A Flame in Byzantium

'If I am sent to the copper mines, there will be others with me.' He folded his arms. 'Why not assist one another? You could impress the Censor with your devotion and there is no reason that anything you said to me would compromise Antonina.' Simones knew how to be persuasive. 'You would advance yourself and not add to Antonina's discredit. Think of the advantage that you could have. This would be one way you might return some of the favor Antonina has shown you over the years. You would be able to inform her of your actions when the Court Censor is satisfied that her husband is not guilty of any conspiracy or has supported any plots against the Emperor. Your activities on her behalf would be re-warded and you would show Antonina that you are to be trusted and respected.'

'You wheedle and tempt, don't you?' Eugenia asked, but there was a speculative turn to her face now and she did not move away from him or reprimand him for making such a suggestion.

'Hardly,' he said. 'I only mention this so that we might both benefit and aid this household during its troubles.' He resisted the urge to smile, knowing that she would be offended by smiles.

'A woman in my position cannot take risks, slave. I have no one who can sponsor me if I am questioned or accused. I have little money, and my husband's family has some influence but not enough to influence anyone near the Censor.'

'And so it would be sensible of you to think about acting on your own behalf so that you have some position and protection. It would give you access to the court again, and with the gratitude of the Censor, you can be confident of his aid in attaining your ends. He will see your merit and wish to thank you.' Simones saw that there were three household slaves approaching them, and he abandoned his efforts at once. 'I hope you will consider what I have said.'

'I may,' said Eugenia as she went toward the vestibule.

* * *

Text of an Imperial edict.

To all Christians living within the boundaries of our Empire, and to those of good conscience living elsewhere in the world, the greetings of Justinian and the Peace of God be with you.

We have prayed long for divine guidance in the matter of unchristian works, and works of heresy. We are aware that the Christ admonished us to embrace our enemies and to be sparing in our judgment of others, yet He also stated that we must be free of the Devil's work if we are to be with Him in Heaven.

To that end, we have considered the writings that are not of Orthodox Christian origin, which lead to dissension and confusion in our people, and we have consulted with our popes and metropolitans as well as other religious, and we have realized that these works, many of them well-intentioned, are the subtle and. dangerous works that lure men from Christ and damn the souls of many to everlasting suffering.

For that reason alone the works stand condemned. But there are greater considerations: these works might easily contribute to sedition and other traitorous acts, which marks them as the tools of those without Grace. Books that purport to teach and have no thought of God and salvation in them are worse than lies and deception, for their treachery lies in their seeming innocence.

Therefore we are requiring that all Christians examine their souls and review the books they possess. If what the books contain are not worthy of Christian study and if they are filled with heresies and lies, we ask that you show your devotion by burning these books and encouraging those around you to do the same with their books. We are certain that when this is done, much of the ambivalence that has caused such misfortune to the Christians of this Empire will be brought to an end, and the disputes that have led to so many unchristian sentiments and attitudes will be lessened. We are reminded that to aid those in need is the purpose of charity, and so if any of you are aware of those who are misguided and who seek to preserve their books, for whatever reason, no matter how sincere, that you attempt to persuade them to be rid of these sources of doubt and failing that leads inevitably to perdition and the perpetual torments of hell.

With the concurrence of the Court Censor and the popes and metropolitans, we wish all of you Godspeed in these great spiritual acts that will purge us all of much evil.

By our own hand on the Feast of the Evangelists at midsummer

Justinian

Emperor of Byzantion

his sigil

5

Just off the Mese there were a number of smaller markets that specialized in various ways. One was filled with jewel merchants, another was the home of leather workers. This street boasted furniture from foreign ports, some brought by sea, some carried overland along the Old Silk Road.

Niklos strolled through it, mildly curious about what was being offered. He had to meet with a chariot-builder in the next street, but was pleased to have a little time to spend in this way.

One of the stalls set up was filled with Roman goods: chests, tables, chairs, braziers, benches were all piled together in confusion; two bored slaves watched over the stall, one of them more interested in the food vendors than in selling anything from the trove.

Niklos regarded the Roman goods, an amused, ironic expression in his dark, ruddy eyes. He went to examine the nearest pile, remarking to the nearest slave, 'I am the bondsman of a Roman lady, and she might wish to purchase some of your stock.'

'Look at what we have,' the slave offered without much enthusiasm. 'There is more available.'

'How much more?' Niklos inquired as he picked up a small chair and examined it.

'I'm not sure. My master and the merchant Ghornan have an agreement of sorts.' He waved flies away from a dish of fruit. 'Every time Captain Ghornan returns, he brings more things with him, and he and my master make their arrangements.'

'Captain Ghornan sails to Italy, then?' There were not many merchants willing to take the risks necessary to do this now that the Ostrogoths had increased the strength of their navy.

'Regularly,' the slave said with marked indifference. 'He has never encountered serious trouble and does not expect to. It must be his Coptic heresy that makes him think that way.' He reached over and took a handful of berries out of the dish. As he munched them, he went on. 'Captain Ghornan is one who takes advantage of secret landings, I guess.'

'Secret landings or bribes?' Niklos asked as he poked around the furniture.

'Probably both,' the slave said through a full mouth. 'He claims that he is not bothered.'

'How fortunate,' Niklos said dryly. He was about to observe that bribes always became more expensive as time went on when he noticed two wooden trunks with brass fittings. 'Do you know where this Captain Ghornan gets these goods?' he asked very carefully.

'He says he buys them from homeless Romans.' The slave ate more berries.

'Homeless Romans,' Niklos repeated as he uncovered the two chests and studied them. 'More likely he has them from Roman homes,' he said.

'How do you mean?' asked the slave with a signal to his companion.

'I…' Niklos faltered. Both slaves at the stall were now watching him with suspicion. He took a short, deep breath and plunged in. 'I am afraid that these two chests belong to my mistress. They were left in her villa when we came here. At the time we were assured that they would be guarded. Now, it may be that one of Totila's men commandeered the chests and then sold them, but it may also be that your Captain Ghornan has been dealing with men who are taking goods from villas that ought to be protected.'

One of the slaves laughed unpleasantly. 'Your mistress wants a few Roman things, and so you make this accusation in the hope that she will not have to pay the price of the things; is that it?'

'No,' said Niklos, no longer attempting to be deferent. 'I think that someone has taken her goods from her villa and sold them. I do not say that your Captain Ghornan is the one, but it is clear that someone has sold my mistress' goods, and that I must inform her of it.'

The two slaves exchanged looks. 'You will have to speak to one of the army magistrates,' said the slave who was still eating berries. 'That is, if there is any justification to your absurd accusation.'

'My mistress had all her goods marked, and I know that these two chests have her mark.' Niklos indicated the chests. 'If there are other goods from the same shipment, I will have to tell the authorities.'

'Marks can be added or changed,' one of the slaves said.

'These marks are in the brass,' Niklos said.