‘Can we really afford to take prisoners, sir?’

‘Can we afford not to?’ Maximius laughed. ‘You got something against being rich, Macro? Or do you want to be just a wretch when you retire?’

Macro smiled politely. ‘I like money as much as the next man, sir. But we’re one cohort, way out on the flank of the legion. If we have to start detaching men to guard prisoners it’ll be a drain on our strength. And I’m not happy at the idea of having any sizeable body of Britons behind us as well as in front of us, whether they’re armed or not. It’s asking for trouble, sir.’

‘Come now, Macro. I think you exaggerate the danger. What about you, young Cato? Wouldn’t you agree?’

For a moment Cato was gripped by an instinctive panic as he struggled for a response to the direct question.

‘I don’t know, sir. Depends how many of them there are. If we can handle them then of course we should take prisoners. But, like Macro says, if they come at us in any kind of strength we’ll need to face them with every man we have. In that event, any prisoners will pose a danger to us . . . sir.’

‘I see.’ Maximius nodded thoughtfully.’You think we should err on the side of caution? You think that’s what made us Romans the masters of the world?’

‘I don’t know about that, sir. I just think we should carry out our orders without taking any unnecessary risks.’

‘So do I!’ Maximius laughed loudly, and Felix and Antonius joined in. Tullius smiled. When Maximius had finished he leaned forward and clapped Cato on the shoulder.’Don’t worry. I’ll not take any chances. You have my word. On the other hand, I’ll not willingly pass up an opportunity to make some easy money. But you’re right to be cautious. We’ll see what the situation is tomorrow, and act on what we find. That should set your mind at rest, eh, lad?’

Cato nodded.

‘Good. That’s settled then.’ Maximius took a step back to address his officers more formally. ‘Following on from our orders, I wanted you to know that I am determined that the Third Cohort will prove itself worthy of the task the legate has assigned to us. I will tolerate nothing less than the best tomorrow, from both you and your men. I set high standards for the men under my command because I want us to be the hardest fighting cohort there is. Not just in this legion, but in any legion.’ He paused to look round at his centurions’ faces, scrutinising them for any unfavourable reaction. Cato returned the gaze without betraying any emotion.