‘We shall never see his like again.’ Labienus agreed. ‘For which I can only offer my thanks to the Gods.’

Once again Marcus felt the danger of his situation, and the lure of his father’s legacy. If only these Romans knew the truth...

Labienus continued. ‘I just wish those troublemakers in the mountains realized it and put an end to their rebellion. Anyway, they will be dealt with in due course. What was that you said a moment ago, about Cicero and a trap?’

‘That’s why I have arrived earlier than expected. I am required to put down Brixus’s revolt, and eliminate what remains of Spartacus’s followers. The task must be complete before I am permitted to begin any campaigns in Gaul. It’s not going to be easy. I had a taste of what we’re up against on the road from Rome. We were ambushed in the mountains and lucky to escape with our skins. I lost one of my men, another was wounded, and my scribe was killed as well.’ He paused and turned to Marcus. ‘You know how to read and write?’

Marcus had received a sound basic education and nodded. ‘Well enough, sir.’

‘Then you will take Lupus’s place for now. You can do that alongside being a member of the bodyguard, and my expert on gladiators.’

‘Yes, sir,’ Marcus replied with a flush of pride.

‘Good.’ Caesar patted him. ‘Then see to it that you find what you need for the job from the headquarters staff. If anyone questions you, say that you are acting on my orders.’

‘What are your plans for Brixus?’ Labienus asked.

‘I’ll take the best soldiers you have. You’ll remain in command here with the rest of the men, preparing the recruits for Gaul. I’ll divide my force in two. The commander of the Ninth legion, Balbus, will march his men south to Corfinium, and then work his way north, clearing out each valley as he advances. I’ll start from the other end of the Apennines and work towards him. We’ll roll them up and crush them between us. I expect it will not take much more than a month.’

‘I see,’ Labienus mused. ‘When do you intend to begin?’

‘In two days’ time. I want the two columns equipped and provisioned for a month. They’ll need to march quickly when we enter the mountains so I can’t afford any heavy baggage. Just enough to feed them for a few days at a time. The rest of the supplies will have to be stockpiled in the towns running down the edge of the mountains. You’ll need to see to that.’

‘Two days?’ Labienus puffed his cheeks. ‘Yes, it can be done.’

‘Can be done?’ Caesar frowned. ‘Labienus, it will be done.’

‘Yes, sir.’

‘Then you can give the necessary orders at once. Oh, one more thing. You have a new tribune serving in the Ninth by the name of Quintus Pompeius, the nephew of Pompeius.’

‘That’s right.’

‘I take it he’s billeted in the town?’