In the old capital of Pasargadae, Sardasht spent a day with friends with whom he had begun his career only short years ago when Cambyses was still on the throne. They good-naturedly joked with him about his rapid rise in the administration. He felt no rancor in their remarks since they were as aware as he that they were not willing to invest the same effort to achieve such advancement. They were all from families of the minor nobility and their positions provided them with a minimum of responsibility and a maximum of prestige as is befitting their station.

Leaving Pasargadae, he continued northeastward on horseback but his speed was now hindered by a second animal that carried the tools of his trade. From the Emperor's supply house he had taken the items that would be needed on his mission -- rolls of parchment and writing utensils, dyes to make the inks, a small amount of provender to maintain him between the meals that he would be provided at the royal courier posts.

He passed the lonely hours on the journey reviewing in his mind the events that had brought him to this mission and relishing the satisfaction that it gave him.

As a child in a village near the center of the Empire, the ambitious parents of Sardasht had arranged for him to learn to read, write, and speak several of the languages that were common in the vast land ruled by Persia. They were the descendants of minor Achaemenian nobility and were prepared to sacrifice for his future. When he came of age, his father presented him at the royal school of administration. He was eagerly accepted as an apprentice since the Emperor insisted that all messages to the provinces be sent in the native script and all royal orders be read aloud in the native tongue. There were more than six score provinces in the expanded empire and there were not enough talented and capable administrators to fill all the needs. Sardasht learned quickly and moved rapidly upward in the administration. By dint of hard and diligent work, his ability was recognized and he was appointed as one of the main assistants to Tabriz, the Prime Recorder who was responsible for maintaining the administrative records of the empire.

After the death of Cambyses, a group of Magian priests tried to give the crown to one of their number, Gaumata. They tried to involve the young administrators in their intrigues but Sardasht was afraid to take sides. He managed to hide out so that he would not be dragged into involvement in the struggle between the priests and a member of the royal family of Achaemenids, Darius, the son of Hystaspes. In the end his hunch proved correct when Darius defeated Guamata and was proclaimed Emperor of all Persia. Tabriz had apparently taken note of Sardasht's behavior but maintained silence and never approached the topic. Tabriz was known to be a favorite of the Emperor.

Cyrus had built the first capital of his dynasty at Pasargadae and it was there that Darius had the ceremony of his inauguration consummated by the priests. The royal person to be initiated entered into the Temple of the Warlike Goddess, stripped himself of his own robe and put on that which Cyrus had worn. Then, having devoured a frail of figs, he drank a cup of turpentine and a second cup of sour milk, after which he could be called Emperor. He was a man of great spirit, an excellent warrior and a lover of his friends. Even his wife was popular and a great favorite with the people because she always appeared in her chariot with the curtains down so that the country women could approach and speak with her. Sardasht fell under the spell of the noble Darius and his family and pledged to them all his loyalty.

Darius was a just and kindly Emperor who was most remarkable for a gentle and noble spirit. Although he was in the midst of reorganizing his vast empire and was in dire need of able administrators, he did not insist that they all follow him when he moved his capital from Parsagadae to Susa in Elam. Darius was wise enough to realize that the loyalty of his subjects could be gained by gentle means and, other than in war with his enemies, he was soft and yielding in his actions. Sardasht, who was not encumbered with wife and family, made the move. In a short time, without his awareness, he had caught the attention of Darius himself.

Darius concentrated his energy in building Susa, collecting materials and gathering architects and workers from all over the empire. He erected huge and splendid palaces and monuments. Sardasht was one of the chosen few who accompanied Tabriz in his journeys and became responsible for overseeing the payment of all the workers and tradesmen. He worked loyally and efficiently.

But, despite its splendor, Darius was not contented with this capital. For political reasons, he decided to move to Fars, the homeland of his Achaemenian Dynasty. His advisors humorously claimed that he wished to move because of the milder climate of his home district. But Darius, who had succeeded in suppressing several domestic rebellions and strengthening the borders of the empire, felt that a fine capital in his native area would be a most fitting way to establish his rule. So, the location was chosen at Takht-E-Djamshid and the work began.

Once again, Sardasht was given an opportunity to remain put in Susa. But, there was no question that he would go to wherever it pleases the Emperor. Several days before the time when all the administrators must announce their decisions to the Chief Recorder, he was surprised when a courier arrived summoning him to the royal palace. He had been at the palace many times in the course of his work but this was the first time that an official courier had arrived with an order for his appearance. And the order did not state who had commanded his appearance. He arrived at the appointed time, passed through the guards, many of whom knew him by name, and walked up the magnificent steps leading to the entrance. A chamberlain greeted him and beckoned him to follow. They entered the main foyer and Sardasht instinctively turned to the left in the direction of the main corridor leading to the administrative wing. The attendant touched his arm lightly and with a slight smile indicated a small door on the right. Somewhat embarrassed, Sardasht followed meekly. He found himself in a long narrow corridor whose walls were covered with embroidered tapestries typical of the Qash-Qai tribe of the Zagros mountain area. The muffled sound of their footsteps and the silence of the attendant gave an unreal and dreamlike quality to the scene. After several moments, they reached a small curtain which the attendant drew aside and indicated that Sardasht should enter. The attendant withdrew and Sardasht found himself in a small room dimly lighted by a single oil lamp. His first impression was that the floor was covered with a Bakshaish carpet of the kind whose beauty is enhanced by soft light that accents the little threads of silver woven in by the master artists of Heriz. As his eyes became accustomed to the gloom, he became aware of a figure sitting on raised cushions in the far corner.

"Approach, Sardasht," said a familiar voice. To his astonishment, it was Tabriz. Sardasht quickly moved toward the seated figure and, as directed by the outstretched hand of the old man, seated himself upon the rug.

"Don't be upset by all this mystery, my son, " he said, not without kindness, "but there are some things which are best done away from prying eyes and ears."

There followed a long silence which Sardasht, by training and discipline, was not inclined to break. Finally, the old man took a deep breath and began to talk in a monotone that caused Sardasht to lean forward and strain to listen.

"Sardasht, you have well served me and, through me, the Emperor since I noted your excellence in the school and brought you into my service. You have proven both your loyalty and ability and have shown that you have no aspiration for anything except excellence and the good of the Emperor. These are attributes both worthy and difficult to find. Now it is time to tell you of things that are important to your future and to that of the empire, things that you had no reason to know until now.

"I am an old man now and my days are numbered. I have served the Achaemenids loyally for many tens of years. Like you, my only desire has been for their success. I began as a youth in the service of Cyrus even before he was Emperor of Persia. When he became ruler of Anshan, the district was subject to the Medes. Cyrus led the rebellion against their king, Astyages, captured him, and overthrew the Median empire. I was an officer in his army, among the boldest, and led the brave in many battles. Cyrus, who delighted in horses, provided me with his own choice of a headstrong and hardmouthed stallion upon which I rode in all the battles. But, at the battle on the River Halys, I was struck by an arrow and sorely wounded. My life was spared only because Cyrus himself, upon hearing from messengers of my unexpected misfortune, commanded the priests of Zarathustra to look into the sacred words of the Avesta and pray for my recovery. The time of my indisposition was the Gahambar of Paitishahya festival in the early autumn and Ahura Mazda, the Lord of Wisdom who is wholly wise, good, and just, brought me back from the Bridge of the Separator and my soul was saved. After many seasons passed I was restored to health, but never again capable of going forth and leading the charge. But Cyrus did not wish for me to leave his service for he desired someone to whom he could entrust his most confidential and weighty missions. I accepted this trust with alacrity.

"But, there was more. Among other things, in his mind it was worthwhile to relate not only the serious acts of the great and good men, but also what they do in their lighter moods. And his wished that his presence be graced with men whose hearts have undergone philosophy's purification, more than with generals and cavalry commanders and office-seekers. Men of this nature are more difficult to find among us than among our rivals the Hellenes. But those among us possessed of this nature are also possessed of modesty and sobriety as we see these characteristics as more regal than beauty.

"So, for my loyalty and administrative ability, Cyrus appointed me to keep the records of the empire. This was an almost insurmountable task because in the more than six score provinces many hundreds of languages are spoken. More, many of these languages have no writing but are only known in their speech. I gathered men of trust from all over the empire and sent them forth into each district where they gathered and copied the records kept by the wise men of the tribes. They spoke with the elders and recorded their stories. By proper organization I succeeded in recording the history of the empire and these records will be kept in a palace that is just now being built here in Takht-E-Djamshid. All the generations that follow us will be now be able to know of the magnificence and glory of the Empire that Cyrus built and how it was ruled by a wise and benevolent hand.

"But, further, as a reward for the character that was given me by Spenta Mainyu the Holy Spirit of Ahura Mazda, I became the confidant of Cyrus, keeping his personal records and providing him with the counsel that a ruler must have in addition to that provided by the official entourage of seers. I became the instrument of Ahura Mazda through which he could privately express his thoughts and choose his direction. No man, especially a king, wishes to appear a knave or a fool. But the counselors all claimed that their words were in accordance with the deities and the Emperor did not always know wherein the truth could be found. So he often took counsel with me in a discrete manner which would never become public knowledge. I loved Cyrus because he devoted his whole spirit to excellence, sparing neither expense nor toil, and, strangely for an Emperor, he had an ungrudging nature. He wished well of all men who did not choose to be his enemies, and he wished to promote the common good of those who swore allegiance to his empire.

"From time to time, Cyrus would request of me a special duty. Some of these were of great complexity as when he entrusted me to deal with the Judea. During the time of my affliction, Cyrus had conquered the empires of Lydia and Babylon. In Babylon he found a strange people whose existence had not been known to him until that time. These people were called Judeans. They were the leading scholars and noblemen of a tribe that lived far westward near a great and boundless sea. The Babylonian Nebuchadnezzer had conquered their kingdom and made it a vassal state of Babylon. But in the end they had revolted against him and he had destroyed their capital, called Jerusalem, and all the magnificent edifices that were holy to them. As was his custom upon conquering a kingdom, Nebuchadnezzer banished the elite of their society and caused them to be spread among the cities of Babylon.

"Cyrus found these people useful to him. They were highly educated and wise in the ways of commerce and statesmanship. Their services and abilities had been beneficial to Babylon but they owed it no loyalty. Their own homeland lay in ruins but in one way they were different from the others who had been vanquished by Babylon and Persia. Migrations were of frequent occurrence after wars and many tribes abandoned their homes under the pressure of superior numbers. Many of the peoples of the empire lived without commerce, without freedom of communications either by land or sea, and they cultivated no more of their territory than the exigencies of life required, destitute of capital, never planting their land for they could not tell when an invader might not come and take it all away. But the Judeans had an established empire and, although they did not take easily to their dispersion among the Babylonians, they believed that the necessities of daily sustenance could be supplied at one place as well as another. They cared little for shifting their habitation and consequently they did not look particularly for attaining any form of greatness. Unlike other vanquished peoples, many of the Judeans held the impossible belief that their destroyed kingdom would some day be returned to them by their deity.

"Thus, numbers of them were brought safely and without excessive ambition into the service of Cyrus and given positions where they could be exploited for the greater honor of the Empire. Others scattered themselves among the provinces. One day, Cyrus confided in me that he had had a strange dream in which he felt that some Divine Presence commanded him to send the Judeans back to their holy mountain. He did not wish to share this dream with the seers because it was somehow different and more real than all the other auguries that had occurred to him and to them. He wished to fulfill this mission which would evidently please some deity, but, at the same time, as a ruler of many diverse nations, he did not wish the creation of jealousy that would cause dissension among the gods and their peoples and upset the stability of the empire. Thus, he asked of me that I speak to the leaders of the Judeans in the many places in the empire wherein they dwelled and to determine whether this dream could be fulfilled without great public knowledge.

"I went forth in this service of the Emperor in a discrete manner. In my position as the keeper of the records of the empire, I could travel to all the provinces and to speak to all those that I chose. I could ask, nay I could demand, information of any nature that I desired and would receive the responses that I required. In the course of my endeavors I even learned the language of the Judeans since they continued to use it both in their speech and in their prayers. My knowledge of their speech inspired their confidence in me and loosened their tongues. To my astonishment, I learned that despite their alleged and loudly proclaimed desire to return to their lost home, very few actually wanted to do so. The benevolence of the Persian Emperor had brought them great succor and comfort in their dispersion and they were grateful to Cyrus for the magnanimity of his heart. Of the many hundreds of thousands scattered throughout the empire, less than five tens of thousands expressed their wish to return to the homeland. Their loss to the empire would hardly be of notice. I was gladdened by this fact and reported so to my sovereign. He, too, was uplifted by this turn of events which would allow him to respond generously to the will of the deity of the Judeans while, at the same time, maintaining the loyalty and usefulness of this unusual people. He placed upon me the burden of arranging the departure and passage of those few who desired to leave. It was a great and enjoyable responsibility for me since it was the first time that I involved myself with a vanquished people not as a warrior who drove them from their homes but as a man of peace who assisted them to return to their homes. I came to appreciate them for those who did indeed return, although not of the Judean elite, were people of great vision and I learned much from them about life and belief. But in essence the Judeans remained a mystery to me because of the many who remained behind while ostensibly sustaining the faith. I came to believe then, as I still believe, that the greatness and benevolence of Cyrus was a force to which even a deity would succumb and the Judeans seemed to understand this. I even visited Judea once. I spent several moons there observing how the Judeans were adapting to their destroyed homeland. It was a sad and desolate place and in my heart I wished them well but had little hope for their success. They will be swallowed up by the surrounding tribes which continually harass them. Nothing will come of their efforts."

This long monologue had tired Tabriz and his voice had dropped to a barely audible whisper. He stopped for several moments to restore himself. Then he began again in a stronger voice.

"I have told you this lengthy tale because it describes my position within the realm. What is to follow affects you and your future and that of the empire.

"After the death of Cyrus, I retained the position as head of the archives and keeper of the records and chief administrator. But my relationship with Cambyses was formal and not really a happy one. Cambyses was a headstrong man and, unlike Cyrus, was given to drunkenness and spells of cruelty. Once, in a rage, he had his own wife killed and replaced her in a disgraceful and shabby manner. He also tried to change the whole character of the benevolent empire that Cyrus had established. I do not wish to go into the details of these affairs since, as a noble of the Achaemenians, the memory of it still brings a warmth to my face. You could not know much of this since you were a newcomer and far from the seat of power in the time of his rule. The less I speak of him the better. Fortunately for Persia, although a fairly young man, Cambyses ruled less than a score of years and his throne was taken by Darius. One highly unusual incident occurred in the time of Cambyses, to which I will return later.

"Darius knew me and held me in esteem and in a short time I had reached a close relationship with him as that I had with Cyrus. This time our relationship was somewhat different but no less effective. Cyrus had known me personally as a warrior at whose side he had fought. He trusted my loyalty and had respect for what he felt was my balanced judgment. When young Darius came to the throne I was much older and more experienced than him and wise in the ways of the empire. Indeed, his years are not much different than yours. Although we had not shared the warmth of campfires and the thrill of battle, I had seen much and heard much and could give to him the benefit of all that had come to pass in my time. Again, I found myself as the confidant of an Emperor. And this is the situation in which I find myself to this day.

"However, as you and I know, my days are not without number and I must ensure that Darius is served with those who will bring him success. This, Sardasht, brings me to you."

Sardasht stiffened abruptly. During the entire monologue Tabriz had been talking as though to himself with his face directed into the darkness. At this last statement, he had suddenly turned and looked Sardasht full in the face. In the dim light of the now-flickering lamp, the eyes of Tabriz stood out from the shadow which covered his face. They seemed to be searing into his soul, testing, probing.

"I have watched you and taught you, Sardasht, and despite your years, you are ready to take the responsibility that is now mine. What little is left to teach you I will take care of. There is no doubt in my mind that you are prepared and capable. I have spoken of this with the Emperor. You will replace me when the time comes. However, at this present time there is one extraordinary assignment that I must thrust upon your shoulders. And I must tell you, Sardasht, not to fear failure. Even if you fail in this assignment, your place as my successor is secure. But it is an assignment of such difficulty and danger that you may be unable to perform it successfully. Indeed, you may not return from it. The real dread is that this mission may cost you your life. But success will mean that you will be more than the keeper of the records. For since you have already proven yourself both clever and wise, with the success of this mission you may actually attain the position that is now mine as a confidant of the Emperor. For, if successful and discrete, you will have proven yourself worthy of the Emperor's trust."

Tabriz turned his head and resumed his position facing the opposite wall. What seemed like an eternity passed in silence. Sardasht thought that he heard a curtain rustle somewhere but could not be sure that it was not his imagination. In the eerie half light he felt that there was another presence in the room but he was afraid to turn his head. The silence continued.

"Continue, Tabriz," came a soft voice from above and behind Sardasht. He turned and found himself looking up at the vaguely familiar features of Darius. The Emperor, attired in a plain white tunic and trousers, greeted Sardasht's astonished gaze with a smile. Sardasht threw himself down upon the rug with hands and legs outstretched, the prescribed prostration ritual for those approaching within sound of the emperor's voice.

"Arise, Sardasht. Fear not and listen carefully to the words of Tabriz." Darius motioned to the old man to continue and leaned back into the shadows against a tapestry. Sardasht, hardly able to recover his thoughts, snapped back to his sitting position as if stung by a snake. He sat upright, hardly breathing. He had seen the emperor many times at a distance, at the public ceremonies and as he traveled through the streets of the capital. But he had never been this close, had never heard or felt his breathing, had never been addressed directly by him. He was overcome and confused, missing the first few words of Tabriz who resumed his speech with the calm of a man who is familiar with royalty and could display an easy familiarity.

"As I mentioned previously, several untoward things happened during the reign of Cambysis which did not find favor in my eyes nor in the eyes of others who loved the empire and were troubled for its constancy and success. Cambysis was a man of explosive moves and impulsive actions. Although of a fluid temperament, upon first assuming the throne he took counsel with his advisors and seers. But then an incident occurred which caused him to throw off the mantle of tolerance which he had originally assumed and he attempted to cruelly extinguish the will of his servants.

"The incident of which I speak is not recorded in the annals of the empire but appears only in the personal chronicles kept by the emperors themselves and seen only by those to whom the emperors allow access. Two of the emperor's chamberlains, Bigthan and Teresh, of those who kept the door, sought to lay hands upon the emperor himself. The matter became known and was investigated and found to be true. The conspirators were hanged from the gallows. Although the other officials and counselors were found innocent of being party to such evil plans, the emperor no longer trusted them fully and they were no longer able to perform their duties properly.

"Fear spread as the emperor ground his servants under his heel and imposed upon them a single individual of cunning and vicious nature whom he could trust. This new vizier was used by the emperor to restore order and inspire fear and awe in any other would-be conspirators. The counselors and seers were thrust aside and no longer taken heed of. The benevolent nature of the empire established by Cyrus was in danger of returning to the cruel and capricious tribal rule that had failed so miserably in all of known history. In the end, the emperor was influenced by his wife, the vizier was executed and certain changes were made among the counselors. Harmony was restored to the empire. The details of how this all came about are not of importance.

"Now, Sardasht, I will tell you more of the plot to harm the emperor and I will make you wiser in the ways of empire and I will explain what is now expected of you.

"Rulers are surrounded by flatterers seeking to serve but only for their own selfish purposes. They can be trusted only as long as they themselves can exploit their favor with the ruler for their own goals, for honor, for wealth, for influence, or for safety. Men of this character can be easily replaced with others just like them. Their loyalty is fickle and like water it takes the shape of any vessel that can contain it. When they fail in something or begin to demand unreasonable returns for their services they become more trouble than they are worth and the ruler quickly disposes of them.

"What has value to a ruler, because it is so rare, is the man who is not submissive but instead who initiates action to see that the desires of the ruler are achieved. Even of greater worth is the man who takes great risk at his own initiative, even perhaps without the knowledge of the Emperor, to aid him. Such a man saved the Emperor's life.

"It came to pass in the following manner. As you know, the great courtyard in front of the palace in Sussa is the place where supplicants and favor seekers and tribal leaders and provincial satraps gathered to await an audience with the Emperor or the counselors or to conduct their affairs with each other. Indeed, it can truly be said that it is there that many conflicts were settled, wars prevented, and treaties made and commerce conducted. A babble of tongues and dialects can be heard there from the rise of the sun until the night watch. Scribes and money changers hurry to and fro, men of purpose and dignity wend their way among wild tribesmen from the eastern provinces who are all voice and gestures, entertainers mixed with vendors of rare foodstuffs from the exotic provinces, white men, black men, yellow men, men with round eyes and those with slanted eyes, men with every conceivable type of garb, the human material of which a great empire is composed. To see the sights, to listen to the sounds, and to smell the aromas of the great courtyard was to know what it means to be at the heart of a great and huge empire. It is a place whose very mention awakens in me the excitement of my many years in the service of the throne.

"Among the many transients who came there to consummate their dealings, there are a number of men who appear on a regular basis in order to represent the needs and wishes of their communities. One of these was a Judean of a princely family who had been exiled when Judea was vanquished and had come to Persia after the fall of Babylonia. Among the mixed multitude of the courtyard, he stood out as a man of imposing and stately appearance and great dignity. I would often stop to greet him and spend a few moments discussing the fate of his brethren in their attempts to rebuild their homeland. I spoke to him in his Judean tongue so that he would be at his ease while I could at the same time improve my ability to understand the nuances of their language. As time passed, our conversations would often wander far afield and touch upon matters of state and life. Although he and I differed in our beliefs, I learned from him that the Judeans and the followers of Zarathustra like myself had the same dislike of the pagans whose gods and goddesses were being propitiated through ignorance and fear. I found him to be a man of great knowledge and personal charm and I found myself looking forward to the moments that we spent together.

"One day, after our exchange of greetings he asked me to step aside until we were out of earshot of the crowd. Lowering his voice even further than its usual gentle tone, he informed me of a shocking situation. Two of the trusted palace chamberlains were scheming to take the life of the Emperor. The Judean had become aware of this because he had overheard them making their plans. These chamberlains, Bigthan and Teresh, were known to be from the far-away province of Piranshahr and spoke a strange language that was not known in most parts of the empire. Unknown to them, the Judean was familiar with their language and they had carelessly spoken within his hearing. I was deeply impressed by the manner in which the Judean had been alert to the interests of the Emperor without having received any instructions. He was willing to risk himself in the service of the Emperor when such assistance meant siding against the assassins who would be in a position to take revenge upon him if they succeeded in their nefarious plans. And it was not known at the time whether they were acting alone or whether they were part of a grand plot to revolt against the Emperor. I made the Grand Prosecutor aware of the plot and I vouched for the honesty of the Judean. The traitors were taken into the hands of the Emperor's trusted jailers. The only thing that they would confess under the brutal questioning of the jailers was that they were actually Medes who had pretended to be from Piranshahr. They would admit to nothing more and so, remaining silent, they were hanged.

"This kind of thing is not of a nature to write in the annals of the empire because it would not serve the interests of the emperor to have such incidents come to the attention of many others, particularly because it was still not known how widespread the treason was. However, I personally inscribed the known details in the private chronicles of the Emperor. It was with great joy that I witnessed the reward that the Judean received for his service."

Once again, after this long monologue, Tabriz fell silent, spent by the effort and the excitement that the retelling had awakened in him. Darius moved forward from the shadows, stepped in front of Sardasht and continued where Tabriz had stopped.

"So you see, Sardasht, this tale is not properly closed. There may be a few or perhaps even many out there in the land of the Medes who are continuing to plot against me and the empire. In some of the provinces that had once been under the Medes they may look for allies who will assist them. The internal harmony that I am trying to establish as Cyrus did before me will be destroyed. Without such harmony and good will, my more than six score provinces will not live at peace with each other and we will be unable to withstand the enemies who threaten us from outside our borders. The Hellenes hate us and the barbarians beyond the River Indus continuously test our borders. I must know whether there is anything afoot. The attempt to kill an emperor by those who have attained trust within the palace is not a matter of small import!"

Darius' voice had been rising as he spoke and the last words were blurted out with excited emphasis. He seemed extremely vexed but, in a moment, continued more calmly.

"Cambysis did not investigate this matter further. But I would be remiss if I did not uncover the source of this unfortunate misadventure. The largeness of the empire requires bold and enterprising actions. Upon assuming the throne and becoming aware of the affair, I sent messages to all the satraps and governors of all the provinces together with goodly and magnificent gifts. I gave order to search among their subjects to uncover and snare any pernicious circumstances. And I pledged honor and revenue to all who would do my bidding. Several years have passed and no reports or even rumors have been received that would indicate any further conspiracy. I am satisfied that the matter is ended.

"Except for one thing. From the province of Sanghar in the land of the Medes I have received no report until this very day. My agents and informers have been unable to penetrate the society of the Medes who live there. Although they pay their annual duties and pretend loyalty they are a closed and surly lot whose trust can be neither earned nor bought. Sanghar is the birth land of the kings of Media and they have not taken lightly to Persian rule."

Darius paused for emphasis and continued, "and it is the land from whence came Bigthan and Teresh.

"Sardasht, I want you to go there and find out for me whether this incident is closed or whether I must be apprehensive of what is happening out there."

Sardasht took note that, without hesitation, the Emperor used the softer word "apprehensive" rather than the more realistic "fear" which he would not allow to escape from his lips even in this limited company. He wondered whether the word would have been used if Darius were alone with Tabriz.

"You cannot go there with a company of warriors nor with guards because the noise and tumult would awaken passion and resistance. Nothing will be achieved in that manner. Instead, you will travel under the pretense of seeking to record the annals of the area. In this way, you will awaken the natural pride and arrogance of the Medes and loosen their tongues. Your only companion will be danger. I have no other instruction than to wish you well and to pray for your safe return. You have leave to say what you please, Sardasht, and ask of me anything."

Sardasht did not raise his head. "I have no questions, Sire. I hasten to do your bidding."

Darius smiled, nodded, and turned to Tabriz.

"Your selection seems to be a worthy one, Tabriz. May Ahura Mazda be with all of us."

Darius turned in the direction from whence he had come. Before disappearing through the curtain, he stopped and addressed Tabriz.

"Your experience with the Judeans will soon again be of assistance to me. As you know, I have a cupbearer who is of their stock. He has been loyal and serves me well. Of late, he has received news from his brother of the precarious position of those who returned to their homeland and he has begun subtly importuning me with the intent to ask for permission to leave my service and return to the land of his fathers. I am amused because he seems to think that I do not notice these allusions. Surely this is of importance to him for otherwise he would not make bold in this manner. But, in truth, the Judeans have shown themselves to be a rebellious people and I would rather have them in my debt than against me and with my enemies. Their land sits on major trade routes that are important to us. I wish to speak with you further on this subject but it can await the passage of the Khordad Sal celebrations for which I must prepare."

With that, Darius left as silently as he had arrived.

And so, Sardasht went forth to do the bidding of the Emperor. After entering the region of the Medes his journey was slowed because of the disagreeable character of the natives. He was often given false directions and the markings of the empire upon his pack acted as a beacon to the natives not to offer him lodging or food. He slept under the stars and rationed his provender and water. He did not rest well. Although never threatened nor approached in a hostile manner, the antagonistic attitude displayed toward him made him wary and caused him to feel unsafe. Oftimes at night in his camp he heard, or imagined that he heard, whispers and footsteps.

Without seeming to be in great haste he visited the main villages and encampments and filled his journals with the exaggerated tales of heroism and elaborate histories that were conjured up for his benefit. As the Emperor had surmised, his knowledge of their language had loosened their tongues. His arrival was always anticipated as the news of his mission traveled ahead of him. Had his mission indeed been to record history he was already successful. His subtle questions about machinations against the Emperor were either misunderstood or intentionally ignored.

Like the sensible and careful person that he was, he always took much pain to gather knowledge of anything that would likely be of interest to Tabriz and the Emperor so that on his return he could relate everything in regular order. He was again and again amazed and pleased at the vastness of the empire. It was truly wonderful to be part of such an immense undertaking.

In spite of the hardships and the stubbornness of the people, he did manage to learn that there were two men in the village of Naghdeh who were seers and elders who commanded the respect of all the Medes. Surely they, if anyone, should be the key to the information that he sought. Sardasht decided to make a bold move and confront them directly. Although this was a headstrong and vehement move, it was not taken without prior thought. As Darius had said, great enterprises involve great risks. The success of this mission was an opportunity which may never again occur for Sardasht to become almost an intimate of the Emperor in the manner of Tabriz. And it was not simply personal ambition, although this truly played a part. Sardasht was constant in his devotion to the Emperor and wished to foster his success and that of the empire.

Naghdeh was situated in a particularly remote part of the province. At a distance of one day's journey on horseback before reaching his destination, Sardasht's mount stumbled and he was thrown upon the rough ground. His wounds were slight but his pain was sufficient to keep him from sitting astride the horse. Leading the two animals, he limped on until reaching the village several days later. He rested for a short time before entering so that despite his miserable appearance he would maintain some of the dignity worthy of a courier of the empire. The village was small and the few people who witnessed his arrival paid him no attention. In the village center, in the manner of the Medes, he found the hut of the two seers and stood outside for a few moments. Receiving no response to the clatter of his horses and his obvious presence, he entered and found the two Medes seated on the bare floor facing the entrance. They were expecting him.

After the initial exchange of words and knowing that there would be no offer of hospitality, of drink or lodging, or even of a place to sit, Sardasht went directly to the point.

"I have come to speak to you of two Medes. . ."

"Bigthan and Teresh," interrupted the older man.

Startled, Sardasht nodded.

The man leaned forward and smiled an ugly smile. "You have nothing to fear, Persian, nor does your Emperor. You have traveled untouched throughout our land although you could have been killed a hundred times over. We are not interested in taking your life or the life of your Emperor.

"Listen to me and listen well. The Persians defeated us in fair battle. We entered headlong into the midst of danger with all of our forces and we were overcome. We could not withstand the shock of the Persian charges. It was a sign from the gods that our day as an empire was finished. We will no longer raise arms against you. We are vanquished in this world. This is the fate of the Medes. But the honor of the Medes demanded Persian blood to pacify our gods. Otherwise we Medes will have no rest in the other world. So it is incumbent upon a Mede of noble family to attempt to spill the blood of a Persian of noble family. This is our creed and on this rests our honor. Even if the attempt is unsuccessful, the very undertaking itself, especially if done at great risk, is considered by the gods as though the act had been consummated. Bigthan and Teresh were of the family of King Astyages himself. At great risk and with great cunning they insinuated themselves into the royal entourage of Persia. The effort took many years and was on the threshold of success when disaster struck. But no matter. It was successful in the eyes of the gods. That is enough for us.

"So you see, you can rule us and make us obey, as this is the will of the gods. We will attempt you no harm. But you cannot make us respect you. And we have redeemed our honor. And as our empire was overcome, so some day will yours be, for that is the way of the world. But, as long as there is one Mede left in this world, the names of Bigthan and Teresh will be remembered and cherished for they sanctified our honor and redeemed us in the eyes of the gods."

The Mede was finished. A long silence ensued, unbroken except for the noises of the waiting horses. Sardasht understood that the confrontation was over. The Mede has said all that he wished and no response was required or expected. The climactic moment of his entire journey was over almost as soon as it began. He turned and left the room, grasped the reins of his mount and the tether of the pack horse and slowly limped away from the hut and out of the village, accompanied only by the silent stares of the villagers. After several hours he found a small stream and made camp. With great pain he removed a manuscript and writing instruments from the pack and carefully recorded the words of the seer as he remembered them. He returned the manuscript to its place and wrapped it in leather to ensure protection against rain.

He remained for several days until he regained sufficient strength to continue on horseback. Although uncomfortable, he no longer felt threatened. The trip was a painful one but with the assistance of the Emperor's officers at the various guard points along the way, he reached Pasargadae where he stayed with friends for half a moon until he was fully recovered. He sent word by courier to Tabriz to apprise him of his whereabouts and promised to return as soon as he was rested. Finally, he returned to Sussa and, on the morning after his arrival he presented himself at the quarters of Tabriz. He found the old man surrounded by assistants who were busy writing and copying manuscripts. Tabriz, who was visibly delighted to see him, quickly hurried all the other assistants out and motioned Sardasht to sit in a stool placed near his own.

"Sardasht, you have done well. Word has come to me from the satraps and the couriers of your journey and your indisposition. You have been cleverly discreet since no one appears to know of the real reason for your mission. Now, tell me if you accomplished what we wished for."

Tabriz hung onto every word, Sardasht described all the important details of his journey and dwelled at length on the encounter with the two seers of Media. When he was finished he drew forth from his pouch the manuscript that he had inscribed with the words of the seer and presented it to Tabriz. The latter took it eagerly, rolled it open and read it slowly several times. Then he closed his eyes and sat in silent thought for several moments.

"Yes, Sardasht, this harmonizes with what I know of the pagan beliefs of the Medes. They are not enlightened as we Persians who know the sublime hymns of Zarathustra. I truly believe that we have nothing to fear anymore on this matter and I will accordingly tell the Emperor of your achievements and my conclusions. I must add that I find it both pathetic and amusing that a wise man of the Medes should think that the names of Bigthan and Teresh will last eternally. Despite their stubbornness and pride, the Medes will someday be swallowed up within this great empire and the names of those two villains will be blotted out forever. That is also the way of the world.

"Go home and rest, Sardasht. I am proud of you and I am happy that you have justified my choice of you as my successor. I will have one more task for you before you take upon yourself full responsibility. But it will be pleasurable for you since it will be educational and there are no dangers other than the usual ones when travelling. But you will be accompanied by the Emperor's guards so there is little to fear. But we will discuss it when you are rested."

With the humility that was characteristic of him, Sardasht rose to take his leave. He was pleased with both his success and the contentment he had brought to his patron.

"Your pleasure is my reward," said Sardasht. "May I make a request of you?"

"Certainly."

"I recall the interest that both the Emperor and you showed in the Judeans. What has happened on that subject?

Tabriz smiled. "Your memory is good, Sardasht, and it serves you well. And I must admit that your astuteness amazes me. That is exactly the topic of the assignment that awaits you. Sit down for a moment."

Sardasht obeyed and Tabriz continued. "As you know, the Emperor has devoted himself to reforming the organization of the empire and making the outer borders secure. We now rule the more than six score provinces through twenty satrapies, highways have been built, a system of couriers organized for passage of messages, there is new and uniform coinage, commerce has risen. There is much good will among the people because Darius respects their religions. He has consulted with the high priest of the Egyptians and with the oracles of the Greeks. In keeping with this policy, he conceded to the wishes of his Judean cupbearer and has permitted him to return to his homeland to rebuild the temple of their deity. This is a generous and wise move on the part of the Emperor and I assented to this decision. But I was honest with him and told him that, despite all the intentions, eventually the enterprise will fail. They are a small and weak people, surrounded by enemies and continually harassed. They will eventually be swallowed up by others who are more powerful, This, too, is the way of the world.

"But, as I told you, I learned much about them both in their homeland and in the other provinces of the Empire. And I saw something in these people that is rare, very rare. You see, Sardasht, in my position I have become acquainted with all the tribes and people that inhabit this vast empire. With some I am more familiar and with others less. But the Judeans fascinate me more than any of the others. It is not simply because I speak their language and have visited their land. It is something deeper.

"The nature of a person is born with him. Some of us are easy to anger and others are not. Some laugh easily and others do not. Some are kind and others are cruel. It is almost impossible to change the nature of a person. But nature can be trained to serve a cause. The character of a person can be developed so that he will have deep and genuine convictions that are truly his own, yet at the same time they serve his family and his tribe. And in time of crisis they will not fail him. Strong loyalty and conviction can be inculcated in a person so that he will develop a strength that is required for greatness of living. A man who knows what he believes and why, will have inner peace and security. He will think decisively, act wisely, and unite with his fellows in worthwhile endeavor.

"That, Sardasht, is what I found among the Judeans more than any other people, particularly among those who returned to their destroyed homeland. Look at this Judean cupbearer who rose to personally serve the Emperor. He chose to leave it all to return to the danger and uncertainty of a devastated province. He preferred to join his countrymen in what he believes is a great endeavor to restore some form of independence, even imperfect,over the comforts of a royal palace. I have great familiarity with the empire and I have not seen this unique character except among the Judeans. How does this happen? How are they able to instill this in their children? How do they train their nature to serve the cause of the tribe and the nation? What is their secret?

"In the time I was with them and in my conversations with their leaders I felt that I only touched upon this great matter. It is not as though it was being withheld from me. Rather it was something that was apparently so ordinary to their lives that it did not require mentioning. Perhaps it had to do with their relationship to their unseen god whose name is always upon their lips. I do not know. But I wish to find out so that this unknown ingredient of their lives can be used by us. We are a great empire and our existence will be further enhanced if we learn this mystery that seems to be natural to these people. And we must learn it soon because their days are limited. Because of this unique characteristic they will endure, despite the difficulties, longer than those without such an attribute. But they are doomed to vanish and be forgotten.

"And so, Sardasht, I want you to go to their land by the endless sea. Formally, your mission will be to study their progress and report it back to the Emperor. But, in truth, their progress is meaningless since it will lead to naught. But you are clever and you will know what to look and listen for. And, in the end, what you learn will serve the cause of this mighty Empire."

Tabriz paused and smiled at Sardasht. "Come and see me again when you are rested and we will discuss the details of your mission. I am pleased with you and so is the Emperor. You have done well, exceedingly well."

Sardasht took leave of Tabriz and returned to his home. He was contented with his accomplishment and pleased with the future prospects for himself in this, the greatest of all empires.

Jay Shapiro is a freelance writer living in Israel.