‘In two days’ time Bannus and his forces will be camping outside Fort Bushir. Although we don’t know their precise strength yet our scouts report that we are badly outnumbered.Worse still, Bannus and his men have been armed by the Parthians who have also sent him a contingent of their horse-archers. I’ve sent messengers to the garrison in Jerusalem and the procurator in Caesarea. I doubt whether there will be enough troops to spare to send any to reinforce us. Worse still, it is not likely that any relief column will be sent from Syria.’

This remark brought on looks of surprise, and a tone of muted anger rippled across the hall. Macro raised a hand to attract their attention.

‘Gentlemen! Quiet . . . The Governor of Syria is facing a substantial threat from Parthia across the frontier. He cannot spare us any men. We are on our own. I will not pretend that the odds look favourable, but we do have some advantages.The enemy must come to us, therefore we can lay a few traps to greet him. Bannus is at the head of a force comprising untrained villagers for the most part. They’ll be brave enough when the time comes but bravery is no match for good training and experience. We also have the benefit of good defences. The walls of Bushir are as strong as they come for a fort this size.Without siege equipment they’ll have to come at us over the walls, and if you’ve ever seen such an assault then you’ll know how costly it can be.’ Macro paused to let his words sink in, then continued. ‘That’s the good news. The bad news is that Bannus cannot afford to fail in his attempt on Bushir. He will throw everything he can at us. We cannot be confident of beating him. But even if we do go down to his army of brigands, we must ensure that the cost of his victory is so high that his men will not be prepared to follow him against any other Roman unit. If we can end this rebellion now, before it can spread, then his defeat is certain, even if we don’t live to see it.

‘Centurion Cato and I have made plans for the coming fight. There’s plenty of work to be done before Bannus arrives. My clerks will bring your orders to you. Dismissed!’

The officers filed out of the hall. Postumus looked at the prefect sourly. ‘What do you want me to do, sir?’

‘I haven’t decided yet.’ Macro smiled.’Since you are so keen to get stuck into the enemy I want you right at the thick of things when it comes to the fight. Now wait for me outside.’

‘Yes, sir.’ Postumus saluted and left the hall.

‘You really want him at your side in a fight?’ muttered Cato. ‘That’s asking for trouble.’