8 Only The Gods Could Decide Now

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Ariaeus began to nod excitedly, not surprising for the sycophant he was, "That is a good plan, my King."

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"I know it is, Ariaeus, as I came up with it," replied Cyrus, nonchalantly.

"When shall we draw up on the morrow?" Clearchus asked, still studying the troop dispositions.

"We will draw the troops up mid morning. I have business to attend to before battle, and I plan to see it done. My empire is a mess, gentleman. I intend to put it to rights," replied Cyrus.

"Are you sure you want to distract yourself with civilian matters right before battle?" Clearchus asked, the first time he disagreed with the Great King that night.

"It needs to be done, Clearchus. My brother's awful management of our birthright has the people almost mutinous. If I see to local leaders and merchants, we can begin to fix that. We will attend to it in morning light. But prepare your men tonight. Tomorrow, we will fight," said Cyrus, looking directly at both his commanders.

"I will talk to my men immediately," replied Clearchus, as both men saluted before their King.

"Good, let's talk in the morning. Dismissed," replied Cyrus, turning away.

As both men began to file out of the tent, Papak couldn't help but notice the troop alignments for the morrow. Even being outnumbered, Cyrus hoped to win a spectacular battle against his brother and then immediately march for the capital. Even though Papak trusted his King completely, a very real grasp of fear began to take him, similar to that which took him every eve of battle. One wrong move, one surprise on the field of battle could unravel even the most carefully designed plans. Papak just continued to hope that his luck and trust in Cyrus would hold true. Only the Gods could decide now.@@