The officer presented a roll of papyrus to the Prince, who quickly read it. Then the Prince directed all the officers to come before him and said:
“Men, as to this report that Bardya has set himself up for King, I know that Bardya is dead and he who is set up on high is an impostor. The liars of the hills have done this thing, having heard of the King’s decree that they shall be cast down from their places. Order the soldiers to remain steadfast and resist those men who have stirred up mutiny. Say to them that I, their Prince, have spoken, and my word they must obey. No impious hand shall be laid upon Cambyses, the King!”
The officers were amazed. But they doubted not the words of their commander, and went along the lines, repeating to the excited soldiery his words. He, dismounting, went alone into the King’s pavilion. A trembling slave announced him to the King and admitted him to the presence. He found Cambyses pacing back and forth in great agitation.
“Ha!” exclaimed the King, “you have returned! I thought you too had turned from me. How is it that rebellion has broken loose in this camp? Are you not commander? You shall answer for it with your head! But perhaps you come to tell me that I am a prisoner! And you will put me in chains and take me to Bardya!”
The Prince saluted gravely and stood with uncovered head. “I come to assure you that the Guard and I intend to defend you against any attack,” he said. “Is it your order that we arrest the mutineers and punish them?”
The King paused in amazement. He was incredulous and shaken. He could not believe that this man, who had suffered such wrongs at his hands, would not seize him and carry him to Bardya. He believed that Prexaspes had been faithless in executing his order to slay Bardya and that the latter had seized an opportune time to appear and claim the throne. His army in mutiny, what chance had he to regain his lost throne? He passed a trembling hand uncertainly over his haggard face.
“I am mightily shaken,” he said nervously. “The words of a sorcerer ring in my ears. He said that I should die at Hamadan. I thought you had come to seize me and carry me thither to death. I thought Bardya dead! Prexaspes so reported. Where is this Prexaspes? Let him be brought hither!”
He jerked a cord connecting with a bell in the servants’ quarters. A servant instantly appeared.
“Send Prexaspes hither!” commanded the King.
They waited in gloomy silence until Prexaspes came. There was a mocking light in the Mede’s dark eyes and a perceptible sneer on his face as he met the King’s savage gaze. He bowed low to both the King and the Prince.