Jewel of Persia

“Excellent. We have been away from our homes for nearly eighteen months already, surveying and gathering the troops. I know they will all be grateful for the chance

to rest in luxury once again.”


“Of course.” Pythius’s dark eyes glinted with curiosity and excitement. “We have heard of your progress with the bridge, my lord—it is astounding. And the tales of the

canal! I can barely fathom the amount of thought and preparation you, in your wisdom, have put into this expedition.”

Xerxes nodded and breathed in deeply of the sweet air. “I have many wise advisers who have helped me ensure this conquest will be remembered for all time.”

“I am proud to be one of the first to offer you assistance. Were I a few years younger, I would ask for a command.” Pythius squared his shoulders, raised his chin, and met

Xerxes’ gaze. “Since I have not youth, I will offer what I do have. All that I possess, my king, I wish to give to you to fund this great war.”

Xerxes knew his surprise must show on his face. “All that you possess? But my friend, it is my understanding you have much—and those who do are usually loath to part with

it.”

“It is true I am wealthy. But what is the purpose of riches, if one does not put them toward a good cause?” He shook his head. “I wish to finance the war. My slaves and

farms make enough for me to live on, so all else I give to you. My treasury has four thousand silver talents and is only seven thousand gold Daric staters shy of four

million. It is all yours.”

Astounding. Given the size of his army and all that would be necessary to support them, Xerxes was prepared to demand what he may and take what he must as they traveled. But

to have someone offer so much, freely? An auspicious start to his campaign

“I have never met anyone so generous.” He halted his horse and, when Pythius did the same, reached out to clasp his wrist. “Your hospitality I accept. And to show my

gratitude, you may not only keep what you have in your treasury, I will give you the seven thousand staters you need to round it out to the full four million.”

Pythias swallowed, and his nostrils flared. “You do me unspeakable honor, my king. I will serve you faithfully all the days of my life.”

“And I will remember your generosity all the days of mine. See that you never change, Pythius, and I will hold you up as a shining example for the rest of mankind to

imitate.”

They started forward again, and Xerxes let his smile bloom full. The god intended greatness for them, and Xerxes intended to seize it. Whatever it took.





Fifteen



Susa, Persia



Zechariah eyed the gold of dawn and held up a hand. He had been here since morning was only a promise on the horizon, but soon all of Susa would rise. “Enough for this

morning. I need to get home.”

His three friends all released tired breaths and stretched.

Adam groaned. “You are more a slavedriver than Pharaoh of old. You fight as though the Greeks might visit our doors for revenge.”

Zechariah smiled and strode to the river. The other three plodded along behind him, mumbling and groaning. Zechariah rolled his eyes. He worked them barely half as hard as

Bijan had done him, before he left with the rest of the army eighteen months ago. They had no cause for complaint.

Though the other two said their farewells and started home, Adam dropped to his knees at the riverbank and plunged his head under the water. He brought it up again with a

happy sigh. “Better. But if you see me not tomorrow, Zech, assume I have died in the meantime and leave me in peace.”

Zechariah breathed a laugh and shoved his friend’s shoulder. “You are the one who asked to learn, Adam.”

“Because I feel myself growing fat as my father, doing nothing but sitting around the house all day pouring wax onto wooden tablets. I would rather be out chopping the

wood. Collecting the wax. Moving.”

“Yet when I make you move, you accuse me of killing you.” He reached into the water and tossed a handful at his friend.

Adam splashed him back, but he grinned. “Because I have been growing fat as my father up until now. I am improving though, right? I had to tighten my belt the other day.”

Zechariah poured cool water over his head and sloughed off the sweat. “If you were more concerned with how you handle your spear than how you look in your tunic, you would

improve more quickly.”

Adam grunted and wiped the drops from his face. “We are twenty now, Zech. Our fathers’ businesses have grown since Persia went to war. Has it not occurred to you that we

can afford to take wives soon? I would prefer my future bride not be disgusted when first we meet.”

“I have not given much thought to a wife, no. I am—”