Strategos: Rise of the Golden Heart by Gordon Doherty

Author:Gordon Doherty [Doherty, Gordon]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: www.gordondoherty.co.uk
Published: 2013-06-10T18:30:00+00:00

***

Apion stood on a balcony, looking down on the smoky grey marble of the Boukoleon Palace floor. This, the ceremonial palace just south of the Imperial Palace and the Hippodrome, was as sedate and ordered as the streets outside were chaotic. Sweet scented oils spiced the air and candles flickered silently all around the cavernous interior, spliced with red-veined marble columns, yawning archways and latticed screens. Senators, priests, military leaders and provincial magnates were packed on the ground floor, leaving only a narrow corridor from the doors to the gilded altar. The corridor was lined with varangoi, and ten more stood vigil either side of the altar. Igor stood there, shuffling in discomfort at being under the gaze of so many, his hair groomed out of its usual braids – doubtless against his will.

Xiphilinos stood before the altar. Eudokia and Romanus stood facing the patriarch. Eudokia wore a rich red silken robe that wound around her slender figure, and was studded with gemstones, just like the headdress that framed her delicate features. Romanus wore fine and embellished armour – a glistening klibanion formed of polished, alternating gold and bronze plates – with white, silk trousers and supple leather boots.

Xiphilinos’ joining of the pair had been stilted at best. They had followed the age-old ritual, with the patriarch placing the ceremonial wedding crown on each of their heads, then leading them behind a painted screen to offer them the Eucharist – a sliver of leavened bread and a goblet of wine from which they both sipped. Eudokia had then placed the golden heart chain around Romanus’ neck, and Romanus had in turn pinned a gilded brooch to her breast. The exchange of these items was to symbolise their acceptance of one another. As much as Apion saw hope in their joining, he also pitied the loveless relationship that seemed certain to follow.

The imperial coronation that followed at least seemed outright in its intentions. First, Romanus donned the purple cloak, clasping it over his ornate klibanion. Then Xiphilinos brought forth the imperial diadem – a gilded crown, studded with emeralds and rubies, a golden Cross rising from the forehead. Romanus accepted the diadem, placing it upon his head. Twin chains of pearl dangled on each side of his jaw, golden Crosses swinging from the end. Then the patriarch delivered another Eucharist to the new emperor. After this, the palace fell utterly silent. Romanus then turned to the audience, and raised his arms up, looking to the heavens before bowing. Then Xiphilinos called out to the onlookers.

‘Bow your heads to the Lord!’

At this, all watching did as commanded. All except Apion. Instead, he thought of all those he had lost, and wondered at their unquestioning faith.

‘To you, O Lord!’ Romanus and the crowd called out in unison.

Next, Romanus stepped forward, onto a brightly painted circular shield laid on the marbled floor.

Then four varangoi strode forward and hoisted the shield and the man up to their shoulders. With this final gesture, Romanus Diogenes was Emperor of all Byzantium.

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