‘We have to persuade him to rein in his thirst for glory.’ Cato made his way round the end of the pool towards the table where Aurelius was talking to a handful of other officers, some of whom Cato had seen at headquarters since he and Macro had arrived. Aurelius turned towards them as they approached and smiled warmly.

‘What did you think of my small oration?’

‘Inspiring,’ Cato responded warily.

‘I know. I have been waiting for the chance to make such a speech,’ Aurelius continued in a pleased tone. ‘I confess that I was much influenced by a book I read in the Great Library some months back. Battle addresses of history’s great commanders. A minor work by Livius, but beautifully written. Just the stuff to stir a man’s blood, eh?’ He tapped Cato on the chest.

‘I haven’t had the chance to read it, sir,’ Cato replied evenly. ‘Perhaps I will once the campaign is over. Speaking of which, I would welcome the opportunity to discuss your plans for the campaign. I assume you will be following normal practice and therefore include both myself and the first spear centurion in drawing up the army’s orders, sir.’

A brief look of irritation clouded Aurelius’s expression. ‘There is no need, Tribune Cato. The plans were drawn up by the legate and his closest advisers. Now they are dead. Only I remain from the ranks of those he trusted with his scheme for defeating the Nubians.’ Aurelius paused briefly. ‘Of course, I may see fit to amend some details, but I have my own advisers.’ He indicated the four men standing to his other side. ‘So I will not need to trouble you for any advice.’

‘It’s no trouble, sir. We would be glad to offer you the benefit of our considerable experience.’

‘Your considerable experience?’ Aurelius smiled faintly. ‘Tribune, these men and I were, in all likelihood, serving the Emperor when you were but an infant suckling at your mother’s tit. We can manage with the experience we already have between us. But I thank you for your offer all the same.’ His eyes brightened as another thought struck him. ‘However, I have every wish to put your abilities, and those of good Centurion Macro, to use. I would be obliged if you would take charge of the training regime of the legion. The men are already fine soldiers, but a little exercise and some sword practice will hone their spirits to the appropriate edge, I should think. Macro here has the stern look of a drill instructor, and the voice of one too, I should imagine. Let your experience be of use to the Twenty-Second Legion in that manner, eh? Leave the operational planning to those who have served in Egypt and know the ground well.’