"Lee Edgar - Princess 01 - Queen of The Persians" - читать интересную книгу автора (Edgar Lee)

Queen
of the
Persians
by Lee Edgar

(the life story of Queen Esther)


dedicated to orphans everywhere


© Lee Edgar 1997


Published and Printed by
RegentLane Ltd
Devonshire Road Industrial Estate
Millom, Cumbria LA18 4JS
All Rights Reserved
ISBN 1.900821.70.2


sequel to this book
Albion Gold




Queen of the Persians
The sky grew yellow in colour as dawn finally broke over the Zagros Mountains and the herald blew his horn to
rouse the troops. Thousands of them woke and began to ready the royal caravan.
‘Is it time?’ asked the voice in the largest tent.
The older man beside him nodded. ‘It is time, my Lord King. By high sun, we should be in Shushan and your
people will welcome you and honour you.’
‘If only there was a way to avoid it, Haman. I hate such pomp and circumstance.’
‘It is necessary, my Lord King. With respect, you are no longer merely King of Babylon. Now that your father has
passed into the realm of the gods, you must assume the full responsibility of World Emperor over all the
jurisdictional districts belonging to Media and Persia.’
Khshayarsha nodded gravely. ‘So be it, my good friend. You have served me well as advisor while I have been
co-ruler with my father. Will you remain with me when I am sole King?’
‘I would gladly do so, my Lord King, if that is your wish. I am of the Magi and will therefore speak the words of our
chief god, Ahura-Mazda. He will guide you in the way to rule your mighty empire.’
‘Then you will speak his words to me, Haman. And I will listen and obey.’
The Magi bowed. ‘It is the way of the gods, my Lord King.’
Khshayarsha rose to his feet. ‘I must bathe before I inspect the Immortals.’
Haman raised the tent flap to call a servant. ‘I will arrange water for you, my Lord King.’
‘Nonsense. I will bathe in the river. Please see that Artabanus has the troops ready for inspection in one hour.’
‘As you command, Sire.’ Haman bowed once more and backed out of the tent as several young women entered to
attend to the King.
With entourage in tow, thirty-four-year-old King Khshayarsha of Persia strode towards the waters of the mighty