The king’s herald had not been dismissed, so still waited in the same spot, legs trembling with fatigue. His voice was a croak when Xerxes gestured for him to read the letter aloud in Greek, eager to watch their reaction. When he had finished, one of the Thebans asked to see it for himself. It was a rare thing to find a man who could read, but Xerxes allowed it, watching closely while the Theban’s lips moved, murmuring slowly through the words as if he tasted them. The fellow shrugged as he handed it back to the herald.

‘I do not know Themistocles well, Majesty, except as a name in Athens.’ The Theban paused as the herald translated for the king. ‘It is true that Salamis is an island. I can confirm that much from my own youth, when I came to this very port.’

‘And you would trust his offer to surrender?’

Having his words repeated in Greek gave Xerxes time to watch the response. He noted how the Thebans exchanged glances, seeking some reassurance. Of course, they were Greeks who had decided to take Persian gold rather than raise spears against his army. In his private thoughts, Xerxes considered them less than men. He wondered if such creatures could ever truly judge the motivation of those with more pride who had refused, men who had taken to the sea and marched on land to face an enemy they could not possibly hope to defeat.

‘I believe so, Majesty, but it is hard to be certain. The plan he suggests would surely end the battle. No army can fight on two sides.’

Xerxes nodded slowly as the herald repeated all he had heard. With a gesture, the young king allowed the Thebans to make obeisance to him, waiting patiently until all the Greeks had prostrated themselves and prayed aloud for his long life. He wondered if they understood being allowed to do so was an honour in itself, a reward for their service. Subtleties of that sort seemed to be lost on Hellenes, at least those he commanded. When they had been marched away, he addressed Mardonius.

‘He promises very little, this Themistocles,’ Xerxes said. ‘He commands, but claims he cannot surrender. Yet he offers me a way to end the battle quickly. What do you advise?’

‘We have the numbers to try it,’ Mardonius said. ‘If it is successful, it would certainly save the lives of thousands. Perhaps that has value, I do not know. There will have to be plans for Greek prisoners then. Will you allow them to reclaim their city? My men are taking down the walls as we speak.’

‘And they will stay down, as a symbol of their surrender,’ Xerxes said. ‘I do not need to turn the sea red, Mardonius. I came to this place in vengeance, yes, but when the campaign is over, what do I want to leave behind? Just ashes and bones? What would my father say?’