“Gracious King, I have come from Syria by way of Babylon and the lower roads,” answered Gobryas. “Your son was well when I, obedient to his commands, left him to come hither.”
“Praise be to Ahura-Mazda! What of the King?”
“Cambyses is dead. There is no king other than you, O King Hystaspis! I greet you King of Kings and Lord of Lords!”
He bent his knee and kissed the King’s hand. But Hystaspis raised him up, saying: “Not yet, my son! The nobles of all Iran must be consulted. We had heard rumors of the death of Cambyses, but were not sure.”
“Cambyses is dead. I saw him stab himself before all the army when messengers came into camp proclaiming Bardya King. Yea, truly he is dead and the world is better for it! As for this traitor at Hamadan, I have come direct from your son to announce that he is not Bardya but a false usurper. I perceive you have already learned his true character and are ready to march against him. I have letters from the Prince. Even now he is drawing near to Babylon with his ten thousand men of the Guard.”
He produced a packet from his belt and gave it to the King.
“Come,” said the King, leading him up on the portico where the Queen waited. “You shall be refreshed at my own table and shall stay in our palace this night. I have much to ask concerning our son and of the war in Egypt and of the death of the King.”
Gobyras bent low before the Queen, kissed her hands extended to him in cordial welcome, and said: “Queen of the World, I give you love and greetings from the Prince. Daily has he spoken of you. I bear a letter for you. I have another for the Princess Athura. But, alas! Otanes has explained to me how she has gone into the power of that Gaumata!”
The Queen took from Gobyras the packet he handed to her, and then, placing her hands on his shoulders, drew him down and kissed both his cheeks, saying: “My son’s blood-brother is my son! Welcome home! How weary you are! You shall rest in the Prince’s own apartment this night.”