The Duchess stared for a moment, disturbed by vivid memories, and she squinted in the dim light. The prince's eyes seemed a different color than she remembered. Had they changed—were they sharper? Did they gleam with an inner light in this half-darkness? Too, his face seemed thinner, more angular. Wrinkles had begun to appear where once the flesh of youth had been taut and smooth. With a start, she saw single white hairs threaded through his dark brown hair. Where is the brash young man, so filled with the vigor of youth, who laughed in my bed? Swallowed, consumed, by the Empire and this endless war...
"Duchess?" Maxian canted his head to one side, concerned. "Do you feel faint?"
"No—no, I am fine. I was just thinking of how... old I feel, seeing you two. But no matter—later in the evening, there will be a performance. Acrobats, tumblers, that sort of thing—but I envision a fancy to make the entertainment special. Lord Prince, may I trouble you for a little magic?"
Maxian's face, which had grown still and quiet while she spoke—even suspicious—cleared and he laughed. "Of course, Duchess, I would be delighted to please your guests."
"Good. But later, my lord. Martina, please sit again, and I will send servants with wine and pastries. And I will make sure"—here the Duchess inclined her head, barely disguising a grin—"you are not disturbed by the sharp-tongued or the witless."
Martina nodded, clutching the prince's hand, but said nothing. Anastasia made to say more, seeing the girl's other hand knotting in her dress, but the prince clasped both his over Martina's. "Duchess, let me lend you my skill now—Martina, rest here a moment and I will be right back—and our evening may continue, uninterrupted."
"Thank you, my lord," Anastasia said, dimpling. "That is very kind."
The Duchess turned away and walked back toward the house. The prince followed, nervously tucking long straight hair behind his ears.
—|—
"This is a strange sight, an Empress alone amid such a splendid party."
Martina looked up into twinkling green eyes set in a noble face. "Master Gaius."
"May I sit with you for a moment?"
The Eastern Empress made a desultory gesture to the bench with her head, chin resting on both hands. "As you wish."
Gaius Julius sat, one thick-knuckled hand on his knee, the other gathering up his toga with the ease of long practice. In the light of so many candles, the pure white wool gleamed, and Martina thought the old man seemed younger, revitalized, far different from the serious, hard-working official attending the Emperor's council meetings.
"You do not seem happy tonight, my lady."
The Empress did not respond, continuing to stare at the ornamental trees and carefully pruned rosebushes. After waiting a moment, Gaius Julius nodded to himself, then sat quietly as well, eyes closed. The following silence dragged and at last the Empress turned her head, eyes narrowed to bare slits.
"I haven't given you proper thanks," she said, "for suggesting I help the prince with his research."
"You're welcome," Gaius Julius said, eyes still closed. "Is it interesting?"
"Hah!" Martina sat up straight. "The scraps of the past are interesting, in a dull numbers-and-lines sort of way. Too many documents reflecting the mundane, and too few filled with history. I have found almost nothing about our opponent—the old Greeks and Romans were more interested in themselves than in the doings of Persian and Parthian wizards."
Gaius Julius nodded in sympathy. "Have you found anything?"
"A hint," Martina said, scowling. "There is a letter, written by a Syrian merchant who traveled in old Parthia, before the rise of the house of Sassan. He relates a tale heard round a campfire in the north, while he was on the road from Roman Armenia to Ecbatana. He describes the rituals of priests dwelling in a great temple at a place called Gazaca. The merchant also describes the lord of light, Ahura-Madza, and his great enemy, Ahriman. He tells of an 'eternal' flame burning in the temple's heart and how this light holds back 'the night' and the might of Ahriman and his servants."
"Interesting," Gaius said. "I have always heard the Parthians and Persians followed a god of light—the more disturbing, now, as this enemy the prince fought is wholly of darkness."
"There is more," Martina said, gritting her teeth. "As you may know, I accompanied my husband on his campaign in Persia and Armenia three years ago. He wished to keep me close by, to ensure my safety from his enemies. During our journey, after the great victory at Kerenos River, he mentioned in passing the careful destruction of a Persian fire temple, a great one, at a town named Ganzak. He had sent his brother, the lamentable Theodore, to destroy the place—hoping to put the fear of Rome into the hearts of the Persians, to deny them the surety of faith and the comfort of their god's favor."
"Ah," Gaius said, running a hand over his balding pate. "The same town? The name distorted by time and changing dialect? In light of later events, you do not think that a wise decision."
"No." Martina bit her thumb, attention far away from the party and the glowing lanterns. "I think... I think the destruction of the temple let something enter the world. A dark spirit. A servant of Ahriman, perhaps..."
"But not the god itself?"
"Don't be a fool," Martina replied, giving the old Roman a quelling look. "If the Serpent Lord had burst into the world, we would all be dead, devoured by unquenchable hunger. No... I fear something less awesome escaped from the outer darkness. Some servant of the dark god—and the Persians have turned their faces from Ahura-Madza's light.
"You have not lived in the East, Master Gaius," she said, still chewing on a thumbnail. "The West is blessedly free of these dark spirits—but I know the Persians are aware of them, and believe. Their fortunes were abject after Ctesiphon and Chrosoes fell. I think they turned aside from the safe path, seeking victory and revenge at any cost. And look! Constantinople is theirs, Syria is theirs... Egypt besieged, our armies and fleets defeated."
Gaius Julius rubbed his temples, deep in thought. "Have you told the prince?"
"Yes," Martina said. "He agrees. He has redoubled his labors."
"Can he defeat a servant of Ahriman? A demigod?"
Martina managed a faint, weak smile. "He believes he can. He says victory will be a matter of 'arranging proper circumstance.'"
Gaius nodded approvingly. "Very wise. Has he told you what he intends?"
"No. He is being very secretive. I have not pressed him. I know he and Galen have argued about this matter, more than once. They are far from compromise on matters of sorcery. The Emperor refuses to believe such powers walk the earth."
"I know." The old Roman's face fell, revealing his own exhaustion and fear. "Things have changed—our Legions are no longer enough, our bravery and discipline are not enough—this has become a time of gods and monsters." Martina was startled to hear the weariness in the man's voice—ever before he had been calm and confident, always ready with a witty remark or a well-thought proposal.
The Empress realized, sitting on the bench beside the old man, she was not alone in her fear and uncertainty. She looked up and around, watching the faces of the nobles and courtesans and officers milling on the villa porch. Is everyone afraid, she wondered? Do we all feel a dreadful weight in the air and taste bitter defeat when we eat and drink?
Suddenly, she felt comfortable with the old man, and put her hand over his.
"Gaius, we have more than mortal soldiers to defend the Empire. We have have Maxian and his strength. Soon, the iron drakes will come forth from the forges of Florentina and Rome will rule the upper air. The world has changed, but Rome is changing too. Whatever comes from the east, we will match and overcome."
"Well spoken," Gaius said, looking up. A brilliant smile lit his face. "You cheer me, lady. So many troubles swirl around us, my confidence has been shaken. These intrigues and threats... they sap a man's strength, leave him morose, depressed, defeated before he even takes his place in the line of battle. There is no better antidote than swift, assured action."
"True enoug
h." She paused, looking at him quizzically. "What intrigues depress you, Master Gaius?"
The old man snorted, looking around. His good humor sharpened and he pointed with his chin. "Rome is an old city, my dear, filled with all sorts of vipers. Our hostess, for example..."
"Anastasia? She has been kind to me, Master Gaius. Don't blacken her name!"
"She is kind," Gaius said, nodding sagely. He was quite cheerful now. "Don't you understand her role in all this? You've sat in the same councils I have... she is Galen's spymaster, his hunting hound, his judicious dagger. You mustn't trust her, Empress."
"Why not?"
"Because," he said, regarding her with an wistful expression, "she would have you murdered, and your son too, if Galen did not need you and little Heracleonas so badly. I am, I fear, in the same situation, as is the prince, whom we both love and serve."
Martina raised an eyebrow, but her color was improving as well. "Do you love the prince?"
"What recourse do I have?" Gaius laughed, the corners of his eyes crinkling up. "He is my patron and I his client. You may not know me well, my dear, but I am accounted generous and I do not forget my friends or those who have helped me. I am merciful to my enemies, open-handed to my allies and forgiving of those who do me wrong. Of all men, only young Maxian has won my unswerving, perfect, complete and unimpeachable loyalty. So—I do love him, as a man loves the finest friend of his heart."
The Empress clapped her hands together softly. "Well spoken, poet."
Gaius Julius blushed, running a broad hand over his bare crown, and looked away.
"Do you think the Duchess would have me and my son killed, or do you know this?"
The old Roman bit his lower lip, sighing. "It is what I would do, were our positions reversed. Indeed, she may be pressed to action by circumstance—or even ordered by the Emperor."
"The Emperor!" Shock flickered across Martina's face. "He has proved a good friend, Master Gaius. He has taken me in, afforded me every courtesy, shown me all respect. While I do not enjoy interminable meetings with him and his staff, he has not excluded me from anything touching upon my son's realm. I know him now, Gaius; he is the most honest and forthright of men."
"I know." Grief tinged the old Roman's soft words. "He is truly a noble Roman. Yet..."
"Yet, what?" Martina was becoming irritated.
"...he lies each night in the bed of a woman who looks upon you with hatred, my lady. Who watches your son with gimlet eyes, gauging the length of his life with her own measure."
"Sss..." Martina hissed reflexively, face tightening in anger. "Helena."
"I watch her, my lady, very carefully." Gaius paused, allowing himself a small chuckle. "I fancy she thinks I dote on her or harbor some unvoiced devotion. I must admit she is a beautiful woman—elegant, restrained, as purely Roman as her husband—with a sharp wit, an agile mind and a volcanic temper." The old Roman glanced sideways at Martina, seeing the girl quail inwardly, biting her lip.
"As I observe, Empress, I see her watching you and Prince Maxian. I see her eyes darken with anger, I see her lips draw back from shining teeth, I see her hands clutch as if she crushed the life from a weakling throat."
"She hates me so much?" Martina said, panic rising in her voice.
"Oh, no," Gaius said, voice settling to a whisper. The Empress leaned close. "She cares nothing for you. It is your son she fears and hates. Or any child that might spring from your womb and the prince's loins."
"Our child?" Martina drew back, blinking, surprised. Gaius shook his head at her in concern.
"Dear lady, you can account the begetting of Imperial sons as well as any. A child from your union would be heir to East and West alike, should anything happen to the young masters Heracleonas and Theodosius. Helena is not a stupid woman—she knows how to ensure her son's patrimony. Wouldn't you fear the same thing, for your son?"
Martina nodded, remembering another bleak time. "I have. Theodore tried to use my stepson Constantius against me. But—Galen would not allow her to harm me. Anastasia would argue my case, Maxian would protect me! All I desire is my son on his rightful throne, in our proper city!"
"I know." Gaius Julius caught her agitated hand and settled it on his knee. "While the prince retains his brother's favor, while the Duchess is our friend, there is little to fear. Helena and her spite will be held in check by their good counsel. So do not worry, there is only the promise of danger."
The Empress nodded absently, nibbling on the skin around her thumb. "This is dangerous," she said in a worried tone. "We cannot afford strife among ourselves, not now. We must all work together, as one, to guide the Empire and overmaster Ahriman's servants. Doesn't Helena understand this?"
Gaius Julius hid a sharp, quick grin. "I hope so," he replied. "Otherwise, our defeat is certain."
—|—
Helena drifted through a crowd of olive merchants and provincial senators, expression tight and composed, avoiding eye contact, smiling politely for the room and ignoring anyone who attempted to speak to her. The rustics—Gauls, Britons and Africans—parted before her, some bowing, others pretending to ignore the Empress. She ignored them in turn—an acceptable exchange, she thought—and moved on. Ahead, the statue of Poseidon loomed above a sea of chattering people, deep in inconsequential conversations, wrapped in gossip, involved in their own small intrigues and plots.
The Empress caught sight of her son, head and shoulders above the crowd. Theodosius was sitting on his father's shoulders, chubby hands wrapped around Galen's forehead. Despite his burden, the Emperor was deep in conversation. The boy watched everything with wide eyes, following the passage of a troupe of dusky-skinned dancers and tambourine players with interest. Ostrich and peacock plumes danced over their heads, making a waving forest above the carefully combed hairstyles of the Romans.
"Husband." Helana reached Galen's side, touching his arm. Theodosius looked down, saw his mother and reached out small round arms to her. The Empress took her son, sliding him to her hip. Galen smiled in greeting, while pulling his laurel wreath from a pocket inside his toga and putting it back on his head.
"Hello, Helena. How is the party?"
"Dull," she said in an acid tone, ignoring the tribunes and legates around her husband. The officers' attention flicked between Emperor and Empress, then most began moving away, disappointed, with eyes averted. The unmarried officers lingered a moment, hoping to keep Galen's attention. One tried to speak, but caught Helena's icy glare and swallowed his words. "Walk on the terrace with me."
Galen frowned in surprise and tried to catch her hand. Helena was already moving away, her son clutched in her arms, head high. Grimacing, the Emperor hurried after her, irritation mounting at her rude behavior. They passed through a pair of double-wide mahogany doors fitted with small rectangular clear-glass windows.
The cool night air flooded over Galen and he sighed in relief. He hadn't realized how hot and close the hall had become. He stretched tired arms, feeling his mood improve. Helena turned, pacing down the long, covered porch looking out over the ornamental gardens behind the villa. Galen followed, steps slowing as he took in the tracery of lights and lamps hung along the walls. Beyond the high walls, rooftops and temple domes glittered in starlight. The Emperor felt memory tug, then sighed in remorse. The white buildings, shining with marble, reminded him of Alpine crags under the moon, though not so grand or vast as the Helvetian mountains.
He realized he missed the high meadows, the glare from hanging ice, the rush of water over glossy stones, the smell of heather and bluebells on the slopes, the tang of pine burning in a fire. The silhouette of an eagle turning against a brilliant cerulean sky. He remembered a year spent in the high country; a young, inexperienced centurion, tramping narrow trails and snowbound passes, watching for bandits, rustlers, raiding Goths and Germans. His chest tightened, compressed by the crowded city. I miss the open air, sharp wind in my face, the creaking weight of my armor, the feel of sweat running down my back, even t
he food... gods, I hate this place!
Helena stopped, parking herself in shadow between two windows. She turned Theodosius' head to her shoulder, where he immediately went to sleep, arms tight around her neck. Galen reached for her free hand, finding it cold and stiff.
"What troubles you, love?"
"Would..." Helena paused, unsure of what to say. Galen was surprised—when did she ever lack for words?—and looked closely at her face, seeing a reflection of his own weariness, mixed with barely hidden anger. "Gales, if I asked you for something, something political, would you do it for me?"
"What kind of thing?" He felt a jolt—the moment of glad emotion, drawn from old memories, was cast aside—replaced by wariness. Long ago they had struck an arrangement to order their lives, making a house with two rooms—one for matters of state, and one for themselves, where the business of the Empire should not enter. Something political would cross the threshold between the two. Galen felt his right eye twitch and the tickle of an oncoming headache stir.
"I am..." She paused again, shaking her head. Her fingers tightened on his, nails biting into the flesh of his palm. "I am worried and I want to protect my—our—son. This may seem strange, but you must listen and consider my request seriously."
As Helena spoke, she straightened up, looking him in the eye. Galen settled back a little, nodding for her to go on. The Empress visibly gathered herself.
"Your brother—Maxian—is becoming involved with the Empress Martina. Did you know this?"
"I have eyes," Galen said, but there was no rancor in his tone. "This worries you?
"Yes," Helena nodded sharply. "Do you favor a match between them?"
Galen blinked, a little surprised. "Well, I hadn't really thought about it... but I see the Emperor must have an opinion." He sighed in understanding, shaking his head and looking out at the garden. "I have tried to stay out of my brother's personal life. Once, long ago, I promised our mother I would protect him—keep him out of trouble and out of Imperial service! Both Aurelian and I were already in the Legion then. She didn't want him to wind up like us, or our father. His talents had not yet revealed themselves. But now? He is our custos, by order of the Senate. My left hand, if Horse is my right." Galen looked at Helena, a sad half-smile barely touching his lips.
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