Sarmatian by Peter Darman

Author:Peter Darman [Darman, Peter]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: war, roman empire, war fiction, parthia, war adventure, war hero, parthian shot, the parthian, parthians
Published: 0101-01-01T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter 11

I had hoped to ride to Assur with sixty-five hundred of the finest horsemen in all Parthia, including fifteen hundred cataphracts. The next morning, the sun shining down on the great square in front of Hatra’s palace, just over a hundred figures on horseback greeted me as I descended the steps of the palace to reunite with Horns. Herneus’ nephew had sent him back refreshed and re-shoed, as promised, and now he would take me back to Assur. One hundred Amazons stood in two lines on the square and at the end of the first line Bullus, Klietas and a crestfallen Haytham sat on their horses.

I hoisted myself into the saddle and took the reins passed to me by a stable hand who had brought Horns from his night-time quarters. I patted him on the neck and waited for Gallia to mount up beside me. Hatra’s cataphracts and horse archers, all professional soldiers, would be forming up on the square after we had left for Assur. Normally they would already be arrayed prior to departing for Nisibus, but Herneus had deliberately delayed their muster to avoid rubbing salt in my wounded pride.

The general stood at the foot of the steps with a sheepish-looking Aspad and an indifferent Orobaz. Gaius Arrianus and Titus Tullus, both fully restored to health and attired in fine clothes as befitting their rank, stood with them. I nudged Horns forward and leaned down towards Herneus.

‘I have sent word to Dura for my horsemen and foot soldiers to march straight to Assur. They will not stay in the Hatra. You have sent word to your nephew?’

‘Yes, majesty.’

‘Good luck in the north.’

I turned Horns to walk along the line of dignitaries, halting him at Gaius Arrianus.

‘Well, ambassador, here is where our journeys part. An escort will accompany you both to Dura from where you will be able to reach Syria. Though if you have the time, I would recommend a trip to Palmyra.’

Gaius bowed his head.

‘It has been an honour to meet you, majesty. You can be assured that I will inform Augustus himself of your great service to his ambassador. And be assured Rome will honour its commitments.’

Strange words to end on, but then these were strange times. I smiled at Titus Tullus.

‘Safe journey back to Pontus, general. I would advise avoiding its hills and mountains. They appear to be filled with rebellious tribesmen.’

‘Have no fear, majesty, I won’t be making the same mistake again. I am glad we are parting as friends rather than enemies.’

‘As am I, general.’

I turned Horns and directed him towards the exit from the square, the honour guard of foot soldiers drawn from the garrison lining the outside of the quadrangle standing to attention as we trotted past them. The camels carrying our tents, supplies and ammunition had deposited liberal quantities of dung on the stone slabs, which would be removed before the muster of Hatra’s professional horsemen. After they had left for Nisibus, the deposits of their horses and camels would also be removed and the stone slabs washed clean.

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