Narcissus took another, long, sip. He watched the general closely over the rim of the glass before he set it down. ‘The situation is worse than you can imagine, Plautius. How long is it since you were last in Rome?’

‘Four years. And I haven’t missed it a bit. Mind you, that was when Gaius Caligula was in the saddle. I’ve heard that Claudius is a much better proposition. I’m told things have got a lot better.’

Narcissus nodded.’Better for most, I’ll agree. Trouble is, the Emperor is tending to become over-reliant on the wrong sort of people.’

‘Present company excepted, I assume.’

‘Of course.’ Narcissus frowned. ‘And that’s not even remotely funny, by the way. I have served the Emperor as loyally as any man. You might say I have dedicated myself to ensuring his success.’

‘I understand, from my friends in Rome, that your finances have prospered quite remarkably in recent years . . .’

‘So? Is it wrong for a man to be rewarded for his loyal service? But I’m not here to discuss my private finances.’

‘Evidently not.’

‘And I’ll thank your friends to think long and hard before they make such remarks again. That kind of talk has a way of rebounding on loose tongues, if you take my meaning . . . my warning.’

‘I’ll let them know.’

‘Good. Now then, as I was saying, the Emperor’s judgement has become misplaced in recent months. Especially since he slapped eyes, amongst other organs, on that little tart Messalina.’

‘I’ve heard of her.’

‘You should see her,’ smiled Narcissus. ‘Really you should. I’ve never known anyone quite like her. The moment she enters the room and makes those bloody eyes at men, they flop at her feet like puppies. Makes me sick. And Claudius is not so old that his head can’t be turned by youth and beauty. Oh, and she’s a smart one too. Jupiter knows how many lovers she is bedding, right there in the imperial palace, but as far as Claudius is concerned she is besotted with him and can do no wrong.’

‘And is she doing wrong?’

‘I’m not sure. Not intentionally, perhaps. Of course, the scandalous way Messalina is carrying on is damaging the Emperor’s reputation and making him look like a fool. As to whether she has any more sinister designs . . . I have no proof as yet. Just suspicions. Then there’s those bastards, the Liberators.’

‘I thought you’d settled their account last year.’

‘We bagged most of them following that mutiny in Gesoriacum. But there were still enough of them around to organise some arms shipments to the Britons last summer. My agents have picked up hints that they’re planning something big. But they’re powerless as long as the Praetorian Guard and the legions stay on side.’

‘So you needed to assess my loyalty?’ Plautius watched Narcissus closely.