Sasanian by Hector Miller

Author:Hector Miller [Miller, Hector]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2018-11-27T16:00:00+00:00

Chapter 24 – Return (Sept 240 AD)

I took a deep swallow of the purple coloured red wine and placed the empty cup on the side table next to the couch.

Timesitheus said nothing, averting my gaze. I knew he wanted to believe. I could feel it.

Senator Crispinus was the first to speak.

He grinned, slapped my back and said: “Remember, Timesitheus, Lucius is no deceiving Roman.”

To my surprise, Cai took two scrolls from a leather bag and handed it to Timesitheus.

“Wise man from Serica once said that to see is to believe.”

He waited until Timesitheus had unrolled the scrolls. Both were written in Persian and Greek, the intricate seals glistening in the light of the oil lamps.

“I keep written orders from Prince Shapur and lord of Gorgan. Make nice souvenir.”

It was my turn to surprise. I walked to the pigeon holes above the desk and extracted two scrolls.

I handed a copy each to the governor and the procurator.

“We have compiled a detailed report on the army and the tactics of the Sasanians. You will find that it contains details regarding the reporting structure, composition and capabilities. I am sure that the emperor will find it useful in the near future.”

I sighed and continued: “There is however one thing that I could not add to the report.”

Crispinus raised his eyebrows and said: “How so? It looks as if this report deals even with the most minute of details.”

“As I have mentioned in my report, Ardashir is called The Unifier. He makes the decisions. All of them. He does not suffer disobedience from the Parthian lords. When the Sasanian army takes the field, they now fight as one. But the most important factor I could not mention in writing is that everything about the army feels similar in professionalism to the Roman army. It is as if he has succeeded in creating a second Roman military in the east. The only difference being that Rome’s army is built upon the might of the infantry, while the Sasanian army revolves around the heavy cavalry. If we do not change our tactics, we will not carry the day against them on the flat plains of Persia.”

No one spoke.

I was sure that I had overstepped the line.

Timesitheus looked at Hostilius and said: “What do you think?”

“I concur with everything the prefect has said. These Persians are right hard bastards, sir. They have watched us and learned from us. We also need to change. We need to improve.”

Timesitheus sighed. “It is hard to face the reality. I will discuss your advice with the emperor. We will not make the mistake of underestimating the enemy.”

Crispinus said: “The Empire owes you a great debt. All of you. You have accomplished something I would have thought impossible.”

They stood to leave.

“If I may, I have prepared a demonstration for your benefit.”

Crispinus raised his eyebrows, but nodded his head.

“Please allow me time to prepare”, I said and added, “tell your guards to stay their hands.” I left the entourage in the company of Cai and Hostilius, who escorted them out the gates.

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