A picture rose before the Spartan's memory of Chares, lying with his broad shoulders against the side of his horse amid the dead, with a smile upon his lips, and he sighed.
"You have never yet told me what became of Bessus," the boy said coaxingly. "Is he still alive?"
"No," Leonidas replied, his face darkening. "He was betrayed in his turn, and Alexander ordered him to be killed in the manner of the Scyths when they punish traitors."
"What is that?" the boy asked.
"I shall not tell you," Leonidas said grimly, "but it was too good for him!"
"There is Thais," Clearchus exclaimed. "Run and fetch your mother," he added to his son.
They rose and went to meet Thais, who was advancing slowly down an avenue of trees. Two enormous black eunuchs held a broad parasol above her head, and other slaves followed her, both men and maids, forming a train of escort. When she saw Clearchus and Leonidas, she spoke a word to her attendants, who halted, and she came forward alone. The sunlight, sifting through the branches that formed a green arch over her head, touched the burnished coils of her hair, flashing from hidden jewels and glancing upon the shimmering silk of her robes.
"She is more beautiful than ever," Leonidas said, gazing at her with admiration.
"Yes, and she rules Ptolemy in everything," Clearchus replied.
"My friends!" Thais exclaimed, giving them her hands. "It makes my heart glad to see you; but where is Artemisia?"