Early in the morning, before the sun cast its first rays on the slopes of Behistun, little Kourosh quietly left Mithradates's hut. The fruitful days and nights of conversation with Aban, Arash, and Fariborz had filled his mind with plans and dreams that strengthened the seeds of his thousand-year empire. Their detailed reports on the progress of the past five years, from the Golden Roads to the hidden army and the espionage network, had assured him that the foundations of his work were solid. But today, he needed solitude; solitude with himself and with the treasure he had created with his small but determined hands over these years. While Mithradates was preparing the flock for grazing, Kourosh, in simple attire and with a small bag on his shoulder, walked towards the slopes of Mount Behistun. The cool morning breeze carried the scent of wild herbs and damp earth, guiding him towards a cave that was the sanctuary of his secrets.
The cave was hidden among moss-covered rocks and dense bushes, so that finding it would seem impossible for any stranger. Its narrow entrance was concealed behind a large boulder covered with branches and leaves, as if nature itself were the guardian of this treasure. Kourosh carefully pushed the rock aside and entered. Inside the cave, a cool and calm space enveloped him. The dim light of the torches he had carefully installed in the stone walls illuminated the walls with soft shadows. The cave walls, insulated with mud and clay, prevented moisture from seeping in, and the sturdy wooden shelves that Mithradates had crafted with his skilled hands were neatly arranged along the walls. The floor of the cave was covered with soft sheepskins and woven mats, a space that was not only functional but also peaceful. The smell of New Persian paper and handmade ink, which Kourosh himself had designed, was scattered in the air, awakening a sense of focus and creativity in him. This cave, beyond being a hiding place, was his secret workshop and personal library; a temple for thought and the creation of the future.
In the center of the cave, on a table made of polished stone and oak wood, lay a collection of thick and exquisite books that caught Kourosh's eye. These were his five main books, which he had written in the first year of his stay at Behistun: "The Principles of Persian Justice," "The Green Dream," "The Persian Art of War," "The Golden Roads," and "The Light of Knowledge." The leather covers of these books, sewn by the skilled hands of Atossa, were adorned with delicate engravings of a Shahbaz eagle. The eagle, a symbol of the power and vision of the Persians, with its wings spread and a circle above its head, seemed to represent a thought that looks down on everything from above and brings freedom and prosperity to the people. Kourosh gently ran his hands over the cover of each book, as if renewing his covenant with his ideals with every touch. These books were the main pillars of his dream for an empire that would spread justice, knowledge, and prosperity in the world.
Kourosh's gaze then turned to the surrounding shelves, where dozens of other books were neatly arranged. These works were the fruit of the final three years of his stay at Behistun, a time when he, using the information from Fariborz's and Aban's networks and relying on his deep twenty-first-century knowledge, had written specialized and supplementary works. He had never been idle. Every subject he deemed necessary for the progress of his empire had been codified in the form of a book. In completion of "The Light of Knowledge," he had written books on various sciences. The book "Secret-seeking" described the basic principles of alchemy, from the extraction of metals to the combination of herbal medicines for treating diseases. The book "Cosmology" dealt with the concepts of motion, force, and the construction of simple mechanical tools like levers and pulleys, with precise designs for future engineers. The book "Star-gazing" taught the methods of observing the sky, identifying stars, and setting agricultural and maritime calendars. The book "Persian Numbers" dealt with more advanced mathematics and its applications in accounting, engineering, and urban planning.
Kourosh had also created works in other fields. The book "Eloquence" taught the principles of writing, poetry, and the preservation of Persian epics with examples from ancient stories. The book "Wisdom-seeking" dealt with philosophy and logic, introducing methods of reasoning and critical thinking. In completion of "The Principles of Persian Justice," he had written the book "The Just Bureaucracy," which explained the principles of bureaucratic management, the merit-based selection of administrators, and methods for preventing corruption. The book "Persian Diplomacy" was a guide for negotiating with foreign nations, concluding stable treaties, and managing international relations. In the field of applied sciences, the book "Persian Health" described the fundamentals of medicine, disease prevention, and the principles of hospital construction. The book "Sea-faring" dealt with shipbuilding and advanced navigation, with designs for building more resistant ships. And the book "Army-rearing" taught advanced military tactics and the engineering of fortifications. And the book "The Light of the Divine: A Guide to Religion and State," which specified the relationship between religion and government.
Kourosh, looking at these books with a sense of pride, paused for a moment. He remembered how for countless nights, under the dim light of the torches, he had written these words with care and love on the New Persian paper. Each book not only transmitted knowledge but also provided a practical guide for implementing it in real life. He knew that these works were the seeds of his future civilization. Carefully, he began to pack the books. He used thick linen cloths and natural wax to protect the pages from moisture and insects. Then he placed them in sturdy wooden chests that Mithradates had made with his skilled hands. Each chest was covered with a layer of sheepskin and waterproof wax to remain safe on the long journey to Anshan.
Finally, Kourosh ordered that backup copies of some of the books be hidden in other caves in Behistun so that, in case of danger, this treasury of wisdom would not be lost. Looking at the cave, which now seemed emptier than ever, he whispered, "Here was where I forged my wisdom. Now, I take this treasure to Anshan to illuminate a world." With these words, he extinguished the torch and left the cave, with a heart full of hope for the future that awaited him.