‘He became Emperor of Rome. Elagabalus of Emesa.’
‘You know the story, then?’
‘The basics. Continue.’
‘When Elagabalus journeyed to Rome he insisted that this Kara Julia accompany him. He never married her but kept her as a consort through most of his four-year reign. As you will know, things didn’t go well for him. He lost his mind before the end and rejected her. She was cast out with not a coin to her name and returned to Syria, to this village. Even so, she told everyone that she had been his “queen”. A few weeks later Elagabalus was assassinated. Talk of his insanity and depravity had spread even to Syria and she was shunned by what remained of her family and the other villagers. So she was cast out again, and went to live alone in this house I mentioned before.
‘Except she wasn’t alone for long. She had been with child before her return. When anyone saw her, she would rant and rave about how her son would be a great man, a leader, a king. But she bore a daughter. It was said that she had inherited her mother’s beauty but that she was simple; because Kara Julia had tried to strangle her for not being a boy. When the child was older she would offer her to the men of the village but none of them would go near the place, or the girl.
‘Apparently Kara Julia began to study lore and magic and eventually tempted a traveller to the house. He stayed — and when it became known that the daughter was with child, lived with them as a family. A boy was born but the mother and father disappeared not long after. The villagers were sure Kara Julia had poisoned them. When the boy was fully grown, the pair of them left.’
‘Ilaha joined Charaz’s tribe-’
‘And eventually became the leader his “mother” wanted. Quite a tale, eh?’
Gutha sat back and stared at the floor. Ilaha — grandson of a mad Roman emperor; raised by Elagabalus’s murderous mistress. And he wasn’t even Arabian.
Qattif at last felt safe to retrieve the mug and wipe down his bags. ‘Er, Commander, if it’s all right with you, I was thinking of taking a few days off. Done a lot of riding of late.’
Gutha was preoccupied. ‘What did you say?’
Qattif repeated himself.
‘You have done well. But I have one last job for you. Come.’
Up in the bedroom, Gutha counted out one hundred aurei and placed them inside a tatty sack. ‘Here. Deliver that to my man in Gaza and you can take a tenth.’
Qattif’s eyes lit up. ‘Very generous. Thank you. Should I come back here after? I mean, will you-’
‘You’ve got your orders.’
‘Very well. The Goat Trail will be quickest. I shall try and get away tomo-’
‘Today.’
‘I shall leave today.’
‘Qattif — that was quite a tale. Don’t be tempted to tell it to anyone else. Not here. Not anywhere.’
‘As you wish. One more thing, Commander. Ilaha — the name. I asked around up in Syria. People had only heard of it as the first part of a longer name — Ilaha Gabal — the ancient version of Elagabal.’
‘You’re quiet, Gutha.’ Oblachus was sitting on the other side of the table. ‘Still hearing that voice in your head? Me too. I must admit I had my doubts when he took up these priestly ways. Nor did I understand why he was so determined to take the stone. Now I see it is the will of Mighty Elagabal that we embark on this struggle. What a sight it will be — thousands of us riding together. Those legionaries at Humeima won’t believe their eyes.’
‘But will it be enough to force concessions from Calvinus?’ said Theomestor.
‘I hope the old drunk does make a fight of it,’ replied Oblachus. ‘The light of Elagabal will blind the legions as we fall upon them.’
Theomestor didn’t appear excited by the prospect. ‘I would have thought a man of your age had seen enough bloodshed.’
‘Depends on whose blood is being shed.’ Oblachus turned his attention back to Gutha. ‘Come, man, drink with us.’
Reminding himself to keep up appearances, Gutha downed the wine and raised his mug with the other two. He wasn’t particularly keen on either man. Oblachus was as arrogant as he was ugly, Theomestor conservative and parochial. But the pair were capable and — more importantly — loyal. Gutha wondered how long they would remain so if they knew what he did.
The door opened and Ilaha entered, once more in simple robes. Like the others, Gutha stood and bowed.
Ilaha smiled as they all sat down. ‘Since the ceremony I have received messages from Enzarri, Uruwat and Mushannaf. They have pledged themselves unconditionally to our cause.’
‘Every last swordsman will fight for you, Lord Ilaha,’ said Oblachus.
‘How are the preparations proceeding?’
‘More mounts have arrived and more will be brought up from the valley in the morning. There will be one for every man and a hundred spare. We have also sent word to our patrols — those men will join us on the Incense Road. By the time we reach Humeima, there will be two thousand behind you bearing the sun upon their chest. Each warrior will carry extra supplies of fodder and the baggage will follow in a few days. We can use the springs in the northern Hejaz if necessary. We can make camp wherever you need us to, for as long as you need us to.’
‘Excellent. Commander Theomestor?’
The aged warrior delivered his report in a rather more sober manner. ‘If the other ethnarchs and their men do indeed ride out with us tomorrow, we can count on at least another six hundred warriors from their honour guards. Kalderon and our other long-standing allies have already sent messages to their homelands. If they all produce the numbers they have promised, our total force will number somewhere between eight and nine thousand men.’
‘More than a legion,’ said Ilaha.
‘With many more in reserve, if required,’ added Theomestor.
Oblachus turned to Gutha. ‘And only two centuries at Humeima? You’re sure of the intelligence?’
‘Yes.’
‘What about the standards?’ asked Ilaha.
‘All ready, sir,’ said Oblachus. ‘The largest is twenty feet by fifteen, bigger even than the tower flag. It must be borne on poles and by two riders. The purple and gold cloth looks spectacular in sunlight.’
Theomestor spoke up again. ‘Lord Ilaha, as I mentioned before, the use of a standard could be seen as very provocative.’
‘That’s the idea,’ said Oblachus.
Theomestor continued: ‘All of us here have ridden under Roman standards alongside Roman soldiers. This new flag suggests not only that we reject Roman rule but also that we have raised an army to fight Rome. It may be a step too far. And if the Emperor hears of it-’
‘As ever, you make a reasoned point, Theomestor,’ said Ilaha. ‘But the flag is merely to show our unity and our connection to Mighty Elagabal. Surely you wouldn’t deny the men such a symbol; such encouragement?’
Theomestor conceded with silence.
‘An army we are,’ said Oblachus proudly. ‘An army to rival Rome. And if it comes to a war, then-’
‘Let’s not get ahead of ourselves,’ said Ilaha. ‘The mere sight of us will be enough. We need only be there long enough for Calvinus to begin negotiations.’
There were numerous other details to be discussed. Gutha made only a few contributions and once Ilaha was satisfied with the arrangements he dismissed Oblachus and Theomestor.
‘What’s wrong?’ he asked, standing up and walking over to him.