The Dragon of the Ishtar Gate

Bessas said: "I understand, because we Aryans have had like troubles with the so-called reformed religion of Zoroaster. Go on."

"The priests of Yahveh do not attack the other religions openly. Instead they employ fanatical laymen called Scribes to do their dirty work. While the Scribes claim to be learned students of Yahvistic law, it is they who lead mobs to the destruction of the temples and the murder of the leaders of other religions. They have made it almost as much as a man's life is worth, if he be a follower of another god, to enter Jerusalem.

"Now, your slave adores the great god of Gaza. This is Mama Maiuma—the Lord of the Waters—the mighty and kindly and bountiful Dagon. And I also worship Dagon's divine spouse Ashtoreth."

"Another name for Ishtar," murmured Myron. "I must make a note."

Shimri continued: "Although your servant is a smith by trade, I am active in the affairs of my temple, being a member of the Board of Sacrificers. Now—now we have—or had—a congregation of Dagon-worshipers in Jerusalem. But the Yahvists have destroyed the poor little temple of these folk and have driven them into hiding by cruel persecution. When no word of our co-religionists in Jerusalem had reached Gaza for a year, the high priest sent me to Jerusalem, to seek out our people and see how they fared. I was also given silver for them, in case they were hard pressed.

"B-but some spy must have warned the Yahvists. For no sooner had I entered Jerusalem by the Valley Gate than a band of Yahvists, under this same Ira ben-Shaul, seized me. They took my ass and money and dragged me across the city towards Mount Sion, where the Yahvist temple once stood and where the Yahvists still have their headquarters.

"Ah—now, I knew that once these knaves got me within walls, I were a dead man. So, as they marched me along the Valley of Cheesemongers, I snatched a dagger from one of my captors, stabbed him, and fled out the Fish Gate. And I have been on the run ever since. Luckily for me, the Yahvists had no horses ready to hand. I should have gotten away, but hunger forced me to stop in Eshkol to beg a loaf, and thus the Yahvists picked up my trail. And now again I am famished—famished! Could you gentlemen spare a few bites?"

Watching Shimri wolf down a meal that would have done credit to a lion, Bessas said: "Your tale satisfies me. But now that we have you, what shall we do with you?"

"Whither are you bound, my masters?"

"To Egypt."

"What is your purpose?"

Bessas told briefly of his plans.

"Well," said Shimri, "ah—could—could you not use another man? I am a good man of my hands; I can wield a weapon or repair broken metalwork. I cannot tarry in Judaea; for, now that I have shed the blood of a Yahvist, they will hunt me down, even in Gaza."

"Grip my hand," said Bessas. "Now squeeze."

This time Bessas had to put forth nearly all his vast strength to force Shimri to own himself beaten. As they unclasped and wrung their hands, Bessas said:

"Smithing has given you a fine grip. Can you shoot?"

"I am the champion archer of the civic guard of Gaza."

"Very well, we'll give you a chance to prove it when the sun rises. Know, besides, that I expect those of my company to obey my commands without pause or cavil. If they do not, I saw them in two as the wicked Spityura did his brother King Yima!"

"I understand."

"Very well. When we get to Jerusalem—"

"Oyah! Ask me not to go back to—to Jerusalem! Not when I have only now escaped! By Dagon's scaly tail, you might as well cut off my head with that great long sword and have done with me. But there is no reason why you should—ah—go through Jerusalem anyway. The town has little for sale save wool.

"Now Gaza, being a caravan center, has splendid marts. We can also get to Gaza in time for the spring festival, which I feared I should miss. You will like it." Shimri burst into a loud, braying laugh. "Is there anything more to eat? I still hunger."