Mandracus stepped forward and glared defiantly at the Roman general before drawing his sword. Festus took a sharp intake of breath and reached for his blade. But Caesar did not flinch and after a brief pause Mandracus dropped his weapon, unbuckling his breast and back plates to let them fall into the snow before he stood aside. One by one his comrades followed suit. Marcus looked for the rebel leader but there was no sign of him.

‘Which one of you is Brixus?’ Caesar demanded.

There was no reply.

‘Which one of you is that scoundrel who calls himself your leader? Step forward, Brixus.’

Mandracus crossed his arms as he spoke up. ‘Brixus has chosen not to surrender. He has remained in the camp where he awaits you, sword in hand.’

‘Indeed?’ Caesar nodded gravely. Edging his horse closer to the rebel, he raised his proconsular baton and struck Mandracus on the cheek. ‘You will call me master from now on, slave. I gave my word that you would be spared and returned to slavery. And I will treat you like any slave who dares to treat men without due respect! Do you understand?’

Mandracus was bent over, stunned by the blow, as blood dripped from a cut on his cheek. Marcus looked on with a sick feeling in his stomach. Even though he knew that this outcome was the only way to prevent the deaths of many, the guilt over his decision weighed heavily on his heart.

Caesar raised his baton again. ‘I said, do you understand me, slave?’

Mandracus looked up and nodded. ‘Yes ... master.’

‘Good. Then join the column.’

As Mandracus was led away, Caesar turned towards the gorge and took up his reins. ‘One last rebel to deal with, it seems. Follow me.’

The secret valley was still and silent. Abandoned huts and shelters stood on either side of the track. Caesar and his party looked about them warily, suspecting an ambush at any moment. As they reached the small rise overlooking the heart of the valley, the large huts of Brixus’s compound came into view. At once Marcus saw a thin trail of smoke rising from the largest building. A red glare showed in the thatch as a tongue of flame burst through and quickly spread.