‘What the hell’s that smell?’ Maximius sniffed. ‘Smells like something crept in here, had a shit and died. What is that stench?’

There was a flicker of light on the back of the tent as the flap was opened again.

‘Tullius?’ Maximius sounded surprised. ‘Already? Then where’s-What is the meaning of this? What the hell is Macro doing here? Why is he armed?’

Taking a last breath to try to calm his nerves, Cato stood up. ‘Sir, you have to listen.’

‘What the . . .?’ Maximius twisted round at the sound of his voice. ‘Cato? What the hell is going on here? Guards!’

Tullius shook his head. ‘No use, sir. I sent them to fetch Cordus, on your authority.’

‘My authority?’ Maximius looked from Tullius to Macro, then round at Cato. His eyes suddenly widened. ‘What is this? A mutiny?’

‘No, sir,’ Tullius raised a hand and advanced. ‘You have to listen to us. Listen to Cato.’

‘I’ll see you in hell first!’ Maximius spat, and bolted to his feet. ‘Antonius! Felix! Draw your swords!’

‘Stay where you are.’ Macro leaped forward and raised the tip of his sword, close to Felix’s throat.’Don’t even think about moving. Tullius! You watch him.’ Macro nodded at the cohort commander. But it was too late. Maximius was on his feet, sword drawn, almost as soon as Macro had spoken. Tullius faltered, looking from Maximius to Macro with a helpless expression.

Cato turned to the flap leading to the cohort commander’s sleeping quarters. ‘Nepos! Get in here!’

The legionary rushed in, and stood poised with Maximius’ sword raised and ready to strike. For a moment Cato stared nervously as the cohort commander’s muscles trembled in readiness to spring. Maximius’ eyes narrowed briefly and he concentrated his piercing gaze on the legionary.

‘Drop that weapon! That’s an order!’

The tip of Nepos’ sword dipped slightly and Cato stepped in between them, breaking Maximius’ line of sight to the legionary.

‘Obey him, and you’re a dead man. Understand?’

Nepos slowly nodded and Cato turned round to face the cohort commander. ‘Put your sword down, sir.’

Maximius was still for an instant, then the tension around his eyes eased off and he managed a smile. ‘You have the advantage, Cato. For now.’

‘The sword, sir . . . put it down.’

Maximius relaxed his arm and let his blade fall to his side.

‘Drop the sword, sir,’ Cato said firmly. ‘I won’t warn you again.’

‘And let your man strike me down? I don’t think so.’

No one spoke as Cato reached out his hand towards the cohort commander. Cato felt his heart pounding in his chest, and his throat tightened as he tried to conquer his fear. For a moment it seemed that Maximius had seen through him, and a contemptuous smile slowly formed on the older man’s lips. Cato tilted his head forward and refused to let his gaze waver.