‘I see.’ Some of the condensation had run off the bottom of Narcissus’ cup and he arranged it into a pattern with the tip of his finger. ‘Is he likely to win more allies?’

‘I doubt it. The man is quite a shrewd political operator, but the record stands against him. We have beaten him time and again. These native warriors are no match for us.’

‘So what will he do now?’

‘Caratacus will have to adapt his strategy. He can afford only small engagements now, and will limit himself to picking off small garrisons, foraging columns, patrols and so on.’

‘All of which will no doubt be a drain on your manpower, and prolong the campaign indefinitely, I suppose?’

‘There is that possibility.’

‘Not very satisfactory then, my dear General.’

‘No.’ Plautius reached for the decanter and refilled Narcissus’ goblet.

‘So, the question is, how did you come to let him escape? You had led me to believe that this battle would be the end of it all. That Caratacus would be dead, or our prisoner by the end of the day. Instead, it seems that he will continue to plague us for months to come. Nothing has changed. The Emperor will not be pleased, to put it mildly. You both have family in Rome?’

It was not really a question, but a statement, a threat, and both the general and the legate stared at him with naked hatred and fear.

‘What are you suggesting?’ Vespasian asked quietly.

Narcissus leaned back in his chair and interweaved his long elegant fingers.’You have failed here today. There is a price for failure and it must be paid. The Emperor expects it and I must report to him that you have taken the appropriate steps. If you fail to do so here then the price will have to be paid back in

Rome. It’s not much of a choice really. So, gentlemen, who fouled up today? Who is to blame for the escape of Caratacus?’ The Imperial Secretary looked from man to man. His face was impassive as he waited patiently for a response.

At last the general shrugged.’It’s obvious. He escaped across a ford that should have been better guarded. My plan depended on that.’ Plautius looked across the table at his subordinate. ‘The fault is with the Second Legion.’