‘And now I need a new garrison commander. The duty should not be too onerous for you while you recuperate.’

‘Me, sir? In command of the depot?’ Now Macro’s surprise was more pronounced. Then the prospect of his first independent command filled him with a warm glow of pride. ‘Thank you, sir. Yes, I’d be happy - honoured - to do the job.’

‘It’s an order, Macro,’ Vespasian replied drily, ‘not an invitation.’

‘Oh, right.’

‘There’s more.’ The legate paused a moment. ‘I need you and Centurion Cato to train a small force for the king here in Calleva. A couple of cohorts is what I have in mind.’

‘Two cohorts?’ Cato’s eyebrows rose in surprise. ‘That’s over nine hundred men. Where are we going to find them, sir? I doubt there’s enough men of the quality we need here in Calleva.’

‘Then have Verica spread the word. I doubt you’ll be short of volunteers in the current situation. Once they come forward, you pick them, train them in our way of waging war, and then you will serve as their commanders, personally responsible to Verica.’

Macro chewed his lip.

‘Do you think that’s wise, sir? Arming the Atrebatans? In any case, I thought the general’s policy was to disarm the tribes. Even those allied to us.’

‘It is his policy,’ Vespasian admitted, ‘but the situation’s changed. I can’t afford to spare any more men to protect Calleva, or to deal with these raids on our supply columns. I’ve no choice but to use the Atrebatans. So you start training them as soon as possible. I have to return to the legion today. I’ve sent word of my plans to General Plautius and asked him for permission to equip Verica’s men from our stores here in the depot. Train them, and feed them, but don’t arm them until you get word from the general. Understand?’

‘Yes, sir,’ said Macro.

‘Do you think you can do it?’

Macro raised his eyebrows and gently rocked his head from side to side. ‘I should think we can make something of them, sir. Can’t promise to supply you with front-line troops.’