by Peter Darman
‘Mesene has lost sons and so has Carmania,’ said Nergal. ‘Parthia will not benefit from our continued enmity.’
‘Well said,’ commented Axsen.
‘There is an old saying, lord,’ I said to Phriapatius. ‘Actions speak louder than words. Of all the eastern kings only you have offered aid; only you have marched your army hundreds of miles to stand by our side. Not only that, you handed over Mithridates and in so doing helped to finally put an end to the civil war that had bled the empire white. All these things you have done and asked no reward in return. The truth is that we are in your debt, lord king, and to bestow this position on you is the least I can do.’
Phriapatius seemed very pleased by my words and accepted my proposal while Axsen was most content that her soldiers would be returning to garrison Seleucia, the walls of which would have to be rebuilt.
‘What is left of the royal treasury at Ctesiphon can pay for that,’ said Axsen. ‘If we have time to do so before the Romans and Armenians arrive.’
‘It is my task to ensure that they do not, majesty,’ I said.
After the meeting I was cornered by Phriapatius as the others were leaving.
‘A word, Pacorus.’
‘Problems, lord?’
‘It is my youngest son, Peroz.’
‘A fine young man,’ I said, ‘you must be very proud of him.’
‘He wishes to serve under you.’
‘I am flattered, lord, that he should think so highly of me.’
Phriapatius nodded. ‘So you would not object if he accompanied you north to Hatra?’
I was surprised to say the least by his request. ‘We go to fight, lord. That being the case I cannot guarantee the safety of your son. It would sit heavily with me if he was killed in my service.’
Phriapatius took my elbow. ‘Walk with me.’
We followed the others from the north wing of the palace towards the large open courtyard.
‘Peroz has talked incessantly of Pacorus of Dura ever since he heard about you defeating the elephants of King Porus. He is brave if a little headstrong and yearns to prove himself in battle. Phanes, my eldest son, is the heir to my throne and the star of Carmania, but Peroz grows restless in his shadow. Alas there is little love between them and I fear that soon their mutual animosity may erupt into open hostility. Peroz is popular among the people and there are many who would rally to his side if, after I have left this world, hostilities break out. It would suit me and my kingdom if they could be kept apart.’
‘If he came with me he would be very far from home, lord.’
The king put his arm round my shoulder. ‘But in excellent company. What do you say?’
‘I repeat: I would not be able to guarantee his safety.’
He smiled. ‘Tell you what, if I allocated five thousand of my soldiers to take care of him would you be more amenable to him joining you?’
Five thousand horsemen would indeed be a welcome addition to the army that would be marching north to face the Armenians.
‘Very well, lord,’ I answered. ‘And you say Peroz is happy to join me?’
‘He will be ecstatic,’ beamed Phriapatius.
And so he was. The next day the army marched north back to Hatra along with Nergal’s men and five thousand Carmanian horse archers. Phriapatius headed back to his homeland via Persepolis and Sigal where he would leave garrisons to ensure the continued loyalty of those kingdoms. I had to admit that I was most satisfied by the turn of events. Not only did Musa and Khosrou safeguard the northeast corner of the empire but now the southeast of Parthia was also secure. These two bastions of loyalty would at the very least ensure that the eastern part of the empire remained at peace for the foreseeable future.
Like Nergal’s troops the Carmanians also wore red tops, though long-sleeved shirts rather than woollen kaftans, but Peroz himself wore a blue silk shirt with gold stitched to the arms. Like his father he was of medium height though he was more handsome, with a square jaw, light brown eyes and a clean-shaven face. He did not seem concerned in the slightest that his father had left him behind. In fact he seemed positively relieved to be away from his brother.
‘In my homeland he is called the “gilded peacock” because he spends all his time strutting around in his bronze and silver armour.’
‘He will be king one day, Peroz,’ I said.
‘As he never fails to remind me,’ replied the prince dryly.
‘You should try to get on with your brother,’ I told him, ‘he is family after all.’
‘A man can choose his friends, majesty,’ he replied, ‘but he has to put up with his family.’
Gallia and Praxima laughed and he smiled at them. He was an agreeable individual who was fascinated by Dura’s army, particularly the Durans and Exiles and Marcus’ machines, which were now disassembled and loaded back on their ox carts. These beasts limited our progress to between fifteen and twenty miles each day and so it took us fourteen days to reach Hatra. Each night we slept in a camp surrounded by a ditch and palisade despite being in friendly territory. Peroz thought this highly amusing.
‘Parthians do not fight at night, majesty,’ he informed us all on the first night as we dined in my tent.
‘The Romans do,’ replied Domitus curtly.
‘But surely the Romans are many miles away in Syria?’ he said.
A wicked grin spread across Domitus’ face. ‘Are you sure about that?’
‘What my general is saying, Peroz, is that the army is more secure behind defences rather than having hundreds of tents, horses and wagons exposed in the open.’
Marcus complained about the extra food and fodder required to support the Carmanians and their horses but I told him that we would need all the troops we could muster when we fought the Armenians.
‘You reckon we will be fighting them, then?’ queried Domitus as he walked alongside our horses the next day, the usual dust cloud hanging over the army like a huge yellow desert phantom.
‘Of course,’ I replied. ‘With Tigranes dead they have lost their most able commander and their morale will be low. It is the perfect time to fight them. We also need to deal with them before Crassus arrives.’
He nodded. ‘Makes sense.’
‘We also need to retake Nisibus,’ I added. ‘It is an affront to my father’s memory that the second city in his kingdom is in the hands of the enemy.’
He raised his vine cane in acknowledgement and then headed towards the rear to inspect the Durans and Exiles in their marching order.
‘Majesty,’ Peroz said to Gallia, ‘Domitus is the general of your army?’
Gallia nodded.
‘Why then does he have no horse?’
‘He prefers to walk,’ she answered.
‘What happens to him if your army is forced to make a hasty retreat?’ he asked.
‘Dura’s army never makes a hasty retreat,’ I said. ‘Sometimes a slow and methodical tactical withdrawal but never a hasty retreat.’
‘I will have my father send General Domitus one of his largest elephants,’ said Peroz, ‘and then he will be able to sit on a throne on its back so he can look down on his foot soldiers.’
Gallia, Nergal and Praxima burst out laughing and even Vagharsh riding behind us chuckled.
‘I think Domitus is happier on his own two feet, Peroz,’ I said.
‘General Domitus does not like elephants?’ enquired Peroz.
‘He is a Roman, Peroz,’ said Gallia, ‘so he dislikes thrones. The Romans have no kings.’
Peroz looked horrified. ‘No kings? Then who rules them?’
‘They have what is called a republic,’ I answered, ‘in which the people elect their rulers.’
Peroz shook his head. ‘Most odd.’
Gafarn and Orodes met us five miles from Hatra’s eastern gates accompanied by the whole of Hatra’s royal bodyguard, which I was delighted to discover was led by Vistaspa. Looking a little gaunt and somewhat awkward in the saddle he was still an imposing fi
gure.
‘It is good to see you on a horse again,’ I told him.
‘The leg has never healed properly,’ he replied, ‘but at least I can still ride.’
‘We will need you when we fight the Armenians,’ I said.
‘Yes, majesty,’ he replied flatly.
Gafarn seemed much happier than when I had left him and Orodes was his usual correct and charming self, making a great fuss of Peroz and enquiring after his father and brothers and making no mention of Carmania’s former hostility.
When we reached Hatra there was no longer a pall of despondency hanging over it. The streets were bustling, the markets busy and there were caravans on the roads both entering and leaving the city. People cheered our party as it wound its way towards the palace where it was met by a beaming Diana dressed in a long white gown, a glittering golden crown on her head. My mother, similarly attired in white, sported a diadem. In addition to Assur, Addu and Kogan, a small army of priests, lords, their wives and palace officials were standing to one side.
As stable hands took our horses I walked forward to embrace Diana and then my mother, who had regained some of her former vim but still looked a little drawn. I was pleased to discover that neither of my sisters was present but slightly surprised that Atrax was also not in attendance.
That night we were treated to a lavish feast at which I was introduced to an Armenian envoy! I initially thought it was one of Gafarn’s jokes but Orodes informed me that the man had been given a house in the city to facilitate negotiations between Parthia and Armenia.
‘We have agreed a fledgling peace treaty with Artavasdes,’ he replied.
I was dumbfounded. ‘Peace treaty?’
‘Yes, Pacorus, we are no longer at war with Armenia.’
Chapter 6
‘Peace treaty?’
The consumption of wine at the admittedly magnificent feast the night before had done nothing to deaden my sense of outrage concerning the accord that had been agreed behind my back while I had been dealing with Mithridates. I paced up and down in the spacious and well-appointed lounge in the palace’s private wing as Gafarn and Orodes looked at each other. The latter had convened the meeting after I had made it clear the night before that I strongly disapproved of the treaty. He had also asked my wife, Diana, Nergal, Praxima and Vistaspa to attend in an attempt, I believe, to make me see sense. It did not work.
The women reclined on couches and the men in spacious, padded wicker chairs while I paced up and down like a caged lion.
‘Mithridates is dead, the east of the empire is secure and Dura’s army is here, supported by the troops of Mesene. The time is right to assault and recapture Nisibus.’ I threw up my arms. ‘And where is Atrax and his Medians?’
‘As a sign of good faith,’ replied Orodes calmly but firmly, ‘it was agreed that King Atrax should withdraw from Hatra. In return the Armenians agreed to withdraw their forces from Mount Sinjar, which they have done.’
‘Hatra is no longer threatened by enemy forces a mere sixty miles to the north, Pacorus,’ added Gafarn. ‘And for that we have to thank Orodes.’
Diana smiled at Orodes who acknowledged her sign of approval.
‘The Armenians still hold Nisibus and northern Hatra,’ I continued, ‘and in a few months Crassus and his army will be in Syria, after which they will combine with the Armenians to renew hostilities.’
‘The cessation of hostilities, albeit temporary,’ replied Orodes, ‘gives us time to prepare, Pacorus, to marshal the empire’s resources to confront Crassus and convince him not to attack Parthia.’
I shook my head. ‘Rome is intent on conquering Parthia, Orodes. We must destroy the Armenians before Crassus arrives.’
I walked over to stand directly before him. ‘As your lord high general I strongly advise you to authorise an assault against Nisibus. With Tigranes dead they are vulnerable. The time to strike is now.’
Orodes stood to face me. ‘I have given my pledge to Artavasdes, Pacorus, and cannot break it. That is my final word on the matter. I am responsible for the welfare of the whole empire and not just the affairs of Hatra and Dura.’
‘When Crassus arrives the Armenians will join with him and attack the empire, Orodes,’ I countered. ‘Surely you know this?’
He sat back down. ‘The Armenians approached us with an offer of peace, indicating to me that they do not believe that they could take any more Parthian territory. If we persuade Crassus that it would be foolish for him to attack the empire, then afterwards we may reclaim Nisibus and the rest of northern Hatra without a war.’
‘The Armenians were most keen on peace, Pacorus,’ confirmed Gafarn.
I stopped pacing and sat down in my chair. They had been duped and the Armenians, or at least Artavasdes’ closest advisers, had been very clever. They must have known that he was no Tigranes and therefore sought to buy him time in which he could consolidate his father’s conquests. The easiest way to do this was to seek peace with Parthia, offering to withdraw their forces north as a sweetener. They gave up a stretch of desert in return for a few months of peace, knowing that a large Roman army was on its way. Time was on their side rather than on ours.
‘What about Armenian forces in Gordyene and Atropaiene?’ I asked, taking a cup of fruit juice offered me by a beautiful slave girl with olive skin whose shapely body was covered by a long white gown.
‘Artavasdes has given me his word that all his troops will be withdrawing from those kingdoms immediately,’ replied Orodes.
‘Surena has been mauling the Armenians in Gordyene, we hear,’ added Vistaspa with satisfaction.
‘At least someone has the right idea,’ I mumbled.
Orodes was not amused. ‘We cannot allow Surena to wreck the treaty with the Armenians. To this end I ask you, Pacorus, to go to Gordyene and ensure that Surena understands the current situation and abides by the agreement I have brokered with Artavasdes.’
I nodded curtly. Being an errand boy hardly appealed but out of respect for Orodes I would of course obey his wishes.
The meeting over, Orodes called me back as the others were leaving the room, asking me to shut the door to ensure we were alone.
‘Pacorus, I thank you for defeating Mithridates and ensuring the safety of Axsen and her kingdom.’
‘It was a pleasure, believe me.’
He looked slightly uncomfortable as he retook his seat, gesturing for me to do likewise.
‘I cannot blame you for executing Mithridates, considering the insults and losses you have endured at his hands, but I have to act according to the office of king of kings.’
I knew where this was leading. ‘Of course.’
He shifted uneasily in his chair and avoided my eyes. ‘I have therefore no alternative but to issue a declaration to the other kings of the empire expressing deep regret concerning your actions at Seleucia. I am sorry, my friend, but at this time Parthia is in a fragile state and I do not wish to offend the sensibilities of the eastern kings of the empire. I need them to stay loyal to me if we are to prove victorious against the Armenians and Romans.’
‘I understand, Orodes. I will resign as lord high general if it will help.’
He looked at me with gratitude in his eyes. ‘That will not be necessary. I hope you are not offended.’
‘No, but I believe that it is a mistake to adhere to a peace treaty with the Armenians.’
‘It is done, Pacorus, and cannot be undone.’
That was debatable.
He frowned. ‘But I worry about Surena.’
‘You need not. He is a most excellent commander,’ I said.
He nodded. ‘That is what worries me. If he attacks Armenia from Gordyene the peace will be broken. You must impress upon him the necessity of curtailing his warlike tendencies.’
‘And you?’
‘I shall return to Babylon to be by the side of my wife. You did well winning over Phriapatius, by the way.’
‘He will prove a valuable ally.’
> Orodes looked thoughtful. ‘I really must organise a Council of Kings to ratify my accession to the high throne. It would be a good opportunity to begin a new era for Parthia.’
More meaningless talking and arguing, more like.
He looked at me. ‘What do you think?’
‘An excellent idea, though perhaps it could be held after we have dealt with the Romans and Armenians.’
He nodded. ‘Perhaps you are right. But I shall notify all the other kings of my intention to gather them at Esfahan soon.’
Not too soon, I prayed. ‘Once again, an excellent idea, my friend.’
Later I visited my mother who was again tending to her flowers in the royal gardens. She seemed happy enough though totally unconcerned about the affairs of the empire. The trees, ponds, shrubberies and flowerbeds had become the limits of her world, beyond which nothing of significance occurred. She rarely attended official functions and shunned guests, seeing only family and old friends. Vistaspa was a frequent visitor, though, and sat for hours in her pagoda as she served him food and wine and they talked of the old days. I was glad that they had each other and that their conversations kept alive the memory of my father. Vistaspa walked with a pronounced limp now though he refused to use a walking stick. He was nearly seventy and a lot of his savagery had drained away, though he still cut an imposing figure. I got the impression that the Battle of Susa and the death of my father, a man he had devoted his life to, had taken a great toll on him and now he too yearned for peace in his dotage.
As Gallia chatted to my mother about her flowers and plants I asked Vistaspa how his leg was.
‘It has never really healed properly and in the mornings it takes me a few minutes of stretching before I can put any weight on it, but otherwise it is fine.’
‘Hatra’s army still needs its commander,’ I told him. ‘Next year there will be a new war to fight.’
‘You do not think the peace treaty will last?’
‘No. If I had my way we would be marching against Nisibus by now, but I am not high king so it is not to be.’
He rested both hands on the arms of his chair, his black eyes fixed on me. ‘You think Orodes underestimates the Romans?’