Attila: A Historical Novel of the Great Migration (A.D. 453) (The ancient world Book 1) by Dahn Felix

Author:Dahn, Felix
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2024-07-15T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter Thirteen

“Speak freely,” commanded the Khan, “completely openly in front of these Byzantines. Say everything, even the most hidden things. They are our friends. The Hun has no secrets from friends.”

Ediko stepped forward, bowed deeply, and began very calmly and composedly: “In Byzantium, the incomparable city, I saw, heard, and experienced incredible things. The Gothic king who, after spending a few days there, exclaimed, ‘In this city, there are many things, both possible and impossible,’ spoke the truth.”

The envoys exchanged glances, not without satisfaction. “Our Roman splendour has indeed impressed this barbarian,” Priscus whispered, and Maximinus nodded.

But Attila drawled, “Even the impossible?”

“Judge for yourself, O Lord, whether what I experienced is possible or impossible, compared to anything envoys have ever encountered. You will call it impossible. Then I will lay the evidence at your feet.” With the keenest anticipation, everyone present listened to the German, who continued in Latin: “Vigilius picked me up from the house near the harbour assigned for my stay. He led me to Chrysaphius, the most powerful man in the Byzantine Empire. We walked along the grand row of palaces, which form a small city of their own, housing the Emperor’s court and the offices and residences of his top officials. I openly admired the splendour of these imperial buildings, thinking nothing of it. The strange, lurking look in my companion’s eyes – look at him now, it’s similar, though now he also shows fear – caught my attention: I couldn’t understand it. But as soon as I stood before the all-powerful eunuch, Vigilius interrupted and – quite inappropriately, as it seemed to me – described my admiration of the Emperor’s magnificence, with gross exaggeration.”

Vigilius followed Ediko’s every word with breathless anticipation. “The fool,” he muttered through gritted teeth. “What is he up to? But perhaps it’s cleverest to pose as my enemy, my adversary here.”

“He added,” the German continued, “and this was a complete lie! – that I had praised the inhabitants of Byzantium for their rich and luxurious lives.”

“Where is this leading?” Vigilius wondered, increasingly anxious.

“Then Chrysaphius said, ‘You can, O Ediko, win a house like this, with golden tiles, and bathe in gold whenever you wish.’”

“When will he stop recounting what actually happened? When will he start covering up? What reckless audacity!” Vigilius silently lamented.

“I was astonished. ‘You only need to,’ Chrysaphius continued, ‘give up the land of the Huns and come to live with us.’”

“I breathe a sigh of relief: the first omission!” thought Vigilius.

“I was speechless with astonishment. Then,”—Ediko suddenly turned on Vigilius, pointing an accusing finger at him—”then this Vigilius here butted into the conversation.”

“He’s lost his mind!” Vigilius cried out in utter horror. He had listened to the last few sentences with wide eyes and an open mouth. Now sweat broke out on his forehead. He spun around twice, then turned his back to Ediko, covered his head with his cloak, and tried to make a hurried exit from the hall. But four Huns, who had silently moved up to him, separating him from the other envoys, clamped their iron grips on his shoulders and arms.

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