"Ciro," the king said as he regarded his most dear and decorated knight in a quiet inner garden. "You've been at my side since I was young. You've seen my sons grow into men, you comforted me when my wife departed, you serve without complaint...

"And when I ask what you'd like, be it land or gold or anything else I can grant, you dodge the question like it is a spear at your head."

Ciro was quiet. There was no escape. Until finally-

"Anything, Your Majesty?"

"Anything, Ciro."

Ciro smiled. He was already kneeling.

"If you would have me..."

#wss366