‘Of course, we are Heruli. And Naulobates also allowed them three loaves and a jug each.’

The hangings were thrown back, and a mud-spattered Herul entered. He said something in their language. Many of the tribesmen cheered. They slapped each other on the back, obviously delighted with the news.

Naulobates merely smiled contentedly.

When the uproar subsided, Naulobates looked at Valens and spoke in Greek. ‘I prophesied that before the feast was over we would have cause for celebration. The Sassanids have marched out from the Walls of Alexander.’

Chapter 34

CHAPTER 34

The Steppe

THE SASSANID ARMY WAS STATIONARY and drawn up to the south across the plain. The brisk and chill north wind whipped the banners above their heads. Embroidered leopards and lions, serpents and dragons, fierce beasts and abstract designs invoking Mazda and other gods writhed and snapped.

Some three hundred paces away, although out of effective bowshot, every detail was revealed. The Persians were arrayed in three divisions. To spare their mounts, the horse archers on the flanks waited dismounted. All were lithe and slim men with long hair and beards, and wore loose tunics and baggy trousers. They were unencumbered except for their bows, and could leap onto the backs of their horses in a moment. Their quivers and long straight swords hung ready from their saddles. Like the nomads they faced, they wore no armour. Their numbers were difficult to judge, but Decimus told Valens that there were some eight thousand on each wing.

In the centre, under a huge banner bearing the emblem of a bear, stood the clibanarii: four thousand armoured Persian noblemen on huge armoured chargers. They were more cumbersome, so to avoid the danger of being taken by surprise, they waited mounted. Some were encased in steel, man and beast. With masks covering their faces, they could have been statues. Many wore bright surcoats over their armour: scarlet and green, yellow and blue silk, bearing the heraldic devices of their clans. The motifs were repeated on those whose horses were caparisoned. The mounts of others were protected by armour of green-blue horn or red leather. Although the majority had a bow case strapped to their saddles, these were shock cavalry. The proud clibanarii would rely on the tall lances in their hands. If the lances broke, they would draw the swords on their hips.

Last night, Naulobates had held an impromptu council at the feast. Valens had been surprised at the freedom of speech allowed. Against the obvious wishes of Naulobates, an older warrior called Pharas had argued that they should not fight. They had everything they wanted. The hunting had been good, and Prince Sasan was in their hands. The Emperor Gallienus would pay much gold for the boy. Was it not promised in the letter from the Praetorian Prefect Volusianus? They should break camp, saddle up, and ride away into the vastness of the Steppe.