Macro was startled. Had he really been that transparent? That was very worrying. What else had Maximius seen in him? For an instant he felt a chill of fear spread across the back of his neck. Maximius must be trying to play some trick on him, to test him, maybe to trap him, and Macro’s mind reeled in panic.

‘Sir, I meant no disrespect! It’s just my way. I’m . . . I’m not very good with people.’

‘Bollocks. That’s not what I’ve been told. You’re a natural leader. Anyone can see that.’ Maximius’ eyes narrowed.’Maybe that’s it. You think you’re better than me.’

Macro shook his head.

‘What’s this? Too afraid to speak?’

Macro was furious and snapped back his reply. ‘I’m not afraid, sir! What do you really want? What do you want me to say, sir?’

‘Easy, Centurion! Easy . . .’ Maximius gave a light laugh. ‘Just wondered what you were thinking, that’s all. No harm intended.’

No harm . . . Macro felt a bitter contempt for his superior. Good soldiers never played these kinds of games. Only madmen and politicians, and he wasn’t sure there was much difference between the two.

‘Anyway, I wanted a little talk with you. You’ve known Cato for a while, haven’t you?’

‘Ever since he joined the Second, sir.’

‘I know. I’ve looked at the records. So then, you would be the best person to consult about his plans.’

‘I wouldn’t know about that, sir.’

Maximius nodded thoughtfully.’But you knew the man. I’d value your thoughts on the matter. What do you think Cato will do? He may be dead already. But let’s suppose he’s still alive. What would he do now? Well?’

‘I . . . I really have no idea, sir.’

‘Come on, Macro! Think about it. If I didn’t know better, I’d say you were trying to cover for him.’

Macro almost forced himself to laugh, then knew at once that the laughter would sound hollow and fool no one, least of all his nervous commander. ‘Sir, you must know my record. You must know that I play by the rules and have no sympathy for any man who breaks them, let alone one who dumps me and the rest of my comrades in the shit. In my book, Cato’s got it coming to him. As for what he might do now, I can only guess. I never got to know him well enough to anticipate his actions.’ Macro knew that was true enough, and he resisted the urge to smile as he continued. ‘He could do anything. Cato might try and make a play for Caratacus himself.’

‘That’s absurd. He’d never stand a chance.’