The captain, though filled with wonder at this sudden order, did not pause to ask reasons for it, but bowed low before his lord and left the room. A moment later the clatter of horses’ hoofs on the paved court indicated that he had departed.
The King turned to his counselors and said: “It is my will that the reserves be called to arms and that all the regular troops be gathered at Persepolis. We shall march without delay upon the usurper. Secrecy and swiftness must be observed. Let us seize the wretch before he may gather an army to oppose us. What say you?”
“That is my word!” answered Otanes.
“And mine!” added Hydarnes.
“And mine!” said Vomisces.
“Then let it be done! Let every able-bodied man in your several districts be called. I will send orders to the Governor of Bactra to call out the reserves and to march to Rhages with the Bactrian troops. He will bring two hundred thousand men. We should march from Persepolis with no less. I wish that my son were here! We shall need him.”
After further consultation as to details, the nobles departed. Scores of messengers, riding at breakneck speed, penetrated to distant hamlets and summoned every man of the military class to Persepolis. Stores of weapons and provisions were quickly gathered. The great plain near Persepolis quickly became populous with men and impedimenta. All Iran was stirred with the excitement of coming war; but none knew why they were called, save that it was on the King’s business.
On the tenth day two hundred thousand men stood in line on the plain near the Araxes for review, and their gray-bearded King rode along their serried ranks and saw that they were ready and eager to march. They saw that the face of the monarch was serious and filled with anxiety, and they guessed that they were about to engage in a civil war. The King did not enlighten them. A messenger had come from Captain Arios at Susa, stating that he had found Captain Mardux and his men who had escorted Athura to Susa, but that the Princess had gone forward towards Hamadan the day before his arrival. The King was disappointed and anxious. Having ordered that the march begin next day, he returned to his palace.
At sundown of that same day, Gobryas and half a dozen weary troopers arrived in the camp and after hasty greetings to the generals in command went direct to the King. The King was on his portico, reclining on a couch so placed that he could watch the glories of the setting sun, while near him sat the Queen engaged upon some needlework. Recognizing Gobryas in spite of his unshaven and dusty condition, Hystaspis rose with an exclamation of surprise and went down the steps to meet and embrace him.
“It rejoices my soul to see you, noble Gobryas!” he said. “Whence come you? What of my son?”