#CRITICAL RACE THEORY PRESENTS EMPRESS OF CONSTANTINOPLE A Novel FINAL PART TWELVE

#CRITICAL RACE THEORY PRESENTS

EMPRESS OF CONSTANTINOPLE A Novel

PART TWELVE

EMPRESS OF CONSTANTINOPLE A Novel

 By

Eugene Stovall

#HISTORICAL FICTION #WOMENS STUDIES #BLACK STUDIES #VATICAN #ARIANISM #GOTH #VANDAL #THEODORA #JUSTINIAN #HERESY #COPTIC CHRISTIANS #CHRISTIAN FICTION

EPISODE THIRTY-TWO

The Armenian Plot

“I need you to tell me how my wife died,” Justinian directs Cappadocian John.  Justinian’s former Minister of Finance takes weeks to investigate Theodora’s death ___ even though he already knows the answer.. John still had his contacts on Constantinople’s Street of Pleasures, docks and underworld of thieves, assassins and criminal network. And, of course, the former Green Party Dancing Master continues to control Constantinople’s extensive illegal criminal enterprises. Nevertheless, John wants to enjoy the comforts of the Imperial Palace, as long as he may,

“You were correct, Highness,” John finally reports. “I found many indications that the empress was poisoned.” “By whom?” “Olybrius Anicius was certainly involved.” “Germanus’ brother-in-law?”

“The very same.”

“If Theodora had known Olybrius was behind the Nika riots, she’d have fixed his head on a pike and put it on the city wall,” Justinian muses. “I did not tell her so as to keep the peace between her and Germanus.” Theodora has been dead nearly a year, but not a day passes that Justinian doesn’t think about her.

“I dare say, Highness,” John smiles. “I am certain you often prevented Empress Theodora from putting my head on a pike, as well.” The emperor smiles, sadly, nodding his head in agreement. “You say that you have evidence that the empress was murdered”

“Yes, Highness.” “What is it?” 

Cappadocian John takes time to think about what he is about to tell Justinian. “As we both know, Olybrius conspired with Germanus to instigate the Nika riots.”

“What proof do you have of that?” “Highness, I now have discovered a plot by army officers to assassinate you and put your heir, Germanus, on the throne,” Cappadocian John continues, deliberately ignoring Justinian’s deliberate attempt to confuse matters.

“You say Olybrius murdered Theodora and intends to assassinate me and put Germanus on the throne?”

“Yes Highness. The Anicii have been behind plots, coups and assassinations since the time of August Caesar,” Cappadocian John observes. “After all, the empress had Passara Anicius poisoned and you had me eliminate Olybrius’ mother, Princess Juliana Anicius.”

“What proof have you?”

“Highness, these matters involve your family.”

“Will you stop dithering and tell me what you know?” Justinian shouts. “After Chosroes ignored your letter warning him not to break the ‘eternal peace’, your high council advised you to make allies of the Armenians.”

“I do not need to be reminded of my actions.” “Humor me, Highness.” “Proceed.” “Deciding to cement an alliance with the Armenians, you made Areobindus an Armenian noble, a member of the senate,” John continues. “You married your sister’s daughter, Praefecta, to Areobindus. Then you sent Aerobindus and his Armenian army to North Africa.”

“Yes,” Justinian agrees. “I directed him to end a civil disturbances there, “but what does any of this have to do with Theodora’s death?” Justinian’s face twists into a frown of displeasure. “When you sent Aerobindus to Carthage did you know that Artabanes, his brother, accompanied him and the Armenian army actually took their orders from him?” “Possibly!” Justinian is noncommittal. “Did you also know that Artabanes was the Armenian who slaughtered your brother-in-law, General Sittas?”

Justinian remains silent staring into the distance.

He knew! John tells himself, and so did Theodora. “Did you know that the Armenian noble, John, who Bouzes slaughtered through treachery, on your orders, was the father of both Aerobindus and Artabanes?” “Are you suggesting that Theodora was poisoned to avenge the death of John the Armenian who General Bouzes killed?”

“Not exactly, Your Majesty!”

“Then what are you suggesting?”  “Please recall the events led you to bring Artabanes back to Constantinople and your heaping honors on this miscreant ____ the events that led to Theodora’s death!

****

The break in the eternal peace causes Constantinople’s grain supply from Africa to become sporadic. Justinian sends for Raüs.

“Constantinople cannot lose its North African grain,” the emperor explains. “How can I serve, Your Highness?” Raüs asks. “I appointed Guntheric, your kinsman, governor of Carthage. He ensured me that he and his Vandals would meet my African grain quota. But our grain supplies are dwindling and not being met.” Justinian examines the Vandal prince’s reaction. “I have learned that, instead of maintaining the flow of African grain, Guntheric is instigating Berber tribes to discontinue their deliveries of grains and other products.” “What is your pleasure, Highness?” Raüs asks. “One of the rebel Berber leaders is your father-in-law, Antalas.”

“As you know, Highness,” Raüs replies, “the Berbers have rebelled because your persecution Egyptian and African clergy.”

“I am sending an Armenian army to Carthage,” Justinian says ignoring Raüs’ rebuke. “I want you to accompany this army led by Senator Aerobindus and General Artabanes to Carthage and give them whatever support they need. I want this rebellions put down and my grain deliveries renewed.”

 “Yes Highness,” Raüs acquiesces. “However, it may not be wise for me to accompany your Armenians. Let me go on my own to learn what can be done about the situation.”

“Do what you wish, but the most important thing is for my grain shipments to resume.”

“Yes Highness.”

“The emperor is facing rebellions all over his empire,” Raüs explains to Saffyya. “He wants me to help the Armenians quell the revolts in North Africa.”

“Does he know that my father is involved?”

“That’s why he is sending me.”

Raüs and Saffyya arrive in Nabuel and journey to Antalas’ village. “Welcome!” the chief embraces his daughter and son-in-law. “We have not gazed at each other for some time.” Antalas stares at his son-in-law without revealing his mind.

“The emperor is concerned that grain is not reaching Constantinople,” Raüs begins without any preliminaries. “The people are hungry,”

“The pestilence takes its toll and the emperor’s wars kill even more,” Antalas replies. “Many, including my own people, suffer.”

“Does Guntharic say these things?”

“Guntharic promises that when the Vandals return, things will be as they were.”

“The Vandals will not return and things will not be as they were, my father,” Raüs replies. “Justinian sends another Byzantine army to assist Guntharic to subdue rebellious tribes and resume the flow of grains, metals and goods back to Constantinople.”

“Does Guntharic know this?” Antalas asks.  “Justinian appointed Guntharic, governor of Carthage, to see that the people of Constantinople are fed.”

“Guntharic said that we don’t need to pay any more Byzantine taxes.”

“I cannot advise a chief of the Berbers, but I remember what happened when King Gelimer defied the emperor.” “I, too, remember,” Antalas replies.   “The emperor’s spies report that Guntharic takes bribes. This is why the emperor sends Armenians to replace Guntharic.”

“I must discuss these matters with others,” Antalas tells Raüs.

“What do you think your father will do when the Armenians arrive?” Raüs asks Saffyya.

“It’s hard to say,” Saffyya replies, “but I don’t see him deserting the other tribal leaders or supporting Guntheric in the face of an invasion of a Byzantine army.”

Saffyya is correct. Upon learning that Justinian has sent an Armenian army to replace him, Guntharic marches his Vandals on the Armenians. Though the two armies appear evenly matched, Senator Areobindus loses his courage an deserts his men, seeking the sanctuary of a monastery. When Guntheric captures Aerobindus, he executes him and takes Justinian’s niece, Praefecta, as his consort. Guntharic pardons Artabanes and accepts his Armenian troops into the Byzantine army.  Guntharic then sends Artabanes and the enhanced Byzantine and Armenian army against Antalas and the other Berber leaders. The Berbers flee into the mountains, but Instead of pursuing them, Artabanes sneaks back to Carthage.

In the late of night, Saffyya and Raüs receive unusual visitors at their Byrsa Hill palace. “The emperor sent you here to assist me to accomplish my mission,” General Artabanes announces unceremoniously. “How can I serve you, General?” “I need you to get me and my men into Guntharic’s palace without being seen,” Artabanes replies. “When?” “Now!”

Sneaking into the royal palace, Artabanes and his Armenians henchmen take Guntharic by surprise. They assassinate the Vandal governor and Artabanes seizes control of the North African province and soon Constantinople begins receiving  regular shipments of foodstuffs, grains and other supplies from its North African provinces.

****

 “Thus far, priest, you have failed to convince me that the empress was murdered ___ unless you, yourself, were behind the foul deed,” Justinian snaps at Cappadocian John.

“After Artabanes eliminated Guntharic, Highness, you brought him to Constantinople and heaped every honor available on the man who murdered Theodora’s brother-in-law and held your niece, Praefecta, in bondage.”

“The man resumed grain deliveries,” Justinian counters. 

“You promoted Artabanes to the rank of general, made him an honorary consul and seated him on your high council.” “Your point is?” “It seems to me that you were not just trying to keep the grain, goods and gold flowing, as much as you were trying to solidify the loyalty of the Armenians, a people known for treachery.”

“Possibly,” Justinian observes. “So what is your point?” “I’m surprised that you didn’t give the man a triumph.”

“Watch your impudent tongue, priest!”

“I beg your Majesty’s pardon.” John says lapsing into a long silence.  But he has Justinian’s attention. True I chose to prevent Armenia from becoming Persia’s ally by heaping honors on Artabanes, Justinian tells himself. “With all the other honors you bestowed on Artabanes,” John continues, “you promised he could wed your niece, Praejecta. Need I remind you of the storm of controversy your decision caused?”

Justinian deliberately forgot the incident that scandalized his court, embarrassed his family and enraged Theodora. The honors bestowed upon Artabanes by Justinian made the Armenian insufferable. With his ambitions inflated, Artabanes believed his promised marriage to Praejecta was the crowning achievement in his rapid ascent to the height of power.

“In a whirlwind of social activities, Constantinople fetes Artabanes and Praejecta as new entrants into the noble class,” Cappadocian John recalls. “All goes well for the happy couple and for you Highness, until it is revealed that Artabanes was already married!” Gossip flies all over Constantinople/ “How could Justinian promise his niece to a married man?” The court ladies are scandalized. Even now Justinian feels the waves of emotion that engulfs all of Constantinople.  “And he pretends to be an authority on morals,” Justinian’s detractors whisper. Artabanes tries to quiet the outcry by suing his wife for divorce. But the affair explodes when Artabanes’ wife appears at the imperial palace and petitions Empress Theodora to intervene on her behalf.

“As you recall, Highness,” John says, emphasizing his point, “Empress Theodora was inflexible and adamant.” Cappadocian John dredges up bitter memories of the bitter words ringing throughout the imperial palace between emperor and empress. Theodora absolutely denied Artabanes permission to divorce his wife and marry Praefecta. Justinian could say or do nothing to change Theodora’s mind. He should not have tried, John thinks to himself. Theodora forced Artabanes to take back his forsaken wife and then speedily  married Praejecta to John, the grandson of the emperor Anastasius. “As your Highness recalls, the empress’ illness and death occur soon afterwards. After the empress death, Artabanes obtained his divorce. However, it was too late. Praejecta was happily married and out of his clutches.” “Are you saying that my wife was murdered because she prevented Artabanes from marrying my niece?”

“To the day she died,” John concludes, “Artabanes bore the Empress Theodora an enduring enmity that he vowed would end in her death.”

“So this is your proof?” “No Highness,” John replies, “but it helps us understand the current plot against your life.”

***

Slipping through a secret passage within the imperial palace, a hooded figure makes his way to the second-floor apartment where Justinian holds Pope Vigilius. When receiving the recognition signal, the guard at the entrance passes the hooded figure into Vigilius’ chambers.

“Cappadocian John,” Vigilius says, catching his breath as the visitor removes his hood, “I was unaware you were in Constantinople.” “I have but recently returned, holiness___ or should I say, brother?” “Please have a seat. To what do I owe this visit?”

“You realize that without your signature on Justinian’s edict, you cannot leave Constantinople, alive.”

“Without my signature on his edict, Justinian cannot control me or the Vatican.”

“Would you be interested in leaving Constantinople without signing Justinian’s edict?”

“You can make that happen?” Vigilius asks, eying his visitor warily.

“There is a plan to replace Justinian.”

 “Whose plan?” “What does it matter whose plan it is?”

“As I recall,” Vigilius says, “the last time you plotted against the emperor, it did not go so well ___ or am I mistaken?”

 “Your facts are correct, Holiness.” “Why don‘t you just tell me what you want?”

“As you recall, the Brotherhood opposed the Empress Theodora’s intervention in their plan to move the center of Christianity from Africa to Rome.” “God’s will be done.”

“But many agreed with the empress that God’s will did not include the Roman empire being taken over by barbarians.”

“What has this to do with me?” “You are responsible for the Goths overrunning Italy,” John observes. “You entered an alliances with Vitiges as well as Tortila.” “It is God’s will to teach all peoples the true faith and bring them into the kingdom of heaven.”

“You plan to take advantage of the arian heresy to consolidate the Vatican’s control, as well.”

“You still have not told me what you want,” Vigilius snaps. “Just this! The Brotherhood will not allow the Goths to take control of the empire.”

“And___?” “It is neither in our interest ___ nor yours, to allow Germanus to assassinate and succeed Justinian.” “Why are you telling me this?” “The emperor is aware of your, ah, relationship with the Armenians.”

“I still do not know why you are telling me this,” Vigilius says.

“Your minion in the Vatican, Bishop Raptus. informed Tortila of Justinian’s intention to send another Byzantine army to Italy.” “What of it?” Vigilius snorts. “Everyone knows that Justinian is sending  Germanus to Italy.”

“If Germanus fails to arrive, Tortila might well conclude that you betrayed him ___ or worse.”

“I have absolutely no idea what you’re raving about,” Vigilius says. Then he claps his hands and a serving maid appears. “Wine for me and my guest,” Vigilius orders, “___ and refreshments.” Vigilius peers over at his visitor. “You must be hungry after sneaking about Constantinople in the dark.”

“You are kind.”

The pair dine on pheasant, fruit, dried figs and dates, before Cappadocian John returns to the purpose of his visit. “I learned of the plot against Justinian from my Jewish contacts in Jerusalem.” “Jewish agents,” Vigilius replies. “That damnable race are the murderers of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.” “You need not get too self-righteous with me, holiness. I know that you deal with the Messenger of Hippo when it suits your purposes. You even settled those Jewish warriors, known as Circumcellions, masquerading as Christian monks, in the Vatican. You can play holy father with the others, not with me! I know of your many schemes and plots ___ including your involvement in the poisoning of Empress Theodora.”

If he knows all of this why is he bothering me? Vigilius wonders to himself. But he knows the answer. Justinian needs my signature and the signatures of the other bishops on his Edict Against the Three Chapters. “Please continue ___ mi’Lord!” Vigilius says, smiling to himself.

“As I was saying, I also know of your plots against Justinian with the Armenians ____ Artabanes and his kinsman, Arsaces.”

“Artabanes!” Vigilius laughs. “Justinian, himself, heaped honors on General Artabanes making him a member of his High Council.”

“Artabanes now skulks about Thrace, assisting Germanus assemble the Byzantine army that will invade Italy___  as if you didn’t know.” “I didn’t know,” Vigilius responds.  “___at least not about the plot against Justinian.”

“I suppose that you are unaware that it was Artabanes who poisoned Empress Theodora?”

EPISODE THIRTY- THREE

Bounded by the Aegean Sea to the south, and the Black Sea to the east, Thrace’s Balkan Mountains hide the military camp where Germanus and his general staff ____ Olybrius, Bouzes and Artabanes ____ assemble the army intended to assault the Goths in Italy. Indistinguishable from the hodgepodge of other soldiers wandering about Germanus’ camp, Arsaces, Artabanes’ cousin slips unnoticed into Artabanes tent.  

“King Chosroes is growing impatient!” Arsaces, says, removing his hood. “Nevertheless, we must be careful,” Artabanes replies. “However, your sneaking about Germanus’ camp risks everything.”

“Chosroes tires of your delay,” Arsaces continues, ‘he wants you to strike now. He believes that you should have already assassinated Justinian.”

“It is not a question of killing Justinian,” Artabanes replies. “It’s a question of surviving his death.”

“What do you mean?” “Doubtless, I will be suspected of the killing,” Artabanes explains. “Before I do anything, I need to know that we have Germanus’ support and the support of his sons, Justin and Marcellus.”

After Passara’s death, Germanus became popular with Gothic chieftains through his marriage to his current wife, Matasuntha, the granddaughter of Theodoric the Great. Justinian, himself, arranged Germanus’ marriage and had his cousin invited into the Pythian Brotherhood giving Germanus the opportunity to conspire with Vigilius.

“Once Justinian is no longer emperor, I will  guarantee your return to the Vatican,” Germanus had promised the pope of Rome.  “When Justinian appointed me to lead the Byzantine expedition to Italy, Goths from all over the empire will lock to my banner. The Gothic chieftains will pledge their loyalty.” “I, too, will support you, mi’Lord,” Vigilius promises Germanus.

“Germanus and his sons already support us,” Arsaces reminds his cousin. “Maybe so, but Belisarius and Narses will cause plenty of problems, if we are not careful.” “Once Belisarius fell into the emperor’s disfavor, his popularity has waned,” Arsaces sniffs. “And with Theodora gone, no one pays any attention to that blacko, Narses.”

“This not the right time to kill Justinian!” Artabanes snaps. “But you promised Chosroes!” Arsaces replies.

“Possibly King Chosroes is no more interested in uniting the empire under Germanus than under Justinian,” Artabanes observes. “With Justinian dead, Chosroes could destroy Constantinople and the Byzantine threat, once and for all.” “What if he does?”

“Before we initiate kill Justinian,” Artabanes states, “I need to be certain that Chosroes doesn’t get rid of us as well.”

Germanus assembles his staff for their daily briefing. “Excellency,” General Bouzes tells Germanus, “your troops are getting more restless by the day. You must begin your march to Italy.”

“I am as impatient as anyone to get started,” Germanus replies, “ ___ perhaps more so. My wife awaits me in Italy.” Chuckles circulate among his staff. “However, we must await the emperor’s orders.” “Does the emperor understand that the longer we delay, the more likely Goth and Persian spies will report our activities?” Bouzes asks.

“The emperor is aware of your concern,” Germanus says. “But, for the time being, we must remain in camp.” Germanus’ staff is displeased. They are eager for Italian loot.

When the meeting ends, Artabanes intercepts Justin, Germanus’ son. “Excellency, may I have a word?”

“Of course, General,” Justin replies, “How can I be of service?” “You must realize, by now,” Artabanes begins, “that the reason the emperor is delaying your father’s departure is to make him look weak in front of the men.” “Why do you say this, general?

“Because, Justinian, himself, is sick and a weakling who has never led men in battle,” Artabanes asserts. “Justinian is jealous of your father’s reputation.” “Justinian is the emperor; he needn’t lead men in battle.”

“Everywhere, the empire is crumbling. Berber tribes rebel, provincial governors defect, peoples in the east flock to King Chosroes’ banner and the Huns raid and devastate Greek cities at will.”

“We are going to Italy to take control and stabilize the empire,” Justin points out.

“I know not why Justinian has assembled this army under your father,” Artabanes says. “but it is certainly not to fight the Goths.” Germanus son flinches at the Armenian’s words. “Almost half of your father’ army is composed of Goths.” “Goths populate most of our army, but they are loyal to our emperor.” “They are loyal to the one who fills their pockets with gold,” Artabanes observes. “Right now, and, in the future, it could be your father.” “Lord Artabanes, I have pressing duties,” Justin says. “If there is nothing more ....” “Right now, the Goths control the western empire. With the exception of Ravenna, Totila rules all Italy. Other Gothic chieftains rule Sicily, Spain as well as parts of North Africa. All over the empire, the Goths pledge their fealty to your father and his wife, Matasuntha.”

“What is it that you want?” Justin asks,

“It is not what I want, it is what you and your father want.” “What do you mean?”

“Justinian not only mocks your father, as he once did Belisarius, but he he has even taken what rightfully belongs to your father ___ the estate of Boraides.”

When Boraides, Germanus’ brother died, he was survived by wife and daughter. However Boraides willed his entire estate to Germanus who had Boraides’ wife and daughter thrown out of their home. Justinian not only ordered Boraides’ wife and daughter restored to their home. He gave them legal ownership over Boraides’ entire estate. Germanus received nothing.

“Depriving you father, as well as you and your  brother, of your rightful inheritance should remind you of Justinian’s intentions,” Artabanes remarks. “What do you expect my father to do?” “Nothing,” Artabanes replies. “Just remember when your father becomes emperor, remember who put the crown on his head.”

Though Artabanes hoped to solidify his position with Justin, it had the opposite effect. As soon as Artabanes  departs, Justin informs Germanus of Artabanes’ plot. Germanus, fearing his son has told others, consults Olybrius. “You have no choice,” the Anicii prince advises. “You must reveal what Justin told you to  Bishop Ascidas.”

When Ascidas reveals the plot to Justinian, the emperor convenes a conference with his most trustworthy advisors at the Palace of Blachernae. Located in the northwest suburb of Constantinople, the Blachernae palace, normally hosts ceremonial functions like imperial dinners, diplomatic receptions and gatherings of provincial governors, prefects and magistrates. But the palace’s Hall of the Danube has a unique feature ____ it can be accessed only through a secret entrance from the adjuring Church of St Mary of Blachernae.

“You cannot risk accusing Germanus of Theodora’s death or of plotting to assassinate you,” Cappadocian John advises. “His army in Thrace numbers over 50,000 Goths. And, if I may say so, his popularity with the people is great.” “What is your meaning?” Justinian asks. “Arresting Germanus could lead to a civil war,” Ascidas says. “And even if you defeated Germanus, Chosroes would not pass up the opportunity to attack Constantinople.”

“But if you do not take some decisive action, you might as well abdicate,” Cappadocian John observes.  

“Whatever action your highness takes,” Bishop Ascidas warns, “you must not parade the culprits through the streets to be executed as you did with the homosexual bishops.” “Possibly we should honor them with a tribute,” Justinian snaps as he and his counsellors ponder far into the night. “The Empress Theodora knew about your cousin’s ambition to succeed you as emperor of Constantinople,” Cappadocian John tells Justinian. “That’s why they poisoned her.” “Why didn’t she tell me?” Justinian asks. “She knew better than to come between you and your blood relatives,” John remarks. “Just as you knew better than interfere with Theodora and Comito or Antonina.” “Do you believe Theodora knew about Germanus’ plans?” “Whether she knew about Germanus plots or not, there was no way Theodora would allow anything to happen to you. She would give her life. first.” “That is exactly what she did,” Justinian observes. “I have been informed that Germanus fostered a relationship with Vigilius.” “Yes,” John agrees. “Vigilius is trusted by Goths, everywhere.” “What do you recommend that I do?” “Do?” Cappadocian John asks. “Do about what?” “There are 50,000 troops camped in Thrace, half of which are Goths, expecting to march to Italy and join the Goths in Italy, Sicily and Spain ____  ready to pledge their loyalty to my cousin who covets my throne and may have murdered my wife. The Bishop of Rome, who I have made pope, refuses to obey my commands and has given Totila authority over the Vatican. The king of Persia has turned the Huns against me and incites rebellion throughout my empire. Food supplies here in Constantinople could be cut off at any time. What do you suggest I DO?”

“You should also add that you have disgraced Belisarius, your most capable general and most loyal friend,” John says. “Theodora is no longer around to whom your second-most capable general, Narses, was completely devoted. And you have no one who you can trust to loyally serve you other than myself and Bishop Ascidas. So asking us now ‘what you should do’ is either an admission that you bear much of the responsibility for this mess or a preliminary to another of your colossal  f___ups! ”

EPISODE THIRTY- FOUR

Without warning, the fiercely loyal patrician, Liberius, a member of the Byzantine senate accompanied by three legions of Praetorian Guards bursts into Germanus’ camp.

“By order of the emperor, the general staff of the Italian Expeditionary Force is to report to the imperial palace, without delay!”

“What is amiss?” Olybrius asks Germanus.

“I have no idea.”

“Everyone is to leave now!” Liberius shouts.

In Constantinople, Justinian orders Germanus, his sons and Olybrius, as well as his military commanders, Constantianus and Bouzes held in separate apartments in the Imperial palace under guard. Two cohorts, composed of Egyptians, Berbers and Vandals,  arrest Artabanes and Arsaces and pitch them into a dungeon in the Prefecture.

“Ah cousin!” Justinian greets Germanus and his sons when escorted into the library where, nightly, the emperor studies the bible and other Christian texts. “I am so sorry to have inconvenienced you and your staff, but my high council advises me to take this assassination plot seriously.”

“Yes, cousin,” Germanus responds. “It is wise of you to do so.” 

“I have been assured by your generals, Constantianus and Bouzes, that you were completed surprised when informed by Justin, here, of the plot.”  “Justin, himself, was shocked when approached by Artabanes. Of course, he informed  me, immediately.” Germanus stares at Justinian. “Do you suspect that Persia is behind the plot?”

“Chosroes is certainly involved,” Justinian observes. “He promised Arsaces the throne of Armenia once I was dead.”

“One cannot trust these Armenians,” Germanus observes. “But what of your friend, Prince Olybrius?” Justinian asks. “Is he involved?”

“I cannot believe Prince Olybrius would be so ungrateful as to engage in such a deceitful crime, especially after Your Majesty so graciously returned all his hereditary properties and estates.”

“Yes,” Justinian agrees, “such an act would have shown the grossest ingratitude. But it is not unheard of that someone who receives so much remains resentful.” Justinian stares back at Germanus for some time. “I want you to return to your troops and set out for Italy, immediately.”

“Yes cousin,” Germanus responds.

“I want you to take the Armenians.” “You need troops you can trust not join the Goths,” John advises.

“Yes, I can use them,” Germanus replies.

“Do you have any objections to my sending Narses and Liberius with you?”

“If your majesty wishes,” Germanus replies.

“Good, then it is settled, cousin.”

Justinian frees Artabanes from the Prefectorium, but strips the Armenian of his offices and honors. Artabanes then joins Germanus and resumes command of Germanus’ Armenian He sentences Arsaces to a public flogging, while parading him through the streets of Constantinople on the back of a camel. Afterwards Justinian delivers Arsaces to Chosroes court with a sign around his neck that reads: Here is your king!

****

Once again, Ascidas visits the apartment of Pope Vigilius in the imperial palace. “I assume you have heard of the assassination plot against the emperor,” Justinian’s councilor says curtly. “The rumors flying about the palace penetrate even my prison,” Vigilius replies. “Have you also heard the rumors about you and your friend, Totila?” “My friend ___?” “You and  Totila have been have been implicated in the plot to assassinate the emperor, “ Ascidas informs the prelate. “I suggest you consider your next move very well since the emperor knows that the plot on his life was preceded by the murder of the Empress Theodora.”

Not long after the visit, Vigilius sends a letter to Eutychius, the Patriarch of Constantinople, acknowledging the validity of Justinian’s edict against the Three Chapters. The letter ends the Vigilius’ opposition to the emperor’s authority over the Christian Church.  Justinian issues an edict declaring that all Christians must confess that the Lord Jesus Christ had but one divine nature and that the Blessed Virgin Mary was the Mother of God, under the pain of death. Vigilius’ reconciliation with the emperor ends the pope’s captivity. Justinian allows Vigilius joins to Germanus and Olybrius on their march to Italy.

****

“With the Old Testament’s approval of wars of conquest and the subjugation and extermination of inferior peoples, how is it possible to obtain God’s favor in a war with other Christians?” Justinian asks Ascidas. Together they ponder the bible for methods of obtaining God’s approval for imperial rule. “Highness,” Ascidas begins, “according to the bible, God’s Chosen People are enabled to act according to a covenant which ____ .” But before Ascidas can finish his thought, the imperial chamberlain bursts into the library accompanied by a messenger. “Your Imperial Highness,” the Chamberlain announces, “this messenger brings news from your Italian expeditionary force.” “From whom?” “From the Senator Liberius.” “Approach,” Justinian orders. “What news do you bring?” “I fear that I bring evil tidings, Your Imperial Highness,” the messenger replies. “Pope Vigilius, Prince Olybrius and your imperial cousin, Prince Germanus have all perished during the journey.” Justinian stares at the messenger. “How did they die?” “They died suddenly of some illness, possibly of the plague,” the messenger quavers, afraid that Justinian will punish him as the bearer of such unpleasant news. “How did they die!” Justinian asks, again in a quiet though deadly voice. Narses dispatched the messenger with instructed to inform the emperor of the details of the deaths of Vigilius, Olybrius and Germanus only if asked. “Highness, Pope Vigilius was crucified, Prince Olybrius was beheaded and Prince Germanus was impaled.”

 Under two successive Vatican popes, Emperor Justinian rules over a reunited, though greatly debilitated and crumbling, empire for another decade until his death by natural causes.

EPILOGUE

Gregory Anicius, the nephew of Juliana Anicius and cousin to Olybrius Anicius, is enormously wealthy.  Gregory’s family owns a palace on Rome’s Caelian Hill, directly facing the Palatine Hill where the palace of Rome’s emperors perches like a monstrous citadel of evil. Gregory’s parents own villas in Rome’s suburbs, farmlands throughout Italy and estates in Sicily, Sardinia and Spain. At the age of thirty, Gregory became prefect of Rome. Then Pope Pelagius ordains Gregory a deacon of the arian Roman Catholic Church and sends him to Constantinople to mingles with the Byzantine nobility.  When Gregory returns to Rome, he converts one of his family estate in Rome to a monastery, the first of hundreds that he establishes all over Europe. Gregory’s monasteries are manned by the warrior monks known as the Circumcellions ___ later known as Templars and serve as the nerve centers  for the  practice and spread of arianism’s bloody rites. Though Gregory remains immensely wealthy, his monks take the vows of obedience, celibacy as well as poverty. When Gregory discovers one of his monks has stolen three gold coins, he forces the monk to sit on a mound of manure with the three coins in his hands until he dies of starvation and dehydration.  

When Pope Pelagius dies, the Emperor of Constantinople appoints Gregory the Pope of Rome. Gregory’s ascension to the Roman Papacy aligns Christianity with Constantinople’s imperial goals. The Vatican adopts imperial objectives and beliefs and appoints the patrician nobility in Rome and Constantinople, served by their faithful retainers, to head the Catholic Church. Throughout the Middle Ages, Pope Gregory the Great, becomes known as the Father of Christian Worship and uses the  arian heresy to amass an army the allows the Vatican to acquire the land, wealth and power that makes the Vatican and the Pope of Rome head of the most powerful empire in the world.

THE END...

Copyright © Eugene Stovall (2024)

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