‘Keep your mind on the reward,’ Cato said gently. He looked at the body of the young Silurian. ‘There’s no point staying here.’

Macro nodded. ‘Conversation’s a bit limited. Just hope we find some live ones soon, and on our side. All this mist and quiet is starting to piss me off.’

Cato smiled. ‘What better reason to get moving?’

He clicked his tongue and steered his horse on to the path, giving the body a wide berth, and Macro and Decimus urged their mounts to fall into place behind the prefect. Decimus tugged on the rope tied to the mules and with a muted bray they followed on. The prisoner mumbled some prayers to his gods as they continued into the mist. The track descended another mile to the valley floor. Gradually the grey shroud began to lift a little and they could make out the loom of the forested slopes on either side. It was Decimus who noticed first, and he used his crop on the mule’s back to urge it closer to the two officers.

‘Sir, there’s someone behind us.’

Cato and Macro slowed to a stop and turned in their saddles. For a moment all three looked back, ears straining. Then Macro sighed heavily.

‘You’re imagining things, Decimus. Your only danger in this place is the prospect of frightening yourself to death.’

Decimus shook his head. ‘Shhh! Just listen.’

‘What do you think you heard?’ asked Cato, after a brief silence.

‘A horse . . . Horses. I’m sure of it, sir.’

‘Well, I can’t hear anything.’

‘Like I said,’ Macro sniffed contemptuously, ‘he’s jumping at shadows.’

A faint whinny sounded some distance behind them. All three froze, and Cato felt an icy tingle spread across his scalp.

‘Shadows, eh?’ Decimus muttered. ‘I told you, sir. What do we do? Run for it? Find somewhere to hide? If they catch us, then they’ll be sure to do to us what Quertus did to their mates. Or worse.’

Macro glanced at him and cocked an eyebrow. ‘Worse? I think I must have underestimated your imagination . . . Should we turn and face ’em?’

‘No. We’ve no idea of their number. Best to keep moving and let them think we’re not on to them yet. Decimus, keep your ears open. If they sound like they’re getting closer, tell me at once. We’ll look for cover as we go. We can’t be too far from Bruccium now. Might even run into a patrol. Let’s go.’