Episode Thirty-Three: The Palace as an Island
In the Persian Market: The Roar of an Empire
Episode Thirty-Three: The Palace as an Island — Hope Severed
1. The Throne of Silence
Black smoke rising from the Central Market of Persepolis stained the white marble walls of the royal palace.
The Apadana—the Audience Hall where envoys from across the world once knelt—was now filled with the groans of wounded soldiers and the sharp scent of hastily wrapped bandages.
“…The routes outside are completely cut off.”
Cyrus stared from the window at the sea of Macedonian campfires below.
The waterways had been sealed by Alexander’s engineers, and the remaining food would last only a few days.
“So even the market’s wisdom can’t beat an empty stomach, huh.”
Azad chuckled bitterly as he sharpened a bloodstained sword.
2. Nirfar’s ‘Final Commodity’
Amid this, Queen Nirfar ordered something hidden deep within the palace to be brought out.
Not gold or silver—but centuries of accumulated knowledge: papyrus scrolls, clay tablets, manuscripts written in countless languages.
“Cyrus. Alexander has come to seize our wealth. But what he truly desires is to know everything in this world.”
Nirfar spread out an ancient, weathered map.
“We cannot eat these. But we can leave them as seeds. …This palace will not become a mere tomb.”
3. Danesh’s ‘Calculation of Despair’
Danesh glared at the palace schematics and pointed to a single spot.
“Cyrus, Alexander won’t force his way in. He wants to claim this place without destroying its beauty. We will exploit that.”
He planted nearly invisible threads and Inaz’s custom flammable powder throughout the palace pillars.
“The moment he reaches for the throne, the palace itself will become a massive warning. …We will teach him how costly it is to take.”
4. The Flute in the Darkness
That night, a high, sorrowful flute echoed through a gap in the siege.
It was Shahab.
Hidden among Macedonian shadows, he drained their morale note by note.
“…Can you hear it, Macedonians? What you’re crushing isn’t mere stone. It’s a thousand-year dream your homeland never knew.”
The melody planted nameless unease in their hearts.
“There are ghosts in this city…”
“Those who plunder it—will they be cursed?”
A tiny spice called distrust began to corrode the feet of the greatest army alive.
5. Dawn of Resolve
Cyrus sat beside Nirfar and took her hand.
“Your Majesty. Tomorrow, Alexander will deliver his final ultimatum. …I have an idea.”
“A merchant’s idea?”
“Yeah. …We’ll sell him this empire.
But the price will be far higher than he could ever imagine.”
