The Death Pit: A novel of ancient Mesopotamia (Whispers of Atlantis Book 5) by Jay Penner

Author:Jay Penner [Penner, Jay]
Language: eng
Format: azw3
Published: 2021-05-03T00:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER 26

URIM

NEMUR

“What?” I am perplexed.

“If you cannot go to Urim, where will you go?” he inquires as he extracts his bronze sword and begins to rub it against a rock.

I have nothing to say. Where would I go? I am injured. I do not have my guards or my supply donkey. There is no predicting how our guards or outpost soldiers might treat me if they find me wandering alone. The Martu attack has undoubtedly heightened security and suspicion within Urim. I would either starve to death or be devoured by wild animals long before I found safety in another town, assuming they would even let me in.

“You have nowhere to go, and you will die if you try,” he declares with finality in his voice. “Which is why you will come with me.”

I gaze at Enkidu. His tale about fulfilling the king’s desire resonates with me on one level—for men who pledge their lives in service of their masters will do anything for them. I have, myself, embarked on arduous and perilous journeys in His Majesty’s service. Despite my doubts about my wife’s death and His Majesty’s unwillingness to help, I have carried out my official duties. Therefore, a man of the royal guard and a soldier sworn to serve King Ibbi-Sin might behave in ways beyond my comprehension. However, I struggle to understand why Enkidu went to such lengths to save me. The king would have many other missions of far greater significance.

“You said you returned to Urim. Does the king know what transpired?”

He clucks. “The king was preoccupied with other matters.”

“You saved me from certain death because of His Majesty’s desire to keep me alive, and yet, as a royal guard, you did not see him and recount this?”

Enkidu averts his gaze.

“Captain Enkidu,” I say, finally using his title, “surely there is another reason. It seems to me that you have gone rogue, and if we are to travel together, then I must know why.”

Enkidu nods. “You are a perceptive man, scribe, and you keep proving that. If you laugh at what I say, then I will ram my fist into your aching ribs.”

I laugh at that, and my ribs hurt. “Why do you feel the need to threaten me at every turn?”

He smiles. “I told you I was an investigator for His Majesty, and yours is the most intriguing case. I have never heard of a woman sent to death as a traveler, and from everything you said, my curiosity has only intensified as to who is trying to prevent you from uncovering the truth, and why they are going to such great lengths.”

“That is not all,” I say, as I have heard all this before. My case is a peculiar one, and Enkidu knew that as we walked from Isin to Urim.

“You are like a nagging wife, scribe,” he says as he points his sword at me. The sharp blade glints in the dancing flames.

“If we must work together, Captain, you must reveal the truth behind your actions.

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