‘Well, Legate, what can I do for you?’ Aulus Plautius looked up from his desk and greeted him with a smile. With Narcissus no longer shadowing him the general felt a burden had been lifted from his shoulders. He was free to continue with the campaign, and in a few more months these lands and their unruly tribesmen would be under his control. The army could then take time to consolidate the territory wrested from Caratacus and his dwindling band of allies. The legions could rest and re-equip over the winter, and be ready for a much easier expansion of the province in the following campaign season. The future looked bright for the first time in weeks, and it was going to be a sunny day with a light, cooling breeze. What more could a man ask for? As a result, the general was feeling well disposed towards the world, and the smile stayed on his face as Vespasian saluted then eased himself down into the proffered seat on the other side of the general’s desk.

‘Can we talk in private, sir?’

The smile quickly faded from Plautius’ lips. ‘Is it important?’

‘I think so.’

‘Very well.’ Plautius clicked his fingers, and the clerks working at small tables to one side of the tent looked round. The general nodded towards the entrance. ‘Leave us. I’ll send for you when I’ve finished with the legate.’

As soon as the last of the clerks had left the tent, Plautius leaned back in his chair and rested his chin on the knuckles of one hand. ‘Well? What do you want?’

Vespasian had not been able to sleep the previous night and feared that his mind might be too dull for what lay ahead. He rubbed his chin as he quickly collected his thoughts.

‘Sir, we can’t execute those men.’

‘Why not?’

‘It isn’t right. You know that as well as I do. They’re not the only ones who didn’t perform as well as they might during the battle.’

‘You’re implying what, exactly?’

‘It didn’t work out as you planned. Caratacus got away from you, and me. We were damn lucky to catch up with him before he could get the rest of his army over the river. Some people might say that we should be thanking my men for stalling them long enough to make that possible.’

‘Really?’ Plautius replied coolly.’Some men might say that I let them off too lightly after they failed to hold their ground. Some might say that such a narrow front as they had to defend could have been held by a handful of men, provided they had the guts to do it.’

‘My men aren’t cowards,’ Vespasian replied quietly.

‘That’s not what Maximius said.’