‘You need have no fear – not least because your figure is that of a goddess.’

‘Well yes,’ she conceded. ‘However, dear Lepidina, do you not realise the implication of that compliment.’

‘Dear Claudia, I am sure that Aelius was not in any way contrasting us.’

Hadrian’s smile broadened. ‘Tis as well you two are not generals, for I am already outmanoeuvred. But have a taste, I beg you both.’

Philo’s nervousness returned as Hadrian cut small slices to serve each of the ladies. On the other tables, the guests were devouring the pie, but that was only to be expected when it was known to be a favourite of so senior an officer, who might notice their reaction. Only Piso remained disinterested, picking at his food with no sign of emotion just as he had done with every course. Philo jerked his head to Indike, who now had an amphora of wine, which she took over to refill the senior tribune’s cup. Piso made no effort to hide his scrutiny of the young woman, especially as she leaned forward.

Hadrian did not watch as the ladies nibbled, instead focusing on the whole pie he had served himself. Philo could barely breathe as the legatus cut into it and began spooning up the contents. The first mouthful was chewed and swallowed and the legatus paused and looked straight at Philo, his face rigid.

‘This is good,’ Hadrian said at long last and smiled. ‘My compliments to your chef.’

Philo breathed out. ‘I will pass them on, my lord.’

Privatus returned, walking quickly to pass on the message.

‘Well, what’s this?’ Hadrian said, his tone sharp. ‘Where is Ferox?’

‘The centurion regrets that he is unable to join his guests,’ Philo began.

‘Hercules’ balls, he’d better have a damned good excuse,’ Hadrian cut in.

‘Yes, my lord, he feels that he has.’

‘Well?’

‘My master begs to report that the fort is on fire.’

*

The granary was blazing furiously, and all was chaos, with alarm bells ringing and men shouting. Ferox felt his skin scorching with the heat and coughed as smoke blew towards him. That was at least a consolation, for it was blowing away from the other buildings and towards the intervallum, the wide road running around the camp inside the rampart. Hopefully, that would give them a little time.

‘Keep moving! Keep moving!’ he yelled at the men carrying all that they could from the granary beside the one on fire. There was barely a yard between the two buildings and it was amazing that the flames had not already spread.

‘What’s this lot?’ Vindex and another of the Carvetii staggered as they carried a big amphora.

‘Olive oil.’

‘Shit!’ They hurried away to add their burden to the piles of stores a hundred yards away.

‘Optio!’ Ferox shouted as he saw one of the men from I Minervia. ‘Where are those tools and ropes?’

‘Coming, sir!’

‘Get a move on!’ More men were arriving, summoned by the bells and the noise, and he was pleased to see a group of men with a long ladder because he had not thought to ask for one. ‘Up on the roof,’ he called, pointing at the third granary, which was separated from the first pair by a wider alley. ‘Use anything you can to prise off the shingles. As many as you can as quick as you can.’