Brought up as a Roman, Tiridates had returned to Armenia after a victorious campaign against the Persians and had proved a very popular and capable ruler, stabilizing the northeastern comer of the Euphrates frontier. But with that bastion now fallen to the Persians, Constantine did not need to be told that it must be restored as quickly as possible, before the Scythians from the vast steppes farther to the north, and perhaps even the yellow men of the East, came pouring through the passes of the Caucasus to menace the fertile plains and valleys of Syria.
“Was King Tiridates killed?” Constantine asked. Though he had never met the Armenian king, he knew of his fine reputation.
“Not according to the reports that come here, but I haven’t been getting a clear picture of the situation. There is even a rumor that Galerius is already moving the army I ordered him to raise to the eastern frontier.”
“Leaving the Danube undefended?” Constantine exclaimed, aghast.
“Not even my soninlaw would be such a fool and expect to keep his purple cloak,” Diocletian said dryly. “I am told that he left enough veterans to secure the forts along the Danube, so I hardly think the Goths will dare cross the river. But I shall move to Antioch as soon as we can get enough transport together, so as to be closer to the eastern front.”
“What do you wish me to do, Dominus?”
“Find the battle line, if there is one, and back up Galerius’ foot soldiers and auxiliaries with the five hundred horse I am entrusting to your command. But don’t forget what happened to Crassus. The Persians are skilled cavalrymen.”
“I remember.”
Euphrates frontier
“Evaluate the situation on the Euphrates frontier as soon as you arrive,” Diocletian added, “and send me a private report.”
The purpose of the mission was clear now; Constantine was really being sent to the Euphrates frontier to spy upon Galerius. Nor did he doubt that Galerius too would understand, as soon as he appeared with five hundred cavalry.
“Dacius will be your secondincommand,” Diocletian told him. “He has fought through the area of Syria Palaestina and Mesopotamia, so he knows the lay of the land.”
Constantine did not go at once to his quarters and the bath already drawn there. Instead, he sought out Dacius, to leave instructions for preparing the ala, or wing, of cavalry with which he would ride to the Euphrates frontier far to the northeast. There was an air of assuredness and purpose about him now that he had not possessed before leaving Alexandria. Dacius nodded approvingly when he finished the instructions.
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