Lord Aziel stood atop the battlements of Laqi, gazing out into the vast horizon. He could feel the weight of the impending doom that loomed over him like a dark cloud. The Halabim, with their fierce determination, were closing in on him day by day, inching closer and closer. Lord Aziel knew that he could not match their strength in open combat, and so he made a decision that would forever stain his name in the historical annals.
The destruction wrought by Lord Aziel's soldiers
Lord Aziel issued the command to burn everything to the ground. His soldiers, with ruthless efficiency, set ablaze everything in their path, leaving a trail of smoldering ruins and despair in their wake. Men, women, and children were forced out of their homes, their pleas for mercy falling on deaf ears. The crackling of flames and the anguished cries of the innocent echoed throughout the land, as the once-beautiful villages and estates that dotted the landscape were reduced to ash.
Puduḫepa, the queen of the Halabim, received reports of the devastation wreaked by Lord Aziel's army. She knew that her supply lines needed to be replenished, and so she knew that she had to act swiftly. With steely determination, she dispatched a small group of elite scouts to infiltrate the Laqiyi camps and gather intelligence.
For days, the scouts moved stealthily through the shadows, their senses honed and their wits sharp. They observed the Laqiyim and their tactics, studying their movements and identifying their weaknesses. And when they returned to Puduḫepa with their valuable intel, she knew what she had to do. She marshaled her forces, mustering every last ounce of strength and courage that they possessed to march further into enemy territory.
In the meantime, Puduḫepa sent emissaries to the towns and villages that hadn’t been burnt to the ground. She promised them protection and aid if they would rise up against the Laqiyim. The villagers were eager to be rid of their oppressors and welcomed Puduḫepa's army with open arms.
The villagers welcoming the Halabi army
As soon as the scouts returned and informed Puduḫepa that they spotted another army several miles to the east of the Habor. She immediately asked whether they spotted the banners of Lord Aziel; it was a legitimate concern. They immediately responded that the soldiers were not from Laqi but were instead part of the Assuri army commanded by Dayyan-assur.
Accompanied by Muwizi, several of the
Mesedi and a few servants, Puduḫepa departed from the encampment and set off to make contact with the Assurim. It took a half day’s travel to reach the Habor. Luckily Lord Aziel did not completely destroy the bridges. By the end of the day they came upon the stone buildings of the Assuri encampment standing above the dunes. The guards at the entrance to the camp were imposing figures, towering over Puduḫepa and her companions in their heavy armor.
Once inside the camp, they were led through winding paths lined with tents and barracks, each filled with soldiers and servants going about their duties. The air was thick with the scent of cooking fires and the sound of metal on metal as weapons were sharpened and armor was fitted.
Finally, they arrived at the commander's tent, a massive structure woven from the hair of domesticated sheep and goats and adorned with intricate carvings and symbols. The guards stationed outside were even more imposing than the ones at the entrance, their eyes sharp and their weapons at the ready. Puduḫepa took a deep breath and stepped forward, her heart pounding in her chest. This was it, the moment she had been preparing for, the moment that could end this war.
As they entered the tent, Puduḫepa couldn't help but feel a sense of awe. The interior was adorned with luxurious carpets and tapestries, and the walls were lined with weapons and trophies from his past campaigns. In the center of the room sat Dayyan-assur, a towering figure with a stern expression and piercing blue eyes. He was examining a piece of parchment. The three couldn’t make do with what he was looking at. The tent was poorly lit except for Dayyan-assur’s surroundings. The three decided to approach a little closer. They soon realized that he was staring at a map of the terrain surrounding Laqi. There was also small soldier figurines of various colors laid on top.
“Your guests have arrived,” the servant said, his voice weary.
Dayyan-assur looked up from his map, his piercing blue eyes assessing the three of them. Puduḫepa tried to maintain eye contact, but she found it difficult under his scrutiny.
“Welcome. I hope my men have treated you and your commander with the utmost respect,” Dayyan-assur said in a deep, rumbling voice. He gestured to a few golden chalices. “Please, have a seat and share a drink with me.”
Puduḫepa and Muwizi took the proffered seats while the servant poured them each a drink. The mulled wine was warm and fragrant, and Puduḫepa could feel the comforting heat spreading through her body. She couldn't help but wonder what Dayyan-assur was planning, though she tried not to let her unease show.
“This is good,” Puduḫepa commented.
Muwizi took a sip himself and savored it. “Indeed.”
Parasi wine, a delight that has remain constant for ages
“It’s made from the best Parasi [1] grapes. I couldn’t be satisfied with wine made from the grapes bred in my country’s fields,” Dayyan-assur responded as he took another gulp.
Puduḫepa was surprised by the quality of the ingredients. She felt a sudden urge to ask him about the wine, but she knew that it wasn't appropriate in this situation. Instead, she cleared her throat and spoke up.
"I appreciate your hospitality. However, we are here for a reason. Both of our armies are within earshot of Laqi. We should work together and secure our victory against Lord Aziel.”
Dayyan-assur nodded slowly, taking another sip of his wine. "I see. And what makes you think that we need your help? As far as I am aware, our forces have done the lion’s share.”
Puduḫepa took a deep breath and tried to remain calm. She knew that this was a delicate situation, and the wrong words could cause Dayyan-assur to turn against them. "Milord, we understand that your warriors are strong, but Lord Aziel should not be underestimated. He has bested you once before.”
Dayyan-assur leaned back and studied Puduḫepa for a few moments before responding. "You make a valid point. But let me ask you this. What are you proposing?"
Puduḫepa walked over to the map and picked up a figurine that was on the far end of the map. “Our warriors are situated on the other side of the river facing Laqi.” She placed it closer to the intersection of the two lines indicating the Perat and Habor rivers across from the figurines that indicated the Assurim. “Yours is on the eastern bank of the Habor. Should we launch a coordinated attack on the city from multiple sides, it’ll increase our chances of success.”
Dayyan-assur narrowed his eyes as he studied the map, tracing his fingers over the figurines. "I see. A pincer movement. It could work." He looked up at Puduḫepa, his expression unreadable. "I must admit, your proposal is tempting. But before I make a decision, I must consult with my advisors.”
Puduḫepa felt a surge of hope. She bowed her head respectfully. "Of course, Dayyan-assur. We understand that this is a weighty decision. We will wait for your answer."
Dayyan-assur nodded and signaled for his servant to escort them out. Puduḫepa and Muwizi rose from their seats and followed the servant out of the tent, their hearts pounding with anticipation. They knew that their fate and that of their kingdom rested on Dayyan-assur's decision.
As they walked out of the tent, Puduḫepa and Muwizi exchanged glances. They both knew that the decision was far from certain, and they needed to prepare for any eventuality. Puduḫepa sighed heavily, feeling the weight of responsibility on her shoulders.
“Return to camp and make preparations for the battle. Make sure that Muwatti-walwi and the troops are ready. I am unsure what sort of answer we’ll get but we need to be prepared for anything.” Puduḫepa said as they walked through the Assuri encampment.
Muwizi nodded in agreement. They walked back to the stables where they parked their horses.
“Are you sure you can negotiate things on your own? I don’t feel comfortable in this den of wolves.
Puduḫepa put a reassuring hand on her confidant’s shoulder. Muwizi nodded, still hesitant to leave Puduḫepa behind, but he knew that she was right. He mounted his horse and rode off towards the camp, leaving Puduḫepa standing there alone.
She took a deep breath and straightened her shoulders, steeling herself for what was to come.
A soldier stopped in front of her, his eyes scanning her from head to toe. Puduḫepa felt a chill run down her spine as she met his intense gaze. He was taller than most men she had seen, his features chiseled and hard like the mountains in the north.
"Milady," he spoke in a deep voice that resonated through the air. "The Great One [2] request your presence once again in his tent."
Puduḫepa's heart leaped into her throat. She had not expected to be summoned so soon. She followed the soldier through the encampment, her mind racing with possibilities.
As they reached the tent, Puduḫepa took a deep breath and stepped inside. The map of the land was sprawled out on the table, figurines representing armies from various kingdoms littered across the board. She noticed that more pieces had been added since she last saw it. Dayyan-assur was seated at the table once again, his expression inscrutable as ever.
"Milord," Puduḫepa said with a bow. "You summoned me?"
Dayyan-assur spoke with a solemn tone, "We have heard your words, and I have consulted with my advisors. A decision has been made."
Puduḫepa's heart raced as she awaited the verdict. She could feel the tension in the air, like the calm before a storm.
Dayyan-assur nodded and gestured for her to sit. "Yes, I have come to a decision. I will accept your proposal and launch a coordinated attack on Lord Aziel's forces."
Puduḫepa couldn't believe what she was hearing. She felt a wave of relief wash over her, followed by a deep sense of gratitude. "Thank you, Dayyan-assur," she said, her voice trembling with emotion. "You have made a wise decision, and I am forever in your debt."
“However, I have one condition,” Dayyan-assur said, his tone shifting to something more sly.
Puduḫepa raised an eyebrow, sensing that things were not as straightforward as they seemed. “And what is that?”
“I require a hostage.”
A knot formed in Puduḫepa's stomach as she realized what he was asking. She had hoped that their shared objective would be enough to unite them, but she knew that Dayyan-assur was not one to take chances. She took a deep breath and responded, “Who do you have in mind?”
“Why not yourself?”
Puduḫepa felt a surge of anger at the demand, but she knew that she had little choice in the matter. She took a deep breath and responded, “My men need me. I cannot be here.”
“But you’re needed here, and you will provide me with your wise counsel just like the other vassals that serve me," Dayyan-assur countered.
Puduḫepa knew she was beaten. She could see the determination in Dayyan-assur's eyes, and she knew that he would not back down. "Fine," she said through gritted teeth.
Dayyan-assur nodded in satisfaction. "Good. We will treat you with the respect and honor that you deserve. And once this is over, you will be released unharmed to your men."
Puduḫepa felt a sense of unease settle over her at the thought of being held captive, but she knew that it was necessary if they were to emerge victorious. Dayyan-assur's ambitions extended far beyond just Laqi. He sought to control Dummutu and Asmu as well, and Puduḫepa knew that she had to play along if she hoped to achieve her own goals. She briefly considered defying him but quickly dismissed the thought. Dayyan-assur made it clear that she was replaceable [3], and Puduḫepa knew that she could not risk being cast aside. She remained silent, her mind racing with possibilities and strategies for the coming battle.
Puduḫepa breathed a sigh of relief. Dayyan-assur's conquests wouldn't take west of Perat anytime soon. Instead, he had his sights set on the mountain clans of Ararat, known for their vicious raids on the north. The Halabi queen knew all too well the devastation that the Araratians could bring, having seen their handiwork in the ruins of her own homeland. But as long as Dayyan-assur's ambitions remained northward, she could bide her time and plot how to confront Assur.
The following day, Puduḫepa found herself among the Assuri vassals [4], summoned to a feast in the great tent of Dayyan-assur himself. She had already sent for one of her most attractive slave girls, determined to use every weapon in her arsenal to learn about her captor. As she made her way through the camp, Puduḫepa couldn't help but take note of the preparations being made for the impending battle.
Dayyan-assurr, the de facto leader of Assur
As the night wore on, the drunken revelry of Dayyan-assur's lieutenants and vassals grew more raucous. Wine and ale flowed like water, and Puduḫepa found herself surrounded by a sea of inebriated soldiers. Despite the danger of her situation, she did what she could to flatter and encourage them, all the while seething with contempt at their bloodthirsty schemes. One of Dayyan-assur's vassals, a Kasidi [5] chieftain, dared to speak out against the plan to send conscripted youths to a planned suicidal charge towards the walls, but he was quickly silenced by the Assurim. Puduḫepa watched in silence, her mind racing as she tried to devise a way out of this mess.
Puduḫepa observing the festivities
Having finished her chalice, she clapped her hands, hoping that a servant would replenish it with that Parasi wine. The Halabi queen drifted her gaze towards the clearly drunken Assuri officers. Their eyes were glazed and thin lines of drool descended from the corner of their mouths into their beards. Puduḫepa cursed Hutena and Hutellura [6] for putting her in this perilous situation, and cursed herself for ever venturing into the Assuri camp Just as she lost all hope, life returned to the unusually quiet Assuri
tartān as if he woke up. He raised himself above and addressed the tent.
"Silence!" bellowed Dayyan-assur, his voice booming like a thunderclap that echoed throughout the crowd, causing even the bravest of warriors to snap to attention. "Listen to me, friends, for the gods have spoken. They have summoned us to mete out punishment upon the insolent Laqiyim, who dare defy the peace that our forefathers have built. The time has come for us to show them the true meaning of strength!"
The crowd erupted in a deafening roar of approval, their cheers ringing out like war horns across the plain.
"Like most of their kind," Dayyan-assur continued, his eyes blazing with righteous fury, "these Laqiyim boast of their so-called free will, but what has it brought them? Where are their mighty cities and temples? All they have are feeble imitations of what we, the Assurim, achieved millennia ago and what we have yet to reclaim. What epic tales have they contributed to the annals of history?"
Some of the vassals grumbled with skepticism and annoyance, but most continued to cheer, if only to avoid being gagged and tossed into the treacherous Perat.
"That is the fundamental difference between us and them," Dayyan-assur proclaimed, his voice growing stronger with each passing moment. "They are nothing but barbarians, lacking the spark that makes a true civilization. But fear not, for we shall teach them their place and show them the true might of the Assurim!”
The crowd erupted once again in a frenzy of cheers and battle cries, their passion and zeal spilling forth like a river bursting its banks. As the Halabi queen excused herself and made her way to the tent given to her by the Assurim, Dayyan-assur stood tall, his eyes fixed firmly on the horizon, for he knew that the path ahead was fraught with danger and uncertainty, but he also knew that the Assurim would triumph in the end.
______
[1] In the later parts of the Old Testaments, where the kingdom is often cited such as in the Books of Esther, Daniel, Ezra, and Nehemiah, it is referred to as Paras. From as early as seven thousand years ago, there is evidence of wine being made in what’s now modern-day Iran. Persia isn’t under any degree of Assyrian influence so do not overestimate their potential for conquests. The Persians are too far away for now.
[2] Despite the immense influence that Dayyan-assur holds over Assyria and the infant Adad-nirari, he governs in the latter’s stead and on his behalf. He holds a primus inter pares relationship with his lieutenants, the eunuchs and other influential personalities that govern Assyria who are collectively known as the Great Ones and who better than to refer to the most powerful as THE Great One.
[3] The difference between vassal and province often was very minimal. Vassal kings to Assyria were often supervised by a resident Assyrian ambassador titled the qēpu who would keep tabs on a variety of topics from timber transports to handling espionage and counter-espionage. Pro-Assyrian vassals had to often juggle the balance between not appearing weak to their irate subjects and being deferential to Assyria’s interests. Those who couldn’t were unseated by usurpers who in turn would invite Assyrian invasion and annexation. Or if Assyria deemed them useless, they would be replaced.
[4] As part of their obligations, vassal kings often supplied manpower, horses, food and supplies to their overlords in addition to intelligence on the other states of the region. I am not sure if this translated into being present on campaign but for the sake of the narrative, why not?
[5] Between the eleventh and ninth centuries BC, waves of West Semitic-speaking migrants arrived in the far southeastern portion of Babylonia, settling on the Euphrates’ left bank.
[6] A pair of fate goddesses worshiped by the Hittites
