The legionary assigned to escort them to headquarters led them down a short avenue of Sphinxes and through the gates of the first set of pylons, across a courtyard and between two large statues into a hall filled with vast columns. At the far end they turned right towards another set of pylons stretching to the south. The courtyards here were packed with supply carts and thousands of sacks of grain to supply the army once they marched south to do battle with the Nubians. For Hamedes the army’s preparations for war were something of a novelty and he kept glancing about him with insatiable curiosity.

‘Hey,’ Macro called to the legionary. ‘You had any word on the enemy?’

The man glanced back and shook his head. ‘Nothing for days, sir. Last I heard was that their mounted troops had been seen as far north as Ombos.’

‘Where’s that?’

‘A hundred or so miles upriver.’

Macro turned to Cato. ‘Not exactly blazing a path through the underbelly of the province, are they? And Candidus isn’t exactly rushing to drive them back either.’

Cato shrugged. ‘I’m sure the legate has his reasons.’

‘I’d be interested in hearing them.’

They strode down through the last set of pylons, and saw another avenue of Sphinxes heading towards the temple of Amun, over a mile away. A short distance from the avenue was a large low building, surrounded by another mud-brick wall. A section of legionaries stood guard at the gate.

‘This way, sir.’ Their guide gestured to Cato. The optio in command of the gate raised a hand as they approached.

‘Halt! State your business.’

‘Officers joining the legion,’ the legionary explained and stood aside as Cato reached inside his tunic and took out his orders and handed them over for the optio to inspect. He ran his eyes over the papyrus scroll and then saluted. ‘Welcome to the Jackals, sir.’

‘Jackals?’

The optio turned and pointed at the standard rising up above the gate leading into the priests’ quarters. Above the legion’s number, a depiction of a canine head in gold stood out against the red cloth of the fall. Cato and Macro briefly examined the standard and exchanged a knowing glance: there wasn’t a single battle honour adorning the staff.

‘I expect you’ll want to be entered on to the roll, sir.’

Cato nodded. ‘But first I wish to see the legate.’

‘He’s not here, sir. You’ll have to see the camp prefect instead. Caius Aurelius.’

‘Where is the legate?’

‘He left the army several days ago, sir. I heard he was touring the forts along the Nile to make sure they were adequately prepared to hold out against the Nubians.’

‘When is he due back?’

‘Can’t say, sir. Best ask the camp prefect.’

‘Where do I find him?’

‘Through the gates and straight on, sir. Admin offices are just beyond the pool.’