Chapter 19. Masters of Massacre

The music of raindrops meeting the ground and the gusts of heavy winds fuel our fury as we march farther, leaving behind the burning mountains, singing of the wrath of Asure.

“Halt!” Voices echo, and we stop abruptly. It is a clear signal that we have arrived at the camp of the Babylonians, having plodded on for hours. But what lay on the horizon leaves me in dismay. First, Perth, a small city with a formidable yellow wall, an impenetrable fortress, and a death trap with a central metal-lined gate.

On the walls are numerous archers positioned with bows and arrows, waiting for the signal. And in front is an array of soldiers, clad in iron armor and flying the banner of Marduk—a symbol of ‘no mercy,’ meaning total annihilation of an enemy.

The Generals can be seen positioned in front of the Calvary while the foot soldiers stand solidly behind them, awaiting the charge to slaughter. I shake my