As Cato and Symeon watched through the slit, they saw the brigand chief draw his sword and raise it towards her. Miriam did not flinch and just stared back defiantly. For a moment there was a silent confrontation, then Bannus laughed and waved the sword at her.

‘This is what makes things possible, Miriam. Not prayers and teaching.’

‘Really?’ She cocked her head to one side. ‘And what have you achieved? Did you win the little fight that caused these men to be injured? No? I didn’t think so.’

Symeon whispered, ‘Careful, Miriam.’

‘The situation is changing, Miriam.’ Bannus spoke in a soft, menacing tone. ‘We have friends who are about to help us. Soon I will have an army at my back.Then we’ll see precisely what can be achieved.’ Bannus sheathed his sword, turned to his men and called out, ‘Bring the wounded into the house.’

Miriam stood her ground. ‘You will not bring them into my house.’

Bannus turned back to her. ‘Miriam, you are a healer. My men need your skills. You will treat them, or I will start providing you with patients from amongst your own people, starting with . . . young Yusef over there. Boy! Come here. Now!’

The floorboard above Cato squeaked as Yusef stepped outside and hesitantly approached the brigand leader. Bannus took him by the shoulders and looked down at him with a smile. ‘Such a fine boy. His father would be proud of him. Prouder still, if he joined with me and fought to liberate our lands from Rome.’

‘He will not join you,’ said Miriam.’That is not his path.’

‘Not today. One day, when he is old enough to choose for himself, maybe he will join me and make Jehoshua’s vision become a reality. One day. But for now, Miriam, you must choose. Treat my men, or I will cut one of the boy’s fingers off.’

Miriam glared at him, and then her shoulders sagged and she nodded. ‘Bring them to my door. I will treat them there.’

‘No, inside. They would welcome the shade.’ Without waiting for her to answer Bannus thrust Yusef to one side and shouted orders. As Cato watched, the brigands dismounted and started helping several men into the house. Above him the floorboards creaked under the weight, and dislodged dust and grit fell on top of Cato and Symeon. A door squeaked on its hinges and with a start Cato realised that someone was entering the room where he had lain on the bedroll.

‘Oh, shit,’ he whispered.

Symeon looked at him in alarm and raised a finger to his lips.

‘My sword,’ Cato said as softly as he could.’It’s behind the bedroll.’

‘What?’

‘I took it from the scabbard and hid it there.’

‘Why?’

‘I wasn’t sure about Miriam, and the boy. She told me the Romans killed his father.’

Symeon frowned at him. ‘You’re in no danger from Miriam and her people.’