Carrhae by Peter Darman Page B

can raise few soldiers. You all know the dreadful state that the Kingdom of Babylon has been reduced to, and Media and Atropaiene have also suffered grievously these past few years.’
    ‘Hatra is still strong,’ said Domitus.
    ‘Hatra is perhaps the weakest of all,’ replied Dobbai, ‘for it has lost its greatest son. Without King Varaz there is no one to halt the Armenian flood.’
    ‘What of Surena in Gordyene?’ asked Vagises.
    Dobbai shrugged. ‘He is capable but has to deal with an Armenian invasion before he can provide help elsewhere. But by then the Armenians will have conquered Hatra and the Romans will have invaded the empire. So you see there is only Dura and its army.’
    ‘Well, then,’ said Kronos, ‘what are we waiting for? We must march north to fight the Armenians at once.’
    Dobbai chuckled. ‘And if you did, then you and your men would be carrion for crows. You cannot defeat the empire’s foes without assistance.’
    ‘Who will aid us, old woman?’ asked Thumelicus, a leg hanging over his chair’s arm.
    ‘The Agraci?’ offered Vagharsh.
    ‘The Agraci?’ she said derisively. ‘They can barely defend their own patch of scorpion-infested desert.’
    ‘Then who?’ asked an exasperated Domitus.
    ‘The gods,’ I said, thinking aloud.
    Dobbai nodded her head. ‘The gods, exactly. I intend to call upon the divine ones for their help.’
    Drenis looked at Thumelicus who burst out laughing.
    ‘There may be some among you,’ continued Dobbai, observing Thumelicus with an icy stare, ‘who believe the gods do not exist. More fool them. Only the gods can help the empire, and only you can help me summon them.
    ‘All of you have fought by the side of the king for many years and are his most trusted and loyal companions.’
    Thumelicus winked at me and smiled. Dobbai saw him.
    ‘Though the gods have blessed some of you with a surfeit of brawn at the expense of a deficit of brains.
    ‘I therefore ask each of you to support your friend and king by taking part in a ritual to summon the help of the gods. I ask this of you but do not command, for each of you may face danger.’
    ‘What danger?’ asked Thumelicus. ‘We don’t have to jump over a pit full of snakes or sharpened stakes do we?’
    ‘Don’t worry, Thumelicus,’ said Drenis. ‘No self-respecting snake would ever sink his fangs into your sour-tasting German flesh.’
    ‘The gods are cruel and vengeful,’ continued Dobbai. ‘They often demand a high price for their help. They might demand each of your lives. So think carefully before you make your choice.’
    She fell silent and looked at me first. I had to admit that I felt nervous, not for myself but for my friends gathered round me.
    ‘For myself, I have always desired the empire to be strong and free, therefore I will assist you. But do you need all of us?’
    ‘Yes,’ she shot back. ‘Six of your best men who have stood beside you in battle.’
    ‘Count me in,’ said Thumelicus casually. ‘Anything other than standing guard duty.’
    ‘I will assist you,’ said Domitus.
    ‘And I,’ added Kronos.
    Drenis nodded at Dobbai, as did Vagises.
    ‘Me too,’ said Vagharsh.
    Dobbai nodded approvingly. ‘Good. You are all to assemble in the throne room tomorrow, just before sunset.’
    She walked across the terrace, opened the doors and disappeared, leaving us all none the wiser. Thumelicus rose from his chair, belched and followed her as the rest of us trooped after him in silence. We had known Dobbai long enough to know that her warnings and prophecies were not to be dismissed lightly, and I think all of us were a little apprehensive about what the following evening would bring.
    The next day, after my early morning ride, with Scarab accompanying me I joined a company of horse archers on their way to the shooting ranges. These were located south of the city and comprised rows of targets at differing heights and angles, which horsemen shot at as they rode past. Scarab