‘Enough of these old, unhappy things,’ Valens said. ‘None of us would have chosen the path that has led us here. If any of us are to win through, we must be united.’

The six men regarded him. Even Hairan was sobered.

‘Let each of us now take an oath, swear in the name of whatever deity he worships, never to desert or betray our brotherhood.’

Solemnly, one by one, invoking Jupiter Optimus Maximus, Ahuramazda, Bel, the Demiurge, or whatever other divine powers to which they prayed, each man at the table took the oath.

‘Now,’ Narses said, ‘let us get drunk. For once, I will set aside the custom of my ancestors, and not reconsider what we have decided in the morning.’

As ever, Iudex could not be prevailed upon to touch a drop of wine. Instead, as the others drank, then drank some more, he sang to them.

In their inebriation, Hairan and Narses seemed reconciled.

After a time Iudex got up and danced. His feet – so small they seemed unsuited to bearing his weight – measured intricate patterns, his huge hands cut through the air, and his great bald head bobbed and weaved to the rhythm. All the while a beatific smile lit up his childlike features.

*

Lucia was waiting in Valens’s room.

The light of the one lamp softened the long features of her face. Well gone with wine, Valens saw only her knowing eyes, the sensuality of her mouth. He stepped towards her.

Firmly, she placed her hand on his chest, held him away. ‘I came to talk to you.’

Embarrassed, he moved back, mumbling an incoherent apology.

She smiled, not unkindly.

Silently he cursed his foolishness and, after all she had endured at the hands of men, his insensitivity.

‘I came to thank you. Zabda told me that it was your decision to follow the tent-dwellers.’

‘I am sorry that we did not arrive sooner.’

‘That was fate, or the will of the gods.’ The depths of her pain showed in her eyes. But she was too strong to break down at the memory. ‘When I was in their camp, I wanted to die. Afterwards I thought I would be content to marry my husband’s brother. But suffering changes a person. He was a brute, and – Mazda forgive me – I am glad Iudex killed him.’

The wine fumes were clearing in Valens’s mind. ‘You are going to stay here in Zadrakarta?’

‘Yes.’

‘What will you do?’

‘There is a merchant in the town. He trades in silk and fine clothing. My husband had dealings with him and I saw him while you were drinking. I am a skilled seamstress. He will take me into his household.’

‘Will that be suitable?’

‘As I told you once, I am not without resource.’

Valens moved to his baggage. From the saddlebags he took a pouch containing perhaps a dozen of the precious cameos.