Constantius’ eyes closed and for a moment Constantine thought he was gone. Then he saw that the broad chest was still moving with breathing, though only faintly, and realized that his father had lapsed again into unconsciousness. When Eumenius spoke his name softly, he turned away and followed the magister memoriae from the room and down the corridor to Eumenius’ own quarters.
“The servants will call us if he awakens again,” Eumenius assured him. “You heard him say just now that you are to rule in his stead?”
“Yes, but he did not name me Caesar.”
“No one can doubt that he intends for you to succeed him.” At the note of intensity in Eumenius’ voice Constantine looked at him sharply. “It is never good for a monarch to die without naming his successor, especially with two frontiers and rebels waiting to cause trouble. Your father was no doubt thinking of the peace in this region when he named you his deputy in Gesoriacum, so an order must be issued today insuring that a strong hand will be kept at the steering oar.”
“Do you think I am qualified?” Constantine asked.
“You are qualified to rule the whole Empire, and some day you will. But only if you act forthrightly to hold everything your father is handing on to you.”
“What do we do first?”
“I shall prepare the order and sign it in your father’s name, designating you to succeed him. You must also be proclaimed
Caesar by the army, but we shall have no trouble there. The difficulty will come if Galerius tries to spread his own rule and include the West as well as the East.”
Constantine said firmly
“Whatever happens, I shall hold Britain, Gaul and Spain,” Constantine said firmly. “My father made them secure and I shall not let them go to anyone else.”
“Good! We can go back to your father now.”
Constantius was still unconscious, however, so Constantine went in search of Dacius. He had never made a major move so far in his career without consulting the grizzled veteran and he hoped Dacius could ease his mind on one point that still troubled him.
“They tell me Constantius is dying,” Dacius said, when Constantine found him. “Is it true?”
“Yes. Eumenius is sure of it.”
“Did he name you Caesar?”
“Not in so many words, but he obviously expects me to succeed him here and in Gaul.”
“You must succeed him,” Dacius said firmly. “If Constantius is not able to name you his successor, then the army must do it.” “Eumenius says the same thing. But doesn’t it smack of treason to make such plans while my father is still alive?”
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