Tincommius listened a moment, then waved a hand dismissively as he stepped back behind the wicker screens. The gap closed, an order was shouted and the line moved forward towards the gate.

Cato turned away from the gate and hurried back to the Wolf standard.

‘What did the traitor want, sir?’ asked Mandrax.

‘Told us to surrender. He’ll let the Romans leave unharmed if we let him have Calleva.’

‘What did Centurion Macro say?’

‘You heard him.’ Cato blew a loud raspberry and the men around him roared with laughter. One even went as far as slapping the young centurion on the back. Cato indulged their mood for a moment before he gave his orders. He took a quick glance at the small knots of men dispersed along the ramparts and made a quick calculation.

‘I want one man every thirty paces. When the main gate falls, everyone makes for the depot. Macro wants us all there. That’s where we’ll make a stand.’

‘Our last stand?’ asked one of the warriors, an older man. Cato noticed the wedding torc on the man’s wrist and guessed that he must have family.

‘I hope not. The tribune has gone for help. We may have to hold out a few days before a relief force arrives.’ Cato nodded. ‘We can do it.’

The man gave him an uncertain smile, then looked down and gently stroked his torc. Cato stared at him a moment, moved by the gesture.

‘I don’t recognise you. You must have been with the Boars. What’s your name?’

‘Veragus, sir.’

‘You don’t want to fight with us, Veragus?’

The man looked round at his comrades, searching their expressions for any sign of contempt, then he slowly nodded. Cato gently placed a hand on his shoulder. Although he needed every man who could hold a weapon to the enemy, he also needed to be sure that any man who fought at his side would stay there, and not run.

‘All right then, go and join your family. There’s no place here for any man whose heart is not in this. We may well be dead before the day is over, and I don’t want any more blood on my hands than is necessary. Mandrax!’

‘Sir?’

‘Pass the message on. Volunteers only back at the depot. Any more like Veragus can drop their weapons and equipment and get back to their families. Tell them they have my permission and wish them luck. They’ll need it soon enough if Tincommius seizes the throne.’

Mandrax trotted off along the rampart to pass Cato’s orders on. There was an awkward silence as the remaining men and their centurion faced Veragus. The Briton fought back tears of shame and thrust his hand out towards Cato. The centurion took the man’s hand and grasped it firmly.

‘It’s all right,’ Cato said softly. ‘I understand. Now go. Take what time is left to you.’