Ismail immediately called the doctor.
-What is going on,Ismail?
-Simon has passed out.
-I wonder why...
-Maybe he is feeling weak or he is starving...The doctor will tell us in no uncertain terms.
Soon the doctor appeared.He examined Simon and made him resuscitate quickly.
-Why did he faint?-The Shah asked.
-Because he is extremely hungry.It is obvious that he hasn't eaten for at least 2 days,your majesty!
-Indeed.I wanted to punish him this way.My whole empire knows,that he had been refusing to convert to Islam for 8 years!But,in the end,he got a grip!-Mohammad Khodabanda smiled wickedly.
Simon spotted his sly facial expression quite well and thought:
-"I didn't come to my senses for your sake,you half Georgian Shah!(Mohammad Khodabanda's mother was Georgian woman).I will pretend obeying you,but soon you will be devastated.I will never let you rule my kingdom with Persian rules!"
-He needs to eat well in order to regain strength.
-Okay,doctor.You may go out.
-As you order,your majesty!-The doctor bowed his head in front of Mohammad Khodabanda and went out.
The Shah summoned his guards and ordered them to bring them delicious meals.Shah's order was carried out soon.The servants brought them various fruits,2 jugs of grape juice and grilled beef.Mohammad Khodabanda and Simon were sitting in front of each other around the same little table.They were sitting on the pillows.
-Do you know what is inside these jugs,Simon?
-How would I know,your majesty?Please,enlighten me.
-Grape juice!Did you remember your kingdom?I heard,that this fruit grows a lot in Kartli,doesn't it?
-Yes,you are right,your majesty!Thank you,for this drink.
-You're welcome!Now,let's eat and talk!
-Talk about what?
-About our plans in Kartli.What do you need?
-I have a request to ask.-Simon took the knife,cut one piece of beef and passed it to the Shah.
Simon put it on his palm.
-Here is beef for you,please eat!
-Thanks,Simon!You eat,too!Eat Simon and don't forget the grape juice!
-Of course,as you order!-Simon took 3 big slices of beef and ate it quickly,afterwards drank the juice.
-Unfortunately,I cannot see anything.Have you just drunk the juice?I heard your throat's gurgling.
-Yes,your majesty!I've not drunk this for 8 years!It's truly tasty!Beef is also amazing!Now,I must eat some fruit.
-I ordered my servants to bring us apples,pears,grapes,plums,dates and pomegranates.Is there everything?
-Yes,everything!I want to eat all of them.But,now I'm full.Could you send these fruits to my chamber?
-As you want,Simon!So,this tray full of fresh fruits is yours!Ah,I almost forgot!What was your request?
-I want you to release all Georgian prisoners of war.Everyone,including noblemen.
-Of course,you deserved it,Simon!I am granting your wish!Is there anything else?
-No,your majesty!
-One of my servants will inform you about this.And,also my servant will lead you towards your room.
-Thank you for these food.-Simon got up,bowed his head to the Shah and left the room with one of the Shah's servant.
The servant led Simon to his chamber.It was beside Mohammad Khodabanda's room.After entering inside the room,Simon sat down on the pillow.In a few minutes,the servant brought him the tray full of fruits.