In the Persian Market: The Roar of an Empire

Episode Twenty: Triumph in the Desert, A Fleeting Peace

1. The Unceasing Pulse

Even after the Macedonian army vanished beyond the horizon, the members of the Market Brigade could not move at once. The tension was so overwhelming that everyone stood frozen, like statues.

“…Is it over? Did that ‘god’ really withdraw?”

Danesh, his hands trembling, put away his lenses and collapsed to his knees.

“Yeah, he pulled back. But that wasn’t a retreat,” Cyrus spat, staring at his broken dagger.

“…He simply chose to let us live—as worthy rivals.”

Blood was still dripping steadily from his wounded shoulder.

2. A Toast Scarred by Wounds

That night, by the oasis, the roar of battle was replaced by the gentle crackle of campfires.

Inaz spared no precious herbs, rushing from one wounded soldier to another.

“Pain means you’re alive. Here, drink this soup—market-grade spices included. It’ll put strength back in you.”

Even Azad’s mercenaries sat quietly beside the market folk.

“Cyrus, I’ll admit it. A merchant who put a blade to the Great King’s throat? You’re one of a kind in history.”

Cyrus took the waterskin Azad offered and drained it in one go.

3. Nirfar’s ‘Tears of a Queen’

Nirfar stood alone, gazing at the moon reflected on the water.

From behind her, Shahab approached like a shadow.

“…Princess—no, Your Majesty. That strike was magnificent. Hossein must be astonished in the afterlife.”

Without turning, Nirfar’s voice trembled softly.

“I was terrified. I only knew that losing Cyrus would mean losing my soul. Shahab… must I continue walking a path soaked in the blood of my people?”

Shahab did not answer. In the darkness, he merely stroked the scales of his serpent.

The road the princess had chosen was already stained too red to turn back.

4. The Accumulation of Wisdom: Danesh’s Foresight

By firelight, Danesh began writing in a new “ledger.”

“Cyrus, the Great King will return. Next time with several times his forces—and refined tactics. During this respite, we must fully secure the desert tribes and prepare the ‘ambush plan’ outlined in our framework.”

“I know,” Cyrus replied, his eyes sharpening once more with a merchant’s calculation.

“…We’ll turn the desert into a sandstorm. A vast grave for them.”

5. The Gentle Sound of Music

Someone produced an old instrument.

The melody was the same graceful tune that once flowed daily through the market.

That market was gone—burned to ash, friends swallowed by sand.

Yet within the hearts of those gathered, it came vividly back to life.

“Come, dance,” Nirfar said. “Give thanks to the gods that we survived today.”

Soldiers and civilians alike joined hands and danced around the fire.

It was a luxurious pause—a fleeting landing granted only to those prepared to die tomorrow.

Only a few encounters remained before their rematch with Alexander.

The desert wind whispered softly, as if foretelling the next great storm.