Antonius glanced at Tullius, for reassurance, before he replied. ‘Like he said, back at the fort.’

‘The fort . . .I see. So while we’re about to take on a force many times our size, the commander of the cohort is attending to a few details back in the fort. Is that about it . . . sir?’

Cato could see that Antonius would help them no further, and that Tullius could not carry it off for much longer. So he stepped in front of Cordus, one hand resting on the pommel of his sword.

‘You’ve got your orders, Cordus. Get back to work.’

The acting centurion eyed him with open contempt. ‘I don’t take orders from condemned men, let alone condemned boys.’

Cato stepped closer, drawing his sword at the same time, pressing the point into the armpit of the other man - all of it hidden from the surrounding legionaries by the folds of the two officers’ capes. Cato’s face was no more than a few inches from the pockmarked flesh of Cordus, and he could smell the rank acid stink of cheap wine on the older man’s breath.

‘Never speak that way to a superior officer again,’ Cato said softly through clenched teeth, and prodded with the point of his sword. Cordus flinched and bit down on his pain as the blade pierced his flesh. Cato smiled, and whispered,’Next time you give me, or any of the other centurions, one word of insolence, I swear by all the gods, that I will gut you. Do you understand me? Don’t talk, just nod.’

Cordus stared back, eyes burning with cold fury, then he dipped his head, once.

‘Good.’ Cato slowly withdrew his blade and gently pushed the other man back with his spare hand.’Now get back to your unit, and carry out your orders.’

Cordus reached under his armpit and winced as he glared at the young centurion. Cato stared back, then nodded his head towards the defences. Cordus took the hint.

‘Very well, sir.’

‘That’s better. Now go.’

Cordus retreated a few paces before he turned and strode quickly towards the men of the Third Century. He did not look back, and Cato watched him long enough to make sure that Cordus did as he was told. Tense and trembling Cato turned towards Tullius and Antonius.

‘Well done, lad.’ A smile flickered across Tullius’ worn features. ‘That’s him dealt with.’

‘Only for now, sir,’ Cato replied. ‘We’ll have to keep an eye on him. He could cause us problems. Which reminds me, where are Maximius’ guards?’

‘By the supply cart.’

Cato glanced over to the cart and saw the six men standing beside it, shields grounded and spears leaning against their shoulders. ‘I’ll take them with me, if you don’t mind, sir.’

‘What for?’ Tullius frowned. ‘We need every man here.’