‘At least our hosts are expecting us,’ Arrian whispered, leaning down in the saddle to talk to Ferox. ‘Be such a shame if we had come on the wrong day.’

If anything there seemed to be more men outside the walls than on the days before, although as the rising sun was in their eyes it was hard to be sure. Ferox could see a dense block of men on the bridge itself and hundreds of individuals and little groups in front of the ditch. He wondered whether the Nicopolitans had thought to put ladders or ropes on the inner side to make it easier for these men to retreat if the Romans pressed them.

‘Holy Isis, is that what I think it is?’ Arrian was almost bouncing in the saddle in sheer exuberance. He had looped the reins around his arm and was shading his eyes with both hands. ‘It is, it truly is! Look, Ferox, look!’ The closest Brigantes were grinning at the sight of an officer acting like an excited little boy. ‘Do you see, Ferox, do you see? It’s a phalanx, as I live and breathe, a real phalanx!’ The defenders on the bridge carried immensely long spears. Ferox guessed that they were almost twenty foot long.

‘Sarissae! Ferox, can you see them? What a thing this is!’

‘All well, tribune?’ In his sheer joy Arrian had not noticed Crispinus trotting up or Ferox’s expressions of warning. ‘You seem happy?’

‘I am, my lord, I really am. To see such a thing. A Macedonian phalanx! Alexander conquered the world with men like that.’ More and more heads were turning, even from the rear ranks of the closest centuries. The optiones stationed behind each formation barked at men to face front.

‘As I recall, the legions then chopped those same phalanxes into bloody ruin.’ Crispinus was making use of his orator’s training to make his words carry. ‘Just as we shall today.’

‘Of course, of course, my lord, no doubt about it – but it is a wonder,’ Arrian added wistfully. ‘Still, give the order and we can sweep them away. Should not have any trouble until we reach the ditch.’

‘Perhaps, but that is not our aim for the moment. Remember, the more we kill or take on these plains, then the fewer left to fight from those walls. So there is no sense in rushing things.’

‘Of course, my lord. But it is so tempting. They don’t look much like a proper army.’

Crispinus leaned over theatrically, but made sure that his whisper carried. ‘Don’t let these Britons corrupt you. There is more to battle than getting drunk and then charging.’

Vindex stood by Ferox and gave one of his terrifying grins. ‘Now that’s the way to fight a battle! Saves everyone time.’

‘Barbarians!’ Crispinus told Arrian. ‘Still, I am glad they are on our side today!’ Once again the words carried well.

An arrow, arching high into the air, dropped past the head of the legatus’ horse.