Then the second, who had spoken of the strength of the king, began to speak: The second refers to the second bodyguard. Contemporary English Version says “The second young man.” As in 1 Esd 3.17b (see the comments there), had spoken is better rendered “had written” (Good News Bible). Here are alternative models for this verse:

• The next man [or, Another of the three men] had written about the power of the king. Now he began to speak:….

• … had written, “The [power of the] king.” Now he began to speak:….

Quoted with permission from Bullard, Roger A. and Hatton, Howard A. A Handbook on 1-2 Esdras. (UBS Helps for Translators). Miami: UBS, 2019. For this and other handbooks for translators see here.