Parthian Dawn

by Peter Darman

  ‘I am the commander of your horsemen, Pacorus.’

  ‘And that is precisely why you must stay here, my friend.’

  He remained unconvinced. ‘There is no honour in staying at Dura while you go to campaign in the north.’

  I laid a hand on his shoulder. ‘If I should fall, you will lead Dura’s horsemen. I cannot concentrate on Media if things here are remiss.’

  It was a weak argument, but he nodded sullenly and that was that. The fact was that Nergal was my right-hand man and only he knew how to command heavy cavalry and horse archers in battle. Without Nergal Dura’s mounted arm would be woefully deficient in leadership. To alleviate his disappointment I told him to take a thousand riders to Babylon as a sign of Dura’s allegiance, and I told him that he could raid Mesene if he so chose.

  ‘Just don’t get yourself killed,’ I told him.

  Gallia was also far from happy. ‘I see no reason for you to go to Media.’

  ‘I promised Farhad that I would assist him when I could.’

  It was early evening and she was brushing her hair. Claudia lay asleep in her cot beside our bed.

  ‘He did not come to your aid when an enemy army was sitting before Dura.’

  ‘That is because he had been defeated and his kingdom threatened. You know all that.’

  She stopped her grooming and turned to look at me. ‘Let Phraates look after his empire and you take care of Dura. He has not raised a finger to aid Media.’

  ‘I made a pledge, it has nothing to do with Phraates.’

  ‘Good, because he is a coward.’

  ‘You should not say that of the King of Kings.’

  ‘Why not, it is the truth. Or is speaking the truth forbidden in the Parthian Empire?’

  ‘Of course not,’ I replied. ‘I do not want to argue with you tonight.’

  She caught my eye and smiled. ‘As you wish. Just make sure you come back.’

  I wrapped my arms round her and kissed her on the cheek.

  ‘I always come back.’

  ‘Mmm. I suppose. And take that idiot Surena with you. Hopefully he will get himself killed and save me having to do it.’

  Surena had become a good squire. I had enrolled him in the Sons of the Citadel scheme and he had shown great promise. He had a keen mind and learned quickly, but he also possessed a mischievous streak that led him astray. He was insatiably curious about the Amazons and had become obsessed by one of them in particular, a wiry girl who had earned the nickname Viper. She looked like an innocent teenager, with her small breasts and short-cut hair, but she had the strength of a lion and her skill with a bow, dagger and sword made her a formidable member of Gallia’s bodyguard. Surena had made a point of sitting next to her in classes, as Gallia had insisted that her most promising women should also be allowed to receive instruction. The tutors, mostly middle-aged or elderly Greeks, Egyptians and Parthians, had strongly objected. But an increase in their pay and a visit from the queen, during which she had used all her feminine charm, had won them over. Out of good manners Viper had smiled at Surena and they had exchanged courtesies, which he had mistaken for an invitation to get intimately acquainted. The upshot being that he had patted her backside and tried to kiss her, whereupon she had slapped his face and stormed off. Word of this reached Gallia, who had ordered Surena’s arrest. It had been with the utmost difficulty that I had secured his release. Gallia was very protective of her Amazons, and for the most part everyone treated them like a nest of cobras — with respect and at a safe distance. Surena, on the other hand, believed them to be his personal harem.

  ‘He’s just a boy,’ I pleaded with Gallia, who wanted to hang him from the city walls.

  ‘No, he’s a young man who should know better. Viper is not much older than him yet she does not behave in such a manner. Do you think it is acceptable that men should treat my Amazons like slaves?’

  ‘You know I do not.’

  Her eyes burned with fire. ‘Then don’t insult me.’

  ‘He saved my life once. All I am asking is that you allow me to do the same for him now. What he did was wrong, but I ask you to spare his life.’

  I said no more and she still seethed, but at last relented. ‘I give you his life. But keep him away from my Amazons and me. If he transgresses once more then I will kill him myself, after Viper has castrated him.’

  So Surena had a very lucky escape and he left with me for Media. I said goodbye to Gallia and my daughter in the Citadel on an overcast autumn morning. Domitus and Godarz were in attendance, and an unhappy Nergal stood beside Praxima, who I think was glad that her husband was staying by her side.

  ‘Now remember,’ I said to Godarz, ‘to send messages to the craftsmen who worked at Dura previously that they will be offered good wages if they return. We need them back in the armouries.’

  He grabbed my arm. ‘I know, Pacorus. You have created a system at Dura that is efficient so let it work. You concentrate on staying alive.’

  ‘I will pray to Mars so that he will watch over you,’ said Domitus, his new scar adorning his arm.

  I said my farewells to Nergal and Praxima and told Nergal that he was in command of the army in my absence. This delighted Praxima but seemed to be little comfort to Nergal.

  ‘I should be coming with you,’ was all he muttered.

  I held Gallia and Claudia and kissed my wife on the lips. We did not exchange words; there was no need. If the worst happened we knew that we would be together again in the next life. Finally I came to Dobbai.

  ‘You think I go on a fool’s errand?’

  ‘I think you must stay true to yourself. Besides, there will be nothing happening here to keep you amused, no enemies for you to kill at Dura. Being an idle king does not suit you.’

  ‘I’ll take that to mean that you approve, then.’

  ‘Be gone, son of Hatra.’

  I hoisted myself into the saddle, raised my hand to all those present and rode from the courtyard. Orodes was beside me with our twin banners fluttering directly behind. We rode through the city and met the waiting horsemen outside the Palmyrene Gate — a thousand riders, each one leading a spare mule loaded with fodder for his horse and food for himself. There was a rumble of distant thunder overhead and then a light rain began to fall as we began our journey to Farhad’s kingdom.

  We moved at speed through southern Hatra, then swung north once we had crossed the Tigris and reached Media six days after leaving Dura. At the border of Farhad’s kingdom we were met by a small party of the king’s guard, mounted spearmen who were led by the commander of Farhad’s bodyguard, a dour, pale-skinned individual named Cretus. As we rode north at a gentle pace he informed me of events that had taken place in Media since I was last in the kingdom.

  ‘The Romans sent only small raiding parties into Media, thankfully.’

  ‘And Prince Atrax?’

  ‘Much improved. He is able to ride now and wanted to lead a retaliatory expedition against the Romans, but Princess Aliyeh persuaded him otherwise.’

  I laughed. Cretus did not.

  ‘Your sister has great influence in the kingdom now, highness.’

  ‘Really?’

  He nodded. ‘It was your sister who organised the defence of the city and vowed to stay there and die if necessary. It is rumoured that the king himself now seeks her advice before making any decision.’

  I thought of the cool reception I had received from her the last time I was here. Hopefully, now that the Roman threat had abated, her disposition towards me would be better. I was wrong.

  It was raining heavily when we reached Farhad’s capital, the city and all around drenched by a relentless downpour that soaked our cloaks. Our horses had their heads cast down as they trotted up the great ramp into the city’s stronghold, the raindrops having matted their manes to their necks. Inside the citadel, no longer thronged with refugees, we rode to the palace and there dismounted. Dripping wet, I and Orodes would have to pay our respects to the king while the rest o
f the men went to the barracks to unsaddle their horses and change into dry clothes. Water ran off roofs in great torrents, creating large puddles in the palace square. Guards stood wrapped in cloaks around the perimeter, their heads bowed down as the rain coursed off their helmets. A court official, accompanied by a servant who held a parasol over his head, led us through the palace to the throne room, our path marked by wet footprints on the stone slabs. Farhad was sitting on one of the thrones, Atrax beside him with his wife standing on Farhad’s other side. Farhad was nodding in satisfaction when we entered and Atrax was beaming; no emotion was visible on my sister’s face.

  ‘Hail Farhad,’ I said, halting before him and bowing my head. ‘I have returned, as I promised I would.’

  Farhad stood up and embraced me, then Orodes, ignoring our sodden clothes.

  ‘Welcome Pacorus, welcome Orodes. Media is glad that you are here.’

  Atrax jumped up and shook our hands, much to the consternation of Aliyeh.

  ‘We heard about your victory over the Romans. I wished I had been there.

  I looked at my sister’s narrowing eyes. ‘So do I, Atrax.’ I stood back and acknowledged her.

  ‘Sister.’

  ‘Brother,’ she muttered without emotion.

  That night we ate with the king and discussed our next actions. The rain had finally ceased and the night was clear and cool. A great fire burned in the feasting hall for it was late in the year and the temperature was dropping. The conversation had avoided the matter of Phraates ceding Dura to the Romans in exchange for Gordyene, but my sister could not resist goading me.

  ‘Why have you come to Media, Pacorus?’

  ‘We ride to Gordyene to hasten the Romans in their retreat.’

  ‘Do you look for a new kingdom, brother?’

  Atrax was indignant. ‘Aliyeh!’

  ‘Why would I want a new kingdom? Dura is my home.’

  ‘We have heard that Dura has been given to the Romans.’

  I smiled at her. ‘I heard that too. After I have dealt with the Romans in Gordyene, I will visit Ctesiphon to hear that decision from the mouth of Phraates himself.’

  ‘I cannot believe it to be true,’ Farhad was shaking his head.

  ‘I am the king of Dura,’ I said, ‘and as long as I live it will remain Parthian.’

  ‘Well said,’ shouted Atrax.

  ‘And does Gordyene also belong to you?’ queried my sister.

  ‘Of course not,’ I replied.

  ‘Then why do you take soldiers there?’

  ‘To ensure that the Romans leave, as I said.’

  ‘I doubt that they will leave now that they have been denied Dura,’ she sniffed.

  I shrugged. ‘It is of no importance. They occupy Parthian territory and must be thrown out.’

  My sister picked at pieces of roasted chicken and lamb in her jewel-inlaid eating bowl, avoiding my eyes. Farhad looked solemn while Atrax was grinning like a small child who has just been given a present.

  ‘Your invasion may provoke the Romans,’ said Aliyeh at length, ‘and it is Media that will suffer if they decide to retaliate against Parthia.’

  Farhad cleared his throat. ‘Yes, indeed, we have already suffered grievously at their hands.’

  In fact the Romans had not invaded Media or Atropaiene after Farhad’s ill-judged invasion of Gordyene, though only because they had been diverted by their campaigns in Hatra and Dura.

  ‘Have no fear, lord king,’ I said, ‘I shall be showing my own banner in Gordyene so the Romans will know who is visiting them.’

  ‘Mine too,’ added Orodes.

  I glanced at Atrax. ‘I will be making no demands on your forces, lord king, though if there are any warriors among your men who would like to avenge Balas, they will be very welcome to ride with me.’

  ‘No!’ Aliyeh rose from her couch and stood before me.

  ‘You have something to say, sister?’

  ‘The soldiers of Media are not yours to command.’

  I smiled at her. ‘I know that.’

  She jabbed a finger in my direction. ‘I know your game and it won’t work.’

  ‘I play no game.’

  She laughed sarcastically. ‘The great King Pacorus, the saviour of the Parthian Empire, the man whose legacy is endless war and bloodshed. Media’s menfolk are not at your disposal.’

  It was amazing that she could speak thus in the presence of Farhad, but his silence confirmed the words of Cretus — Media was now ruled by a woman. Indeed, it appeared that the empire was slowly being taken over by the opposite sex. There was Aruna pulling strings at Ctesiphon, Gallia refusing to obey my orders at Dura and now Aliyeh at Irbil. Where would it all end?

  I finished nibbling at a wafer dipped in honey and wiped my hands on a tablecloth.

  ‘If, dear sister, we do not take the fight to the Romans then they will surely return once they have strengthened their forces. That is simple strategy.’

  Her eyes flashed with anger. ‘You delude yourself, brother. You are merely chasing more glory. Well, I say that is a fool’s errand.’

  I ignored her and turned to Farhad. ‘Lord King, Orodes and I will leave for Gordyene in two days. If there are any that wish to journey with us of their own accord, will you prohibit them from going with us?’

  Aliyeh jumped up. ‘Majesty, I must protest.’

  ‘No, Aliyeh,’ said Atrax, ‘this is not your decision to make.’

  Aliyeh sat back down, looking daggers at me. I smiled at her while Farhad looked decidedly uncomfortable. At length he spoke.

  ‘I do not wish to embroil Media in another war, Pacorus, I have to say. However, if my son wishes to travel north with you, I shall not prohibit him.’

  Now it was Atrax’s turn to jump up. ‘Thank you, father. I accept your offer, Pacorus.’

  Aliyeh looked despairingly at her husband but Atrax had raced over to shake my hand and then he embraced Orodes. Aliyeh, fighting back tears and rage, bowed to the king and then left us. I never saw her again before we left Irbil.

  Two days later, our mules loaded down with six months’ supply of food and supplies, I led a thousand horsemen north to the Shahar Chay River. The last time I was here, two armies faced each other across its rippling waters. Today the riverbanks were devoid of life as I halted at the water’s edge. There was a cool wind blowing from the north and the sky was heaped with grey clouds. It was deathly silent aside from the sound of horses chomping on their bits and the banners of Susa and Dura fluttering in the breeze. I looked at Orodes who nodded at me, then at Atrax on my other side, who was staring across the river determinedly. Looking behind me, a long column of horsemen and mules stretched into the distance. Remus scraped at the ground impatiently. I patted his neck and then nudged him forward. The Romans had invaded my homeland and threatened my family. Even if Phraates had agreed to give up Dura, my experience of the Romans was that they were always looking to expand their empire, never the reverse. As far as Farhad’s scouts had gleaned there were still Romans in Gordyene, though his men had not ridden far into the interior of the kingdom for fear of antagonising them. Farhad was clearly frightened of them, though thankfully his son was made of sterner stuff.

  As small spits of rain blew in our faces we rode across the river and into Gordyene. It was time to take the war to the enemy.

  Chapter 17

  We crossed the river and headed north. Gordyene is a mountainous land littered with great mountain steppes and meadows. It is also a fertile country, home to a rich variety of wildlife, such as bears, leopards and the Caspian tiger. High above us, imperial eagles outstretched their vast wings and rode the winds. I hoped that we would not be seeing any silver eagles during our time here. We headed for the country around Balas’ old capital at Vanadzor, an ancient city at the confluence of the Pambak, Tantsut and Vanadzor rivers. We saw no towns or villages as our column made its way towards the city. Atrax had visited Balas many times when he had been a boy, and without his knowledge we would
have been blind in this strange land. I accompanied him as we rode ahead of the column, leaving Orodes behind in command of the horsemen. Atrax had wanted to go on ahead on his own to act as our chief scout but I dissuaded him. I did not want his death on my conscience and nor did I want the permanent enmity of my sister should misfortune strike him. But he knew this country and led us away from the main road, in truth nothing more than a wide track that led straight from Irbil to Vanadzor, and instead diverted us into a great forest that had been on our right flank. The forest was dank and dim, the canopy masking further the poor light.

  ‘Few people live in this forest,’ said Atrax as we moved silently through the trees, ‘though it is home to much game. I hunted here often as a boy.’

  ‘And now you come to hunt Romans.’

  He halted his horse and looked at me. ‘May I ask you a question?’

  ‘Of course.’

  He looked troubled. ‘When I came to Gordyene with Aschek and my father, our plan was to advance straight to Vanadzor, thinking that if we destroyed the enemy’s main garrison we would take the city and they would withdraw.’

  I nodded. ‘A sensible strategy.’

  ‘But we were beaten and forced to withdraw. My point is, the combined armies of Media and Atropaiene numbered many thousands and still we lost. How, then, are you going to defeat them with only a thousand men?’

  I smiled at him. ‘By avoiding battle, Atrax. There are many ways to skin a cat. All will become clear.’

  Three days later we were camped in the forest vastness to the east of Vanadzor. We had brought eight-man oilskin tents with us from Dura, the same type used by the soldiers of the legion. Eight men and their equipment was a tight fit, but with the days growing colder tightly packed men would keep each other warm. We cut branches from the trees; a collection of cedars, beech, ash and elm, to fashion temporary stables, for if left exposed to the elements, even among the trees, our horses would suffer greatly. And without our horses we would be lost. We all took turns cutting wood to make frames for the stables, then creating wicker panels for their sides. The roofs were also made from wicker panels overlaid with branches. It was hard work and many grumbled that they had come to fight not play at being foresters, but it kept the men busy while we waited.