‘I like to let the enemy know what they can expect if they dare to cross my path. There are others at every route into the valley. And we leave some behind every time we raid a village or clash with one of their war parties.’

‘Why?’

Quertus turned to give him a withering look. ‘It’s obvious. It scares the enemy.’

Macro gave a dry laugh. ‘Scares our lads as well.’

‘Then they should stay out of my way.’ Quertus scowled. ‘I don’t need anyone interfering with my work.’

‘Your work? You mean your orders. You’re supposed to be harrassing the enemy, not waging a private war.’

Quertus shrugged and looked ahead. ‘My valley, my rules. As long as I do what the legate wants.’

‘Yes, well, I’m in command now,’ Cato responded warily. ‘Things may change at Bruccium.’

‘We shall see.’

‘And while we’re on the issue, since I am the new prefect, you will call me sir, Centurion Quertus.’

The other man looked at him, scarcely bothering to conceal his contempt as he replied, ‘As you wish, sir.’

Cato felt an icy fist close round his heart. A dark cloud of menace seemed to surround the Thracian officer. Cato was cautious, and not a little afraid. He had no desire to provide this man with an opportunity to get rid of any new rival for control of his men. He decided it would be wise to make Quertus aware of the wider picture.

‘I expect you have taken quite a few casualties since the fort was constructed.’

‘Some. Mostly the weaker men.’

‘Then you’ll be glad to know that a column of replacements will be marching from Glevum to join us in a matter of days.’

Quertus looked at him sharply. ‘More Romans?’

Cato nodded. ‘Legionaries for the most part. Though those that can ride well can replace some of the men you lost, should I decide to do so.’

It was a subtle reminder that the Thracian officer would go back to his unit and surrender the overall command of the garrison to Cato.

‘When we reach the fort I shall expect a full report from you on the period of your command, together with an inventory of supplies and up-to-date strength returns,’ Cato continued. ‘Then I shall want both cohorts paraded for inspection at dawn tomorrow.’

Quertus did not reply and Cato felt himself flush with anger. He cleared his throat and spoke clearly. ‘Did you hear my orders, Centurion?’

‘Yes, sir.’

‘Then be so good as to acknowledge them in future.’

‘Yes, sir,’ Quertus replied flatly. ‘If that’s all, I need to check on my scouts.’

‘I thought you said this valley was your turf,’ Macro commented. ‘That was the point of the men you impaled for the enemy to see. To warn them off.’