Companions (The Parthian Chronicles) (23 page)

I had been shooting at targets on the ranges but my mind had been elsewhere. After I had turned in the saddle to shoot an arrow at a target over Remus’ hindquarters my mind was thinking about the games at Ephesus when Remus pulled up as we neared the end of the course and I had toppled from the saddle. It had caused great mirth among the horse archers I had been training with.

‘My mind was elsewhere,’ I said.

‘Thinking about Burebista,’ said Gallia, accepting a drink of water from Domitus. It had been a hot morning and threatened to be an even hotter afternoon.

Domitus rolled his eyes. ‘Mother of Jupiter, you’re not still going on about that, surely?’

I ignored him. ‘Alcaeus, tell me about Ephesus.’

The doctor filled a cup with water and sat on a stool.

‘Ephesus? A rich trading port in the eastern Aegean and the site of the sanctuary of the Goddess Artemis. Why do you ask?’

‘I have heard that there are annual games held there,’ I said evasively.

‘Roman gladiatorial games,’ he sneered. ‘Yes, I have heard. There are no levels to which the Romans will not sink to, no offence Domitus.’

Domitus smiled. ‘None taken.’

Alcaeus stood and began pacing, much like I imagined a Greek philosopher would do when delivering a lesson.

‘The Great Theatre at Ephesus is one of the wonders of the world, I have heard, being able to seat over twenty thousand people. It was built during the reign of Lysimachus over two hundred years ago. He was one of the
Diodochi
, of course.’

‘What’s that?’ asked Domitus.

Alcaeus stopped and stared in amazement at him. ‘Do you know nothing of Greek history, Domitus?’

‘Not much,’ sniffed Domitus. ‘There wasn’t much call for it when I was fighting for Rome, and even less now I’m at Dura.’

Alcaeus shook his head gravely. ‘I suppose you have heard of Alexander of Macedon?’

‘Naturally,’ replied Domitus. ‘One of the few Greeks who was good with a sword.’

‘The
Diodochi
were the successors of Alexander,’ continued Alcaeus, ‘men who served under him during his conquests. I believe Lysimachus was one of his bodyguards. Anyway, after Alexander’s death he became the ruler of Thrace and Asia Minor and founded Ephesus.’

‘It is now under Roman rule,’ said Gallia.

‘Like many cities and regions, lady,’ replied Alcaeus sadly. ‘Laying that aside, you may be interested to know that legend has it that Ephesus was founded by the Amazons, the warrior women of myth made real by Dura’s queen.’

Domitus laughed but Alcaeus ignored him.

‘Having fought a bruising battle with Heracles, the demi-god who was the last mortal son of Zeus, the Amazons regrouped at a spot that later became Ephesus. I have heard that there are four statues of Amazon women in the temple itself.’

‘Was Artemis an Amazon?’ I asked as I stretched my shoulder.

Alcaeus shook his head. ‘No. Artemis is the daughter of Zeus, the king of the gods, and one of the three maiden goddesses of Olympus. She is also the daughter of the Goddess Leto. Artemis is the Goddess of the Moon, Goddess of the Hunt and the twin sister of Apollo.’

I looked at Gallia and saw that she was enthralled by his words.

Alcaeus looked at Domitus. ‘The Romans also worship Artemis, though for some unexplained reason they call her Diana.’

He smiled at Gallia. ‘In civilised places Artemis is known as the Maiden of the Silver Bow because she is typically shown carrying a silver bow and arrows, the latter representing the rays of the moon. She also wears silver sandals and rides in a silver chariot.’

‘And people worship Artemis at Ephesus?’ asked Gallia.

‘They travel from far and wide to say prayers at the Temple of Artemis,’ said Alcaeus. ‘It is the largest place of worship in the world.’

I was sceptical. ‘Bigger than the Great Temple at Hatra, Alcaeus?’

He nodded his head. ‘Yes.’

‘Even though you’ve never seen it,’ said Domitus.

‘The dimensions of the temple are common knowledge; a hundred and fifty yards in length, seventy-five yards in width and sixty feet in height.’

‘That is one large temple,’ I agreed.

‘Why such an interest in Ephesus?’ Alcaeus asked me.

‘Athineos mentioned it, that’s all,’ I said.

Alcaeus sat down and finished his water. ‘Strange him turning up after so long.’

‘Stranger than you think,’ said Domitus, who looked at me. ‘Tell him.’

Alcaeus looked extremely interested in what I was about to say and Gallia was nodding. They were right, of course, as Alcaeus himself was a Companion.

‘Athineos told me that Burebista lives and is a gladiator at the same school where Spartacus was forced to fight before he escaped.’

Alcaeus’ eyes opened wide in amazement. ‘The Dacian? And you believed him?’

I shrugged, which hurt my shoulder. ‘He had nothing to gain by lying. The point is, he told me that Burebista would be taking part in the games at Ephesus this summer.’

‘Alas for Burebista,’ was Alcaeus’ only comment.

‘Pacorus has a mind to go and rescue him,’ said Gallia casually.

Domitus spat out the water he was drinking and Alcaeus’ eyes opened wide a second time.

‘Tell me that was a joke,’ said Domitus.

‘You do realise that Ephesus is under Roman control?’ stated Alcaeus.

I nodded. ‘I know that.’

‘And that such an important city will have a large garrison,’ added Domitus.

I nodded once more.

‘You waste your words,’ Gallia told them. ‘Ever since Athineos left us my husband’s mind has been elsewhere, I suspect mostly on that snow-swept night at Rhegium, the last time he or any of us saw Burebista alive.’

‘Gallia is right,’ I told them, ‘I have been distracted, I will not lie.’

‘Did Athineos say that he had actually seen Burebista?’ asked Alcaeus.

I shook my head. ‘He had been told by one of the games’ organisers that the gladiatorial school in Capua was sending its fighters to Ephesus, one of which was named Burebista the Dacian.’

‘I am sure it is a common name among Dacians,’ said Alcaeus. ‘And anyway, aside from the fact that he died at Rhegium, Athineos did not actually see him with his own eyes.’

‘Even if he had,’ I said, ‘he would not have recognised him as he never knew him.’

‘A man tells another man of a man called Burebista who might be the same Burebista that served with you in Italy,’ remarked Domitus. ‘You have to admit, Pacorus, that it is all very vague.’

‘And not worth risking your life over,’ said Alcaeus firmly.

As Alcaeus had advised me not to haul myself into a saddle until my shoulder had healed, I walked back to the Citadel in the company of Gallia. Her Amazons likewise walked behind us, the sun roasting our horses and us as we approached the Palmyrene Gate. I glanced up at the griffin statue, drew my sword and raised it in salute as I neared the open gates. I had done so ever since it had been put in place above the gate and I believed it to be a gesture that would bring me luck on the battlefield. Alcaeus thought me foolish no doubt but I was not alone as Gallia and the Amazons also drew their swords and saluted the statue. I caught site of two black figures standing by the griffin. Gallia saw them too.

We left Remus and Epona in the care of the Amazons, who mounted their horses and rode to the Citadel as we climbed the steps inside the gatehouse. I was rubbing my now aching shoulder as we walked onto the battements above the gates.

‘It looks far bigger up close,’ observed Samahe, staring up at the statue. ‘Most impressive.’

‘Have you hurt yourself playing war games, son of Hatra?’ said Dobbai.

‘He fell off his horse,’ Gallia told her.

‘You have a fine city, King Pacorus,’ remarked Samahe as she turned to me. ‘I now know why I was brought here.’

‘I thought you came of your own free will,’ I said.

She smiled at me and brought her hands together, entwining her fingers.

‘All things are connected, young king. Just as our lives are mapped out by the gods, so do the immortals send signs to ensure that we follow the right path.’

‘Portents, son of Hatra,’ said Dobbai grimly.

‘The gods have brought me here to help you in your quest, King Pacorus,’ continued Samahe, ‘to which end I have sent a letter to another of our sisters who will provide you with advice and aid. She will be expecting you.’

I was confused. ‘Quest? What quest?’

‘To rescue your friend,’ answered Dobbai. ‘That is why you have been moping around like a love-sick shepherd following the pirate’s departure.’

I opened my mouth to speak but Dobbai held up a hand to me. ‘You are above all loyal, son of Hatra. Loyal to your friends and loyal to your ridiculous sense of honour, and an even more ridiculous notion of right and wrong.’

‘They are the cornerstones of civilisation,’ I said tersely.

Dobbai looked at Samahe and rolled her eyes.

‘That is debateable, son of Hatra, but what I believe is not important. It is what you hold dear that will decide your actions.’

‘You are intent on travelling to Ephesus?’ asked Samahe.

I looked at her and then Dobbai and Gallia. Their expressions told me they already knew the answer. I could have denied it, told them not to be absurd. But the truth was that I felt nothing but relief.

‘You think I am mad?’ I said to Gallia.

She kissed me gently on the cheek. ‘I think that loyalty is perhaps the greatest virtue, behind love of course.’

‘It might get me killed,’ I told her.

Gallia looked at Dobbai and Samahe. ‘Not with their help, I think. Besides, I am coming with you.’

I walked back to the Citadel in the company of all three, a score of legionaries ringing us to provide security. A crowd quickly gathered around us as we slowly ambled up the main thoroughfare, the two old women with us finding the walk taxing in the afternoon heat.

‘Are you mad?’ I said through gritted teeth to Gallia.

‘No,’ she replied calmly. ‘Are you?’

‘You heard what Samahe and Dobbai said, Gallia. The coming to Dura of the former and Athineos were portents. I’m convinced that Burebista is still alive and that I should be the one to rescue him.’

‘And did you not hear Alcaeus?’ said Gallia. ‘Ephesus was founded by the Amazons. I think that is a sign that I should accompany you in your adventure.’

I stopped and faced her. ‘Adventure! To travel to a Roman stronghold alone is hardly an adventure.’

My voice had been raised and not only had the legionaries heard my outburst but so had the citizens nearest to them. There was a murmur among the crowd and many anxious faces peered at us.

‘It is unseemly for the king and queen to argue in public,’ said Dobbai. ‘If you want to shout at each other you should do so behind closed doors.’

I looked around and saw the quizzical and confused expressions. I smiled and raised my hand to the crowd and began walking.

‘This is not over,’ I whispered to Gallia.

But when we reached the palace, and following a full-blooded argument behind closed doors in the throne room, Gallia’s position remained the same. She was determined to accompany me to Ephesus where we would rescue Burebista and bring him back to Dura.

‘And how precisely will you do this?’ asked Dobbai as we sat in the banqueting hall eating our evening meal.

As usual Samahe was consuming great quantities of rice, roast chicken, fish, bread, fruit and beer. I had little appetite.

‘I was hoping that you, or your “sister”, might be able to assist me.’

‘Assist
us
,’ added Gallia.

Samahe stopped eating and looked at Dobbai.

‘To the north of the great Caspian inland sea,’ said the sorceress from Syria, ‘is a herd of winged horses that I have the power to summon. They will be able to transport you to Ephesus. I can also weave a cloak of invisibility so the Romans will be unaware of your presence.’

‘Really?’ I said.

‘No, not really,’ replied Samahe, who dipped a biscuit in honey and pushed it into her mouth.

‘Do you really think we can summon up armies of demons from the underworld to assist you, son of Hatra?’ said Dobbai. ‘The gods may send signs but it is you alone who must rescue your friend.’

‘We could pack a ship with soldiers, wait until dark and then assault the place where Burebista is kept,’ I said, thinking out loud.

Dobbai shook her head. ‘No, no, no.’

‘You are thinking like a warrior king, majesty,’ said Samahe with a mouth full of pork.

‘That is because that is what I am,’ I replied.

‘Then you must learn to think like the Romans so your entry into Ephesus goes unrecognised,’ she continued.

I was at a loss as to the meaning of her words. ‘I do not understand.’

Samahe gulped down a cup of beer. ‘Consider this, King Pacorus. If I wished to pass through your kingdom unnoticed, what would be the best method, considering that your soldiers have eyes on all directions and places as they look out for would-be assassins?’