Once more, Shuk the priest finds himself at an audience with Nebuchadnezzar II, the king of Babylon.
“What is this urgent matter you are alarming me with priest, and who is alongside you?” presses the king.
“My Lord, allow me to present Ammi-Zaidu—an honorable merchant in your kingdom. He has overheard information vital to the security of the realm,” Shuk says.
“What is it my subject has been privy to, priest?” inquires the king.
“At the conclusion of the recent marriage market, Ammi-Zaidu overheard General Shak tell another that late tonight he will unlock the East Gate, letting the Mannean soldiers—who come from the east—pass through and enter our city walls,” Shuk tells the king.
“Did the general say anything else?” further inquires the king. “That is all I heard, my King,” affirms Ammi-Zaidu bowing in respect.
“I had suspected General Shak of being the possible traitor;” states the king, “now this validates my doubts.”
After the two subjects take their leave from the king’s court, preparations are made to spring a trap that will capture the invaders upon their entry at the East Gate.
In the dead of night, the king's elite sirku guard—of which Akki is now assigned to—move with the utmost stealth.
Spotters relay the impending entry of Mannean troops, and as per their stratagem, they allow them in unimpeded.
Once the barbarians find their way inside the East Gate, the king's elite sirku squad swiftly surrounds them. Each soldier aims a fully cocked bow, arrowheads glinting in the moonlight and pointed directly at their faces.
The Manneans have no choice but to surrender.
General Shak’s plot has failed.
Less than an hour later General Shak is apprehended on the outskirts of the East Gate by two other generals.