XXII Summary

As the chapter opens, Julian is in his tent and says the deaf mute is sitting at his feet, playing a Persian instrument similar to a lute. Julian is having a disagreement with his generals. Though the military campaign to this point has been largely successful, the generals say they don't have sufficient troops to lay in for a serious siege. It was the general Salutius who suggested that they wait a week to see if reinforcements would arrive. Julian agrees, though he believes it to be nothing more than a dangerous delay. Julian's troops have been near the river, and all the military encounters have been there. Julian proposes to burn their ships. He says it's so that the troops won't be divided by the need to defend the ships. In truth, Julian believes it to be the only way to get...