Chapter 112: The Giants of the Battlefield and the Thunder of the Gods
After the initial preparations, Kourosh knew that to crush a massive army like that of the Medes, he needed something more than the courage of his soldiers.
He needed weapons that could sow terror and destruction in the heart of the enemy from a distance.
Weapons that would shatter their military formation before the hand-to-hand combat even began.
To everyone's utter astonishment, he unveiled his greatest secret weapon.
In the engineering workshop, now established next to the blacksmithing workshop, Kourosh gathered the senior engineers and carpenters.
He spread a large scroll from the book "Army-Rearing" on a table.
On it, detailed plans for a gigantic war machine were drawn with complete precision.
A massive bow mounted on a wooden base, operated with gears and thick ropes.
The commanders and artisans stared at this complex design with wide eyes, full of wonder.
Arash asked, "My lord, what is this now? It looks like a giant bow!"
Kourosh replied with a mysterious smile:
"This is not a bow, Arash."
"This is the thunder of the god Bahram, which we have harnessed. Its name is the 'Ballista'."
He explained how this mechanical machine could launch heavy, long spears over a distance of several hundred paces with incredible power.
A power that could pierce enemy shields, bring down walls, and scatter infantry formations.
The engineers looked at the precise calculations and mechanical details of the design in disbelief.
This was beyond anything they had ever seen.
Kourosh then showed a smaller design.
"And this is the Ballista's younger brother. A powerful crossbow that a single soldier can use on his own."
"This weapon can shoot iron bolts with such speed that they can penetrate even the strongest armor."
He ordered the mass production of heavy cast-iron heads for the ballista bolts and thousands of steel bolts for the crossbows.
At the same time, he presented the optimized design for the war chariots.
He ordered the blacksmiths to install sharp cast-iron blades on the wheel axles and the front of the chariots.
"These chariots are no longer just for carrying commanders."
"These are reaping machines."
"They will charge into the heart of the enemy infantry at speed and mow down their ranks like wheat."
However, with the wisdom he had learned from his initial defeat, Kourosh set the priorities.
"I know that building these machines is time-consuming."
"Our priority is still the production of spears, swords, and shields for all soldiers."
"But I want at least a few ballistas and dozens of scythed chariots to be ready by the day of battle."
"They will be our surprise weapon."
After these preparations, the next day a messenger from Anshan came to Kourosh at the workshop.
He delivered Cambyses's message.
"My son, the Persian forces will enter the central camp in a few days. It is necessary for you to return."
Then Kourosh turned to Arash and the others.
He ordered them to prepare to move towards Anshan.