‘What Centurion Macro means to say is that the cohorts need to be trained to prepare for a more demanding role. This victory is only the first of many, and when the Wolves and the Boars next march to war you can be assured they will crush your foes and extend the limits of your glory.’

Macro looked at him open-mouthed, but Verica was smiling again, and seemed to be satisfied at the prospect the young centurion held up to him.

‘Very well then, gentlemen! Later, perhaps, I’ll propose a toast to the continuing success of the partnership between my people and Rome. But here’s Cadminius coming back. The food must be ready - it had better be. Would you two be kind enough to take a place at the table there? I’ll join you in a moment.’

The two centurions bowed their heads and made their way over to the head table.

‘What the fuck was that all about?’ Macro hissed. ‘What are you thinking of? Those two cohorts are for garrison duty, and convoy protection. And that’s bloody well it. They’ll not win him an empire, let alone a proper battle.’

‘Of course not,’ replied Cato. ‘What kind of a fool do you take me for?’

‘But you said-’

‘I said what he wanted to hear, that’s all. He’ll change his mind soon enough, the moment his people start grumbling again. That’s when he’ll want his cohorts as close to him as possible.’

Macro glanced at his young companion. ‘I hope you’re right. I hope you haven’t planted any stupid ideas in his head.’

Cato smiled. ‘Who in their right mind would listen to the advice of someone barely old enough to be considered a man?’

‘Who indeed?’ grumbled Macro.

04 The Eagle and the Wolves

Chapter Fifteen

The kitchen slaves eventually arrived with the food, straining under the weight of the glistening spitted pigs. Cadminius’ shoulders slumped with relief now that his master had stopped tapping his foot and eagerly eyed the steaming hunk of meat and crackling being carved for him. Verica had quit his throne and lay on a couch, Roman style, overlooking the hall, and his most privileged guests were arranged round the remaining three sides. The head table was on a raised platform so that the king and his party would have the best view of the entertainments. Macro and Cato had been given the place of honour to Verica’s right, and the remaining places were taken up by Atrebatan nobles, and a plump Greek merchant with heavily oiled and scented hair. Close to Cato sat Artax, with Cadminius at his side. Their eyes briefly met, and Cato saw the same sullen arrogance in them that Artax had displayed at their first encounter in the depot. Tincommius, relieved from his duties at the entrance, had joined them and sat with the two centurions.