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MORDECAI raised himself from his hands and knees in the narrow passageway above the gateway. He had not heard all of the conversation which had taken place in the opposite turret, nor had he identified all the plotters but of one thing he was certain - whoever they were, these men intended to kill the King and his cousin was to take the blame for the deed. Quietly, he made his way along the passage in the dark and hurried down his own stairs. Pausing at the door to make sure all was clear, he then slipped through the shadows towards the palace where the festivities were already beginning to wane. At the gate, he saw a familiar figure.
'Melane,' he whispered. 'Are either Artaynte or Hegai about?' 'I don't know,' she said, already a little merry from the wine. 'I must find her, and quickly.' 'Why? It's time to dance.' She put her arms around his neck. 'Dance with me, Marduka.' He pushed her away. 'I must find Artaynte. Someone intends to kill the King tonight.' 'Don't be silly. The King is to be with Astur tonight.' She leant closer conspiratorially and giggled. 'He is going to make love to her.' 'We must stop them.' 'Stop them? You should have seen Astur at the banquet. She couldn't stop staring at the King with her big eyes. They are in love.' 'But don't you realise? There is a plot to kill them both. I must find Hegai or Artaynte.' 'I might know where they are,' Melane said with a wink. 'Then fetch them, girl. Quickly.' 'All right, all right. There's no need to shout.' Ten minutes later, Artaynte appeared and grabbed Marduka's arm. 'What is this Melane is mumbling about a plot to kill the King?' 'Thank goodness someone believes me. I overheard some men plotting near the gatehouse. They plan to murder the King tonight and place the blame upon Astur.' 'Then we must stop them.' 'Better still, we must catch them in the act. If I call out the guard, can you make sure that Astur is aware?' 'Of course,' said Artaynte. 'Leave it to me.' She ran through the palace garden, frantically looking for Astur. For some strange reason, she thought as she ran, there were no guards to be found anywhere in the main palace complex. Freely, she wandered in and out of the chambers until she came to the King's rooms. Her heart was in her mouth as she tiptoed towards the King's own chamber and tapped on the wall, praying she was not too late. A man opened the curtains. She sighed with relief. 'Thank goodness it is you, Harbona. There is a plot against the King. We must protect him.' 'A plot? Don't be ridiculous. The palace is well guarded.' 'Then how do you think I got this far? I tell you I have seen no-one in the palace.' Harbona stuck his head out into the empty passageway and confirmed her truthful words. 'Come inside,' he said quickly and Artaynte followed him into the anti-room, suddenly wondering if Harbona was in on the plot. If he was, she had just made the last mistake of her life. Harbona knocked on the far doorway and opened the curtain carefully. 'My Lord King. Forgive me but it is an emergency. There is a plot against your life.' The King strode to the door and saw Artaynte. 'Who is in the palace?' 'The guards are all away from their posts,' confirmed the Maid of Honour. 'There is no-one.' 'Very well. Harbona, who is there in the chambers?' 'Just ourselves, my Lord King. It was as you commanded.' 'What is it?' said the voice and Astur came to the door. 'Harbona, look after the Queen,' said the King. 'We will get to the bottom of this matter.' He suddenly had inspiration. 'Artaynte, run to the court of women. See who is left who might help us.' She bowed. 'It is done, Your Majesty.' Artaynte ran off down the passage as Harbona guided Astur to the bed where he bade her lie. The King took his attendant to one side. 'What weapons do we have.' 'None, your Majesty. Weapons are banned from the central palace area by order of the Commander of the Guard.' Harbona stiffened. 'There are footsteps.' Together, they backed into a curtained alcove off the anti-room and waited. Slowly, the door creaked open and two shadows entered. The King and attendant watched as they crept stealthily towards the King's chamber. Astur called out as the door opened and the King stepped forward to help. The men turned and saw him and one raised his spear to throw. Suddenly, Khshayarsha was thrust aside as a giant burst into the room and rushed towards the men. A great scuffle broke out in the darkness as Artaynte shouted in the passageway outside and figures started to appear in the distance. Within minutes, the room was full of people and the two men were lying on the floor as Hegai stumbled to his feet, the spear which had been intended for the King protruding from his chest. 'Hegai!' screamed Astur and threw her arms around him as he fell to his knees. 'Artaynte, get help, quickly.' 'Is too late,' sighed the giant. 'I dead.' 'Not yet, you're not.' Taking control, she looked up at Harbona. 'Where's that healer? Fetch him quickly.' Guards arrived into the mell�e and among them, Artabanus, looking very ill indeed. Astur watched as he entered and was a little surprised at the expression upon his face. 'Where were you when I needed you?' bellowed the King and his uncle made some lame excuse as the guards arrested Bigthana and Teresh. 'Take them away. In the morning, I want to look out of my window and see them hanging in the public square.' Artabanus nodded and, still looking sick, left. 'Harbona,' continued the King. 'I want a full report of this incident. Investigate it fully and see that it is written into the official records.' Harbona bowed. 'It shall be done, my Lord King.' 'Artaynte,' said Astur quietly as the men took the giant away. 'Will you look after Hegai?' 'Of course. I will remain with him until morning.' 'Thank you.' The King closed the curtain and they were alone. 'I will understand if you wish to return to your own quarters.' The Queen of the Persians smiled a little. 'You are most kind, my Lord King. However, alone, I will fret for Hegai. Tonight, I need comfort in the arms of the one I love.'
THE giant Hegai died during the night. The man who had bravely jumped into the raging waters of the Choaspes, who had befriended Hadasseh and Artaynte, who had made an orphan into a queen, had died saving the life of his King. The whole of Shushan was in mourning the next day as the King commanded his body to be carried throughout the city in state. Artaynte and Marduka stood side-by-side at the palace gate as his body was carried through.
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 CHAPTER
TWELVE
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