Chapter 18: Robe from Galerius

The Alps vanished amidst the engulfing clouds. From the
haze emerged thousands of troops. They stormed down on the
unsuspecting Franks, who had been raiding Constantius'
domains and remained unchecked for several months. Summer
had given the new emperor time to decide on his strategy, while
the autumn witnessed his plans in action. The elevated position
of the army was advantageous in the attack as they swept down
the alpine passes with momentum.

The army pushed on as Constantine awaited word at his
residence in Trier. Light poured into the dim room from open
windows and spilt onto the dark wood table. Constantine stuffed
his mouth with a drumstick, then washed it down with the
region's finest red wine. The sentry standing guard at the
entrance of the dark room lowered his lance and then left the
doorway. In his place appeared the silhouette of a soldier in
special uniform. It was Cassius carrying a package. He flung it
onto the table.

Constantine was anxious but chose to hide his anxiety.

"This is for you," Cassius said, opening the package.

"Galerius?" Constantine inquired with his mouth fall.

"Indeed, from the royal pain in the ass." Cassius unfolded
a purple robe with stitching that was distinct to Galerius'
domain. "Obviously, Galerius wishes to make a statement."

"Obviously," said Constantine.

"So I suppose it is he who appointed you, and not your
father."

Constantine nodded, gulping down the wine.

"Here!" Cassius threw the robe to Constantine. "I'm sure
you can put it to good use."

"Good," Constantine said, wiping his mouth with the robe.
"I needed something to take to the latrine with me."

"He officially recognizes you as a member of the imperial
college. But as Caesar, not Augustus. Severus has been
appointed Augustus over you, my friend. In the eyes of Galerius
and the empire under him, your title as Caesar is legitimate. No
one can dare refer to you as a usurper. Yet, still a Caesar."

"Do not be disappointed, Cassius. This reaction was
expected. I will leave the 'ox' to graze on his own land until one
day he is buried there. Nonetheless, I have been debating about
expanding a policy that my father instigated. I need something
that will increase my popularity and distinguish me from my
colleagues as my first gesture with my legitimate title."

"The Edict?"

"Yes, the Edict. Persecution of Christians and non-pagans
is prohibited and the Edict master-minded by Galerius will apply
to my subjects no longer."

"Excellent idea. Not only will that increase your
popularity, it will complicate the situation elsewhere in the
empire."

"Making the life of Galerius a grim one. It is about time
that pig-headed man received a taste of his own poisonous
brew."

"Constantine, there is something else I should think you
have pondered."

"You speak of my possible enemies? Severus and
Maximinus are too far away to pose any threat to my campaign."

"I speak of Maximian's son."

"Maxentius." A solemn look came over him.

"Need I remind you that he married Galerius' daughter."

"Right. When you have a wife who comes from stock like
that, who needs enemies?"

"This is serious, Constantine. Galerius has a special
connection to his son-in-law. They may plot to remove you from
your place in the imperial college."

"Spare me, Cassius. You speak of the 'ox,' remember? Do
you really think the interests of his daughter factor into any of
this? Besides, before I served under Galerius, Maxentius had the
misfortune of serving for several years under him. I would have
to say that he hated Maxentius as well. Although, to my
knowledge, Galerius didn't go to the lengths that he went with
me to have him killed."

"Then maybe you can beat Galerius at his own game."

"How so?"

"By sending boastful information about your title to
Maxentius and the troops under his command. He will become
jealous, as he has always been, and take direct action to secure
his own title. He is the son of a retired emperor, and has yet to
secure a place in the tetrarchy."

"That devious mind of yours comes in handy sometimes,
Cassius. Summon my scribes if you will. The excitement is about
to begin."