Cato nodded. ‘Yes, my lord. I desire peace above all else. A peace in which both Rome and the Celtic people can profit. Peace will come one way or another, but always on Rome’s terms. The longer some other tribes persist in refusing what you and the Atrebatans have come to accept, the longer the suffering on all sides will continue. It’s pointless to resist. No, it’s worse than pointless. It’s immoral to cause suffering to continue when you know you can’t prevail.’

There was a short silence after Cato’s words had been translated. Then Artax spoke quietly.

‘I wonder if it’s immoral for us to be to be forced into such a position in the first place. Why has Rome come to these shores? What need has she of our poor hovels, when she has great cities, and immeasurable wealth of her own. Why does Rome seek to take what little we have?’ Artax glared at him.

‘You may have little now, but join the Empire and you will have more in the future.’ Cato replied.

Artax laughed bitterly. ‘I doubt that Rome is here for our benefit.’

Cato smiled. ‘You’re right, for now. But in the end you might live to see this land a better place, thanks to Rome.’

Tincommius frowned. ‘But I still don’t understand why Rome would want to come here if there was no profit in it.’

‘Politics!’ said Macro. ‘Bloody politics. Gives the nobs a chance to grab themselves a little glory. They get a nice write-up in the history books, while us rankers get ourselves killed. That’s the way it is.’

‘So it’s all about making Emperor Claudius look good?’

‘Of course.’ Macro looked shocked at the naïvety of the British prince. ‘Besides,’ he continued, wagging his finger, ‘what makes you think it’s any different over here? That’s what all war is about - making some bastard or other look good. Now, where’s the bloody beer gone? Slave! Come here!’

While Macro waited for his horn to be filled up Cato quickly changed the subject.

‘My lord, when do we get to see this mysterious entertainment you’ve arranged for us?’

‘Patience, Centurion! First we must eat.’ Verica nodded towards some of the noblemen’s wives talking loudly at one of the nearest feasting tables. ‘I doubt some of the more sensitive stomachs would care to continue eating when they see what I have in store for them.’