‘True. But why not mention it in this report?’

‘That was written before Verica had the traitors killed.’

‘Very well,’ Quintillus conceded. ‘Can’t fault you on that one.’

‘No, sir.’

‘So what has been the situation since then?’

‘It’s calm enough. A bit of tension on the streets, but that’s it.’

‘And it would be safe to say that King Verica is secure on his throne?’

‘I’d say so.’ Macro glanced at Cato. ‘Wouldn’t you?’

Cato gave the faintest of nods and Macro glared angrily at him.

‘Centurion Cato would seem to have a slightly different view of matters,’ Quintillus suggested quietly.

‘Centurion Cato is not very experienced, sir.’

‘I can see that.’

Cato blushed.

‘Yet it would be useful to have a second opinion, just for clarity.’ The tribune gestured towards Cato. ‘Well?’

Cato felt a black wave of anxiety and depression engulf him. He must answer the tribune, yet his loyalty to Macro meant that he must not be seen to undermine his friend’s version of events. He cursed his comrade’s touchiness. Cato was no more enamoured of aristocratic hauteur than Macro, but having been raised in the imperial palace at least he was used to it and had found a way to cope with such arrogance. Much as Macro might want to enjoy his independent command far from the view of senior officers, Cato knew that it would be dangerous to underplay the political difficulties facing Verica. Moreover, being somewhat more speculative than Macro he could see the wider strategic implications faced by Rome. If the Atrebatans turned against Rome then not only would the current campaign be lost, but the conquest of Britain might well have to be abandoned. The shameful consequences of such an outcome would threaten the Emperor himself. Cato drew himself back from speculation to focus on the present. Much as Cato might be aware of the wider issues Macro was in trouble here and now, and needed his support.

‘Centurion Macro is right, sir . . .’

Macro rested his hands on his knees and eased himself back into his chair, trying hard not to smile.

‘He’s right,’ Cato repeated thoughtfully. ‘But it would be wise if we considered the possibility of some kind of trouble brewing up. After all, the king is an old man. Old men have a predilection for mortality, unassisted or otherwise . . .’

The tribune chuckled. ‘And are you aware of any potential assistants in the field - besides Caratacus and the Durotrigans?’

‘The families of the men he executed would have motive enough, sir.’

‘Anyone else?’

‘Just the malcontents Macro was talking about.’

‘How many of them would you say there were, Centurion?’