The Emperor of the Roman Empire, Valentinian II

The three imperial centers of the empire continued to maneuver around one another politically. Maximus kept working toward full recognition, Valentinian II or at least the high officials of his court worked to maintain their independence. Theodosius kept working methodically to ensure the stability and safety of his provinces so that he could go face down Maximus properly. In 386 though, Maximus's hope that Theodosian would wind up choosing recognition was raised by the appearance on the north bank of the Danube of an armed force of Gertungai Goths. He was over dealing with Goths, so completely over the Goths. And so he came up with a rather brutal solution.