"That's Vethor's child," Xerxez said.
"Isn't Vethor a commoner? Why would a noble associate with a peasant's child?" the people whispered.
"Silence!" Xerxez roared. "Send for Vethor, now."
But a delegate soldier, Phalleon, objected. "That man has no wisdom. He doesn't even know how to write. Why do you value people like that?" he complained. "It's only right to command those without knowledge to learn and become your soldiers."
"A person who does good deeds should be rewarded," Xerxez said. The truth was, Xerxez had seen much goodness in Vethor during his service as a soldier. "From the beginning, I saw him as a good example to his fellow soldiers. So, because his child also treats my child well, I have a special gift for Vethor," the king emphasized.
"Greetings to the king—perhaps there is someone else you should give a special gift to first." The voice came from a man who emerged from the great door. He was Matheros, Xerxez's cousin.
