There was a look of horror on the face of the older centurion as the full implication of such a possibility struck home. No more life in the legions. No more chance of booty, no fat gratuity and a comfortable and honourable retirement in some provincial colony. All Macro had known was soldiering. Without the army, and without any income what could he do? Beg? Become a bodyguard for some spoiled brat of a senator’s son? The fleeting images that poured through his mind promised only misery. The destruction of his being by a slow, remorseless process of degradation.

Cato was in a more reflective frame of mind. He was young. He had seen rather more of life and death than he had ever imagined, and bore the scars to prove it. Perhaps he had had enough of this life and might find something better. Something more peaceful, more rewarding, something less likely to see him in an early grave.

‘Discharge?’ Vespasian raised his eyebrows. ‘No. You’re far too valuable to Rome to throw away in such a manner. Far too valuable. If I’ve learned one thing as a legate, it’s this. While good officers might be in short supply, outstanding officers are a genuinely rare commodity. Rome can’t afford to waste them. But, I’m afraid, your life in the Second Legion is over. You’ll have to be transferred to another legion.’

‘Which one, sir?’ asked Cato.

‘None of the units in General Plautius’ army, that’s for sure. Rumours about your past will follow you wherever you go in this province. So, you’ll have to be reassigned. You’re leaving Britain. I’m taking you back to Rome with me. I’ll see what I can arrange for you with the imperial general staff. Narcissus owes me a favour or two.’

Cato could not hide his surprise.’You’re leaving Britain, sir? Why?’

‘My tour of duty’s over,’ Vespasian replied simply. ‘I was notified shortly after your escape. In a few days I’ll no longer be legate of the Second. My replacement is due to arrive any day now.’

‘Why, sir? Surely after all you’ve achieved . . .?’

‘It seems I’ve lost the confidence of the general.’ Vespasian gave a weary smile. ‘Besides, there are plenty of senators who are queuing up for the chance to win a little glory. I don’t have much influence at the court of Claudius. They do. Do I really have to spell it out to you?’

‘No, sir.’

‘Good.’ Vespasian nodded. ‘Now, I’ve other work to attend to. Plenty of things to get sorted out before my replacement arrives. You have a few days to settle your affairs in the Second Legion. Pay your debts. Get your savings refunded, and make your farewells. You’re dismissed.’

05 The Eagles Prey

CHAPTER FORTY-TWO