‘Yes. The owner will watch them – after all he works for me.’ Tettius gave a thin smile. He had thick hair, which hung down almost to his eyebrows. Once or twice he brushed it with his hand and touched a pale scar that was concealed the rest of the time. He did so now, and Ferox could not decide whether this was sheer habit or a mark of nervousness. ‘You have had trouble I hear.’ The change of subject was abrupt. ‘Men killed, I mean.’ Again his fingers pushed hair out of the way and scratched the scar.

‘There has been an incident,’ Ferox conceded, wondering how the man had learned of this.

‘Julius Dionysius told me,’ Tettius explained. ‘Do not blame him, I beg you. I am going that way so naturally I asked if all was safe. I have a few men in case of trouble, but no real protection against bandits or worse.’

‘You travel over the pass and to Sarmizegethusa?’

‘Yes. My girls will find plenty of work with the garrison there and I have luxuries for the officers and the royal courts – as well as other business. It is a great deal to ask, but I wondered whether an escort might be possible?’

That was it then. It was a significant favour, although not an unreasonable one for a man with so many friends willing to speak on his behalf. ‘Certainly. Although they must rest at Sarmizegethusa for no more than a day before they return. Unless you are ready by that time, you shall have to find other protection for your return journey.’

‘That is more than generous, and I thank you.’ The merchant raised his hand and pressed it against his own mouth, presumably a gesture from his homeland, for Ferox had never seen it before.

‘In turn, I hope to purchase a few things from you,’ Ferox said, ‘for as you may have noticed, my hospitality is meagre.’

Tettius made a dismissive gesture. ‘I assumed merely the disdain for luxury of a simple soldier.’

Ferox began to explain what he wanted. ‘All in all, something more appropriate for my rank and responsibilities is now necessary, not least because a senior officer is soon to pass this way.’

‘The legatus of I Minervia? Do not show surprise, it is my business to know things, so that I am best placed to provide services and goods as they are needed.’ He scratched the scar again, as if in thought. ‘Yes, yes, and it is no ordinary senator, but Publius Aelius Hadrianus, cousin to our princeps. You did not realise?’ Tettius must have sensed the surprise although Ferox did not think he had betrayed it. ‘Well, once again it is good for my trade to know such things. He is a man with high standards, although not too demanding beyond the requirements of military discipline. Is there good hunting at this season? I hear that he is fond of the chase. Well, well, I am glad to repay your services to me so easily. Let us consider what you need. How well do you wish to entertain the noble legatus?’