“As you are aware, Zopyrus, this occurred at Phalerum, and since then Persians and Greeks have not met in conflict until now. I have had other occasions during the ten months of our sojourn in Thessaly to secretly communicate with Ladice, and in each of her messages she has assured me of the strict manner in which his favorite mistress forces Artabazus to abide by his word. During this time I felt my heart undergoing a change from pity to love for this Greek girl who was so dependent upon my mercy, and upon one occasion I grew bold enough to write in words my adoration and hopes for the future. Her answer the next day contained the happy news that my love was returned, and I planned on a rescue during the next conflict, stating that I believed our communications had better cease in order to decrease the possibility of further danger. She told me that she believed Pædime, the jealous paramour of Artabazus, had suspected the exchange of our notes, but realizing it to be to her advantage to allow Ladice to escape, she had maintained a discreet silence.
“This then is the situation that I leave and that I trust my friend Zopyrus to take up where fate has forced me to leave it. May the good-will of Ahura-Mazdâo follow you in all your efforts throughout life—Masistius.”
The changed Zopyrus sat a moment buried in deepest thought. Without he heard the noises which accompany preparation for battle. He hurried forth into the open.
“What are Mardonius’ orders?” he asked of the first soldier he saw.
“Look for yourself,” cried the fellow excitedly, “and you will know what his orders must be.”
Zopyrus turned his gaze to the slopes of Cithæron and saw that the Greeks who had held back reservedly were now, emboldened by the death of a prominent opponent, pouring down the verdant hillside. The well-aimed arrows of the Persians, however, kept them at bay.
Zopyrus spied several of the Persian leaders in heated argument. As he approached, the Theban, Timegenidas, was speaking.
“You know well, Mardonius, that their water supply from the Asopus river is completely cut off. Where are they able to get water?”
“I have just been informed,” replied the leader, “that they are getting water from a fountain called Gargaphia, yonder,” and he pointed to the east. “Will you, Zopyrus, investigate this fountain? Take another man with you this very night and see if it will be possible to fill the fountain with dirt and stones. If we can do this we may well be sanguine of success.”
The commander turned to Artabazus. “Does the plan meet with your approval, Artabazus?” he asked.