‘Talk?’ Bannus smiled. ‘What about? The weather? The price of corn? The withdrawal of Rome from Judaea?’

Cato ignored the sarcasm and pointed to a small wine shop on the far side of the forum.’In there, in case we are seen together by any of the chamberlain’s men.’

They made their way over to the wine shop in silence and sat on stools on opposite sides of a small table.

‘Allow me,’ said Bannus and ordered a jar of wine, before he turned back to Cato. ‘So, talk.’

‘Your revolt is over.Your army has been crushed and the survivors have returned to their villages.’

‘I failed this time,’ Bannus admitted. ‘But there will be another rebellion. As long as the presence of Rome corrupts our land there will always be rebellion.’

Cato’s heart sank. ‘But you cannot prevail against Rome.Your men are no match for the legions, you must know that.’

‘That is why I made a treaty with Parthia.’ Bannus smiled. ‘I think even a Roman must have heard what happened to the army of Crassus at Carrhae. Or don’t they mention that in your histories?’

‘They mention it.’

‘Then you must know that Parthia is more than a match for Rome on the battlefields of the east.’

‘Perhaps. But if Parthia prevails, do you imagine for a moment that they would let Judaea exist as an independent state, despite what they may have promised you?’

Bannus shrugged. ‘If they try to impose their rule on us we will rebel against them as we have against Rome.’

‘And be defeated again.’ Cato shook his head. ‘Can’t you see? Judaea is fated to be a vassal of one empire or another. Like many other states. Most of them have found their place in our world and are prosperous and peaceful enough. Why should that not be true of Judaea?’

‘You’ve spent too long in the company of that traitor, Symeon.’ Bannus sneered. ‘Just because it is true of other provinces does not justify imposing your rule on us. We are different, and we want our sovereignty back. Until that happens, there can be no peace.’

Cato stared back at him in silence for a while. Inside he felt the ache of despair. Bannus was a fanatic. There was no reasoning with such men. He decided to change the subject. ‘Very well. I understand your position. But it will take time to build another army. So what is the point of keeping the boy,Yusef ? He has served his purpose.You no longer need a hostage.’

‘Yusef stays with me.’

‘Why?’

‘He is the son of the founder of our movement. He needs to be made aware of his heritage. In time he can serve as my lieutenant.With him at my side, and with the relics of his father in my hands, we will be able to win back those who have forgotten the true way.’

‘You mean Miriam and her people?’