‘We received orders from Ostorius two days ago to march into Silurian territory. It seems that the governor has lost contact with Caratacus’s army and his patrols can find no trace of him. He’s either made his way north to link up with his Brigantian allies, or he’s marched south. That’s what Ostorius wants me to find out.’

‘He went south, sir. He’s besieging Bruccium. That’s what I have come to report. That and the loss of the column sent to reinforce me.’

Quintatus stared at him. ‘What’s that? And what of the escort? Tribune Mancinus?’

‘All lost, sir.’

‘Impossible!’

‘They were ambushed in the pass near the fort. I took some of my cavalry out to try and cut a way through for Mancinus’s men, but we were caught in the trap along with them. I only just managed to get out with the standards, sir.’

‘They’re safe? Well, that’s something. But, by the gods, I’ve lost nigh on a thousand men.’

‘And you’ll lose the fort as well, sir, unless you bring your column up at once.’

Quintatus thought for a moment. ‘The fort is a side issue. The real opportunity is to catch up with Caratacus and force him to give battle. Failing that, I can hang on to his heels until Ostorius arrives with his army and we can catch and crush him between us.’ His eyes gleamed at the prospect. Then he regarded Cato again. ‘Are you certain that it is Caratacus and that he has his entire army with him?’

‘It’s him all right, sir. I’ve seen him before. I recognise him well enough. And there are at least ten thousand men with him.’

‘Then it must be true. But why would he want to take Bruccium?’

‘Two reasons, sir. Firstly, the Thracians have been carving up Silurian territory for the last few months.’

‘That will be the work of Centurion Quertus.’ The legate nodded. ‘A fine officer, that.’

Cato pursed his lips briefly. ‘His methods were . . . unusual, but it seems they helped to provoke Caratacus into action.’

‘I assume that you are claiming the lion’s share of the credit for that?’

‘I would never claim any credit for the work of Quertus, I assure you, sir. But the reason Caratacus came after the garrison was more likely down to the fact that we captured his brother, Maridius. He is our prisoner at the fort.’

The legate smiled. ‘You have been busy, Prefect. It appears that you and Centurion Quertus have done very well indeed. I am sure that the governor will be the first to reward you both handsomely if this results in the defeat of Caratacus. Of course, Ostorius will be the main beneficiary. The Emperor will give him a public ovation at the very least. A suitable triumph for a long career in the service of Rome.’