Macro grabbed Tullius by the shoulder.’Get out there and deal with him.’

‘What shall I say?’

‘Anything. Just don’t let him get inside the tent. If he does, it’s all over for us.’

Tullius swallowed nervously, then steadied himself for an instant and ducked outside.

‘Cordus! There you are. What the hell kept you?’

‘I-I was in the village, sir.’ The tone was aggrieved, verging on insolent.’Like you ordered. The natives have started on the ditch, sir.’

‘Good job. Well done. Now we’ve got work to do. The cohort’s on the move. Your orders are to pass the word for all units to assemble, fully equipped.’

‘All the men, sir?’

‘That’s what Maximius said.’

‘Who’s going to oversee the natives?’

‘Send them back to the village, and release all the hostages.’

‘Release the-’ Cordus’ voice started to rise, before he took control of his frustration. ‘Yes, sir. I’ll see to it.’

‘Good. Once that’s done, take your century down to the track that leads into the marsh. Start work on strengthening the existing gateway. We need to prepare it for an attack in strength. I want the rampart higher and the ditch dug deeper, and wider. We have to be able to defend it.’

‘Defend it from who, sir?’

‘The enemy. Who else? It seems that Caratacus plans to attack after all. Now carry out your orders.’

‘Yes, sir . . .But first, I must report to Centurion Maximius. Excuse me, sir.’

Inside the tent Macro and Cato exchanged anxious glances, and Cato tightened his grip on the cohort commander’s sword.

‘Make your report later!’ Tullius snapped. ‘Carry out your orders, or I’ll have you on a bloody charge.’

‘I don’t think so, sir,’ Cordus replied quietly. ‘We’ll see what Maximius has to say about this.’

‘On whose authority do you think I give these orders?’ Tullius shouted back. ‘Get out of my sight, you jumped-up little prick! Go, before I have you for gross insubordination.’

There was a pause, during which Cato and Macro stood quite still, tense and strained. Then Cordus gave way.

‘Yes, sir.’

‘And take these guards with you. Maximius wants every man at work on the defences as soon as they’re kitted up. Better find a cart and take all the entrenching tools you can carry with you.’

‘Yes, sir . . . as Centurion Maximius commands.’

‘That’s right. Now get moving.’

Cordus called the guards to attention, ordered them to turn about, and then marched towards the main gate. The leather flaps were swept aside and Centurion Tullius walked unsteadily into the headquarters tent. He slumped down in a chair to one side of the desk.

‘Well done, sir,’ Cato said with a smile.’A fine performance. He’ll be out of the way when we make our move. Are there any other officers who might give us problems?’