Mardonius said nothing, though he felt his eyebrow rise almost on its own. Artabazus was a fat little man, a head shorter than either the general of the Immortals or the commander of horse for the Persian king. Mardonius wondered if Artabazus would speak so irritably if either Hydarnes or Masistius had been there to hear. He thought not, on the whole.

‘It would please me if you shared what little I have, Artabazus. I value your opinion.’

It was all simply the ritual of good manners, of course. The first offer was always refused, the second accepted. Mardonius had seen from the first moment how Artabazus’ gaze lingered on the plate of honey cakes. He had a weakness for such things, which was why Mardonius had displayed them on a plate of gold.

‘If you wish, I will try a small one,’ Artabazus said. ‘You do me a great honour, general. All I ask is to serve.’

In moments, they were both seated cross-legged on a rug of silk weave, enjoying the soft cakes and accepting wine. Neither man did more than compliment the food until it was all gone. Artabazus managed a surprising number of the little cakes, though he expressed regret as they vanished and sighed when the last crumb had gone.

‘I was once as slender as a youth, can you believe it?’ he said.

The man produced a needle of ivory to work between his teeth. Mardonius smiled to see him relax, though he wondered if it might all be an act for his benefit. Certainly Artabazus was wondering what he would say.

‘I know I can trust you, Artabazus,’ Mardonius said at last.

‘It is beyond doubt,’ the man replied, bowing his head.

‘I will speak to Hydarnes and Masistius. You three are my most trusted officers, along with my sons. I must rely on you all now, to bear weight and responsibility – to pass on my orders to each regiment, to see them carried out. I have been entrusted with a task, Artabazus. I need to know you understand its importance. There will be no disobedience, no interpretation, is that understood?’

‘Of course!’ Artabazus replied. He rocked forward, so that the swell of his belly hid the hands he crossed over his waist. ‘I came to this place to serve the royal house of Persia, general. That has not changed. Nothing has changed! Only the worst workman needs an overseer to watch he does not sleep the day away. We know what we must do.’

Mardonius nodded, pleased.

‘Good. His Majesty entrusted to me the task of bringing the Greeks to heel, Artabazus. He wants them as loyal vassals of the Persian court.’

He watched as a slight frown line appeared between the man’s eyes. Artabazus blinked slowly as he listened.

‘I … believe I understand, general. The authority is yours, to destroy, to enslave … Merely order me and I will obey, of course.’