The column clopped to a standstill and the men sat in their saddles, both hands holding on to their reins. The camels approached steadily and then, when they were within javelin range, their leader called out an order and they slowed and stopped. The riders wore dark robes and headdresses and held their weapons in an overhand grip, ready to hurl them the instant they received the order.

Ajax cleared his throat and raised a hand in greeting. ‘We come as friends. I wish to speak with Prince Talmis.’ He nodded to Hepithus and the Nubian spoke with the leader of the patrol, then turned to Ajax.

‘He asks who you are.’

‘Then tell him that I am Ajax, the gladiator, leader of the rebellion against Rome on the island of Crete, and I have come to offer my services to Prince Talmis, against our common enemy.’

Hepithus translated and there was a short pause before the leader of the patrol spoke again.

‘He wants us to hand our weapons over to his men. Then he will escort us into their camp.’

Karim edged his mount forward and spoke quietly. ‘General, it would not be wise to venture any further without the means to defend ourselves.’

Ajax took a deep breath and shook his head. ‘We will do as he says. Swords out!’

There was a chorus of steely rasps as his men drew their weapons and held them ready. The Nubians stirred uneasily and several raised their javelins.

‘Throw them down!’ Ajax ordered and tossed his sword to one side. His men followed suit, save Karim who watched the Nubians warily.

‘Do as I say,’ Ajax hissed angrily. ‘Now.’

Karim swung his arm down and the sword stuck into the ground close by the heel of his boot. The leader of the patrol shouted an order and four of his men made their camels kneel before they slid from the saddles and ran across to the column of horsemen to gather up the weapons. They hurried back and placed them in their saddle buckets before remounting and urging their camels back on to their feet. There was a brief series of throaty grunts from the camels before all was still again. The patrol leader gestured to Ajax to follow him and turned his camel towards the camp. Half his men followed him, and the rest waited for the horsemen to pass by before taking up the rear.