‘It is as the queen says,’ I agreed.
During this interchange I had noticed Aaron becoming fidgety and agitated. I could tell he wanted to say something but was holding back from doing so.
‘Besides,’ I said, ‘there is nowhere for Silaces and his men to go. Their homeland is occupied.’
‘Perhaps Babylon or Mesene could make use of them,’ suggested Rsan. ‘I have heard those kingdoms need additional soldiers.’
‘Babylon’s resources are fully committed to rectifying the damage caused by the war earlier in the year,’ said Orodes.
‘And Mesene will not be able to support eight thousand horsemen,’ I added.
‘Then, frankly, they must be disbanded, majesty,’ said Rsan. ‘Before your treasury is emptied.’
Rsan looked smug and Orodes thoughtful, while Domitus leaned back in his chair and stared at the ceiling. Gallia looked at me and shrugged and the room fell silent.
‘I know where there is gold,’ announced Aaron suddenly.
Rsan was aghast. ‘Aaron, you forget yourself.’
Aaron flushed and then cast his eyes down.
‘Well, if he knows where he can lay his hands on some gold,’ said Domitus, ‘let us hear what the boy has to say.’ He shot a fake smile at Rsan. ‘If only to shut up Rsan.’
‘Aaron,’ I said, ‘speak freely. Let us hear your words.’
Dobbai shuffled into the room unannounced and sat herself down beside Gallia. We had all got so used to her being at these meetings that we hardly took notice of her comings and goings.
Aaron cleared his throat, casting his eyes round the table.
‘Thank you, majesty. As you all may know, I am a Jew from Judea.’
‘My sympathies,’ said Domitus.
‘Domitus, please,’ I asked. ‘Continue, Aaron.’
Aaron cast a contemptuous look at Domitus who began toying with his dagger.
‘My homeland is ruled by a tyrant named Hyrcanus, who was put in place by the Roman general Pompey when he captured the city of Jerusalem and deposed the true leader of the Jewish people, Aristobulus.’
The names meant nothing to me but Aaron spoke with passion in his voice. He continued.
‘But the Romans control Judea. Hyrcanus is their puppet.
Orodes and Marcus were listening intently but Domitus was clearly bored, Rsan puzzled and Gallia distracted by Dobbai whispering in her ear.
‘Aristobulus and his family were taken to Rome as the spoils of war but one of his sons, Alexander Maccabeus, who is also my friend, escaped and returned to Judea to carry on the fight against Hyrcanus and the Romans.’
‘This is all very interesting, Aaron,’ I said.
‘Is it?’ interrupted Domitus.
I held a hand up to him. ‘But what has it all got to do with Dura and its treasury?’
‘Well, majesty,’ continued Aaron, ‘Alexander needs weapons with which to furnish his supporters before they can rise up and throw off the shackles of Hyrcanus. Weapons that the armouries at Dura could furnish, majesty. Alexander would pay a handsome price for such supplies.’
Rsan’s ears pricked up at these words and Domitus stopped playing with his dagger.
Rsan cut straight to the point. ‘How handsome?’
‘He has much gold to call upon, lord. He would pay whatever was asked for a plentiful supply of weapons.’
‘Weapons to kill Romans,’ said Domitus.
Dobbai laughed. ‘What’s the matter, Domitus, does the idea of Roman blood watering the earth offend you?’
Domitus scowled at her. ‘I care not if it is Roman or Parthian blood, or even that of an old woman, but I do care if it is the blood of my friends seeping into the ground.’
‘How so?’ I asked.
Domitus pointed the tip of his dagger at Aaron. ‘He is talking about furnishing weapons for an uprising against Rome. If the Romans found out that Dura was supplying its enemies with weapons, you can be sure they would send an army against us.’
‘Trade is trade,’ remarked Rsan, thinking only of his balance sheets.
‘I’ll remind you of that when you are carted off into slavery by the Romans after they have reduced Dura to rubble.’
‘No Roman army will take this city,’ said Gallia defiantly.
‘I meant no offence, Gallia,’ said Domitus, ‘but the last thing we need is war with Rome.’
‘War with Rome is coming whether you like it or not, Domitus,’ hissed Dobbai. ‘Your people covet all the lands of Parthia, just as they did Syria, Pontus, Armenia and Judea.’
‘Alexander is an honourable man, majesty,’ said Aaron. ‘He would never reveal the source of his aid.’
‘Of course he would,’ said Domitus, his voice raised. ‘Once they start nailing him to a cross he will sing like a canary.’
‘The proposal is fraught with danger I agree,’ said Orodes.
‘If you were to meet with Alexander, majesty,’ implored Aaron, ’you would see for yourself that he is a man of honour.’
Domitus was dumbfounded. ‘Meet with him? Do you realise the danger of bringing a rebel leader who is fighting against Rome to Dura? Word would soon reach Syria of such a thing. It is out of the question.’
‘The king could always travel to Judea instead,’ suggested Aaron.
‘Out of the question,’ snapped Domitus.
‘I think that is for me to say,’ I reminded him. ‘One thing that seems to have been overlooked in all this is the small matter of the gold itself. How is it that this Alexander possesses so much gold?’
‘When the Romans were approaching Jerusalem,’ said Aaron, ‘Aristobulus, knowing that the city would not be able to hold out against Pompey and his legions, sent much gold out of the city to the eastern areas of Judea. There it was stored in secret places that only the most loyal followers of Aristobulus know of. It remains in those places still.’
‘This is a fairy story, nothing more,’ barked Domitus.
‘It is not, majesty, I swear it,’ replied Aaron.
I placed my hands together under my chin. ‘Aaron presents us with a tempting offer, one that would solve our present financial difficulties. And yet, if I acquiesce then it potentially places Dura in danger. Domitus and Rsan have made their position on the matter clear, but I would hear from the rest of you before I decide.’
I looked at Orodes first. ‘I would advise caution, Pacorus. We do not know anything about this Alexander. There should certainly be no correspondence that might fall into enemy hands.’
I nodded and smiled at Gallia. ‘Dobbai said once that no Roman army would sit in front of Dura’s walls while the griffin stood at the Palmyrene Gate. I believe her words and say we should accept this Jew’s gold.’
‘And you, Dobbai?’ I asked.
‘Silaces has been sent to you for a purpose, son of Hatra. Will you send such a gift away for the want of a few pieces of gold?’
‘And you, Marcus, what is your opinion on the matter?’ I said.
Marcus frowned and shook his head. ‘I am with Domitus and Orodes in this, majesty.’
‘You have been in correspondence with this Alexander?’ I asked Aaron.
He nodded.
‘And did you say to him that Dura would supply him with weapons?’
‘No, majesty.’
‘Quite right, for I will not decide until I have met with him face to face. Therefore I will go to the land of the Jews.’
Domitus looked most alarmed. ‘You are going to Judea?’
‘Yes, Domitus, and you are coming with me.’
That night Gallia questioned me on my forthcoming trip as we prepared for bed.
‘Why are you going to Judea, it is occupied by the Romans? You will be in danger.’
I lay on the bed and stretched out my arms.
‘I wasn’t going to say anything but you might as well know.’
She laid down beside me, propping up her head with an arm.
‘Know what?’
I
turned to face her. ‘During our stay in Babylon a priestess from the Temple of Ishtar brought me a message to come to the shrine, saying that a friend wanted to meet me there.’
Gallia yawned. ‘So?’
‘So I went to the temple and was taken by the high priestess to the inner sanctum of Ishtar, where I received the message.’
‘A message from whom?’
‘From Claudia.’
She looked perplexed. ‘Claudia? How did a small child get from Dura to Babylon, did she sprout wings and fly there?’
‘Not our Claudia; the wife of Spartacus.’
She sat up on the bed, wide eyed.
‘How can this be? It must have been a cruel trick.’
‘I stood alone in the inner sanctum and from behind me a woman’s voice spoke. She told me that I must travel with the one from the desert who would furnish me with temple gold.’
She rose from the bed and began pacing up and down.
‘Temple gold? The same gold that Aaron spoke about earlier?’
I nodded.
She stopped pacing and looked at me. ‘Did you believe it was Claudia who spoke to you?’
‘I did not want to, but the high priestess described to me afterwards what had happened to Claudia on the night she gave birth to Spartacus’ son.’
‘I remember that night,’ she said grimly.
‘As do I. And I remember what Claudia had said to me before she died. Only I heard those words. And there was another thing.’
‘What?’
‘The voice addressed me as “little one”. Only Claudia used that phrase.’
Gallia sat back down on the bed and reached for my hand.
‘I have always believed that Spartacus and Claudia watch over us, Pacorus. You must heed her advice and go to Judea.’
I was surprised by her change of mind. ‘You do not think I will be in danger?’
She kissed my hand. ‘Not with Claudia watching over you.’
We left a week later. I sent word ahead to Haytham at Palmyra that we would be visiting him on our way to the land of the Jews and another missive to Byrd informing him of our little expedition. In addition to Domitus I also took Surena and Aaron, the latter because he would arrange a meeting with the rebel leader and Surena because he had nagged me incessantly about accompanying me and agreeing to his request was the only way of shutting him up. Besides, I found his boundless optimism agreeable. We dressed in civilian robes but retained our bows and swords and carried two full quivers each. Domitus, who disliked riding and was awkward in the saddle, also insisted on taking his gladius hidden under his white cloak.
At Palmyra Haytham entertained us and told us that we were all dressed entirely inappropriately.
‘You look like a rich king,’ he said to me as we sat cross-legged on the floor of his tent, with Malik and Byrd in attendance. ‘And the rest of you are similarly over-dressed.’
‘These are our clothes, lord,’ I said.
‘Then we will have to get you some new ones,’ said Malik.
Malik furnished us with long, loose-fitting tunics, sleeveless cloaks and head cloths that were held in place by heavy woollen coils. The head cloth was a most useful item as its ends could be wrapped around the face and neck as protection against the sun and wind and being recognised. Thus did we become Agraci for the duration of the expedition.
Aaron was sent ahead to organise the meeting with the Jewish leader and while we waited for his return I informed Haytham of my intention to supply the Jews with weapons, though only if they had enough gold.
‘If, that is, you do not object, lord.’
Haytham was impassive. ‘Why should I object? I do not know what every caravan carries on its way through my kingdom, only that it has paid its tolls in full. If some carry weapons to kill Romans it is of no concern to me.’
‘It might be if the Romans come looking for retribution,’ I said.
He smiled savagely. ‘If they do we will not be here. We are not like you, Pacorus. We can be like phantoms and disappear into the desert. The Romans would wear themselves out looking for us. But you cannot do the same.’
‘It is a risk I must take, lord.’
The next day we rode through Palmyra; a tent city around the oases that turned the desert green. Women in black robes carrying water jugs on their heads walked past us and small children scampered around, grinning mischievously as they pretended the sticks they carried were swords and spears. A long column of men with real weapons and black shields trotted past. Their commander bowed his head at Haytham as he passed the king, then at Malik who rode beside his father. He did not give me, Surena or Domitus a second glance, dressed as we were in similar attire to him. Tents covered the ground either side of us stretching out into the desert.
‘One day there will be a city of stone here,’ I heard myself saying.
‘Not in my lifetime,’ replied Haytham, ‘though perhaps my son will build one.’
‘Only when I am king, father,’ said Malik. ‘And I pray that day will not come for many years.’
Haytham waved away his son’s loyalty.
‘Why do you need more gold, Pacorus?’ asked the king suddenly. ‘Is not Dura rich enough?’
‘Rich enough to pay for its own army, lord, but not wealthy enough to pay for a second one that has taken sanctuary with us.’
‘You prepare to fight another war against Mithridates?’ he probed.
‘I take measures to strengthen my defences, lord,’ I answered.
‘What do you say, Roman?’ Haytham said turning to Domitus.
Domitus swatted away a fly from his face. ‘You can never have enough soldiers, sir, not enough trained ones, anyhow.’
‘When I rode with your queen to save your foot soldiers, Roman,’ Haytham continued, ‘twenty thousand horsemen raised by Dura’s lords rode beside the Agraci. Are they not great warriors?’
‘They are a fearsome lot, sir, that is true. But they do not have the discipline and training of professional soldiers, men who do nothing other than train and drill from dawn till dusk. The lords lead farmers, I lead soldiers.’
‘And this second army,’ said Haytham, ‘are they soldiers or farmers?’
‘They are soldiers, majesty,’ interrupted Surena, which earned him a scowl from Domitus.
‘It is as my impertinent subordinate says, lord,’ I added. ‘They are the remnants of King Gotarzes’ army that was defeated by Narses. Once re-equipped and fully trained they will be formidable warriors once more.’
‘As well as being desirous to avenge the death of their king,’ said Haytham approvingly.
‘Hatred keeps a man strong, sir,’ added Domitus.
‘Indeed,’ mused Haytham.
At length we came to the end of our journey – the tent of Byrd. When I had last been here there was a small corral behind it holding a few camels. Now there were several large enclosures that held many camels. Malik saw me looking at them.
‘Byrd has become a man of substance among us, Pacorus.’
‘So I see.’
When we had dismounted and one of Byrd’s numerous herders took our horses we entered the tent and were received by Byrd and Noora. My friend, chief scout and merchant was as self-effacing as ever, merely nodding to each of us as Noora fussed and made us welcome. We sat cross-legged on the floor as she oversaw half a dozen young women who served us dates, nuts, raisins, milk, flat bread and bowls of butter. I noticed that Byrd positioned himself between Haytham and Malik when we all sat in a circle on the red carpets that covered the floor. Clearly he had some influence with the king now.
As we enjoyed Byrd’s hospitality he told us about the situation in Judea. He had visited the land a few times and informed us that for nearly seventy years, following the fall of the Seleucid Empire, the Jews had been an independent people before a civil war broke out between the princes Hyrcanus and Aristobulus. Both princes appealed to Pompey who was in Syria at the time. This was the same Pompey that I had encount
ered at Dura’s border four years ago. Pompey had subsequently entered Judea and captured and sacked the city of Jerusalem and installed Hyrcanus as a puppet ruler of Judea.
‘Many Romani soldiers in Judea, Pacorus,’ said Byrd.
‘There are many Roman soldiers everywhere it appears, my friend,’ I answered. ‘What do you know of this Alexander Maccebeus?’
Byrd raised an eyebrow. ‘What I hear is that he hates Romani and wants to free his homeland.’
‘And become king himself, no doubt?’ queried Haytham.
‘He has much support in the south of Judea,’ continued Byrd.
‘But no weapons with which to arm those supporters,’ said Domitus.
‘The question is,’ I said, ‘does he have the gold to do business with us?’
‘That I do not know,’ replied Byrd.
Haytham dipped his bread into some butter. ‘You trust Aaron, Pacorus?’
‘He has nothing to gain by betraying me, lord.’
‘Except a big Roman reward for your capture,’ said Domitus, grabbing a handful of dates from a platter being held by one of Noora’s servants.
I laughed. ‘There is no price on my head, Domitus.’
He finished eating the dates and licked his fingers. ‘Oh, I think there is. Remember you killed Lucius Furius, one of Crassus’ protégés. I think he would be delighted if the King of Dura was taken prisoner and transported back to Rome.’
‘That was years ago,’ I said.
An evil smile crept over Domitus’ face. ‘The Romans never forgive and certainly never forget. Always remember that.’
‘Malik,’ said Haytham, ‘you will go with Pacorus to Judea.’
Byrd nodded approvingly. ‘I will also travel with Pacorus.’
When we were leaving I embraced Noora and thanked her for her hospitality.
‘I hope you do not object to Byrd accompanying us.’
She smiled. ‘I learned long ago not to question my husband’s comings and goings, lord. He has always made it plain that if you had need of him he would answer your summons. You and he have much history.’
‘Yes we do.’ I laid a hand on her arm. ‘I will bring him back. I promise.’
‘Just make sure you bring yourself back, lord.’
I liked Noora. She was a plain-speaking and unassuming individual, not unlike Byrd in fact. Gallia was always trying to persuade them to come and live with us in Dura, and I promised that if they did a house near the palace would be provided for them. But they preferred the simple life, though it grieved me that my chief scout and friend and his wife were living in a tent in the desert.
Parthian Vengeance (The Parthian Chronicles) Page 31