The King gasped. “Then he spake truly!” he said. “He was not of the Magi. He was a hermit, alone in the mountains. He reproved me one day—and he was slain. Truly have I sinned! I have slain the prophets with the sword!”
He was silent a moment. Blood choked him and he coughed. The Prince gently aided him. The King’s strength was rapidly failing. His voice was gone and he whispered hoarsely, “O that I might see those I have wronged and of them seek pardon!”
He fell silent and his eyes were partially closed. Presently he shuddered and opened his eyes wide. He half rose, stared in amazement and terror towards the foot of his couch, and raised his hand as if to ward off a blow. The Prince, following the direction of the King’s gaze, saw (or did he dream?) at the foot of the King’s couch a company of apparitions, one of which seemed to have the pallid, serious, reproving countenance of Cyrus, the Great King, another the sorrowful face of Artistone, another the fierce countenance of Bardya, while a score of others, unknown to him, seemed to come and go. Their faces were turned towards Cambyses; but, as the Prince gazed spellbound, the face of Cyrus turned towards him, his lips seemed to move, and he seemed to say: “You have kept your oath. You are free. Ascend the throne of the King of Kings!”
A gurgling shriek from the King aroused the Prince. The apparitions disappeared. Cambyses was dead.
Belteshazzer said, as the surgeons and attendants, alarmed by the King’s outcry, rushed into the room: “The King is dead. Let the body be embalmed for transportation to Pasargadæ, that he may sleep with his fathers.”
“Let this order be obeyed,” added the Prince, addressing the attendants. Then he said to Belteshazzer: “Come, prophet of God, to my tent. I need your counsel and aid.”
They left the pavilion and walked slowly to the Prince’s headquarters. To Gobryas whom they met still on guard the Prince said: “The King is dead. Let the men be fed and tell them to rest. Let the news be proclaimed throughout the camp. Send a company of men to arrest Prexaspes and bring him before me.”
He passed on with Belteshazzer. Gobryas hastened to execute his orders. He sent a squad to arrest Prexaspes, but found that the latter had escaped. The wily Mede had hastened from the camp during the confusion incident to the King’s death, and was journeying northward as fast as his horse could carry him.
Meanwhile the Prince and Belteshazzer sat at meat in the Prince’s tent and talked of many things. When the prophet arose to depart, he said: “Have great care, my son! Those men who brought the news of this false Bardya’s usurpation are likewise commissioned by the Magi to slay you. They do not dare openly harm you, but they will secretly assassinate you if opportunity offer. But fear not! Within the year you will reign as King of Kings!”
“Give me your blessing, O Prophet of God!” besought the Prince. “When I reign, you shall come to me and be my chief counselor. You shall be at the head of the college of wise men. Ease and plenty shall be yours and peace shall come to your people!”