And what then? He had little clear idea of what they would do with their lives after that. Once, he had thought they could return to the small farm on Leucas and continue the life they had lived before their little world was torn apart. Now that he was nearly two years older and more experienced, Marcus knew that could never happen. The farm had been taken by Decimus to cover the family’s debts, so he and his mother would have to build a new life somewhere else. In many ways it would be for the best. It was impossible to have his old life back. The farm would be filled with painful memories, a constant reminder of what had been lost — the idyllic innocence of a childhood protected by two adults who loved him. All of that was gone now, and could never be recovered.

‘The four legions assigned to me are in camp close to Ariminum,’ said Caesar, drawing Marcus’s attention back to the present. ‘They are still preparing for the coming campaign; training recruits to bring their numbers up to full strength. I’ll use the veterans for the job. They're good men. More than a match for the rabble skulking in the mountains. Ten cohorts should be enough to defeat Brixus.’

‘Ten cohorts?’ Clodius cocked an eyebrow. ‘No more than five thousand men? Are you sure that’s sufficient?’

‘Of course.’ Caesar flicked his hand dismissively, as if swat-ting an insect. ‘It will all be over very quickly. The survivors will be taken to Rome, along with Brixus — or his body - and I shall make sure to reap my reward. The mob will cheer me, and Cato will have to swallow that stubborn arrogance of his and join in the applause. I can hardly wait to see his face.’

‘Then let us hope that you will not have to report a defeat when you next face the Senate.’

‘Defeat?’ Caesar looked astonished. ‘That’s unthinkable Impossible.’

‘I hope so. When do you intend to leave for Ariminum?’

‘At once. I’ll take the Flaminian Way. It’s the most direct route.’

‘That’s true,’ said Clodius. ‘But is it wise? It’ll be hard going at this time of year, and you will be crossing the mountains where these rebels are hiding out.’

‘I imagine they will be hiding in their caves, huddled over their fires. I shall be safe enough and besides I cannot afford any delay. The sooner the matter is dealt with the sooner I can turn my attention to far more important victories and conquests. I will leave at dawn. Festus!’

The leader of his bodyguard stepped forward and bowed his head. ‘Yes, master.’

'I shall take you and six of your best men.’ Caesar’s gaze flickered towards Marcus. 'And you, young man. I suspect I shall need to call on your knowledge and skills once again. After all, you trained alongside gladiators. You know how they think, and you know how they fight. Yes, I am sure you will be very useful.’ He turned back to Festus. ‘I’ll also need my scribe, Lupus. See that it is all arranged.’