Murena slipped out unobtrusively. The reek of the river again assailed his nostrils. He watched the senator stride through the blistering sunshine to where his litter waited. The very way he walked conveyed an air of entitlement. Acilius Glabrio did not pause, and he talked to no one suspicious or otherwise.

As the senator climbed into the litter, Murena scanned the onlookers. A man among the crowd caught his eye. Murena nodded, almost imperceptibly, to the frumentarius who would continue the surveillance, then he walked away.

Chapter 12

CHAPTER 12

Adiabene

THEY RODE DOWN TO THE TIGRIS. The river curled, sinuous and expansive, across a flat and dusty land. Yet the vegetation and fields along its banks were almost shocking in their vibrant green after the long journey through the high plains.

There was no bridge, but the river was broad and shallow. A rough path led them to a ford. There was a small mudbrick settlement on the far side. The sprays of water glittered like diamonds as they splashed across.

A crowd had gathered, as if summoned by the clanking of the bell on the mare that led the mules. The inhabitants stared silently at the apparition of the travel-stained riders.

Valens raised his hand to halt the column.

The throng parted, and an official stepped forward. Portly, smooth cheeked, full of self-importance, the man was obviously a eunuch. He spoke in Persian.

‘A customs officer,’ Hairan said.

Even in this fly-blown, out-of-the-way place, taxes had to be paid.

Valens waved Narses forward to deal with the eunuch.

‘Who are you who wish to enter the domain of the Mazda-beloved Shapur, King of Kings?’ Hairan translated in an undertone for Valens.

‘All the Earth is mine, and I have a right to go over it and through it,’ Narses replied.

Valens whispered to Hairan. ‘Why is he antagonising the eunuch?’

‘What else would you expect from a Persian? Arrogance and cruelty are in their blood. Narses comes from the noble clan of the Suren.’ Hairan smiled. ‘Although perhaps it is necessary in this case. Show weakness to a eunuch, and he will rob you blind.’

‘From where have you come, and who sent you?’ The eunuch was speaking angrily, drawing himself upright, stiff with the dignity of his petty office.

‘We have sent ourselves to see if we can make men of you, whether you like it or not,’ Narses said.

‘If you do not answer my questions, I will have you tortured.’ There was an outraged petulance in the manner of the official.

‘By the peasants here?’ Narses laughed, his teeth very white in his dark beard. ‘It will be good for you do it with your own hands, so that you may be tested by the touchstone of a true man.’

Clemens nudged his horse closer to Valens. ‘The Persian fool will get us all killed.’

Valens hushed him.