‘More than enough to doubt the reports given out by the procurator. That’s why he sent us here. Narcissus wants the situation assessed with fresh eyes.We’ve already spoken to the procurator, and I think you’re right about him. He simply can’t afford to see things as they are. His staff are well aware of what is going on, but know that Alexander isn’t best pleased by any views that contradict his official line. That’s why we needed to see you. As Narcissus’ chief intelligence agent in the region, you would seem to be the best person to speak to.’

There was a brief, tense silence before Florianus nodded his head slightly. ‘That’s right. I assume that you made no mention of this to the procurator.’

‘What do you take us for?’ Macro said flatly.

‘No disrespect, Centurion, but I have to guard my true role here very carefully. If the Judaean resistance movements got wind of it, I’d be food for the vultures before the day was out. Only after they’d tortured me to get hold of the names of my agents, of course. So you can see why I have to be sure that my secret is quite safe.’

‘It’s safe with us,’ Cato reassured him. ‘Quite safe. Otherwise Narcissus would never have told us.’

Florianus nodded. ‘True . . .Very well then, what can I do for you?’

Now that the air had been cleared Cato could speak freely. ‘Since much of the information Narcissus has gathered comes from your network you’ll be familiar with his most obvious concerns. The most dangerous threat comes from Parthia.’

‘And there’s nothing new there,’ Macro added. ‘As long as Rome has had an interest in the east we’ve been facing those bastards.’

‘Yes,’ Cato continued, ‘that’s right. But the desert forms a natural obstacle between Parthia and Rome. It’s allowed us to have some kind of peace along that frontier for nearly a hundred years now. However, the old rivalry remains, and now it seems that the Parthians are playing politics in Palmyra.’

‘So I’ve heard.’ Florianus scratched his cheek. ‘I have a merchant on the payroll who runs a caravan to the city. He tells me that the Parthians are trying to stir up trouble between members of the royal household at Palmyra. It’s rumoured they’ve promised the crown to Prince Artaxas if he agrees to become an ally of Parthia. He’s denying it of course and the King dare not have him removed without hard evidence, in case he panics the other princes.’