“I marvel not at his action,” she replied quietly. “He was never kindly disposed towards us. But it is not for us to find fault. I should have met him in person and given the invitation to stop with us. I would have so done, had I not heard that he believes, with the Medes, that women have no place in the affairs of men. He passed through our city in a closed litter, not even deigning to see our messengers. He made reply through his chamberlain that the King of Kings was indisposed and pressed for time and would not rest till he should arrive at his palace in Anshan.”
“He has ever been ill-natured!” continued Bardya, bitterly. “He believes himself heaven-born! He will end by declaring himself a god and appointing set times to worship him! What think you the nobles of Persia will say of his manners? It is said he has determined to decree a law of polygamy, and, like the Arabs, fill a harem with many wives. He is a follower of the Magi; but I doubt if he believes in the gods. I know he will never abide by our father’s will. As I have ridden from Bactra hither, I have thought much; and I have concluded that the kingdom will be his who can strike first!”
The Prince had never before spoken his inmost thoughts. The Prince of Iran and his mother, though much disturbed, remained silent. Athura said reprovingly: “Brother, is it right to have such thoughts before our father’s body is entombed? Wisdom demands silence on your part until you see the King! As King he may act justly. If you stir up trouble, civil war may be the result. Let us be wise and discreet until we return to Bactra, from which you ought never to have departed! Then, if he act unjustly, the people of Iran will stand justly with you.”
“What say you, my brother?” demanded Bardya, turning to the Prince.
The latter answered at once and without hesitation: “The words of your sister are wise. Cambyses is King of Kings by right of birth and by the will of Cyrus. I am bound by an oath to support him in that right. It is not wise to plan against the will of Cyrus, nor is it even wise to discuss the matter. While we are safe here, an unwise word uttered at another place, and overheard, may cause great trouble. As for me, I shall ask of Cambyses, the King, two favors,—first that I may receive the reward that Cyrus, the Great King, promised; second, that I may accompany you to Bactra after my father returns here.”
Athura smiled and blushed, as the Prince mentioned his promised reward and turned his ardent gaze upon her. Bardya arose and paced back and forth.
“Alas! that my father should bind you and the powerful King, your father, with an oath!” he cried. “My way would otherwise be clear! Yes! let us be wise and patient! You shall come with me to Bactra, and together we shall extend the empire even as far as the great river of India and beyond the roof of the world where the slant-eyed Tourans dwell! King Hystaspis shall rule Iran in peace, while you and I lead victorious armies to the ends of the earth! Then we shall see who ought to be overlord of the world!”
The Prince of Iran now sought to change the subject by suggesting that before leaving for Bactra they must hunt a lion in the jungles of Lake Baktigan. Plans for a hunting-trip to that wild region superseded more treasonable subjects. After a while, the guests admitted weariness and retired to rest. But the Prince of Iran threw a cloak about his shoulders and went out to walk in the park now flooded with moonlight. The watchmen respectfully saluted as he passed down the broad steps and went slowly towards the river. How pleasant it seemed after a year of war in desert lands to be at home! He could not retire to rest without standing awhile on the bridge over the Pulwar and looking down at the familiar hurrying waters.
Before he reached the bridge, he was startled by the sound of pursuing footsteps. Turning, he beheld Athura approaching, followed by one of the guards.
“Pardon, Lord Hystaspis!” she exclaimed, as he went back to meet her in wondering haste. “So glorious is the moonlight and so restless am I, that when I saw you come forth, I could not resist an impulse to follow! Let me walk with you.”