‘Romans! Romans! I bring you a warning from my king, Caratacus.’ He swept his arm out, round and back towards the bodies in a dramatic gesture. ‘He offers you this example of what will happen to any Romans who fall into our hands if you dare to harm any more of the people of this valley, or those who dwell in the marsh beyond.’ The messenger paused, and continued in a voice that dripped with contempt. ‘My king wonders what kind of men wage war on women and children. If there are real warriors amongst you, then let them seek us out and fight us man to man. We grow weary of waiting for you to come and face us in battle. We had heard that the men of the Second Legion were the very best in General Plautius’ army. Prove it, or forever wither before the scorn and pity of better men!’

The horseman turned his beast around and trotted casually away from the fort, not once looking back over his shoulder. On the gatehouse tower of the fort the officers of the Third Cohort watched him until he disappeared into a copse of trees that grew close to the edge of the marsh.

Macro, with a wry smile, admired the man’s composure. ‘Now that one had style.’

Centurion Felix snorted.’Style? Let me down there and I’ll teach that bastard about style.’

‘Oh, really?’ said Tullius. ‘You’d just charge in there and teach the natives a lesson, would you?’

‘Too bloody right I would!’ Felix turned to the cohort commander. ‘Sir? Let me take my century in there. Find that bastard and take the skin off him, nice and slow.’ He thrust his finger towards the six bodies outside the fort.’Just like they did to those men.’

‘Don’t be such a fool, boy.’ Centurion Maximius sneered at him. ‘You’d really fall for such obvious bait? How the fuck did you ever make it to centurion?’

Felix coloured, then opened his mouth to protest, but no words emerged. He glanced away from his superior and stared again at the bodies in mute protest.

Maximius laughed. ‘Who do you suppose those men are? All our patrols are in and none of our men has gone missing.’

Felix took a moment to work it out. ‘Cato’s lot?’

Maximius patted him on the shoulder. ‘See? The boy can learn! That’s right. Cato’s men.’

‘Oh . . .’ Felix looked again at the bodies, with a less fraught expression.

‘And how much do you suppose I care what Caratacus has done to them? In fact, he’s saving me the job.’ Maximius shook his head and smiled.’It’s rather funny when you think about it. He seriously thinks that we might be provoked into action by his little display. Or that we might go easy on the locals.’