‘I further swear, on Portia’s life, that if you are misleading me, or if the rebels escape, then I will have Festus nail you to a cross planted on top of the nearest mountain so that all might see what happens to those who defy Caesar. Is that clear?’

Marcus nodded.

‘Then there’s no time to waste. You can tell me where to find the rebels while Festus gives the order for my soldiers to assemble.’

Marcus cleared his throat. ‘That’s not quite all, sir. There are two other things I would like your word on.’

Caesar glared at him. ‘Speak.’

‘You are to release Lupus. Set him free. When the rebellion is over, you will give me some men, and a letter of authority to help me find and release my mother.’ Marcus nodded his head. ‘That’s what you agreed with me, months ago.’

‘I agree,’ Caesar said harshly. ‘There. Festus, give the order.’

‘Yes, sir.’ Festus bowed his head and hurried out of the tent to pass on the proconsul’s command. Inside the tent Caesar breathed deeply through his nose as he regarded the boy who had been his slave and one of his most promising gladiators. ‘I’ll thank you for my cloak before you leave. Wait in front of the tent.’

Marcus did as he was told and tried not to show his fear as he walked away. Outside the first dull gleam of light struggled to break through the mist that wreathed the mountains to the east. A handful of snowflakes swirled on the light breeze sweeping over the makeshift shelters that Caesar’s men had erected. Marcus shivered. Not because of the cold, but for fear of what the coming day held.

Chapter 23

23

Dull grey clouds hung low in the sky as Festus turned to Marcus. ‘You ready?’

Marcus stood still for a moment. The dense ranks of legionaries stood formed in their cohorts, plumes of steamy breath rising up amid the dark shafts of their javelins. Behind them Caesar and his officers sat on their horses, waiting. In front of the Romans stretched the open space that led up to the entrance to the rebel camp. Even though he knew where the gap in the rocks was, Marcus could not make it out as he stared at the cliff rising above the forest that stretched away either side of the entrance.

Nothing moved. There was no sign of life, yet Marcus could sense the eyes of the rebels watching them, waiting for the Romans to make their first move. Then, for a chilling moment, Marcus was seized by a terrible fear that Brixus and the others might already have escaped. But there was only one way to find out. He nodded. ‘Ready.’

‘Then let’s go.’