Crispinus stared at the soldiers. Young Felix was blushing a bright red and his right leg was quivering. ‘Disgraceful,’ he said, shaking his head. ‘But the princess was not harmed otherwise?’

‘Her dress fell away, along with her under tunics, but she still had her cloak, and she was screaming in a hearty voice that she would have us all killed. But then the trumpets sounded from the far side of the city and I told her to shut up, and sent Secundus to give the alarm, and told Felix to let go and Priscus to pull himself together and stand to arms. Artemis vanished in all of this, and I told the princess to be silent again or she would feel the back of my hand, because we had to listen out to see if the enemy were attacking over here as well. And she would not keep quiet, so I hit her and she bit me, and… and it was not long after that that your lordship rode up with the reserves.’

‘Indeed I did,’ Cerialis said, because there was nothing else of importance to recount. ‘And the enemy did not attack us in this area, launching their main sallies to the west and against our fort to the north, although that one appears half-hearted at best.’

‘And we threw them back, in no small part thanks to the men sent to our aid from your ala.’ Crispinus smiled at the prefect.

‘Merely following standing orders – your standing orders, my lord.’

‘Then aren’t we both clever. There is damage and loss, but it could all have been far worse. And thanks to the unorthodox conduct of these three soldiers, we also have an exalted and useful guest in our camp – albeit one who has been treated in a style that no royalty would expect. We cannot undo that, and on balance I am willing to overlook your conduct. Nothing will go on your records, but I shall keep my eye on you and expect you to prove your worth when the time comes to storm the city. Is that understood?’

‘Sir,’ the three men chorused.

‘You will not be placed on outpost duty, but I am sure your centurion can find something suitable for your unusual qualities.’ The centurion grinned broadly. ‘Good. Then dismissed.’ The men marched out, their relief palpable.

‘Do you want me to make sure there are no more commercial assignations?’ Cerialis asked.

‘No. But do make sure there is an intelligent officer at that outpost. See if he can find out anything useful about the mood in the city. He has discretion to do this in whatever way seems appropriate for the good of the res publica.’

‘That’s an order you don’t find in any manual,’ Cerialis said happily.

‘And what of this princess? Are we sure that it is Azátē? When can I see her?’

‘She is asleep, my lord, and her girl says that she cannot be disturbed until she has recovered from all her perils. She is in the praetorium.’ Cerialis gave a theatrical cough. ‘And of course I have vacated the place. While her identity cannot be proven, her manner is sufficiently commanding to suggest high birth, and I believe her.’