‘You’ve had your chance,’ Bannus said coldly.’And I’m tired of playing with you. Now it’s time to end this. Goodbye, Symeon.’ The last words were snarled through gritted teeth as he charged at Symeon.There was a flurry of blows and each was parried with a scrape of steel as Symeon found it more and more difficult to defend himself. Then Bannus suddenly jumped to one side and cut down viciously. The edge of his blade cut deep into Symeon’s sword arm and his fingers went limp. The sword dangled a moment then hit the sand with a dull thump.

Symeon did not cry out but bit his teeth together and moaned deep inside his chest. Bannus stood over him, sword raised and a triumphant sneer on his lips.’It’s ended just as I knew it would. Now it’s time for you to join Jehoshua.’ He stepped forward and raised his sword. Cato leaned his head back and shut his eyes. Macro stared ahead with steely contempt for his imminent death.

As the sword blade poised over Symeon’s head there was a sudden explosion of movement. Symeon’s good hand snatched the dagger from Bannus’ belt, and the blade turned up as it rose, in one fluid movement. It was over so quickly that the first Macro was aware of it was when he saw the hilt of the dagger under Bannus’ chin and the red spike of its point where it had burst through the top of his skull. Bannus stood for a moment with a stunned expression on his face, mouth slightly agape. Then his arms slumped down and the sword dropped from his lifeless hands and he collapsed by the fire, his legs kicking once in a wild spasm.

For a moment all was still, then Symeon rose unsteadily to his feet and looked down at Bannus. ‘As I said.You talk too much.’

Cato opened his eyes, surprised that he was still alive. Then he saw Bannus sprawled at the feet of Symeon. ‘What happened?’

Macro glanced at him. ‘You missed that? Sometimes I despair at you, lad.’ Then he looked round at the Bedu warriors behind him, put his finger gently against the blade still at his throat, and eased it to one side, with a smile. ‘If you don’t bloody mind, that is?’