 Brought to you by Penguin Wrath of Poseidon by Clive Cussler and Robin Burceau Redview by Scott Brick Prologue 1 Sardis Persian Empire 546 BC The steep acropolis of Sardis loomed against the night sky while far below at the city's edge Flames consumed the reed-thanched buildings General Mazaris, dispatched by King Cyrus II of Persia, the moment he'd learned of the revolt, had ridden through the night, leading a unit of armed heavy cavalry. According to the Imperial Messenger, the Ionian mercenaries were sent to spark the revolt and dawn. Apparently, they'd gotten an early start. Fools, Artaban, his lieutenant, called out over the sound of hooves as the horses neared the gates. A wooden building exploded near the gold-refining works. Do they not realize that Cyrus will crush them? There is nothing left to crush, Mazaris shouted. I'm surprised that there's anything left to burn. It was the second time they'd marched upon Sardis. The first was when King Cyrus's army had broken the siege of the wealthy Lydian capital, captured its king, Cresus, then plundered his vast treasury. If not for this revolt, Mazaris would be accompanying the bulk of Cresus' treasure back to Acbatana. The quicker we quell this rebellion, the sooner we get home. He eyed the flames swirling from several structures just outside the gates. As they neared the inferno, Mazaris realized the purpose of the fires. He and his horsemen were almost blinded. Waiting for them, the insurgents, with their backs to the blaze, had the advantage. Within moments, Cyrus's cavalry was attacked by a shadow army of soldiers armed with spears, axes, and swords. Dividing his men into two flanks, Mazaris led the left, Artaban the right. The deafening clash of metal rang through the night as his horsemen, blinded by the flames, battled the unseen enemy. Mazaris thrust at an armed silhouette. His blade struck something solid, the rebels' shield. Shouting, Mazaris ordered his left flank to close in, while Artaban did the same with the right, sweeping in behind the rebels, who suddenly found themselves sandwiched between both flanks. Spurring his horse to rear, Mazaris blocked the thrust of a spear, and drove his blade into his opponent's chest, piercing through the man's inadequate armor. Pulling his sword free, he wheeled his mount to the right, then swung at the next man, felling him as well. Within minutes, it was over. The insurrectionists fled. The flames of the wooden structures, no longer being fed, began to die as a smoky dawn in the eastern sky burned, along with the embers of the failed revolt. Mazaris surveyed the scattering of bodies, none of them his men. The speed with which they put down the insurrection troubled him, as he met up with his second in command. Tell me, Artaban, does it not seem suspiciously convenient that the fire was confined to the outer wall, and that the skirmishers dissipated almost the moment we rode in? And why wouldn't they? Artaban nodded back at their troops, who were awaiting further orders. If you were a group of outnumbered mercenaries and you beheld Cyrus's immortal cavalry charging, immortal they were not, but the ease with which they'd won this so-called battle would certainly add to their legend. It did not, however, lessen Mazaris's concern. It was something more than the desertion of the city gates. His unease grew as he led a contingent of horsemen into the city. They trapped, asked Artaban. I fear something else entirely. He raised his hand, his men halted in the Agra, looking down the empty streets on all sides. Before his departure from Sardis, King Cyrus had appointed Tabulus to govern the newly conquered city in his stead. Tabulus's guards could easily have crushed the insurrection as small as it was. So why have we not seen any of his guards on the streets? Perhaps their governor is part of it. Let us hope not. Magus, take charge. If there is any evidence that the rebels are regrouping, end it. Artaban, bring back one of those rebels, alive. And where will you be? Artaban asked. I intend to find out- Sample complete. Ready to continue?