Cato nodded, and slipped down on to the ground. He staggered a moment on his tired legs and then began to count off the survivors at the breastwork, and the handful of men still standing in reserve.

‘They’re coming back!’ shouted a legionary, and Cato ran to take up his position. In the fading light dim figures could be seen making their way through the gateway into the enclosure.

‘One last effort, boys!’ Macro called out, even his voice cracking under the strain.

Each defender tightened his grip on shield and spear and steeled himself for a final struggle. Then Cato laughed - a high-pitched nervous sound - and he lowered his spear and leaned forward to rest his elbows on the breastwork.

Striding through the gate was a broad man with a red cloak. The sun gleamed on his highly polished helmet, and above the helmet curved a brilliant red crest. The man barked an order and a screen of troops fanned out on either side of the gate, and cautiously picked their way across the enclosure towards the hall. As they approached Cato’s keen eyes recognised the officer.

‘It’s Centurion Hortensius!’ Cato laughed with nervous relief.

Hortensius marched up towards them, smacking his vine cane into the palm of his spare hand.

‘Macro and Cato,’ he called. ‘I might have guessed. Only you two could have ended up in a fucking mess like this!’

04 The Eagle and the Wolves

Chapter Thirty-Eight

Once Vespasian had sent off the scouts to make sure that the Durotrigans were keeping clear of Calleva, he led the relief column in through the blackened frame of the town’s main gate. The legate immediately made for the depot, and the charred ruin of the headquarters block and the grisly remains of the hospital. Although the Durotrigans had razed the Roman buildings to the ground they had at least left the supplies largely untouched. No doubt they had intended to gorge themselves and carry off what they could, but the sudden arrival of the legate and his six cohorts had caused the Durotrigans to panic and flee the Atrebatan capital empty-handed.

Vespasian gave orders to begin repairs to the depot’s defences and then, with tribune Quintillus at his side, they rode off to join Hortensius’ cohort, which had been sent on ahead to secure the royal enclosure. As soon as he caught sight of Macro and Cato the legate had demanded to know the full story.

‘No,’ Vespasian decided, as he glanced round the shadows lengthening across the scattered bodies in the royal enclosure. ‘It’s out of the question. There’s too much to be done here. We’re staying.’

Cato exchanged an anxious look with Macro. Surely the legate would see the danger?

‘Sir, we can’t stay,’ said Cato.