Cato ignored the comment and continued. ‘Both ships are all but out of supplies. We will turn about and make for Alexandria. We’re three days out so we’ll need to find somewhere to take on water and rations. I just hope we don’t meet the same reception we had yesterday.’ He frowned and shook his head. ‘That was strange.’

‘Perhaps they took us for tax collectors.’ Macro shrugged. ‘Can’t say that I’m impressed by the hospitality of the natives. Hope we get better treatment in Alexandria. If all the gypos are as friendly as that lot then I shall be glad when the chase is over and we get back to Rome, eh?’

‘That might not be for some time yet, Macro. Our orders are clear. We are to hunt Ajax down, whatever the cost, and however long it takes. And that’s what we will do until we are issued new orders. No Roman province, nor even Emperor Claudius, can afford to rest easy while Ajax and his followers are still at large. You’ve seen at first hand how he inspires his followers. He could raise the standard of rebellion anywhere across the Empire, and the slaves would flock to his side. While Ajax lives he is a grave threat to the Empire. If Rome falls, there will be chaos and everyone who lived under the protection of the legions, free and slave alike, will fall prey to barbarian invaders. That’s why we must find and destroy Ajax. Besides, we owe him personally, you and me.’

‘Fair enough. But what if he’s given us the slip? Ajax could be anywhere. He could be at the other end of the Mediterranean, or up in the Black Sea. He might even have abandoned his ship and headed inland. If that’s the case then we’ve as much chance of finding him as finding a straight lawyer in the Subura quarter of Rome. Speaking of which, you have a pretty good reason to return there as soon as possible.’ Macro lowered his voice. ‘After all that’s happened, Julia’s going to need you at her side.’

Cato glanced away, down into the blue depths of the sea. ‘Julia has been in my thoughts almost every day, Macro. I think of her, and then I imagine her in that cage Ajax kept the pair of you in. It torments my mind, picturing what she went through.’

‘We both went through the same thing,’ Macro replied gently. ‘And I’m still here. Still the same Macro as ever was.’

Cato looked up at him sharply, his gaze intense. ‘Really? I wonder.’

‘What do you mean?’

‘I know you well enough to see how bitter you are, Macro.’

‘Bitter? And why not? After what that bastard put us through.’

‘And what did he put you through? What exactly? You haven’t told me much about it. Neither did Julia before we left Crete.’