The Prince of Iran briefly related his visit to the King and its result. Bardya nervously slapped the riding whip against his boots and a frown gathered on his brow as he listened.
“His object is plain!” he exclaimed, as the Prince ceased speaking. “He sends you to a distant place that you may not be near me, a very shrewd trick! He will never allow you to marry Athura because he hates you both. But let us defy him! My sister shall go with me. Then you may come, Prince, and marry her! We shall defy him. We shall acknowledge him as overlord, according to my father’s will; but not a foot shall he set on our lands—neither he nor any servants of his!”
The Prince of Iran was disturbed at Bardya’s words. It was evident that the latter intended to declare his independence as soon as possible and that war would ensue. What would be his own duty then? His oath would align him with Cambyses; his heart would drive him to Bardya.
“Great Prince,” he answered, “I know you love me as a friend and so I make bold to speak a warning. Do not utter such thoughts aloud any more. Ears may hear and tongues may carry to the King’s ears. Then he would surely have you arrested and slain. I counsel prudence and extreme watchfulness. Return as soon as possible to Bactra. I long to go with you. But I must obey his decree or be placed in the position of rebelling. I go as ordered. After the war is finished (if I find it necessary to make war), I will demand Athura. If he refuse consent, I will leave his service and enter yours, but never as against him. But I do not think he will dare deny my suit. Am I not an Achæmenian, and is there any of higher birth?”
“I will heed your advice,” replied Bardya. “You were ever wise and far-seeing. I will be silent and watchful. The guards you gave me ride with me always. One sleeps at my bedroom door, and the others guard the palace doors and grounds. But if you march hence in ten days, it behooves me to seek others.”
“I will furnish them from the faithful retainers on my father’s estate. But I advise immediate return to Bactra, even if it must be by flight in the night. I am greatly troubled for your safety.”
Bardya laughed. “You are needlessly alarmed,” he asserted. “But on the morrow I will announce to the King my purpose of returning forthwith.”
At this moment there came a knock at the door and a servant appeared. “A messenger stands at the door,” he announced.
“Admit him!” commanded Bardya.
A man in the King’s livery entered, and bowing almost to the floor before royalty, presented a folded bit of papyrus to Bardya. The latter took it, unfolded it, and read. He then ordered the messenger to retire, and after he had disappeared he read aloud: