Yunis sat on the throne as his Budin, his most experienced military advisor, spoke to him.

“The Hittites are forging new and greater weapons,” he said, his head hanging. “This is a recent development. Their new class of materials are superior to the resources and techniques that we have. Our weapons of war are no match for theirs.”

Yunis was angered by this, but he held back. After all, Budin had served with honor for three times the length of time that Yunis had been alive. It wasn’t the old veteran’s fault, either.

“Is there anything on which we have a tactical advantage?” Yunis asked.

Budin replied, “I’m afraid that we have only numbers, and even with this on our side, I am certain that an attack on the Hittites will bring our ruin.”

Yunis stroked his chin. “I am curious as to what this new material is. Has it a name? I find it hard to believe that there could be anything more effective than our bronze.”

“Yes,” Budin replied. “It has a name. The Hittites call it ‘iron.’”