Macro looked at him irritably. ‘Helpful, as always, Centurion Cato.’

‘Yes, sir. Sorry, sir.’

‘Anyway, that’s why I think I should accompany Centurion Postumus on his patrol, while Cato heads out with Parmenion. We’ll just be along for the ride, and won’t get in the way.’

‘Hm.’ Scrofa folded his hands together and rested his chin on the fingertips. ‘I’m still not sure it’s a good idea.’

‘Why not?’ Postumus interrupted. ‘I’d be honoured if Centurion Macro joined me. And I’m sure that once he sees how we operate he will be only too happy to continue our methods.That’ll ensure a smooth transition, if confirmation of his appointment turns up.’

‘When it turns up,’ Macro corrected him with an icy glint in his eye.

‘Yes, sir. Of course. When it turns up. Meanwhile, I think you’ll quickly come to appreciate how well we deal with the people passing through our territory.’

‘I’m sure.’

‘Just as Centurion Cato will come to understand that the only authority the Judaeans will respect is one backed up by the harsh application of force.’ Postumus bowed his head towards Macro.’An excellent suggestion, if I may say so, sir.’

Macro nodded. ‘Then we’ll draw some kit from the quartermaster and prepare for the patrols.’

‘Where you’re going, you’ll find this far more suitable than a helmet,’ Centurion Parmenion explained as he picked up a folded cloth from one of the shelves in the quartermaster’s stores. ‘Here, let me show you.’

He flicked the cloth out and then folded one corner diagonally across so that the light material formed a triangle. He raised it over his head so that the long side faced forward, and then he secured the material over the crown of his head with a double loop of braid. ‘There, you see?’

‘I can see you look like a native,’ Macro grunted. ‘Is that really necessary?’

Parmenion shrugged. ‘Only if you don’t want the sun to boil your brains. You can cross the ends in front and throw them over your shoulders to keep the dust from your face as well, if needed. Useful piece of gear all round. And in this place, yes, necessary.’

Parmenion removed the keffiyeh and handed it to Macro who regarded it with little enthusiasm. Cato took his more willingly and tried it on.

‘Like this?’

‘Not bad,’ Parmenion conceded. ‘And you’ll need a linen cuirass. There’s a few sets we keep for officers. That scale armour of yours might be fine for Germania or Britannia, but it’ll kill you out here if you have to wear it for too long.’

He searched along the shelves until he found what he was looking for and returned with a set of the lightweight armour. It was made from sheets of linen, glued together to make stiff, hard breast and back plates that were joined by a tie at each side.