Cato desperately thought about his response. If he estimated too many then Macro would be seen as complacent at best and a liar at worst. If Cato underestimated their number then the tribune would report back to General Plautius that the Roman alliance with the Atrebatans was safe. If it turned out not to be safe . . .

‘How many?’

‘It’s difficult to say, sir. With Verica taking a hard line on those who oppose him, they’re hardly making themselves obvious.’

‘Is there any cause for concern?’ asked Quintillus, and then added a qualification. ‘Is there anything else you think I need to tell the general?’

‘In my judgement, it is as Centurion Macro has said, sir. We can contain the problem for now. But if the situation changes, if Verica dies, or we meet with any serious defeat and Verica is deposed, who knows? The man chosen to succeed him by the king’s council might not stay loyal to Rome.’

‘Is that likely?’

‘It’s possible.’

‘I see.’ Tribune Quintillus leaned back in his chair, gazing at the beaten earth floor between his feet. He rasped a thumb along the stubble under his chin as he considered the situation. At length, just as Macro began to shift in his seat, the tribune looked up.

‘Gentlemen, I’ll be honest with you. The situation is causing me more concern than I thought it would. The general’s not going to be a happy man when he reads my report. Right now, the four legions are disposed along a wide front, trying to hold on to Caratacus until we can fix him, and close for the kill. Behind the legions we’ve got lines of communication stretching right back to Rutupiae. Most of them pass through Atrebatan land. We’re already having a hard enough time keeping the enemy’s raiding columns at bay. If the Atrebatans go over to Caratacus, then the show’s over. General Plautius will be forced to retreat all the way back to the fortress on the Tamesis. It would take us years to recover the ground. In that time Caratacus will be sure to make good use of our setback; the tribes would flock to his side. Given enough men, even though they’re Celts, Caratacus might just defeat our legions.’ Quintillus looked at Cato and Macro. ‘You appreciate the seriousness of the position?’

‘We’re not idiots, sir,’ Macro replied. ‘Of course we know the score. Right, Cato?’

‘Yes.’

Quintillus gave a faint nod as he seemed to make a decision. ‘Then you’ll understand the general’s thinking when I tell you that he has granted me full procuratorial powers over this kingdom, and I’m to exercise them the moment I perceive any danger to the legions’ supply lines.’

‘You’re not serious, sir?’ Cato shook his head. ‘Annexation? The Atrebatans would never stand for it.’