Cassius’s first few minutes in the town had already changed his view of this man Ilaha. Having previously thought of him as a more powerful version of Khalima — a tribal leader commanding desert warriors — he was now beginning to think of him as rather more like a general.
The only available space in the encampment was close to the side of the canyon. The base of the wall was dotted with small, shadowy entrances to what Cassius guessed were tombs. The free area had been marked out with twine and sticks and was close to the rest of Uruwat’s tribe. The other Saracens looked on, each gathered with fellows bearing the same colour cloth upon their arms.
The impression of order was reinforced by the arrival of a middle-aged man bearing the solar symbol. He welcomed Khalima then pointed along the track towards the middle of the encampment and two larger tents. Cassius understood via Mercator that these were a latrine and a food tent, both of which they were free to use.
Cassius continued to play his role, unloading his horse like the others and resisting the temptation to approach Khalima and Adayyid, even when Urunike and the local man left.
‘Nice welcome,’ said Mercator as they helped the auxiliaries put up one of the tents.
‘This Ilaha is clearly keen to keep the other ethnarchs onside.’
‘But also leave them in no doubt about who is in charge,’ added the optio, nodding at the distant compound.
‘He has a small army here. And perhaps the other tribes are to be his auxiliaries.’
Adayyid was proving to be as competent a performer as his father. He yelled instructions at the men, then walked up to Cassius and spoke quietly. ‘Uruwat and the other ethnarchs have been given quarters in the caverns beyond the inner gate. My father will go there shortly to pay his respects and talk to you when he returns. Until then, he suggests we keep ourselves to ourselves.’
‘We’ll pass it on to the men,’ said Cassius. ‘By the way, where’s this Goat Trail?’
‘Above the compound — you can’t see it from here. What did you say to the old warrior?’
‘Not much.’
‘He is best avoided.’
‘Isn’t he a bit old for the rough stuff?’
‘I wouldn’t advise testing him out. His name’s Theomestor.’
‘The Theomestor?’ said Mercator.
‘You’ve heard of him?’ asked Cassius.
‘Of course.’
‘He has fought for Ilaha’s tribe since the older Charaz was in charge,’ explained Adayyid. ‘In his prime, he was one of the most lethal swordsmen in all Arabia.’
Cassius let out a breath. ‘Lucky for me he has a sense of humour.’
XXIV
Gutha had to admit the cavern looked impressive. He hadn’t actually been there before but knew it was the largest in Galanaq, larger even than the temple. On one side of the curved roof was a shaft that admitted a square beam of sunlight. In the middle of the chamber was a circular table around which were thirteen ornately carved chairs. Surrounding these were ten tall silver candelabra. None of the candles had been lit, nor was there any food or drink — that would come later.
Ilaha strode in, cloak flowing gaudily behind him. He placed both hands on the back of a chair and smiled. ‘Suitably grand, don’t you think? There’ll be wine brought in from Gaza, a dozen different meats, fish fresh from the coast.’
‘I have no doubt the ethnarchs will enjoy their meal,’ replied Gutha. ‘I just hope no stomachs are turned by what they hear afterwards.’
Ilaha tutted. ‘You worry unnecessarily. When I have spoken they will understand that my plan is both equitable and achievable. Mother read the shadows and the offerings this morning. All the signs favour us.’
Gutha acceded with a nod.
‘Anyway,’ said Ilaha, ‘why are you up here?’
‘I saw Reyazz. He told me the stone is being moved outside later. Are you sure that’s wise?’
‘Not only wise but essential.’
‘You will reveal it to all?’
‘Of course. Tonight the chiefs will be persuaded, tomorrow the men.’ Ilaha walked over to Gutha and gripped his shoulder. ‘Have faith, my friend.’
‘There’s something else. Two new groups arrived today. One is of no concern — Yemanek’s uncle and his men. The others are with a chief named Khalima — part of Uruwat’s tribe.’
‘I don’t remember the name.’
‘Commander Oblachus just notified me. I’ve done a little asking around and there is a certain amount of surprise that he’s here. Apparently this Khalima is rather similar to our friend Mushannaf — his interest in coin usually outweighs other considerations.’
‘Except perhaps loyalty to his chief. Nobody expected Uruwat to attend either but he is here and he is ready to listen. Maybe this Khalima simply wishes to be part of our great endeavour.’
‘Possibly. But I have ordered an inspection all the same. Ilaha, you must appreciate the possibility that in amongst all these new arrivals there might be a Roman spy.’
Ilaha waved the suggestion away. ‘Even if Calvinus were to hear of what is happening here he would be powerless to do anything about it. I told you — our time has come.’
‘I have asked Oblachus to pay them a visit.’
‘As you wish.’
Ilaha turned to leave but then paused. ‘One more thing, Gutha. You should really address me as Lord Ilaha from now on.’
Cassius sat on his saddle just inside the tent, looking out at the track. Dusk was near but there was still enough light for him to see when Khalima returned from the meeting with Uruwat.
While Simo continued to unpack around him, he switched his gaze to the formidable inner wall. When he also considered the overwhelming number of guards and other warriors present, the whole concept of retaking the black stone now seemed almost laughable. How easy it must have been for Abascantius to concoct this scheme with no concept of the realities on the ground.
No, best to find out what they could, then slip away and make for Humeima. Galanaq’s defences were impressive, but nothing compared to the colossal walls of the Roman fortress. Cassius wished he were already behind them.
‘Starting to think you’ve bitten off more than you can chew?’
Cassius had almost forgotten Ulixes was in the tent. He turned. The gambler was lying on his side, a lamp flickering in front of him, that wolfish face grinning.
‘Well, you’re young,’ he continued. ‘Naive. Just another puppet for old Pitface. He must have been through dozens like you over the years.’
‘I daresay,’ replied Cassius, doing his best to affect nonchalance.
‘I don’t rate normal soldiering much,’ said Ulixes. ‘But at least you know where you are. A spy never knows who he can trust, how to tell friend from foe. And the bastards in charge are just as likely to get you killed as the enemy. After a while I couldn’t take it any more.’
‘So you chose to become a gambler and mix with upstanding citizens such as Zaara-Kitar. Spare me the lecture, Ulixes, you are most unconvincing.’
‘I didn’t choose the dice. The dice chose me. And like I said before, I know how to read the odds. Aren’t looking too favourable now, are they?’
Determined to ignore him, Cassius looked out again and saw a dozen guards marching up the track. The large, limping figure at the front seemed to be staring right at him.
Mercator suddenly appeared outside. ‘You see them? Adayyid says that’s one of Ilaha’s commanders. Looks like he’s coming our way.’