Erlan and the Fat-Belly hurried to keep up with the emperor. Their little party was heading south through the palace towards the small domed basilica of the soldier saints, Sergius and Bacchus.

The atmosphere of simmering hysteria around the palace and wider city was less obvious here. Although the emperor himself was wound taut as a bowstring. ‘I was wrong to doubt you. Both of you,’ he said, as they walked. ‘I’m not too proud to admit it. You’ve served me far beyond what I could have expected. But in this coming fight, I have for you one more task.’ His eyes flashed to either flank. ‘I pray I am right to entrust it to you.’

Erlan said nothing. If the emperor didn’t think them trust-worthy by now, no bleating words of avowal would convince him.

‘The strength of the empire – such still left to it – depends on the alliance between General Arbasdos and myself.’ The mention of the general’s name brought unpleasant memories to Erlan’s mind. ‘Half our remaining forces are loyal to him. He and I are bound, tight as brothers.’

‘Brothers have been known to turn on one another.’

‘So they have.’ Leo suddenly halted and glared at them. ‘He must survive this. He must. The fate of the empire depends upon it. That’s why I’m sending you to protect him.’

Erlan wasn’t sure he had heard that right. Was hoping that he hadn’t. ‘Protect Arbasdos?’

‘Yes. Keep him alive.’

‘Are you sure you can trust him?’

‘Huh. These days I have trouble trusting anyone.’ He gave a rueful snort. ‘As you’ve seen.’

‘I heard his steward Silanos was a traitor, although I can hardly believe that.’

‘That’s just it. I can no longer be sure. That’s why I want you to be with him. Watch him. And if there is any sign of treachery, any hint that he may be about to betray our naval forces to the enemy. . . I want you to kill him.’

The two friends exchanged a glance. ‘Takes a barbarian to do a Byzantine’s dirty work, hey?’ muttered Einar in Norse.

‘What did he say?’

‘He says whatever the emperor wills is his command, Majesty.’

‘He did not,’ Leo snorted. ‘But no matter. Either way, I know you will do your duty. When we’re done here,’ he nodded ahead, ‘you’re to report to the general at the Karabisianon on the Horn.’

The prospect of serving under Arbasdos was not one Erlan relished. But he had little choice.

‘You Northmen serve me well,’ observed Leo with more levity. ‘You should consider your position here. Afterwards, I mean. . . You could rise very high in this city. Both of you.’ But neither answered. ‘Think on it at least. You’re free men, after all. You can choose your own path.’