen down the stairwell outside his manor, and hitting his head upon a corner of stone step had perished. The Shah was surprised to hear this news, but still he moved quickly forward with acknowledging the lordship of Teos’ younger brother Narsus. Even without him, those soldiers were still a necessary addition.
At long last Narsus had appeared at the capital of Ecbatana along with his men. The Shah was at first delighted, then astonished, and finally enraged. For Narsus had only brought with him 2,000 cavalry and 5,000 soldiers on foot. A great disruption of his calculations.
“Where are the rest of my men? Your brother promised me twice as many.”
“My apologies,” said the at that time 21-year-old lord faintly, then bowed.
“I’m not asking for your apology, I’m asking to know what happened to your men.”
“You see, those who were Goram have all been set free.”
“What…?!”
“As you are aware, our footmen were enslaved Goram, so we lost quite a few in number. We offered payment in the form of wages and were at last able to recruit around 5,000 men to the cause. Those recruits have joined us today.”
“And the reason you bring fewer cavalry…?”
“Many of the men were at their physical limit and have left us. It is only reasonable,” said Narsus politely, though he seemed to feel little shame or discomfort.
“Of course, it is not difficult to understand their feelings.”
Andragoras had always been one of short-temper and unflinching demeaner. Despair and disappointment now filled his indomitable form, which he seemed to concentrate in his eyes as he glared at Narsus, but the young man met the gaze of the god-fearing Shah calmly. On the contrary, he now had said straightly something he could not have been in his right mind to say.
“What of it, your highness? If his majesty wishes, I will put into execution my plan to repel the three kingdoms allied against us.”
“Your grasp yet exceeds your reach. You are asking for ten thousand of my men, are you not?”
“I ask you for not a single soldier. I only request you give me a moment.”
“You ask for time?”
“Indeed. If I could have but five days, I will show you your enemies expelled from your borders. Although, I will ultimately require the support of your troops.”
Androgoras assented to Narsus’ plan. It was not that he trusted it, but rather that he looked forward to seeing the young man’s disappointment when it failed.
The young man departed the camp along with ten or so of his subordinates. Look how he flees, many witnessing this said. Andragoras also thought as much, and in his breast his resolve to usurp the monarchy and absorb the Dialam region only strengthened. Though when Narsus did in fact make his return three days hence, he made the following request. Of the prisoners of war from the three countries, he asked to permission to deal with those from Shindula personally. Once again Andragoras agreed, when his Eran Vahriz had affirmed that those of Shindula were past saving.
When Narsus did gain ownership of 2,000 Shindulan prisoners of war, he let each one of them free. Of course, the generals responsible for their capture were furious, and inquired gravely as to the meaning of their release. Even Daryun’s control was limited.
When Narsus feigned ignorance, one of the cavalry commanders flew into a frenzy and challenged him to a duel.
But the battle was easily decided. While all thought him little more than a noble-born bookworm, in an instant he had knocked the blade out of his assailant’s hand. Narsus then turned and scolded the stunned generals.
“Is this really the time for this squabbling? This eve the army of Chulk will attack the army of Shindula, and Tulahn will assail Chulk. If we do not prepare to fight together, we miss our chance at victory.”
Only Vahriz and the recently appointed general of 10,000 cavalry Daryun believed those words.
And yet, that night, Narsus’ prophecy came true, and the army of Pars routed all three kingdoms simultaneously. With the winds in their sails the army of Pars forced the retreat of their enemy, and Daryun’s military might shone brightly as he cut down the younger brother of the Shah of Tulahn with but a single strike.
Praised by Daryun, Narsus laughed and answered thusly:
“Come now, it was simple. There has been more than one occasion where a single rumor outperforms ten thousand men.”
Over the past three days, Narsus together with a few of his men had been spreading rumors. Towards the army of Chulk, they had said that Shindula had betrayed Chulk and was in communication with Pars. As evidence, watch how all the prisoners from their army will be set free. And to Tulahn he had said that Chulk has formed an alliance with Pars. Very soon, they will attack the army of Shindula, claiming Shindula’s communication with Pars as pretext. You must not believe them.
More, to the released prisoners from Shindula, they had said that in fact between our kingdom of Pars and the Shah of Shindula, there is talk of reconciliation. However, both Chulk and Tulahn had become aware of these discussions. Do not so readily count them as allies when they may attack.
…Thus, did he secretly train the allied kingdoms to suspect each other, defeating them from the inside out.
Which was to say that Narsus’ stratagem was a complete success, and as it ensured the self-destruction of the enemy of Pars, even Shah Andragoras felt obliged to honor him. And so, he again acknowledged his continued rule, gifted him with 10,000 gold dinar, and entrusted him the palatial library. There were even rumors that he may someday rise to the position of Framadār.
While from his prominent position in the palace Narsus did dream of a more relaxed life in his homeland, the Shah would not permit it. At the very least, Andragoras clearly valued hearing his tactics and opinions on various matters. And so, he remained.
Two years passed peacefully, seeing both Daryun with his sword and Narsus with his pen make names for themselves, and in the year Pars 317, an emissary of peace from the eastern country of Serica visited, and Daryun assigned the responsibility of guard captain of his party. Narsus, who had been a scholar of Serican culture and history, despite great envy of his friend threw him a sendoff feast.
It was around that time that issues started to appear under Shah Andragoras’ rule, and injustices wrought by leaders in the place and in the temple and even nobility had begun to stand out.
Narsus was already beginning to find palace life intolerable. Investigating the goings on within the palace, he produced a list of reforms for Andragoras to consider, but these were summarily dismissed. For Andragoras had always favored the art of war to politics, and at this point with their storehouses full and their enemies few, there was little reason to make enemies of those of influence within his kingdom. The Shah ignored Narsus’ proposal, but in doing he had lost his chance. The priests now asked for banishment of Narsus from the palace.
Narsus had of course investigated the corrupt designs they had laid out. The priests had become exempt from paying taxes, and were not tried for their crimes even should they be discovered.
Farmers, on the other hand, were fined heavily for any infractions, and more, would have their land taken away if they failed to pay. The priests had already monopolized the karīz and other water producing lands and were collecting water fees from the entire kingdom. Those who opposed could meet with the force of their private army’s fire throwers or assassins who would then split profits. Having discovered these goings on, Narsus had collected the evidence needed to demand the Shah’s strict retribution.
Furious, the priests attempted murder one day upon Narsus’ return home, but the attempt was unsuccessful. Despite the dispatch of eight assassins, by their target’s hand alone, four were cut down, two were incapacitated by heavy injury, and only two managed to put up any resistance. The priests now changed their tactics and declared to the Shah that Narsus had attacked an innocent. The young man probably thought it a blessing, as he at last made his exit from the castle and returned to his homeland.
Learning that his friend had been exiled upon his return from Serica, Daryun was both surprised and disappointed. Although he had long thought of their next meeting, the opportunity had not presented itself through the engagement at Atropatene.