In the Persian Market: The Roar of an Empire

Episode Twenty-One: Alliance in the Sand, the Shadow of Betrayal

1. The Swelling “Market Army”

The legend that Cyrus had scarred the Great King’s cheek spread across the desert.

Defeated tribes, wandering refugees, even deserters from the Macedonian ranks gathered beneath his banner.

“Four thousand has become nearly ten thousand,” Azad muttered, glaring at the newcomers.

“But numbers breed impurity.”

“I know,” Cyrus replied, moving pieces across a vast sand-table.

“A lively market always draws thieves. Danesh—our supply lines?”

“At their limit,” Danesh answered wearily.

“Without Lady Nirfar, blood would have been spilled already.”

2. The Silver Coin in the Dark

That night, beyond the camp, a man slipped a Macedonian silver coin into a hidden tube.

“The market rats will fall easily,” he whispered.

From deeper darkness, Shahab watched.

“A snake has shown itself. Kabir—follow. Don’t kill him yet.”

“Understood,” Kabir replied, melting into the sand.

3. Nirfar’s Masked Mercy

Inside the tent, Nirfar faced the feuding tribal chiefs.

“Before fighting Alexander, we must fight our own greed.

I promise equal rights and profit—but betray us once, and I will return you to the desert myself.”

The gentle princess was gone.

Only the pressure of a queen remained, sharp and undeniable.

4. Cyrus’s Ominous Purchase

At dawn, Shahab returned, dropping the silver coin into Cyrus’s hand.

“There’s more than one traitor. Alexander plans to buy this army.”

Cyrus flicked the coin and smiled coldly.

“Basic trade. But the Great King misunderstands.”

He toppled the piece marking a massive dune.

“We’re not selling our lives.

We’re selling them the greatest ruin this desert can offer.”

5. The Sign of the Storm

From beyond the horizon, a foul wind began to rise—

the unmistakable breath of an approaching sandstorm.