Chapter 1: The Great
“Write a letter to all the leaders of the one
hundred and twenty-seven provinces that I rule and to governors, and even to the commanders of the Persian and Median armies to come and dine and wine with me for 180 days.” King Xerxes said authoritatively to his seven highest officials.
He wanted to celebrate all his achievement, success and fame and he wanted the people of Persia, which was the capital of Susa, to know that their king is incredibly wealthy.
“ My King, the people should dine and wine with you for 180 days!” Memucan, one of the seven highest officials said surprisingly and with curiosity in his eyes.
“ Yes, that is my command. Both scholars and commoners should come and feast with me. The palace is enough for everyone! ”
The palace was really big indeed, big enough to accommodate thousands of people, the servants were enough to serve as many people as the king wanted them to serve. The height of the palace is higher than height, lifting up one's head to see it isn't enough. The walls of the palace are adorned with golden wallpapers, just a little touch of the sun on the wallpapers then it will begin to glow and give light to the palace even without putting on lamps.
The seven highest officials of the king said to the king with their heads bowed
“ Your wish is our command. ”
The seven highest officials of the king came together to write a letter on behalf of the king, inviting all to the great feast the king planned.
To my dear subjects and honored guests,
I, king Xerxes, bid you to join me in a celebration with a great feast. After years of success, achievement, prosperity and peace, I call you all to celebrate and rejoice with me.
On the eve of the September equinox, the palace will be transformed into a realm of enchantment. The halls will shine with golden light, and the tables will groan under the weight of sumptuous delicacies. The finest wines and ales will flow like rivers, and the sweet sounds of music and laughter will fill the air.
Come on, come all! From the humblest villagers to the noblest lord, all are welcome to join in the revelry. Let us come together to give thanks for the bounty of the land and the joy of community.
By the Golden Scepter,
King Xerxes.
The seven highest officials of the king called to themselves the Royal Herald to deliver the invitation to the villagers at the town square and the Royal Herald did as he was sent.
While the Royal Herald was reading the king's invitation to the people, the people were amazed and happy that the commoners were invited. For 180 days, they knew they will have abundance and won't even have to worry about what to eat after the feast because there will be leftovers of food in abundance.
And as the eve of September equinox drew near, the whole town was aware, the whole Persia was aware, the one hundred and twenty-seven provinces and governors were aware that the king was holding a great feast for 180 days. Then the king thought to himself
“ For the great feast of my achievement and success to be successful, I need he who would plan the feast.”
Then the king summoned to himself his seven highest officials who were Mehuman, Biztha, Harbona, Bigtha,Abagtha, Zethar and Carkas.
"I require a planner," King Xerxes declared, "one who can bring my vision to life. I want the finest food, the most exquisite decorations, and the most enchanting entertainment. I want this feast to be remembered for generations!"
The officials nodded, aware of the gravity of the task. Memucan, spoke up, "I know of a skilled planner in the city, Your Majesty. She has a reputation for creating magical events."
King Xerxes' eyes sparkled with excitement. "Bring her to me. I must meet this genius!"
As the officials departed to fetch the planner, King Xerxes couldn't help but feel a sense of eagerness. What wonders would this planner create? What surprises awaited him
And so, with anticipation building in his chest, King Xerxes leaned forward, his eyes fixed on the door, waiting for the planner's arrival.
