Harry Sidebottom - Fire and Sword стр 2.

Chapter 31

Chapter 32

Part VIII: Aquileia and Rome

Chapter 33

Chapter 34

Part IX: The Provinces

Chapter 35

Chapter 36

Chapter 37

Part X: Rome

Chapter 38

Chapter 39

Chapter 40

Chapter 41

Chapter 42

Chapter 43

Epilogue

Historical Afterword

Thanks

Fire & Sword Glossary

About the Author

Also by Harry Sidebottom

About the Publisher

CAST OF MAIN CHARACTERS

IN ROME

Pupienus: Prefect of the City

Pupienus Maximus: His elder son

Pupienus Africanus: His younger son

Balbinus: A patrician of dissolute ways

Gallicanus: A Senator of Cynic views

Maecenas: His intimate friend

Tranquillina: Ambitious wife of Timesitheus

Maecia Faustina: Daughter of the late Emperor Gordian the Elder, and sister of the late Emperor Gordian the Younger

Marcus Junius Balbus: Her young son

Caenis: A prostitute in the Subura

The Die-cutter: Her neighbour and client, a workman in the Mint

IN AQUILEIA

Menophilus: A Senator of Stoic persuasion, co-commander of the defence

Crispinus: Another Senator with a philosophical demeanour, the other commander of the town

IN THE NORTH

Maximinus Thrax: The Emperor

Caecilia Paulina: His deceased wife

Verus Maximus: His son and heir

Apsines of Gadara: Secretary to Maximinus

Flavius Vopiscus: A general

Anullinus: Praetorian Prefect

Volo: Commander of the frumentarii

Julius Capitolinus: Equestrian commander of the 2nd Legion Parthica

Dernhelm: A young barbarian hostage, beginning to be called Ballista

Timesitheus: Equestrian official, a prisoner on his way to Maximinus

Honoratus: Senatorial governor of Moesia Inferior on the Danube

Iunia Fadilla: Wife of Verus Maximus, on the run

IN THE EAST

Priscus: Equestrian governor of Mesopotamia

Philip: His brother

Catius Clemens: Governor of Cappadocia, long-term supporter of Maximinus

Ardashir: Sassanid King of Kings

PROLOGUE: AFRICA

Africa

The City of Carthage, Eight Days before the Kalends of April, AD238

Lay down your arms!

As he spoke, Capelianus turned in the saddle, took in the enemy. On both flanks their levies were running, back under the aqueduct, pelting through the tombs towards the illusory safety of the walls of Carthage. His own auxiliaries, all discipline gone, were chasing them, hacking at their defenceless backs. Here in the centre, half of their regulars had put down their standards and weapons, and stretched out empty hands in supplication. Only a thousand still stood against him; the Urban Cohort, and the young men formed into the sham Praetorian Guard of the two usurpers. Win them over, disarm them, and victory was complete. Africa would be won back for Maximinus, the revolt of the Gordiani crushed. Not a battle, but a massacre.

Lay down your arms, fellow-soldiers. Your fight is done and over.

Frightened eyes stared at him over the wall of shields a few paces ahead. They were outnumbered two to one. These locally raised Praetorians were not real soldiers. There was no sign of the younger Gordian.

Your pretend Emperor has fled. Those who led you astray have fled. No mounted officers remain under your standards.

Still the enemy did not move.

Return to your military oath. You were misled. The clemency of your true Emperor Maximinus is boundless. I am merciful. There will be no retribution.

A stirring in the ranks opposite. A tall, heavy man, pushing his way to the front. He was bareheaded.