CHAPTER V
AVE POST SECULA
It comes back to me that on the following day my successor in thegovernorship of the jail, who he was I know not now, arrived, and thatto him in due form I handed over my offices and duties. Before I did so,however, I made it my care to release Barnabas, I think on the previousevening. In his cell I read the Augusta's warrant to the old bishop.
"How was it obtained, son," he asked, "for, know, that having so manyenemies on this small matter of image worship, I expected to die in thisplace? Now it seems that I am free, and may even return to my charge inEgypt."
"The Empress granted it to me as a favour, Father," I answered. "I toldher that you were from the North, like myself."
He studied me with his shrewd blue eyes, and said:
"It seems strange to me that so great and unusual a boon should begranted for such a reason, seeing that better men than I am havesuffered banishment and worse woes for less cause than I have given.What did you pay the Empress for this favour, son Olaf?"
"Nothing, Father."
"Is it so? Olaf, a dream has come to me about you, and in that dreamI saw you walk through a great fire and emerge unscathed, save for thesingeing of your lips and hair."
"Perhaps they were singed, Father. Otherwise, I am unburned, thoughwhat will happen to me in the future I do not know, for my dangers seemgreat."
"In my dream you triumphed over all of them, Olaf, and also met withsome reward even in this life, though now I know not what it was. Yes,and triumph you shall, my son in Christ. Fear nothing, even when thestorm-clouds sweep about your head and the lightnings blind your eyes.I say, fear nothing, for you have friends whom you cannot see. I ask nomore even under the seal of confession, since there are secrets which itis not well to learn. Who knows, I might go mad, or torture might drawfrom me words I would not speak. Therefore, keep your own counsel, son,and confess to God alone."
"What will you do now, Father?" I asked. "Return to Egypt?"
"Nay, not yet awhile. It comes to me that I must bide here for a space,which under this pardon I have liberty to do, but to what end I cannotsay. Later on I shall return, if God so wills. I go to dwell with goodfolk who are known to me, and from time to time will let you hear whereI may be found, if you should need my help or counsel."
Then I led him to the gates, and, having given him a witnessed copy ofhis warrant of release, bade him farewell for that time, making itknown to the guards and certain priests who lingered there that any whomolested him must answer for it to the Augusta.
Thus we parted.
Having handed over the keys of the prison, I walked to the palaceunattended, being minded to take up my duties there unnoticed. Butthis was not to be. As I entered the palace gate a sentry called outsomething, and a messenger, who seemed to be in waiting, departed atfull speed. Then the sentry, saluting, told me that his orders were thatI must stand awhile, he knew not why. Presently I discovered, for acrossthe square within the gates marched a full general's guard, whereof theofficer also saluted, and prayed me to come with him. I went, wonderingif I was to be given in charge, and by him, surrounded with this pompousguard, was led to my new quarters, which were more splendid than Icould have dreamed. Here the guard left me, and presently other officersappeared, some of them old comrades of my own, asking for orders,of which, of course, I had none to give. Also, within an hour, I wassummoned to a council of generals to discuss some matter of a war inwhich the Empire was engaged. By such means as these it was conveyedto me that I had become a great man, or, at any rate, one in the way ofgrowing great.
That afternoon, when, according to my old custom, I was making my roundof the guards, I met the Augusta upon the main terrace, surrounded by anumber of ministers and courtiers. I saluted and would have passed on,but she bade one of her eunuchs call me to her. So I came and stoodbefore her.
"We greet you, General Olaf," she said. "Where have you been all thislong while? Oh! I remember. At the State prison, as its governor, ofwhich office you are now relieved at your own request. Well, the palacewelcomes you again, for when you are here all within know themselvessafe."
Thus she spoke, her great eyes searching my face the while, then bowedher head in token of dismissal. I saluted again, and began to stepbackwards, according to the rule, whereon she motioned to me to stand.Then she began to make a laugh of me to the painted throng about her.
"Say, nobles and ladies," she said, "did any of you ever see such a man?We address him as best we may--and we have reason to believe that heunderstands our language--yet not one word does he vouchsafe to usin answer. There he stands, like a soldier cut in iron who moves bysprings, with never an 'I thank you' or a 'Good day' on his lips.Doubtless he would reprove us all, who, he holds, talk too much, being,as we all have heard, a man of stern morality, who has no tenderness forhuman foibles. By the way, General Olaf, a rumour has reached us thatyou have forsaken doubt, and become a Christian. Is this true?"
"It is true, Augusta."
"Then if as a Pagan you were a man of iron, what will you be as aChristian, we wonder? One hard as diamond, no less. Yet we are gladof this tidings, as all good servants of the Church must be, sincehenceforth our friendship will be closer and we value you. General, youmust be received publicly into the bosom of the Faith; it will be anencouragement to others to follow your example. Perhaps, as you haveserved us so well in many wars and as an officer of our guard, weourselves will be your god-mother. The matter shall be considered by us.What have you to answer to it?"
"Nothing," I replied, "save that when the Augusta has considered of thematter, I will consider of my answer."
At this the courtiers tittered, and, instead of growing angry, as Ithought she might, Irene burst out laughing.
"Truly we were wrong," she said, "to provoke you to open your mouth,General, for when you do so, like that red sword you wear, your tongueis sharp, if somewhat heavy. Tell us, General, are your new quarters toyour taste, and before you reply know that we inspected them ourselves,and, having a liking for such tasks, attended to their furnishment. 'Tisdone, you will see, in the Northern style, which we think somewhat coldand heavy--like your sword and tongue."
"If the Augusta asks me," I said, "the quarters are too fine for asingle soldier. The two rooms where I dwelt before were sufficient."
"A single soldier! Well, that is a fault which can be remedied. Youshould marry, General Olaf."
"When I find any woman who wishes to marry me and whom I wish to marry,I will obey the Augusta's commands."
"So be it, General, only remember that first we must approve the lady.Venture not, General, to share those new quarters of yours with any ladywhom we do not approve."
Then, followed by the Court, she turned and walked away, and I wentabout my business, wondering what was the meaning of all this guardedand half-bitter talk.
The next event that returns to me clearly is that of my publicacceptance as a Christian in the great Cathedral of St. Sophia, whichmust have taken place not very long after this meeting upon the terrace.I know that by every means in my power I had striven, though withoutavail, to escape this ceremony, pointing out that I could be publiclyreceived into the body of the Church at any chapel where there was apriest and a congregation of a dozen humble folk. But this the Empresswould not allow. The reason she gave was her desire that my conversionshould be proclaimed throughout the city, that other Pagans, of whomthere were thousands, might follow my example. Yet I think she hadanother which she did not avow. It was that I might be made known inpublic as a man of importance whom it pleased her to honour.
On the morning of this rite, Martina came to acquaint me with itsdetails, and told me that the Empress would be present at the cathedralin state, making her progress thither in her golden chariot, drawn bythe famed milk-white steeds. I, it seemed, was to ride after the chariotin my general's uniform, which was splendid enough, followed by acompany of guards, and surrounded by chanting priests. The Patriarchhimself, no less a person, was t
o receive me and some other converts,and the cathedral would be filled with all the great ones ofConstantinople.
I asked whether Irene intended to be my god-mother, as she hadthreatened.
"Not so," replied Martina. "On that point she has changed her mind."
"So much the better," I said. "But why?"
"There is a canon of the Church, Olaf, which forbids intermarriagebetween a god-parent and his or her god-child," she replied dryly."Whether this canon has come to the Augusta's memory or not, I cannotsay. It may be so."
"Who, then, is to be my god-mother?" I asked hurriedly, leaving theproblem of Irene's motives undiscussed.
"I am, by the written Imperial decree delivered to me not an hour ago."
"You, Martina, you who are younger than myself by many years?"
"Yes, I. The Augusta has just explained to me that as we seem to be suchvery good friends, and to talk together so much alone, doubtless,she supposed, upon matters of religion, there could be no person moresuitable than such a good Christian as myself to fill that holy office."
"What do you mean, Martina?" I asked bluntly.
"I mean, Olaf," she replied, turning away her head, and speaking in astrained voice, "that, where you are concerned, the Augusta of late hasdone me the honour to be somewhat jealous of me. Well, of a god-motherno one need be jealous. The Augusta is a clever woman, Olaf."
"I do not quite understand," I said. "Why should the Augusta be jealousof you?"
"There is no reason at all, Olaf, except that, as it happens, she isjealous of every woman who comes near to you, and she knows that we areintimate and that you trust me--well, more, perhaps, than you trust her.Oh! I assure you that of late you have not spoken to any woman underfifty unnoted and unreported. Many eyes watch you, Olaf."
"Then they might find better employment. But tell me outright, Martina,what is the meaning of all this?"
"Surely even a wooden-headed Northman can guess, Olaf?"
She glanced round her to make sure that we were alone in the greatapartment of my quarters and that the doors were shut, then went on,almost in a whisper, "My mistress is wondering whether or no she willmarry again, and, if so, whether she will choose a certain somewhatover-virtuous Christian soldier as a second husband. As yet she has notmade up her mind. Moreover, even if she had, nothing could be done atpresent or until the question of the struggle between her and her sonfor power is settled in this way or in that. Therefore, at worst, orat best, that soldier has yet a while of single life left to him, say amonth or two."
"Then during that month or two perhaps he would be wise to travel," Isuggested.
"Perhaps, if he were a fool who would run away from fortune, and if hecould get leave of absence, which in his case is impossible; to attemptsuch a journey without it would mean his death. No, if he is wise, thatsoldier will bide where he is and await events, possessing his soul inpatience, as a good Christian should do. Now, as your god-mother, I mustinstruct you in this service. Look not so troubled; it is really mostsimple. You know Stauracius, the eunuch, is to be your god-father, whichis very fortunate for you, since, although he looks on you with doubtand jealousy, to blind or murder his own god-son would cause too muchscandal even in Constantinople. As a special mark of grace, also, theBishop Barnabas, of Egypt, will be allowed to assist in the ceremony,because it was he who snatched your soul from the burning. Moreover,since the Sacrament is to be administered afterwards, he has beencommanded to attend here to receive your confession in the chapel of thepalace, and within an hour. You know that this day being the Feast ofSt. Michael and All Angels, you will be received in the name of Michael,a high one well fitted to a warlike saint, though I think that I shallstill call you Olaf. So farewell, my god-son to be, until we meet atthe cathedral, where I shall shine in the reflected light of all yourvirtues."
Then she sighed, laughed a little, and glided away.
In due course a priest of the chapel came to summon me there, sayingthat the Bishop Barnabas awaited me. I went and made my confession,though in truth I had little to tell him that he did not already know.Afterwards the good old man, who by now was quite recovered from hishurts and imprisonment, accompanied me to my quarters, where we atetogether. He told me that before he attended in the chapel he had beenreceived by the Empress, who had spoken to him very kindly, makinglight of their difference of opinion as to images and with her own mouthconfirmed him in his bishopric, even hinting at his possible promotion.
"This, my son," he added, "I am well aware I owe to your good offices."
I asked him if he would return at once to Upper Egypt, where he had hisbishopric.
"No, my son," he answered, "not yet awhile. The truth is that therehave arrived here the chief man in my diocese, and his daughter. He isa descendant of the old Pharaohs of the Egyptians who lives near thesecond cataract of the Nile, almost on the borders of Ethiopia, whitherthe accursed children of Mahomet have not yet forced their way. He isstill a great man among the Egyptians, who look upon him as their lawfulprince. His mission here is to try to plan a new war upon the followersof the Prophet, who, he holds, might be assailed by the Empire at themouths of the Nile, while he attacked them with his Egyptians from thesouth."
Now I grew interested, who had always grieved over the loss of Egypt tothe Empire, and asked what was this prince's name.
"Magas, my son, and his daughter is named Heliodore. Ah! she is such awoman as I would see you wed, beautiful indeed, and good and true as sheis beautiful, with a high spirit also, such as befits her ancient blood.Mayhap you will note her in the cathedral. Nay, I forgot, not there, butafterwards in this palace, since it is the command of the Empress, towhom I have been speaking of their matters, that these two should cometo dwell here for a while. After that I hope we shall all return toEgypt together, though Magas, being on a secret mission, does not travelunder his own name, but as a merchant."
Suddenly he paused, and began to stare at my throat.
"Is aught wrong with my armour, Father?" I asked.
"No, son. I was looking at that trinket which you wear. Of course I havenoted it before, but never closely. It is strange, very strange!"
"What is strange, Father?"
"Only that I have seen another like it."
"I dare say you have," I answered, laughing, "for when I would not givethis to the Augusta, it pleased her to have it copied."
"No, no; I mean in Egypt, and, what is more, a story hung to the jewel."
"On whom? Where? What story?" I asked eagerly.
"Oh! I cannot stay to tell you now. Moreover, your mind should be fixedupon immortal crowns, and not on earthly necklaces. I must be gone; nay,stay me not, I am already late. Do you get you to your knees and praytill your god-parents come to fetch you."
Then, in spite of all I could do to keep him, he went, muttering:"Strange! Exceeding strange!" and leaving me quite unfit for prayer.