‘Centurion Macro,’ Longinus interrupted, then feigned a look of embarrassment. ‘I do beg your pardon. Prefect. I think it would be best if we spoke openly. There’s nothing to hide any more. I think you should begin by explaining exactly what you are doing here in Judaea.’

Macro swallowed. ‘All right then, sir. Since you want it straight. Narcissus had obtained information that you were planning to provoke a revolt in the east in order to gain reinforcements for your army.The same source then said you were intending to use your enlarged army to depose the Emperor and claim the purple for yourself.’

There was a long silence before Longinus produced an amused expression. ‘What an astonishing notion. I rather think someone must have been playing a joke on our friend Narcissus.’

‘Then he’s not seeing the funny side of it, sir. That’s why we were sent out here. To see if that’s what you are planning to do.’

‘And what is your conclusion?’

Macro cleared his throat. He had not felt so nervous in a long time. ‘From what we’ve seen so far, I’d say that your conduct would seem to support the accusations being made against you.’

‘Would you now?’ Longinus responded tonelessly. ‘If that’s what you think, then you’d better be able to justify your conclusions. Because if you can’t then you’re going to make Narcissus look a fool. In that case I would not like to be in your boots. So what evidence have you got against me, Macro?’ Before Macro could respond Longinus held up his hand to silence him, and continued. ‘Let me tell you what you have got. Nothing. Nothing more than suspicion and coincidence.There are no documents to back up your version of events. And no witnesses.’

‘No?’ Macro smiled.’What about Postumus there? I’m sure that Narcissus has men who are more than capable of getting information out of him.’

‘Assuming he was still around to be interrogated.’ Longinus smiled back, and then glanced towards Postumus. ‘I mean, of course, that he might flee, or go into hiding before he could be questioned.’

‘I’m sure that’s what you meant,’ said Macro.’After all, you wouldn’t want to dispose of such a loyal servant.’

‘Quite. So where does that leave us?’

There was another silence as Macro pondered the question. There was no firm evidence against the Governor and everyone in the room knew it. Just as they knew it was clear that he had been plotting against the Emperor. It was Cato who spoke first.

‘What if we accept for the moment that Narcissus cannot move against you?’

Longinus raised his eyebrows. ‘What if we do?’