‘Quite. And you excelled in that, as you always have before. It was well done, Centurion, and I offer you my personal gratitude.’ The legate smiled warmly. ‘I look forward to seeing you handle your own legionary command, and I dare say Centurion Macro will be keen to get back into the campaign. Both appointments are effective immediately. The cohort suffered rather badly in that last action - lost some good men.’

That was putting it mildly, Cato reflected. To lose two or more centurions in a single, swift skirmish was proof of how desperate the fight had been. At once his heart thrilled to the prospect of being given his own century. Better still, he would serve in the same cohort as Macro. Then it occurred to Cato that this was the kind of information that Vespasian would have preferred to give to both men in person. So why was he here alone?

‘Well, Centurion?’ Quintillus raised his eyebrows. ‘Are you not grateful?’

‘He does not need to be grateful,’ Vespasian interrupted quietly. ‘He’s earned it. They both have. Many times over. So please, Quintillus, keep your peace and let me deal with this.’

Here it comes, thought Cato, as Vespasian looked at him with a sympathetic expression.

‘I’d be delighted to have someone of your potential serving as one of my line officers. That does mean, of course, that you will have to relinquish command of your native unit. You understand?’

‘Yes, sir.’

‘In addition,’ said Quintillus, ‘the legate and I have decided that, in view of recent events, the Atrebatans must be disarmed.’

‘Disarmed, sir? My men?’

‘All of them,’ Quintillus confirmed. ‘Especially your men. Can’t have a gang of disgruntled locals armed with swords wandering around, can we?’

‘No, sir,’ Cato said coldly. To call the Wolves a gang was almost as much as he could take. ‘I suppose not. Not after all they’ve done to save our necks.’

Quintillus laughed. ‘Careful, Centurion. You mustn’t allow yourself to get too close to these barbarians. And I’d appreciate it if you would show my office the deference it demands in future.’

‘Your office. Yes, sir.’ Cato turned to his legate. ‘Sir, if I may?’

Vespasian nodded.

‘Why not retain the Wolves as an auxiliary unit? They’ve proved themselves in battle. I know there aren’t many left, but they could act as a training cadre for others.’

‘No,’ Vespasian said firmly. ‘I’m sorry, Centurion. But those are the general’s orders. We can’t afford to have any doubts about the loyalty of the men serving alongside the legions. The stakes are too high. It’s over. They’re to be disbanded and disarmed at once.’

The emphasis on the last two words struck Cato forcibly. ‘What do you mean, sir?’

‘They’re outside, behind the tents. I had them sent for before you were summoned. I want you to give them the news.