There was rarely harm in recommending what someone was planning to do in the first place. This was Trajan’s war and he would win it.

The masseur had stopped and Hadrian pushed himself up from the table. He gave the man a smile. The slave was one of the ugliest people Hadrian had ever seen, but also one of the finest at his trade.

‘Thank you, Sextus,’ Hadrian said. ‘That feels much better.’

Hadrian made up his mind. The letter would be sent in three days, which ought to mean that with luck it would reach the emperor by the end of the month. Trajan was always restless at this time of year, like anyone else with sense, itching to get away from Rome before the hot and muggy weather set in. When this emperor thought of travel, his mind went first to thoughts of camps and marching armies.

Yes, three days should be just right. That also gave time to consider every phrase to make sure that it was perfect.

XIX

Piroboridava

Thirteenth day before the Kalends of June

‘I DO WISH that you would reconsider,’ Ferox said.

‘You are persistent,’ Sulpicia Lepidina told him, before prising an oyster from its shell. Ferox had learned by long practice not to wince at the sight. The Silures did not eat anything that came from the sea, lest it pollute their souls.

‘He is,’ Claudia Enica said. ‘Like a dog with a bone. So tiresome.’ Tonight she was once again the Roman lady, in a smooth silk dress so thin that it was like the drapes on a statue as she lay, propped up on her elbow. There was no one else on the couch, for with just the three of them dining each reclined alone.

‘There is unlikely to be another opportunity,’ he said. ‘You could come with us to meet the supply train, and then you and your whole household travel straight back with the escort to Dobreta.’

‘Take care that persistence does not stray into discourtesy,’ Sulpicia Lepidina told him. ‘As the wife of an officer it is my duty to stay.’

‘But you are not my wife, lady.’

‘Really,’ Claudia purred, ‘you used not to be so sure.’

Lepidina shot a glance at her friend. ‘Now, now, children, behave nicely.’ Until then, Ferox had almost been able to forget that he was dining with a former lover and a wife who still kept her distance.

‘I am no stranger to hardship or danger,’ Lepidina went on. ‘You of all people must know that. But the children and I have come this far to be with my husband. Soon either Cerialis will send for us to join him where he is or he will go to join his legion and either collect us on the way or send word. Until then, I should prefer to be here. The air is healthy for the children, although the soldiers spoil them, and I have the company of my dearest friend. That is a good deal more pleasant than the boredom of a town like Dobreta, filled with gossip and lonely officers on the prowl for any unaccompanied lady. I feel safe here.’