The heat from the rising sun began to burn the haze and light mist away from the banks of the Nile and the marching men were exposed to its direct rays. The temperature began to rise swiftly and added to the discomfort of the dust kicked up by the passage of thousands of iron-nailed army boots. Every so often the road passed through small villages and little gangs of children would work their way along the column, begging for money in their chirping voices, hurriedly moving on from those soldiers who spat curses or swung a boot at them. Cato just ignored them, concentrating on placing one boot in front of the other as he followed in Macro’s tracks. As the sun rose higher, the heat became intense, searing the landscape in its harsh glare. Cato felt the sweat on his back soak through his tunic and plaster it to his skin. Occasionally a cold trickle dribbled down from his armpits and traced its way over his ribs until it caught in a fold of his tunic. His mouth was dry and it was hard to resist the impulse to call ahead to Macro and suggest that he permit the men a short rest to take some water.

After the second hour there was a groan and a clatter and Cato looked back to see that one of the officers had collapsed on the road. A companion stopped and leaned down to help his friend, before an optio pounced, cracking his staff down on the officer’s shield.

‘What the fuck are you doing? Don’t stop, sir! Keep moving!’

‘You can’t leave him there,’ the centurion protested.

‘Move!’ the optio bellowed into his face, and raised his staff.

The centurion hurriedly straightened up and moved on. The optio remained by the fallen officer and gestured for the legionaries to march round the fallen man. ‘Keep moving! Don’t stop and gawp! What, you’ve never seen an officer fall on his face before? Move!’

The column rippled round the prone man and continued its advance without breaking its step. Macro had slowed so that he was just ahead of Cato and muttered with satisfaction. ‘There goes the first one. Won’t be long before we lose others. Wonder how many more will fall out.’

Cato licked his lips. ‘Just as long as I don’t.’

‘Don’t worry. Like I said, I won’t let you.’

‘Thanks, friend.’

‘No need to get sarky, sir. This was your idea, remember?’

‘Next time I have a good idea, tell me to mind my own business, eh?’

Macro smiled, but growled, ‘Shut up and save your breath.’