‘That was why I needed you, Marcus. With the son of Spartacus at the head of our army we would have drawn slaves to our ranks in droves. Even without training, the sheer numbers would have overwhelmed Rome in the end.’

‘I don’t think so,’ Marcus replied simply. ‘And your battle with Caesar’s men the other day proved me right. If I truly thought that you stood a good chance of defeating Rome, then I would willingly have joined the rebellion.’

‘Instead you betrayed us.’

Marcus shook his head. ‘I wanted to prevent pointless bloodshed.’

Brixus sighed bitterly. ‘Your father would be ashamed if he could see what you have done.’

‘My father died before I was born. I never knew him. I am not Spartacus. I am Marcus and I will lead my own life as I wish.’ Marcus spoke with as much pride as he could summon. ‘I am not yours to command, any more than I am Caesar’s.’

Mandracus took a step closer, his fist clenched round the handle of his dagger. ‘I’ve heard enough. Shall I silence his tongue, Brixus?’

‘No ... Let him live. Death would be too gentle a mercy. Let him carry the burden of shame and guilt that he has earned this day. Let that be his reward for betraying us.’

Mandracus pursed his lips and reluctantly released his grip. ‘As you wish.’

Brixus turned his attention back to Marcus. ‘Your secret is safe with me, since you have disowned your father, a man I loved as a brother. You are no son of his, it seems. Perhaps in time you will change your mind. I pray that you live long enough to understand and accept your destiny. Until then …’ His voice caught and he paused to clear his throat. ‘What does Caesar want from us?’

Marcus forced his exhausted mind to recall what had passed between Caesar and Festus some hours earlier. ‘Caesar demands that you surrender at once. In return he gives his word that those who throw down their arms will be spared. All slaves will be returned to their owners as soon as possible.’

‘And why should I trust a Roman aristocrat any further than I can spit him?’

‘He gave a solemn oath, in front of witnesses.’

‘And you think he will stand by his oath?’

‘This oath, yes,’ Marcus replied confidently. ‘Besides, he needs a quick conclusion to the rebellion, and will do whatever it takes to end it.’

‘We don’t need to listen to this!’ Mandracus interrupted. ‘Let Caesar do his worst. While we control the gorge the Romans cannot force their way into the camp. We can hold them off as long as we want.’

‘True.’ Brixus nodded. ‘But they could simply lay siege to us and starve us into surrender. There is no other way out of the valley for us all. Caesar does not need to force the issue.’