Sabinus looked uncomfortable. ‘Only one day to prepare, sir?’

‘That’s what I said. We’ve already lost enough time this year. We need to move fast to catch up. Now, unless there’s anything else, you may return to your legions and get your staffs to work.’

As the officers filed out, Vespasian waited for a moment and then approached his commander. ‘Sir, I’ve questioned the officers of my Third Cohort and taken their statements, which I’ve brought with me.’ He indicated the bag over by the side of the tent.

‘Good. I’ll send for my chief clerk. He can make preparations for the inquiry. If we move quickly we can settle the matter in the next few days.’

‘No.’ Narcissus interrupted him. ‘Now.’

General Plautius turned towards the freedman, and Vespasian saw his jaw stiffen with suppressed anger. ‘I beg your pardon, Narcissus. Did you have anything to contribute to the disciplinary procedures of my legions?’

‘You mean the Emperor’s legions, of course.’

‘Of course.’

Narcissus smiled. ‘I’m afraid I must rush you on this matter. You know I’m leaving at first light to report back to Rome.’

‘Yes . . . a great shame.’

‘Quite. Anyway, I will, naturally, have to mention yesterday’s missed opportunity to crush Caratacus completely.’

‘Oh, naturally.’

‘The Emperor and the senate will want to know that those responsible for the mistake have paid a price commensurate with the scale of their failure. So I’m afraid we can’t wait for a proper inquiry. We need to act now.’

‘Now?’ The general frowned.

‘Tonight,’ Narcissus replied firmly. ‘The inquiry must be held tonight, and those found responsible must be sentenced before I leave in the morning.’

‘That’s absurd!’ Plautius blustered. ‘It’s impossible.’

‘No it’s not. And I’ll tell you what is possible. It’s possible that Rome will take a dim view of your failure to eliminate Caratacus and his army. Unless I can persuade them that you have won a decisive victory. The escape of Caratacus can be presented as a minor detail, provided that those responsible for letting him slip away are identified and punished swiftly and decisively. Vespasian’s Third Cohort should fit the bill nicely.’

‘We haven’t had the inquiry yet,’ the General pointed out. ‘They might not be found at fault.’

‘You’d better make sure that they are. In the end, it’s you or them, my dear General.’ Narcissus paused to let the threat sink in, then he spoke again, in his quiet, polite, unflustered manner. ‘So, might I suggest that you give the necessary orders?’