‘He is mad,’ Cato affirmed,’if he doesn’t get ready to prepare for the attack. By the end of the day, Caratacus and thousands of his men will arrive in front of the ramparts. They’re bent on revenge, and they’ll take this place by storm and slaughter everyone in it. We won’t stand a chance.’

Tullius stared at Cato, struggling to hide his fear, and the young officer pushed home his advantage.

‘There is only one way out of this for the cohort. Only one way I can see. But it’s no good unless I, we, can persuade Maximius.’

‘No!’ Centurion Tullius shook his head. ‘He won’t listen. And he’ll make sure I suffer for even talking to you like this. Get in the hole!’

‘For fuck’s sake!’ Cato tightened his grip and pulled the older man round to face him. The legionaries reached for their swords. ‘Listen to me!’

Tullius raised his spare hand. ‘Easy, lads!’

Cato nodded his thanks, and continued in a desperate whisper.’You’re a bloody veteran, Tullius, and those medallions on your harness weren’t given to you for book-keeping, or covering your arse. If you haven’t got the balls to stand up to Maximius, then at least let me have a go.’ Still staring into the older man’s eyes, Cato relaxed his grip and gave the arm a gentle, reassuring squeeze. ‘We’re talking about more than one man’s life here. If Maximius doesn’t listen, we’re all dead. You can make a difference, right now.’

‘How?’

‘Dismiss this escort. Then take me to his tent. Send someone for Macro. He can meet us there. We have to talk Maximius round. Before it’s too late. Now, dismiss these men and hear me out.’

Cato could see the hesitation in the other man’s expression and leaned closer. ‘We can survive this. Better still, we can come out of it with honour. Best of all, we should be able to finish Caratacus off once and for all.’

‘How?’ Tullius asked.’Tell me how.’

05 The Eagles Prey

CHAPTER THIRTY-SIX

Half an hour later, Cato eased himself under the back of Maximius’ tent. He glanced round and was relieved to see that the place was empty; the clerks were on the morning inspection with the cohort commander. Cato held the leather flap up and beckoned to Nepos. The legionary scrambled under and moved over so that his centurion could still see Tullius.

‘All’s clear. I’ll wait for you in here, sir. You’d better get Macro now.’