‘So long as they make Verica and his people feel safe, and make those damn Durotrigans think twice before they attack our convoys. Above all, make sure that no harm comes to Verica. If he is deposed, or dies, the Atrebatans might turn against us. If that happens . . . we may have to abandon the conquest of this island. You can imagine how well that will go down in Rome. The Emperor will not be pleased with us.’ Vespasian stared at the two centurions to underline the significance of his warning. If Britain was lost, then there would be no mercy shown to the officers most directly accountable: the legate of the Second Legion and the two centurions he had entrusted with defending Calleva and protecting the Atrebatan king. ‘So keep Verica alive, gentlemen. That’s all I ask of you. Do a decent job and then you two can get back to the legion the moment you’re fit enough.’

‘Yes, sir.’

‘Now then,’ Vespasian pushed his platter to one side and rose from his stool, ‘I’ve got a few things left to do before heading back to the legion. I want you to move into these quarters and take command of the garrison right away. As for the other matter, you’ll need to go to the royal enclosure and see one of Verica’s advisors. Tincommius is his name. Tell him what you need and he’ll make the appropriate arrangements. He seems reliable enough. Right then, I’ll see you two when I can. Good luck.’

Once Vespasian had left the room Macro and Cato sat down at the table.

‘I don’t like it,’ said Cato. ‘Legate’s taking a risk arming these natives. How loyal to Verica will they be? How far can we trust them? You’ve seen what they’re like in the streets. There’s no love lost for Rome there.’

‘True. But even less lost for the Durotrigans. Cato, think about it. We’ve got a chance to create and command our own army!’

‘It’ll be Verica’s army, not ours.’

‘His in name only, by the time I’ve finished with them.’

Cato saw the excited gleam in his friend’s eyes, and knew it was pointless to try to contradict him for the present. He could foresee that training native levies was going to be more of a challenge than training recruits to the legions. There were so many factors to consider, language not the least of them. He had picked up a basic grasp of Celtic during the months spent in Calleva, but Cato knew he would have to improve on that as quickly as possible if he were to make himself understood to native levies. In one thing Macro was right: it was an exciting opportunity. They could quit the hospital and take the first tentative steps back towards proper soldiering.

04 The Eagle and the Wolves

Chapter Six