Macro squinted. Just over two miles away the track led into the dense greenery of a forest. Emerging from the trees was a screen of mounted scouts, and a few chariots. They were fanning out ahead of the line of march and galloping for the high ground to scan the way ahead. A moment later a dense column of infantry began to flow down the track out of the forest.

‘Is that Caratacus then, sir?’

Macro glanced at the legionary, recalling that the young man was one of the raw recruits who had only just been posted to the legion. He looked tense and excited. Perhaps too excited, Macro thought.

‘Too early to say for certain, lad.’

‘Should we get back to the others, sir?’

‘It’s Lentulus, isn’t it?’

‘Yes, sir.’ The legionary seemed surprised that his centurion knew his name and was mildly flattered to be individually addressed by someone as august as a centurion.

‘Keep a cool head, Lentulus. You’re supposed to observe and keep track of events, not worry yourself about them. A lookout has to be calm. That’s why I picked you for this duty.’ It was a bald lie. Macro could have chosen anyone for the job, but the recruit was green enough to take the comment at face value. It helped him to take a firm grip on his nerves and he drew himself up.

‘Yes, sir. Thank you, sir.’

‘Just do your job, lad.’

Lentulus nodded and then turned back to keep watch on the enemy. They stood in silence for a while and Macro raised a hand to shade his eyes. More and more men spilled out of the forest. At length he was satisfied that this had to be the main column of the enemy.

‘Looks like you’re right,’ Macro said quietly. ‘Looks like Caratacus is making a run for our crossing.’

‘Oh, shit . . .’

‘And we’re shortly going to be right up to our necks in it.’ Macro lowered his hand and punched the recruit on the shoulder. ‘Bet you didn’t think it would ever be as exciting as this!’

‘Well, no, sir.’

‘I want you to stay here for as long as it’s safe. I’m assuming the enemy will come straight down the track towards us. But if he doesn’t, if he turns off and heads away, I want to know at once. And keep an eye out for any sign of General Plautius following them up. Understand?’

‘Yes, sir.’

‘Right. Then keep watching them. Stay low; there’s no point in attracting attention to yourself.’ Macro pointed a finger at him. ‘And no heroics. Give yourself plenty of time to get back to the century.’