Macro made a mental note of approval as the optio strode up and down the path, lashing out at any man who was slow to stir. Cordus was exactly the kind of optio Macro approved of. Not perhaps as bright as Cato had been, but a firm advocate of the kind of harsh discipline that pushed the men on. The thought of Cato was an unwelcome reminder of the purpose of the patrol. Macro compressed his lips and unconsciously started drumming the tip of his vine cane on the hard earth of the path. If they did find Cato and the others, what then? The orders were to take them alive, if possible. But alive they posed a threat to Macro. He would not put it past some of those legionaries to try to strike a deal to reveal the name of the man who set them free in exchange for a more lenient sentence. Some bloody fool was bound to try it on, and the moment Maximius was aware that such a deal was on offer he’d either agree and then, renege on the deal later, or bring in the torturers and get the information out of the hapless prisoner one way or another.

On the other hand, if Macro gave the orders to have them disposed of here in the marsh, questions would be asked. And it wouldn’t take a genius to guess at the reasons behind his desire to have them silenced quickly.

Besides, Macro was not sure that he cared to have Cato and Figulus killed if they fell into his hands. It was a wretched situation in every way and he had yet to carry out the subtle orders Maximius had issued him with before he set out.

As the patrol continued along the path behind the overweight guide Macro fell into step beside Cordus.

‘Hot work.’

The optio raised his eyebrows. ‘Er, yes, sir.’

‘Could do with a swim when we get back,’ Macro said thoughtfully, as his subordinate tried to work out if this was a statement or an invitation.

‘A swim, sir. Right . . . that’s just what we all need.’

Macro nodded.’Especially after a day beating a path through this shitty marsh. If we ever find those bastards, I’ll make ‘em regret the day they ever decided to go on the run.’

‘Yes, sir.’ Cordus spat on the ground to clear his throat. ‘Them, and that bastard who helped ‘em escape in the first place.’

Macro glanced at him quickly. ‘Whoever he is.’

‘Yes, sir. He’s got a lot to answer for all right.’ Cordus swatted away a large wasp that had been hovering in front of his eyes.

‘Yes, he has.’ Macro paused for a moment. ‘I suppose you can see why the general had to do it. Order the decimation, I mean.’