‘No. You’ll see to it yourself. I want it done properly. I also want a fortified gateway thrown across the main track where it comes out of that marsh. See that it’s taken care of the moment our camp is erected.’

‘Yes, sir.’

‘Now then,’ Maximius cleared his throat, and focused his attention on the optios.’You know why we’re here. The general and the legate want those men brought back. They’re out there in the marsh, as far as we know. You optios will be running regular patrols into the marsh. We don’t know the tracks and paths through the marsh, but,’ Maximius smiled,’we should be able to persuade some of the locals to act as guides a little bit later. In the meantime, despite the fact it looks quiet round here, we should be prepared at all times for an attack in strength.’

Some of the officers exchanged looks of surprise. There had been no indication of trouble as they marched down the valley, and the farmers that lived here probably wielded nothing more deadly than a scythe.

Maximius smirked at their expressions. ‘I can see that some of you think I’m being over cautious. Maybe, but don’t forget that Caratacus still has a few men left, wherever he is . . .’

Quite enough men, thought Macro. At least enough to wipe out the cohort.

‘You don’t have to worry about the locals. And you don’t have to worry about creating any good relations with them. In fact,’ Maximius paused to lend weight to his next words, ‘I want you to treat them in a way that makes it painfully clear that Rome is here to stay, and that they are absolutely beholden to our will and at our mercy. You will punish any sign of resistance as harshly as you can . . . Do you understand?’

Heads nodded, and there was a murmur of assent.

‘Good. Because if I see any of you going soft on the natives, or showing one shred of compassion or sympathy, then that man will have me to answer to, directly. And I will personally kick his balls through the top of his skull. Clear? Now then, all we need to do is set the tone . . .’