Red River (天は赤い河のほとり)

This is Hattusa,

the capital of the Hittite Empire in the 14th century BCE.

This is the story of a girl who rides the sultry winds

across the vast stretches of Anatolia.

The wind blows strong, kicking up the dry sand.

The wind blows hot,

and I live under these skies,

on the banks of the red river.

RED RIVER

COLD LIPS

Cold Lips.

Kizzuwatna is a kingdom allied with our empire.

We must muster Hittite troops quickly.

Doesn't Kizzuwatna have an army?

They do, but it's not large enough to withstand this onslaught.

It'll fall in a day.

Yuri, can you make it out of the city by yourself?

We must inform my brother of this at all costs.

Can you do it, Yuri?

But what are you doing to do?

I'll mobilize soldiers from a Hittite outpost to buy us time.

The outpost is a small stronghold that will hold out for three days.

I assume my brother followed us and is already at Kanesh.

I want you to find my brother and rally my troops at Kanesh.

I'll do it. I promise to return with Prince Kail and the troops within three days.

Kanesh is just north of here.

Just follow the unmoving polestar.

"Polestar"? You mean the North Star?

Yuri!

Don't go yet.

I apologize for abducting you to this place.

And why did I say I was jealous of my brother?

Were those my true feelings?

The queen was just manipulating you. Don't worry about it.

Bye, prince. Take care.

Yuri!

I'll be back in three days!

Yuri.

How do I get past them?

Please don't!

Don't hurt my child!

Children are worthless, anyway.

No. I don't have time for this.

I can't get involved.

Mommy!

Don't!

This is too much.

Hold still, whelp.

Let go of them!

Who is that child?

My son!

There are scumbags like you in every century.

L-Let's go! This isn't over!

By the gods. You're incredible.

Th-Thank you so much.

I'm glad you're safe.

Anyway, I have to go.

Why are you leaving? It's too dangerous to travel.

No, I really must leave now.

It sounds like you have a pressing need to do so.

Well, so be it.

I'll show you a safe route, so follow me.

A secret exit?

Then, everyone should take it and escape.

We're not going anywhere.

This is our nation after all.

Warfare is always like this.

Homes burn down, stores get pillaged, and women are set upon.

All we can do is hide and bide our time.

I'm sure the Hittite army will come to the rescue.

I'm afraid the Hittites are no different than the Mitanni soldiers.

The Hittites won't do that awful stuff to civilians.

Prince Kail won't let them do that.

All right, off you go.

Be safe.

I swear I'll be back.

I'll be back with Prince Kail.

Just follow the lone North Star.

I wish upon all the stars in the Anatolian sky:

Please take me to Prince Kail, wherever he may be.

Yuri, please be well.

Is that a stray horse?

No, that's...

Yuri!

Speak to me. Do you ail?

Yuri!

Prince Kail? Is that you?

Yes, I'm here. Can you tell?

Thank god. I made it.

Prince, the Mitanni have attacked Kizzuwatna.

We need more troops.

What?

Zannanza is doing his best to protect everyone.

So you have to go help him.

All right. I'll go with all speed.

And another thing.

Please tell your soldiers not to harm innocent people there.

Yuri!

Hadi, take Yuri.

Right.

Kikkuri, we ride to Kanesh. We'll lead Zannanza's army stationed there.

Highness.

Won't the Kizzuwatna army aid us?

They still won't mobilize, and we can't hold out much longer.

Yuri.

You've yet to bring my brother?

Highness!

Look!

I'm back, Prince Zannanza!

Brother! Yuri!

Chariots, advance!

I didn't expect the Hittites to arrive so swiftly.

I must think.

How do I steep the Mediterranean in Hittite blood?

Yuri!

Prince Zannanza!

Thank you for bringing my brother.

No, I'm just glad I made it in time.

Brother.

I beg your forgiveness for kidnapping Yuri.

I shall...

We'll deal with that matter later.

I'll enter the city through the western gate.

You advance through the eastern gate and get behind the Prince of Darkness.

O-Of course.

Yuri, you will stay in this stronghold with Hadi and her sisters.

What? No, I'm going, too. Take me with you!

Ishtar is supposed to remain in the temple.

But I...

Kikkuri, let's go.

Y-Yes, Highness.

The infantry will defend these streets!

Harm no citizens!

Secure all the women and children left behind!

Harm brought to women and children displeases the Hittite goddess, Ishtar.

We will not mistreat you. Trust us.

Why are you doing this?

It took us years to build up this stock of food.

Wh-Who goes there?

Who the hell burns down a city?

Hadi, Ryui, Shala! Let's move!

Right.

R-Retreat!

It's you.

Thank god you're all okay.

And you as well!

So you really did come back for us after successfully escaping from harm.

Yeah.

And I came back with the man being pulled by palominos.

I see you honor that man.

And like I said, the Hittites won't do anything bad to you.

That man won't let them.

The prince said he wanted to bring about an ideal world.

Hadi, take care of them.

Got it.

My dear, who is that maiden?

That is Lady Yuri.

She is concubine to the third prince, Kail Mursili,

and known as Ishtar of the Hittite people.

That young girl?

I want to be with Prince Kail. And be useful to him.

As such, I'll do everything I can to act like Ishtar.

Thanks, Prince Kail.