Cassius aimed a slight bow at him. ‘With respect, this is not a court. I am not obliged to disclose that. Khalima did help us but he has betrayed no one.’
‘By bringing a Roman spy into our very midst?’ yelled Kalderon. Another ethnarch admonished him and the meeting briefly descended into a shouting match. Cassius understood not a word of it, but retreated two steps. After a time, tempers died down and Yemanek continued.
‘In trying to kill Ilaha, our three compatriots went against the traditions and spirit of the Confederation. Regardless of Ilaha’s intentions, they betrayed us, as did Khalima. He will be punished.’
Despite his situation, this was not a point on which Cassius was going to concede easily; the man had already lost his son. ‘Without Khalima, you and your warriors would now be setting off behind Ilaha, believing yourselves to be under the protection of “mighty” Elagabal.’
‘You dare to walk in here and insult us!’ spat Kalderon. ‘How I would love to slit your throat and-’
Yemanek silenced him.
Cassius clenched his fists to stop his hands shaking; it didn’t work.
Yemanek continued: ‘Khalima’s fate is neither your concern nor the most important matter we must discuss. What of the stone?’
‘It will be returned to its rightful place. Ilaha stole it from the temple where it has resided for decades.’
‘The Black Stone of Emesa belongs to no one,’ said one of the older ethnarchs. ‘Ilaha’s tricks do not reverse hundreds of years of reverence nor the power of the object.’
‘The Emperor agrees. He wishes to honour and celebrate the black stone, not exploit it.’
The elderly ethnarch waved a dismissive hand at him and spoke in Nabatean.
Yemanek translated. ‘He says you are far too young to be a man of importance. Why should we believe that you have any influence with the governor — you will say whatever you have to to save yourself.’
‘Perhaps if I show you this.’ Cassius opened the satchel and took out a letter which he gave to Yemanek. He doubted the ethnarchs would know a great deal about the Imperial Security Service but he was sure they would know who led Syria’s Fourth Legion. Some of the other ethnarchs read the letter over Yemanek’s shoulder.
‘Venator — of the Fourth?’ asked one.
‘Yes. Though I’m currently attached to Calvinus’s staff, I am an officer of the Fourth.’
‘You know him?’ asked Yemanek, running his fingers through his beard.
Cassius gestured to the letter, which was written in the prefect’s own hand. It described Cassius as an officer of ability and repute and requested the reader to lend him whatever assistance necessary.
‘A capable warrior and a wise man,’ said Yemanek before returning the letter.
‘Indeed.’
Cassius decided to capitalise on the moment of calm. ‘I am not a tribune or a procurator but I know the governor well and I know he would prefer an agreement to bloodshed. Whilst here, I have seen and understood the depth of feeling against Rome. I can represent your interests, arrange a meeting. Calvinus appreciates that the current situation has led to disillusionment and frustration. He is keen to make an accommodation.’
Kalderon retorted in Nabatean.
‘Our compatriot argues that we can force an accommodation,’ explained Yemanek.
‘I don’t believe you need to. Before I left, certain alternatives were already being discussed. Governor Calvinus recognises that your profits have fallen. There was talk of a reduction in the import tax.’
‘You were in league with Uruwat and the others,’ said another ethnarch. ‘They told you what we discussed at our first meeting.’
‘Not true,’ answered Cassius honestly.
A few of the Saracens spoke amongst themselves.
Cassius pounced on the next pause. ‘If I may, I should also mention that this “revolt” at Palmyra has been wildly exaggerated. Ilaha and others have used it to suggest a wider loss of control but this is simply not the case. The Emperor and his four legions will deal with it in a matter of days, then move south to crush the rebels in Egypt.’
Cassius dropped the ‘four’ in casually; and this too provoked a response. He in fact had no idea about the size of the Emperor’s force.
‘You mentioned the import tax,’ said Yemanek. ‘What can you offer us?’
‘As you will appreciate, I cannot make the deal. But I know the governor is open to negotiation on this point.’
‘That means nothing.’ said the double-chinned ethnarch. ‘He might simply refuse.’
‘I doubt that,’ replied Cassius. ‘After so long without contact from his Tanukh allies, he is very keen — I might even say desperate — to re-establish relations. I can get a message to Bostra from Humeima. Perhaps we could agree now that the ethnarchs will meet with Governor Calvinus, let us say in Petra, as soon as possible. I have the utmost confidence that he will attend and that agreement can be reached.’
‘You say whatever you think we wish to hear,’ said another of the ethnarchs — one of the men who had not yet spoken. ‘You are a spy. You will tell Calvinus that we were about to ride against him.’
‘Sir, unless you know differently, I wasn’t aware that you were riding to war, merely to make your point. Only Ilaha’s men have drawn Roman blood. He is the enemy of Rome. What I have seen today assures me that he is the only true enemy of Rome here.’
‘Well, he and the German,’ replied Kalderon with a sly look. ‘I wouldn’t be surprised if he’s caught up with your friends by now. If he returned here with the stone, that would rather change things, wouldn’t it?’
‘Perhaps. But I would remind you that my friends stole it from right under that German’s nose — it would be unwise to underestimate them. And even if he did return with the stone, would it really change anything? Surely such an august body as the Confederation would not follow a leader who is now a proven liar and charlatan?’
‘There is no question of Ilaha leading anything any more,’ said Yemanek.
He then turned to the others and spoke for some time. At his prompting every man — Kalderon included — had their say. Cassius could glean little from their tone and at least a quarter of an hour passed until the Arabian finally addressed him again. Only Kalderon seemed unhappy with the decision.
‘You and your attendant are free to leave. Send your message to Calvinus and tell him that we await his invitation to Petra. If that meeting does not take place soon, my fellow ethnarchs and I might have to pay greater attention to less moderate voices.’
‘I shall of course do as you ask. I thank each of you for your time.’ Cassius bowed again and made a point of aiming the gesture towards Kalderon. ‘I am humbled to have stood in such esteemed company.’
One of the other ethnarchs handed him the spearhead and the letter. Cassius knew he should have left it at that, but he had to ask. ‘I am sorry, but I must mention this. What is to happen to Ilaha? And Khalima?’
‘I suggest you leave quickly, Roman,’ said Yemanek, suddenly angry, ‘and be grateful that we are about to discuss their fate, not yours.’
XXXV
Indavara watched Nobus clamber past the highest of the painted faces, already three-quarters of the way up the north side of the cliff. The young auxiliary was apparently infamous for his climbing feats and had eagerly volunteered. Indavara supposed it was possible he also felt he had a better chance of survival up there. Whenever he spied a rock suitable for throwing, Nobus dropped it into his pack.
Indavara glanced around at the others. It was all about numbers now. Only the seven of them left; it just depended how many came through the pass.
He looked down at his sword and gripped the wooden hilt. Even though he’d had it only a few months, the finger ridges were beginning to wear down. It was a basic, inexpensive weapon; just like those he had fought with in the arena. Light, well balanced and sturdy, it had already served him well.