XXI Summary

Julian describes the fall of Maiozamalcha, including a lottery his soldiers created to divide the women found in the city. Julian was asked to join, though he'd taken a vow of celibacy. He says he looked for a child, planning to set her free. There were no youngsters, so he selected a boy. As it turned out, the youngster was a deaf-mute, and he served Julian until Julian's death. Julian claims to understand the boy's signs and that he's incredibly intelligent. Julian notes that the men were "delighted" with his choice and says that he believes they'd rather have a ruler who likes young boys than a ruler who is celibate. Near Ctesiphon, Julian's army comes face-to-face with the Persian army. The Romans will have to cross a river in order to engage the Persians, and it's evident that such a move would...