With his back to the gatepost, Cato wrenched up a fallen shield and faced the enemy. One by one his men fought their way past him, while the centurion thrust and hacked with his short sword to keep Caratacus’ men at bay. At last, there seemed to be no more Romans alive in front of the defences, but Cato felt compelled to take a last look to be certain. A strong hand grabbed him by the shoulder and hauled him inside the gate.

‘Close it!’ Macro shouted, and two squads of legionaries threw their weight behind the rough timber as the enemy warriors thrust against the far side, struggling to push it open. But the legionaries were better organised and quickly closed the gate and fastened the locking bar in place as the timbers shook under the impact.

‘Let ‘em have it!’ Tullius shouted from the rampart, and Cato saw the legionaries throw volley after volley of javelins down into the tightly packed bodies on the far side of the gate. Screams rent the air and then the pounding on the gate stopped, and the shouts and cries of the enemy drew away.

Cato squatted on the ground, one hand resting on his shield, the other still clasped tightly about the handle of his short sword which he used to support his exhausted body.

‘You all right, lad?’

Cato looked up, and shook his head at Macro. ‘Could use a drink.’

‘Sorry,’ Macro smiled as he reached for his canteen.’All I’ve got is water.’

‘That’ll have to do.’

Cato gulped down several lukewarm mouthfuls, and passed the canteen back to Macro. Then he slowly rose to his feet and stared over Macro’s shoulder.

‘What’s up?’

‘Look.’ Cato pointed. A thin trail of smoke was rising up from the direction of the fort.

05 The Eagles Prey

CHAPTER THIRTY-NINE

‘Now what?’ Macro growled. ‘They can’t have got round us, surely?’

‘No. That’s not possible.’

‘Why not?’

Cato nodded his head towards the marsh.’That’s Caratacus’ vanguard out there; the first of his men to reach us.’

‘So who’s that over at the fort?’

Before Cato could reply Centurion Tullius came running over to them, an anxious expression on his face.’You’ve seen it, then?’

‘Yes, sir,’ Macro replied evenly. ‘That’s why we’re facing in that direction.’

‘They’ve got behind us. Right behind us.’ Tullius’ mind raced ahead. ‘We’ve had it. Once they’ve finished at the fort, they’ll attack here. We’ll be caught between them and cut to pieces. We should never have left the fort. Maximius was right.’ Tullius turned to face Cato.’It’s all your fault. Your plan, and now it’s a bloody disaster. I should never have listened to you.’