The next evening we return to the city of tents and enter the "tavern tent." The bard has already begun, just finishing a bawdy tale of King Arshaks skirt chasing antics.
The lady was breathless, but the King wanted more,
He called to his courtier, "Boy, get me a whore."
He had such and fun frolics,
But randy alcoholics,
Had no time for leisure,
Still less for erotic pleasure.
War was afoot,
Promising glory and loot.
The King was commander in chief,
The war would not be brief.
He struck quick and true,
Before the enemy grew.
Where to start the retribution,
What would be his solution?
His target was familiar, city revisited,
Where to help friend, his father commited.
Zadrakata's rebellious peasants,
Would soon be Parni tenants.
The governor was bald,
Glad his city was walled.
It meant he could hide,
No sally was tried.
An arrogent fool,
He was lucky to rule.
Thought Greeks were the best,
This would be put to the test.
The leader of the attackers,
One of the Kings most loyal backers.
Harasp was his name,
A nomad of fame.
The city was stormed, horses galloping down street,
Defender tried to flee, cut down off their feet.
The governor charged, a brave last defense,
Against Parni nobleman, he stood not a chance.
City surrendered into Harasp's hands,
This time absorbed into the Kings lands.
Son left in charge, Harasp he moved south,
A man of action, not just all mouth.
Apameia fell next, battle lopsided,
When infantry and horse collided.
Only one winner, defender did flee,
Harasp cut them down, wooping with glee.
Last Emperors army in the north-eastern lands,
Phalanx and merc, an eclectic band.
King wanted them out of his area of interest,
Who would he trust to take up the test?
Why a Saka leader,
Named Ariyamehr.
Despite his being outnumbered quite heavily,
Ariyamehr moved his men forward quite steadily.
Makedon general was target,
The fool easy to hit.
In no time at all the hellen was dead,
Horsemen faced army without head.
Around phalanx and peltast the nomads danced,
Poor Greek foot soldiers stood nary a chance.
Battle was won,
Odds four to one.
Ariyamehr was now a general trusted,
Many a Greek head this day was busted.
Now at this point my story I pause,
But please don't start with the applause.
I will return soon again and tell you some more,
If you are wise you won't go through the door.
If questions you have, I will answer in time,
But my friends I insist, that you ask them in rhyme.
As the bard descends the stage we whistle for the serving wench, hoping those dancing monkeys aren't going to make a return appearance.
Re: The wandering bard of the steppes.
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