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The Snake is Cornered (Expansion Post Three)
Meshkerzabad, Ar Xyr

By the time Ameer-Azam Tannaza tor Zand reached Meshkerzabad it had been a week and several notable things had happened. In the mist of Khaz-Dastee Shahriyar arrival, due to a mix of low moral and loss of respect, Batreegh Heydar and the batareegh moved against Arxyrshah Mazyar VIII. Imprisoning him and his mother, Batreegh Heydar declared himself Arxyrshah with the backing of his army. It was at this point that most of the Arxyrshah’s allies deserted. While the city was not prepared for a long siege, under Heydar, his troops still stood a chance of pushing back any attackers.

As Ameer-Azam Tannaza approached Shahriyar’s siege camp, it was clear the city about to collapse. Entering the tent, Shahriyar was listening to his batareegh. Many seemed on edge as the civil war was nearing an end. For some, like the lower classes, this war had been nothing but misery. But, for the noble and generals, this war held great opportunities. While the region would surely take time to rebuild, for many families it was a time when fortunes were made.

“This city is about to collapse,” announced one Batreegh, “the dead are in piles and the people seek an end to this war.”

“I agree,” the Khaz-Dastee added. Glancing over to see Tannaza enter the room, Shahriyar continued, “And now with Ameer-Azam Tannaza tor Zand’s forces, we can storm the city in force. We shall see that Arxyrshah Heydar,” Shahriyar said sarcastically, “is given a proper coronation in blood.”

“My warriors are ready to storm the city. Let me lead the attack and bring this pretender to justice,” demanded Tannaza.

“With all due respect, my Ameer-Azam,” interjected one of the batareegh, “the city is still guarded my die-hard loyalists. For what soldiers remain, it will not be so easy to breach the inner city.”
Shahriyar knew that all Tannaza wanted was to add another victory to his list. For Shahriyar, he could care less who captured Meshkerzabad as long as it is captured regardless. Moving in closer to his other batareegh, he said, “If Tannaza wishes to storm the city I cannot stop him, nor do I oppose it. We have been besieging this city for too long and it is time to end this.”

With the orders sounded, Tannaza’s warriors moved into position. It was in this point of the civil war that Tannaza’s had gain experience time and again from participating in many battle and sieges. While the experienced army assisted the Bagayarazara greatly in reestablishing order in the region, there was no doubt the young Ameer-Azam was quickly building a reputation for himself. With the fall of Meshkerzabad at hand, his reputation as being the one to end the civil war would only play into his hands.

Breaching the city, the battle quickly turned into a massacre for the enemy. With their moral broken the enemy began to route and the Ameer-Azam had no issue breaking into the palace. During the chaos, Arxyrshah Heydar was slain and, to the dismay of many, the former Arxyrshah and his mother were murdered during the attack. Whether by his own troops or the enemies no one would ever know, but all that mattered was the civil war was at the end.

With the Bagayarazara the victor of the civil war, they now held full control over Ar Xyr. Finally, the great nation could begin to set its sights outward for expansion.