Byzantium Infected Box Set by James Mullins

Author:James Mullins [Mullins, James]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: JamesMullinsauthor.com
Published: 2019-12-24T22:00:00+00:00

Chapter 40

An Hour After Sunrise, September 29th 636, Damascus, Syria Province, Byzantium

The Celebration

Constan, Athos, Liana, Athea, and the other surviving members of Constan’s original Kontoubernion walked to the Governor’s palace at his behest. They followed behind the litter being carried on the shoulders of six stout slaves. The slaves, all well-muscled men, wore a simple white wrap around their midsection. With the exception of their sandaled feet the rest of their bodies went uncovered.

Despite the early hour, the slaves, bearing Governor Maurice, perspired, as they labored to carry his immense bulk down Straight Street toward the palace. Arriving in front of the opulent structure, the slaves gently lowered the Governor’s litter to the ground. One of the men moved out of the formation over to the exit point of the litter. He then dropped to his knees in front of the litter’s door. Only the Governor’s outline could be discerned through the white drapes surrounding him.

As soon as movement could be detected within the litter, the slave, already on his knees, lowered the rest of his body onto the ground. Using his elbows and knees he held his back evenly forming a stair at the bottom of the litter’s exit. The Governor pushed back the white linen curtains and placed a foot upon the back of the prone slave. The onlookers inwardly winced as the Governor’s weight was fully borne by the slaves back. As the Governor’s other foot stepped onto the ground, two other slaves from his bearers helped him keep his balance. Exhausted by the effort of lifting his own immense bulk, the Governor’s chest expanded and contracted rapidly from his heavy breathing.

The oaken door of the palace was immediately opened to the Governor, and he barked orders to his servants, “Our glorious army has been victorious in repulsing the damned!” He brought his meaty hands together with a loud slap, “Prepare a feast for our heroes in the banquet hall!”

Governor Maurice turned back to face Constan and the others. He smiled broadly and said, “Follow me my mighty warriors. We must celebrate!”

Governor Maurice walked out into the courtyard and headed toward the oaken door that opened onto the interior hallway that led to the banquet hall. Constan, having met with the Governor every morning since he took command of the 5th Parthica, knew the way. Athos, only had dim recognition of the palace, as he was still suffering from a head injury during his previous visit. Athea, and Liana, looked upon the riches being displayed with wide eyed wonderment.

Both ladies paused in front of each of the tapestries denoting the life of Jesus and marveled at the craftsmanship, “Where did they get the dyes for all of these wondrous colors?” Liana asked.

Athea replied, “The purple comes from Tyre. From the murex shellfish if I recall correctly.”

“You’ve been to Tyre?” Liana asked

Athea nodding replied, “Aye, my father was a merchant. He purchased a variety of goods that flowed into the port there from all over the Empire.”

Athos walked

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