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ENEMIES "I see what he's doing, Saleed. He's here every day now, singing and dancing for hours outside these walls. He draws quite the crowd. Ah, I knew you'd be impressed. They come for the spectacle, for the novelty, for intrigue. And what a performance this is! He has them completely under his spell." Over Balthasar's shoulder, less than a mile away, was Darius of Armenia. Even at this distance, he was an undeniably charismatic figure. Here was a colorful, attractive man, a mysterious stranger who first appeared three weeks ago, unannounced, to regale the denizens of this city with dance and song. He told fanciful stories. He read poetry. He twirled and shook his body in a most peculiar fashion. His reputation throughout the region grew quickly. He was called a worldly traveler, a fool and a madman, a mystic. An enigma to a captive audience perched atop these city walls. Balthasar continued. "You asked, Saleed, about the irony I mentioned before. It is this: Darius is my countryman. I've known him many years. We grew up together, held similar positions, took identical oaths. Darius hates these people. He hates them truly, as much as I do, and more. He too is sworn to destroy them. Yet you see how he will accomplish this. Behold! He is dancing for them. It is deception and cunning. It is charlatanism and knavery... soon he will dance himself inside these walls into the very throne room of the king." Darius of Armenia removed a tattered book from within the folds of his robe. He danced in place, one arm pinned against his side and the other flailing wildly, before shuffling over to a large rock and standing proudly upon it. The crowd was mesmerized. He opened the book, and in loud, dramatic tones, began to read from it. He read one poem, then another, and another. He followed this with a love song that was haltingly beautiful. Then Darius drew up his composure and stoically pronounced a prayer over his people. "While one cannot argue with these apparent results," said Balthasar, "I would yet submit an objection. Darius believes he can eliminate his enemies by turning them into his friends. At this he may well succeed. But is this too benevolent a conquest of one's enemies? I would sooner see them perish completely. Why win the hearts of the people beyond these walls? The walls were built; they can just as easily come down. Would that I find myself in command of a mighty war machine. With fire and vengeance, I would descend upon this city, and subdue it without mercy, by force." -murrayjames 07/28/08 |