Macro noticed a small group of horsemen riding across towards them. At their head was Symeon, and as they approached and reined in Macro recognized Murad amongst his companions and they exchanged a smile. Symeon slid down from his mount and grasped Macro’s arms and planted a kiss on each of his cheeks.

‘Prefect. Thanks be to Yahweh that you are safe! You too, Centurion Cato.’ Symeon gestured towards the riders sweeping across the desert after the enemy. ‘Apologies for not arriving sooner, but we made the best time we could.’

‘Who are all these men?’ Macro asked. ‘I was expecting some help, not a bloody army.’

‘Those men work for the caravan cartels. Caravan escorts. Mostly mercenaries, but good men.’

‘They certainly seem to be taking satisfaction in their work. How did you get hold of so many of them?’

‘My friends gave their word to repay you for saving that caravan.’

‘Well, they’ve certainly returned the favour,’ Macro responded. ‘Now we have to find Bannus, make sure that he’s taken alive if he isn’t dead already. He needs to be made an example of.’

‘Bannus?’ Symeon turned and pointed down the road towards Heshaba. ‘I saw a party of horsemen ride that way as we attacked. Perhaps twenty or thirty. Most were Parthians. He could have been with them.’

‘More than likely,’ Macro replied. ‘I’ll have to go after him.’

‘Ride with us,’ Symeon offered. ‘We know the lie of the land. You’ll not get far on your own. No Roman would. Besides, I have my own business to settle with Bannus.’

Macro thought for a moment.’All right then. But first tell your men they can quarter in the fort if they wish.We can feed and water them. I’ll leave Centurion Parmenion in command, and give him orders to look after your men. He can also have our hostages released. We’ve no further need of them now. Wait here. Cato!’

‘Yes, sir?’

‘Find us two good mounts, and suitable kit and provisions for hunting down Bannus.’

‘Yes, sir.’ Cato looked at him with an anxious expression.

‘What’s the matter?’

‘It’s that village that worries me, sir. The one that sheltered me and Symeon.’

‘What about it?’

‘Symeon said Bannus was heading in that direction, and he’ll need to water his horses, and find provisions himself, before he goes any further. Bannus is a desperate man. In his current frame of mind who knows what he’ll do when he gets there?’

‘Well, we’ll find out soon enough,’ Macro responded soberly. ‘Now, let’s not waste any more time.’

He turned and strode back towards the fort.