Free Parthian Dawn by Peter Darman Page B

awaits you in the throne room.’
    We followed the guard from our bedroom, through the palace’s private chambers and along a long corridor that led to the rear of the throne room. Kogan’s guards stood around the room at intervals of ten paces, looking like bronze statues in their breastplates and helmets. My father sat in one of the high-backed chairs, my mother in another. Assur stood to one side of the marble-covered dais, along with Kogan and Vata. Gafarn, Aliyeh and Diana were standing on the other side, all of them looking at a distinctly nervous soldier who held what appeared to be a large bundle of hides in his hands. The silence was oppressive as we entered the room.
    ‘Ah,’ said my father, ‘perhaps now the mystery can be solved.’
    I was bemused. ‘Mystery, father?’
    ‘Indeed. This man,’ he pointed at the soldier stood in front of him, ‘has brought a gift for you. Tell him.’
    The soldier wore red leather boots, red leggings and a yellow tunic. He cleared his throat.
    ‘Thank you, majesty.’ His eyes darted between me and my father, who began drumming his fingers on the arm of his throne, until a disapproving look from my mother persuaded him to desist. The soldier continued. ‘This package is to be delivered to King Pacorus in person.’
    My father pointed at me. ‘Here he is, so you may deliver it, finally.’
    The soldier bowed his head at me and laid the bundle at my feet. He then reached into his tunic and pulled out a tightly rolled parchment, which he handed to me. ‘I was also instructed to give you this, majesty.’
    I took the parchment, which had a wax seal. ‘Instructed by whom?’
    ‘The sorceress of King of Kings Sinatruces, majesty.’
    My father suddenly looked interested, as did everyone else. He waved the courier away.
    ‘Open it Pacorus,’ said my mother.
    I broke the seal on the parchment and unrolled it. The writing was in a language I did not recognise. ‘I do not know these words.’
    ‘Let Lord Assur take a look.’
    Assur walked over to me and took the scroll. He peered at it for a long time.
    ‘I believe it is written in ancient Scythian, majesty, though I recognise only a few words. However, there is a clerk in the temple who is an expert on languages. I will bring him.’
    He then handed me back the parchment and marched from the room. My father pointed at the bundle on the floor.
    ‘Perhaps Dobbai herself is in there, ready to spring out at you. While we wait for Assur to return, we will see what’s in it.’
    ‘It is Pacorus’ gift, Varaz, so he should open it,’ said my mother.
    I pulled my dagger from its sheath and cut the cords wrapped round the hides.
    Inside was a rolled piece of cloth. I gestured to Vata and Gafarn to give me assistance as I unrolled it. It was a large square standard, white in colour with gold edging. Vata held one corner and Gafarn the other as they held it aloft in front of me. It was as high at both of them, and Gafarn was over six foot in height. In the centre of the banner was a red mythical beast, with the head and talons of an eagle and the body of what looked like a lion. It also had wings.
    ‘How magnificent,’ remarked my mother.
    ‘There’s enough gold in that edging to pay for a palace,’ noted my father.
    ‘How long do we have to hold it here,’ complained Gafarn, ‘my arms are aching?’
    ‘What is it?’ asked Gallia.
    ‘It is called a griffin if I am not mistaken.’ Assur re-entered the chamber with a small, portly man scurrying beside him, who walked over to stand beside me and peered at the banner. He smelt of old scrolls and leather.
    ‘Mm, yes indeed. A griffin. Head of an eagle and the body of a lion.’
    Assur handed him the scroll that came from Dobbai. ‘And this?’
    The archivist held it close to his face and started mumbling to himself.
    ‘You were right, holiness. It is ancient Scythian. I haven’t seen this language written in an age.’
    ‘Would you care to read it to us,’