Chapter 48 - The Price of Two Emperors

Mestrianus reached Licinius's headquarters at dusk, his cloak stiff with road dust and fear. Word of Constantine's answer spread before the envoy even dismounted, so every officer in the pavilion fell silent when the tablets were unrolled. All European provinces, surrendered without exception. Valerius Valens, his newly minted Caesar, to be executed as proof of obedience. The demand carried the chill of extinction.