IT took five days for the slow-moving group to return to Shushan. By the time they arrived, the Court had moved to Ecbatana for the summer. Artaynte went alone into the city. It was dark and eerie as she crept along by the palace wall but she eventually found a friend.
'Nehemiah,' she whispered. 'Are you alone?'
'Princess Artaynte,' he responded with surprise. 'They told me you were dead.'
She smirked. 'Not me, I don't kill that easily and neither does Astur.'
Nehemiah grabbed hold of her gown. 'Queen Astur? She is alive? Artabanus said you had all been executed for assassinating Prince Artakhshayarsha.'
'We didn't kill Artakhshayarsha nor anyone else for that matter.'
'Then who did?'
'No-one. Artakhshayarsha is also still alive.'
The young Jew sat down. 'Then...'
'Artabanus has a lot to answer for. It is he who murdered the King here in Shushan and arranged to have Darius put to death. Tell me, is Megabyzus back from Persepolis yet?'
'No, my Princess. Artabanus had asked him to stay there until the summer has ended so that he can be ready to leave for Egypt.'
'Have they rebelled again?'
Nehemiah nodded. 'It is Inaros of Lybia. He has taken control of the whole Nile Delta upon hearing of the death of the King. Artabanus had declared himself ruler of Egypt and Inaros wouldn't stand for that.'
'So, we have some time. I must find a way to get Astur and Artakhshayarsha into the city. Will you help me?'
'Of course. Bring them to the south gate an hour before dawn. The gatekeeper is a Jewish proselyte who sided with Marduka against Haman. He will let you in.'
'Very well. We will be there at the time appointed and will hide out in the Court of Women.'
THE weeks went by and, gradually, Astur and Artakhshayarsha got better. Soon, Astur was up and about, the last of her blisters now almost completely healed.
One day, Hathach rushed in to where she was bathing in cool water. 'Your Majesty, Artabanus has returned to Shushan.'
Astur's heart began to beat faster as she glanced towards Artakhshayarsha who lay on his couch being fed by Artaynte.
'How many are with us?' she asked quickly.
'About a dozen, your Majesty. You ordered us not to announce your presence until Artakhshayarsha was well enough to assume control himself.'
'Then we will remain silent. In another few days, the King will be fully recovered and in a position to challenge the authority of Artabanus.'
'It shall be as you have spoken, my Queen.'
ARTABANUS entered the city and spirits were high as there was usually a banquet upon the ruler's return to Shushan.
'Send messengers to Megabyzus,' he commanded as he strode into the palace. 'I want him to come to Shushan immediately. War has escalated in Egypt and I want them crushed.'
'As you command,' said the attendant, bowing.
'And start the banquet atonce. I am weary from my journey.'
'Are the people to be invited, My Lord Artabanus?'
'Of course not. Khshayarsha treated the people of Shushan with too much kindness.' He paused as the servants rushed about to make preparations. 'And bring me all the girls from the harem. I have had a long and difficult journey and now feel in the mood for some sport.'
'There are but few, my Lord Artabanus. The King had the harem at Shushan reduced to just a handful to please the Queen.'
'King? Queen? I am King here now and there is no Queen unless I decide that one of the young ladies pleases me. Have them brought in to me immediately.'
Hathach bowed. 'As you command.'
He hurried from the room and down to the Court of Women as the food began to be served. As quickly as he could, he related the instructions of Artabanus.
'All the concubines?' queried Artaynte. 'He is becoming more of a dirty old man with each day that passes.'
'I must return immediately with the concubines else he will send guards here to find out why I am delaying.'
'Of course, Hathach,' replied Astur, deep in thought. 'However, I have no intention of letting anyone else suffer at his hands. Nehemiah, Mordecai, could you stay here in the Court of Women and look after the King?'
Both men nodded their agreement.
Astur called the others to her. 'Hathach, return at once to say that the concubines are on their way. Roxana, Elma, Keiri, Artaynte - listen carefully. We must keep him from coming here and finding the King, so this is what we are going to do.'
|
���
CHAPTER
THIRTY-EIGHT
