Next day came far too soon for the soldiers of Crassus' army. The dawn sky rapidly changed to a clear blue, and the temperature began to soar. It would be another scorching march. Crassus had risen before sunrise, woken by a troubling nightmare about the unhappy episode with the bull's heart. He knew that the story had spread like wildfire through the legions and a distinct feeling of unease had been palpable since among the men. This had been increased by equally fast moving reports that the eagle of the Sixth had reversed as it had left the Euphrates. Even senior officers now seemed to be affected. Only Publius and the Nabataean continued to show confidence in him.
But driven by his burning urge to become the leading force in Rome and to crush Pompey and Caesar, Crassus remained convinced he would be victorious. The previous day's losses had been minor and a few hundred horse archers were certainly nothing to worry about. After all, had he not conquered Spartacus and his army? The slaves had numbered more than eighty thousand. Today, all his veteran legions had to face were a few thousand savages. Crassus laughed out loud. In a few short weeks Seleucia would fall, proving his vision. His leadership.
Desiring more details of Parthia's wealth – soon to be his wealth – Crassus had summoned Ariamnes to his side. The chieftain found him eating dates on a couch under gently moving palm leaves fanned by slaves.
The Nabataean bowed deeply. 'Your Excellency wished to see me?'
'Repeat what you said about Seleucia's riches.' Crassus was never bored by the story.
Again Ariamnes bowed low. 'Most is found in the palaces of King Orodes, the wealthiest man in Parthia. Many chambers have walls covered with beaten silver or huge silk banners. The fountains are filled with precious stones and there are countless gold statues with opals and rubies for eyes.' He paused for effect. 'The treasure store alone is said to fill a dozen rooms.'
Crassus smiled. 'Rome will never forget the triumphal parade from this campaign!'
Ariamnes was about to reply when the pair saw Longinus approaching. The legate was followed closely by a swarthy figure in leather armour. A curved sword hung from the man's belt and a small round shield from one arm. The fine layer of dust covering him from head to toe could not conceal the grey sheen of exhaustion on his skin.
Obviously agitated, Longinus came to a halt and saluted.
Crassus curled his lip with distaste, Ariamnes swiftly copying the gesture.
'One of our patrols has just brought him in, sir. A messenger from Artavasdes,' said Longinus, looking daggers at the Nabataean. 'He 's ridden day and night to reach us.'
Crassus frowned. 'Not an impostor then?'
'He carries a document stamped with the royal seal.'
'What does the Armenian want now?' snapped Crassus.
'The king has been attacked by a large Parthian force north of here. Even if Artavasdes wished to join us now, he could not.'
Ariamnes' eyes darted to Crassus.
'Continue.' The general's voice was ice cold.
'Artavasdes calls on us for aid.' Wary of continuing, Longinus paused.
'There is more?'
'He still wants us to march on Parthia through Armenia, sir.'
'That dog wants me to retreat? And help him?' roared Crassus. 'When Seleucia's riches lie at my feet?'
'It's a safer route, sir,' tried the legate, but it was obvious his commander had no intention of helping the client king.
Crassus' face darkened.
'May I offer my humble opinion?' interjected Ariamnes smoothly.
Bodies stiff with tension, both men turned to him.
'Excellency, Orodes must have assumed that you would march through the mountains. He has sent his army north, but they have encountered Artavasdes instead.'
'That would explain the small numbers of Parthians yesterday,' beamed Crassus.
'A delaying tactic and nothing more,' Ariamnes continued. 'And all that stands between us and the capital.'
Longinus was unconvinced. 'What proof have you?'
'Patience, Legate,' Crassus said calmly. 'Let him speak.'
The Nabataean threw a sidelong glance at Longinus. 'Yesterday my scouts outflanked the horse archers and reconnoitred for miles to the southeast. There was no evidence of more Parthian forces. Orodes must have taken his men north.'
'Why did you not tell us before?' said Longinus acidly. 'This smells of treachery.'
Ariamnes looked hurt. 'But I am myself offering to lead another search.'
Crassus nodded approvingly.
The Nabataean noticed Longinus' fingers tighten around the hilt of his sword.
'We will return at the slightest sign of enemy activity. But I suspect the route to Seleucia is already clear.' Ariamnes pointedly ignored the legate. 'Would that please Your Excellency?'
A huge smile spread across Crassus' face. 'And the scouts found no signs of the Parthians?'
'None at all, Excellency.'
Longinus was unable to contain himself. 'Do not trust this snake, sir! I know it's a trap. Why not return to the Euphrates and join Artavasdes? With over ten thousand cavalry, we would smash any opposition.'
'Silence!' screamed Crassus. 'Are you in league with that damned Armenian?'
'Of course not,' muttered Longinus, stunned by Crassus' monumental arrogance.
'Then shut your mouth. Unless you want to end your career in the ranks.'
Longinus struggled to contain his rage. With a crisp salute, he turned to leave but suddenly bent towards Ariamnes. 'Prove treacherous and I will crucify you myself,' he whispered before marching away.
'So. Today we shall sweep aside these gnats who have been annoying my men,' declared Crassus.
The Nabataean smiled.
Shortly afterwards, Romulus and Tarquinius watched as the long column of Nabataean cavalry rode eastwards.
'He's just letting them all go?'
'We will not see them again,' said the Etruscan, peering at the fine layer of cloud positioned in the sky high above the departing horsemen.
Romulus shook his head in disbelief.