Cato raised a hand to silence him.’I'll explain it to you later, sir. The thing is, I sent my optio north with a message for Vespasian. He should have reached him by now. So Vespasian will know about the location of Caratacus’ camp. He’ll also know that he intends to attack the Third Cohort and which route he is likely to take. If I know the legate, he’ll see this as an opportunity to finish Caratacus off. If he takes the legion and advances down that track, he’ll be able to fall upon the rear of the enemy force. Caratacus will be caught between Vespasian and the Third Cohort and cut to pieces, provided we can contain him in the marsh. And that means leaving the fort and taking up position across the track. If we stay in the fort, then Caratacus will be able to escape south the moment he spots Vespasian’s forces.’

‘That’s a lot of ifs,’ Antonius remarked quietly.’I'll add a few of my own: what if Figulus doesn’t make it? What if Vespasian doesn’t believe him? What if you’re wrong? What if Vespasian doesn’t act?’

‘It’s true, Figulus might not reach the legion,’ Cato admitted. ‘We have to hope that he did. The fact that he’s risking execution by returning to the legion must carry some weight. We have to count on the legate seeing the opportunity to end this campaign once and for all.’

‘And if he doesn’t?’

‘Then we’ll hold Caratacus off, for a while at least. If we cause enough damage then maybe they’ll pull back long enough for us to try and get back to the fort. Otherwise,’ Cato shrugged, ‘otherwise they’ll eventually roll over us and cut the cohort to pieces.’

‘Thanks.’ Antonius clicked his tongue. ‘Most inspiring briefing I’ve ever had.’

‘The thing is,’ Cato continued.’We have to get into position as fast as we can, and prepare the defences. Sir?’ He turned to Tullius. ‘We’re ready for your orders.’

‘Just a moment,’ Antonius interrupted and jabbed his thumb towards the cohort commander’s sleeping quarters. ‘But what are we going to do about those two?’

‘I suggest we leave them here, sir.’

‘And how are we going to explain Maximius’ absence to the men? Him and Felix?’

‘We’re not. Tullius can give all the orders as if they’re from Maximius. He’s the adjutant. Who would question him?’

‘If Maximius fails to put in an appearance, they might.’

Cato smiled. ‘By then, they’ll have other things on their minds.’

Then he heard the rhythmic tramp of marching boots, approaching the tent. He glanced at Tullius.

‘Someone’s coming.’

The older centurion hurried to the tent flap, looked outside briefly, then turned to the others.

‘It’s Cordus, and he’s got Maximius’ guards with him.’

05 The Eagles Prey

CHAPTER THIRTY-SEVEN