‘Was about to write to you when I thought that I might as well come in person! How did you know to put on such a show for me!’ Crispinus half expected to be slapped on the back, but the acting governor contented himself with striding over to the front of the tower. ‘So that is Nicopolis. Ferox wasn’t kidding about those walls. But look what you have done. This is the new ramp, the western one, isn’t it? Good work to have it ready so soon after the damage to the first one – yes, yes, I pay attention to your despatches you know. Oh, and your convoy is here, without losing a man or beast, although I don’t think that had much to do with my escort coming along. Yes, I got your letter last night – saved the rider going the rest of the way. Arbandes is taken. Well done, young Arrian – although reading between your fulsome praise, may I take it that our friend Ferox had something to do with it?’ Crispinus nodded. ‘Yes, well, no need to spread that around.’

Crispinus explained that he was keeping brother and sister apart, and that the prince had obligingly gone up and addressed the defenders, pleading with them to surrender. ‘They haven’t, as you can see, but the young man has readily adapted to his change in fortunes.’

‘He is ambitious,’ Hadrian said, ‘and it does no harm at all having brother and sister in our camp. Her presence remains a secret? Yes, no harm in that, although she may need to show herself. When they hear what the Lord Trajan has done in Armenia, they will be all the more eager to win our friendship. Oh, wonderful, they are starting.’ Caecilius’ voice carried from the ramp as he shouted out the orders for the men hauling on the ropes and the tower rolled forward.

‘Has the princeps dealt with the king?’ Crispinus asked.

‘In a manner of speaking. The cocky fellow came in answer to his summons, then rode into camp, dismounted and threw his tiara at Trajan’s feet, acting the part of a repentant and suppliant client.’ It was an odd word to use of a king. Senators, indeed many wealthy and influential men, had clients who honoured them, respected them and offered services in return for favours. Crispinus was not sure whether he had ever heard it used of a monarch, although in truth it was apt.

‘I take it the Lord Trajan was not impressed.’

Hadrian snorted with laughter. ‘Not at all. It was months too late and could not make up for all his past insolence. So a praetorian is sent to pick up the crown, and the king left kneeling and ever more nervous. After a while Trajan informs him that he is not king, never was king, and never will be, although his life is spared. When it suits him, the princeps will choose the true king of Armenia.’

‘Disappointing for the man who was a king a few moments before.’