Adekate left with the long spear. It did not seem to be a weapon meant for humans—it was enormous, brutally crude in shape, as though it had been fashioned directly from the bones of some wild beast.
The spear had no name, but it could undoubtedly be used to protect Uruk. For Gilgamesh and Adekate, that was enough.
Both king and general understood the gravity of the matter, and the choice had long been obvious.
Humans or gods—which side would you choose?
Stand at the city gates. Protect this city of humanity, and do not bend your back until everything has settled.
Or never bend it at all.
Adekate departed, while the others remained in the front hall. Siduri and Ruslan knew that there was nothing for them to do here for the time being, so after paying their respects to the king and the god, they too left.
Shamhat wore an anxious expression, clearly wanting to speak yet holding herself back.
"Gil, we'll be leaving first. The brothers' reconstruction requires Enkidu and me to be present as well." Annanu picked up the still-struggling Kurgarru and waved at Gilgamesh. "Enkidu, Nanshe, let's go."
Enkidu picked up Galatur and offered Nanshe a friendly smile. Nanshe did not notice it; she looked preoccupied. The three of them quickly left the front hall together.
At last, only Gilgamesh and Shamhat remained in the front hall.
"My king, why have you left only me behind?"
Shamhat knelt beside Gilgamesh, without lifting her head to look at him upon the throne.
"I merely wished to ask how you view this city." Gilgamesh did not turn his gaze toward Shamhat either.
His eyes passed through the doorway atop the raised platform and toward the distant sky, his posture casual.
He seemed not the least bit flustered