‘Bet that’s what Abgarus is thinking,’ Caecilius said. ‘My lord,’ he added after a pause.

‘Do we gamble on being let in?’ Arrian asked. ‘Send a small force ahead, marching with just the essentials? If they are let in, then all is well. If not they pull back to the main force coming on at its own pace,’

‘Perhaps,’ Crispinus said. ‘Or we send a few hundred riding ahead in the hope Azátē’s people let us in, and a thousand force-marching to try a quick assault if that fails. That way we have tried everything, and will still be able to do things the hard way once the main column arrives.’

They pondered that for a while. Crispinus was scanning their faces, and noticed Caecilius doing the same.

‘But—’ Rufus began.

‘Lad,’ Caecilius interrupted, ‘there are so many buts that I don’t know where to start.’ He turned to Crispinus and nodded. ‘But it is early days, and we don’t know enough yet.’

‘Precisely. That is why I have held this consilium. I want you all thinking. We have to prepare for what may happen, and that means planning, training the men and getting everything ready. Arrian, I want you to think about transport.’ The tribune rolled his eyes. ‘Yes, I know that’s a tough one.’ Crispinus allocated tasks to several of the others. ‘Primus,’ he said, hoping the informality would reinforce the man’s apparent goodwill, ‘you get the technical side – engines, equipment, crews and all the other things you’ll know about. If you need to spend or requisition, then do – and take your pick of the men. Rufus, here, will be your right hand. He can add up, which is more than can be said for half of us, and knows a thing or two about machinery.’ Caecilius grunted, which could mean anything. ‘Well, there is plenty for us all to do, so let us get to work!’

As they left, Rufus struggled to keep pace with the primus pilus’ bustling walk. He had the sense not to say anything and waited for the old man to speak if he wanted. They were almost at the fabricae when Caecilius broke his silence. ‘Well, lad, what do you think?’ He did not look at the young centurion and kept striding ahead.

Rufus hesitated, wondering whether to feign confidence before deciding to be honest. ‘Tell you the truth, sir, I’m worried.’

Caecilius stopped so abruptly that the other man stepped past him. He was a big man, with a sense of power that belied his advanced years, and as he put a hand on each of Rufus’ shoulders it felt as if only a little pressure would drive him into the ground.

‘Are you, lad? Well, that’s a good start.’

V

Outside Nicopolis

Eleventh day before the Kalends of April

FEROX DID NOT much care for cities, even though he had spent a lot of time in them over the years. He had seen Rome when he was young, and after that none ever quite matched the noise, the crowds, the grand buildings and the stench and squalor. A lot of them tried very hard with the stench and the squalor though.