Tušratta stood for a while as they made their way along the rough, muddy, slushy corridor. Forty chariots protected the four vehicles. Sometimes the chariots were driven two by two; next to one another but the bad weather left the road in poor condition. Today the procession trudged along in single file, digging deeper and deeper ruts into the beige colored mud.
The carts frequently tipped sideways, slowing down when their wheels fell into one mud and water-filled pothole after another. The snow cover from the previous night couldn’t decide whether to stay or go.
They spent an uneventful night in Sinjar and exchanged goodbyes in Nineveh on the third day. After traveling together for two days and nights, they looked forward to going in different directions.
“Don’t get run over by a horse,” Yuni warned him.
“Don’t cause any more rebellions inside the empire,” Tush shot back waving to her while trotting south with his Shepi Shari, his elite bodyguard, to spend a week in Nuzi. He could hardly wait to drive the secret chariot, a new one Kikkuli was working on. Tush controlled the best equine military in the Middle East. Over the last few years, he'd collected a vast number of horses and instructed his chariot manufacturers to ramp up production. Their efficient design of the chariot made them mighty warriors.
Tušratta was impressed with the plans of this latest model. The driver stood on a semi-solid platform of wood supports and animal hides. Twelve goatskins covered with thin, hand-hammered, bronze armor plates covered the sides. Ten sheepskins were used to cover the semi-firm floor, making it a big, roomy chariot. These new models sported wheels with eight spokes, allowing them to carry heavier loads. It would accommodate three men to ride into battle, giving King Tušratta's army a definite edge.
Yuni needed time away from her husband so she and Çitri could make sense of the Ištar threat. Tušratta was Hurrian. His family had grown up with three main Gods. Šauska; the Hurrian counterpart of Ištar, was the Goddess of fertility, war, and healing. Šimegi was the sun God and Kušuh the moon God. Because he felt comfortable with his Gods, he didn’t feel the need to bring new Gods into his temples. Yuni felt differently.
“What do you make of Ištar’s appearance in Lalish, Aunt Yuni?” Çitri wondered as they resumed their northward journey without Tush. “You seem quite concerned about this.”
“I wonder if this is truly the real Ištar. It could be a jinni manifestation come to fool us. It should be a simple answer, however. A talisman came from Ištar’s womb when she arrived. I will know quickly if she is a jinni once I hold it. If she is divine, this talisman will have much power. And, if I have possession of it, I will be in control.”
