Zabda started to turn. The tip of the lance speared into his back. Valens ran to the Palmyrene’s aid, all pain forgotten. The force of the blow had driven the lance deep into Zabda’s body. As the Arab tried to recover his weapon, the two horses circled in a macabre dance. Held by the saddle, Zabda’s body jerked as his killer wrenched at the lance.

Plunging his dagger into the nomad’s thigh with his right hand, Valens seized his cloak with his left. Throwing himself backwards, he used his weight to haul the man from his mount. The wounded Arab landed on top of him. Valens rolled out from underneath. His fist found a stone. The tent-dweller shouted something, perhaps a plea for mercy. Valens smashed the stone into the man’s face. Through broken teeth, the nomad shouted again. After a time he merely made incoherent noises, then fell silent as Valens beat him to death.

A shadow fell across Valens. The sun must be high in the sky. Numbly, he straightened up. His hands and arms were red with blood. He was unarmed, but beyond fear or hope.

‘They have had enough,’ Iudex said.

Valens looked around, as if observing events that had little bearing on himself.

It was true. Having dropped their lances at the onset of the ambush, the half-naked tent-dwellers, for all their advantage in numbers, had lost the will to continue to face the swords and unbridled ferocity of the armoured and trained Roman soldiers. Some riding two to a mount, they streamed back down the canyon.

‘At least a dozen of them are dead.’ Iudex’s face was seraphic with pleasure. ‘Clemens and Decimus are finishing off their wounded. Both have slight cuts, but we have only lost Zabda.’

Valens gazed around until he saw the Palmyrene.

‘The tent-dwellers will not return today, probably never. Blood feud will only drive them so far.’ Iudex spoke slowly, as if to an infant. ‘But we should not tarry.’

Valens knew Iudex was right. There was so much to be done.

‘Get me a horse,’ Valens said.

While Iudex did that, Valens went among the carnage to find his weapons and shield. Slowly, he managed to gather his thoughts.

He was ready when Iudex returned.

‘Signal Narses and the others to come down from the heights. Clemens can make sure there are no survivors. Send Decimus back for the woman and the other horses. Round up the spare horses, put Zabda over one – we will bury him when we are clear of this place – then meet me at the mouth of the canyon.’

Without waiting for an answer, Valens mounted and rode away.

Chapter 18

CHAPTER 18

Matiane