Ten485 BC
Somewhere in the heart of the Persian Empire
Over a month has passed since the rebellion in Babylon was suppressed. The general and his faithful seneschal rode through the sand dunes heading at a steady pace towards the dark mountain up ahead. Patches of brown grass and low shrubbery were sure signs that they were getting nearer to their final goal.
A league behind one of the general's sub-commanders listened to the daily report with a worried look on his face.
“Today we lost seventeen more men and at least fifty horses.” A sun-burned man n***d from the waste up said. “The men are exhausted. Some talk about rebellion.”
“Mention the word rebellion to our master and you know what will follow.” The sun-burned man stepped nervously from one foot to the other. “Spread the rumor t
