Cato glanced quickly at Aurelius, but the legate did not take issue with this challenge to his authority. He leaned forward and rested his elbows on his knees, staring at the deck in thought. ‘I am not so sure that is wise. It would be dangerous to leave our base in Diaspolis Magna while the enemy is lurking nearby. What if they cross the Nile and attack? They could take the city, destroy our stores and then march on our rear. We would be trapped between the two enemy forces. If we are defeated, then there will be nothing standing between the Nubians and the delta. Governor Petronius will not be able to stop their advance.’ Aurelius looked up at Macro. ‘If we lose control of the Nile then the wheat supply will be cut off. Alexandria would starve, not to mention the mob in Rome who depend on the grain from Egypt. No, the risk is too great. We must deal with the enemy forces one at a time.’ He nodded towards the Arabs. ‘Starting with them.’

Macro stirred, about to protest, but Cato addressed him in an undertone. ‘He’s right. We have to take care of our flank first.’

Macro pressed his lips together for a moment before he replied. ‘At this rate the campaign will drag on for months. What about Ajax? Why give him time to escape us again? Is that what you want?’

‘Of course not. But we must deal with one threat at a time.’

Macro was silent for a moment before he growled, ‘Then we’d better get on with it, hadn’t we?’

The legate cleared his throat. ‘If you two have finished?’

Cato and Macro faced him and Aurelius glared at them briefly before he continued. ‘We must get sufficient men across the Nile to deal with the enemy. Clearly the best course of action is to cross the Nile further downriver and march back along the bank to engage them. The First Cohort should be sufficient to cope with the task.’ He nodded towards Macro. ‘It is the strongest unit in the legion and should easily defeat the enemy column. Once Centurion Macro has driven the enemy off, I shall send the Syrian cavalry cohort across to screen our flank as the main column marches on Prince Talmis.’ He paused. ‘Any questions?’

The officers surrounding him remained silent. Cato looked at the Arab patrol keeping pace with the boat, then turned back to face the legate and responded as diplomatically as he could.

‘Sir, while I agree with your plan, there is one aspect of it that causes me some disquiet.’

Macro frowned. ‘Disquiet?’

‘Oh?’ Aurelius raised an eyebrow. ‘And what aspect would that be, Tribune?’

Cato pointed to the patrol. ‘They are following us and watching our every move. The enemy will be ready to contest the landing wherever Centurion Macro and his men attempt to cross the Nile.’