‘I can handle that,’ Macro said firmly, looking steadily at the legate. ‘You have my word on it, sir.’

Aurelius smiled thinly and turned his gaze back to Cato. ‘Your friend seems unconcerned by the prospect of a fight. So your sense of disquiet is misplaced. Of course I understand that an officer of your years might be unnerved by the prospect of a river crossing.’

Cato stared at his superior as he struggled to keep his face clear of any expression that might betray his anger at the legate’s accusation. He swallowed and spoke in a flat tone when he replied. ‘I can assure you, sir, I understand the risks entailed in making an opposed landing across a river as wide as the Nile. Indeed, I took part in such an action during the invasion of Britannia.’ Images of the landing briefly flitted through Cato’s mind - the languid flow of the Tamesis as he stood in the crowded barge with the men of his century, staring at the roaring horde of Celt warriors waiting for them on the far bank. Yes, he knew the danger that the First Cohort would face, Cato reflected. He cleared his throat and continued addressing the legate.

‘That was not my point though, sir. What occurs to me is that since the enemy will be able to oppose the First Cohort wherever they attempt to cross, Centurion Macro might as well cross the Nile here as anywhere else. It would save time, if nothing else.’

‘I see.’ Aurelius stroked his chin as he looked across the water at the enemy-held bank where the Arab patrol returned his gaze. ‘You are right, Tribune. But I wonder,’ he turned back to Cato, ‘if you would make such a proposal if it entailed putting your own life at risk.’

‘Of course, sir. I would be honoured to join the First Cohort when they assault the far bank.’

Aurelius’s lips lifted in a thin smile. ‘Then you shall have your wish.’

Macro stared round at the rest of the centurions of the First Cohort. Most of them were good men, according to their records and his assessment of them in the days since he had assumed command. Two were newly promoted, former optios replacing officers who had failed to complete the route march. They might well be new to the rank but they were tough veterans keen to prove themselves worthy members of the legion’s centurionate.

‘I know this kind of action is new to you,’ Macro began. ‘You may have served along the Nile, or on the delta, since you joined up, but let me tell you, an amphibious operation is a difficult beast at the best of times. It’s not standard procedure for the legions, and the tribune and I have only had to take part in a handful of actions of this kind.’