The king's demeanor shifted as quickly as the sun appearing from a storm front.  He stopped in his raging and looked steadily at Demartus.  "As you wish it, then," he said, and turned to the soldiers, who were already beginning to haul me off.  "Release him." 

 

Xerxes gave Demaratus a cold glance and moved regally through his courtiers, who bowed in fear before him.  I was released and thrust forward to stand behind Demaratus.  Xerxes arranged his robes and seated himself once more behind his map table.  He glanced up at Demaratus.

 

"What is his name, this insolent Greek?" he sneered.

 

"Lysis, son of Androcles," replied Demaratus.

 

From behind the king, my eye caught a startled movement as a fierce, pug-nosed, short, powerfully built warrior lurched forward, spilling his wine onto the king's robe.

 

"Fool!" snapped Xerxes.  "Do you wish to take his place at the bottom of the sea?"

 

"My Lord," the man stammered.  "My life is not worthy, I know, but this man, this Androcles the Athenian, I know-"

 

"Silence!" screamed Xerxes.  "Feel fortunate I do not have you skewered where you stand.  This counsel is over.  We attack as planned." With a ferocious wave of his hand, he dismissed the gathering.  They bowed and scraped as they retreated before his anger, the fierce warrior searing me with a hateful glance.