‘Pool?’ Macro smiled as they strode through the gates. ‘Sounds like a cushy posting.’

In stark contrast to the bland exterior of the wall running round the priests’ quarters, the interior afforded comfort in some style at first glance. Palm trees shaded the paved paths that surrounded the buildings. Flower beds were watered by pipes that ran through the gardens. Few plants remained, however, and those that did were sadly neglected and their leaves were covered in a layer of fine dust. The path from the entrance led through a double line of columns and opened out on to a tiled courtyard surrounded by airy cells. A large awning covered the courtyard and in its shade the staff of the headquarters had set up their trestle tables. The clerks were busy cleaning their pens and putting aside their work as they looked forward to the evening meal. On the far side of the courtyard was another line of columns and beyond they could see the mirror gleam of water. The cells of the second courtyard were given over to the senior officers of the army and cots had been set up at the back of each cell while a desk stood at the front. Several officers were still hard at work and Cato asked a passing orderly for the camp prefect.

‘Over there, sir. Far end of the pool.’ He pointed out a slight man with dark, tightly curled hair, hunched over a large desk as he examined a document. Cato led the small party round the shallow pool. As he approached the cell, the camp prefect glanced up. He looked tired and anxious.

‘Yes?’

‘Prefect Cato, sir. I’ve been sent from Alexandria to take up the senior tribune’s vacancy. My orders.’ He handed the document over. ‘This is Centurion Macro, assigned to the legion.’

‘And him?’ He nodded at Hamedes.

‘Our scout, sir.’

Aurelius quickly glanced at the orders and pushed them to one side. ‘It’s good to have you with us. Even though we had a junior tribune join us yesterday we’re still short of the full complement of officers, particularly in the First Cohort. Our best officers can be called on to act as magistrates right across the province. Two of our centurions were serving south of Ombos and we’ve had no word from them. The same goes for the first spear. He was overseeing the construction of a new fort at Pselchis. Frankly, I fear the worst.’

‘Sorry to hear it, sir,’ said Macro.