‘So I would like to learn as much about my legion as I can before I arrive, in the hope of making the transition as painless as possible. That way, the only changes I shall have to introduce will be those essential to honing the Minervia’s efficiency.’

Poor bastards, they don’t know what’s going to hit them, Turbo thought in momentary sympathy. ‘Of course, my lord, but why come to me? There must be more information kept in the Palatium. We only deal with food and other supplies. While we carry messages to and from provincial legati, no copies are kept here.’

‘It is because of that that I am here. The latest strength return they have is almost a year old. A new one is due anytime now, but they do not have it yet.’ The grin was back. ‘But if I’m any judge the men must have eaten since then, and your frumentarii are bound to have been involved in supplying any substantial detachment. In the last return there were vexillations from the legion scattered all over the place and I should like to know where they all are now.’

‘Well, as you know, sir, the depot is at Bonna in Germania Superior, and around one thousand men are there or nearby. Then there are two cohorts at Viminiacum, and the equivalent of three strong ones at Dobreta working on the bridge.’ The grin broadened at this point, although Turbo could not guess why. ‘Both in Moesia – Superior that is. Can’t quite get used to one province being split into two, begging your pardon. Then a couple of smaller vexillations.’ He handed a tablet across to the praetor.

‘Thank you.’ Hadrian scanned the list. ‘Three hundred with two centurions at the praesidium of Piroboridava?’ He frowned, but before Turbo could explain, went on. ‘That’s Dacia isn’t it? Well, on the fringes at least, and across the Ister. I’m guessing they are not the only ones in garrison?’

A few hours ago Turbo had forgotten the name if he had ever heard it, but the warning had at least served that purpose and given time for information to be gathered. ‘They’re the biggest contingent, but there is also a parcel of auxiliaries. No whole units, although a mixed contingent is on its way. Yes, here we are, Brittones sub cura Titi Flavii Ferocis, no more specific than that, but all I know for sure is that there will be a lot more horses in the garrison soon, so that they will need barley and straw as well as wheat. It may mean that some of the troops already there will be withdrawn.’

‘Two hundred and twenty at Sarmizegethusa,’ Hadrian read, ‘and one hundred and sixty at Buridava.’

‘Also beyond the Ister, my lord. The ones at Sarmizegethusa are part of the observation force, keeping an eye on the king. If you remember the thinking was that detachments from several units could do the job, without leaving men of just one legion so exposed.’