Cato looked down at the sand map as he framed his thoughts. The legate’s enthusiasm for his plan was evident. He would need careful handling. Cato looked up and met the legate’s gaze directly. ‘Your plan has the virtue of turning the tables on the enemy, sir. That much is clear. Under different circumstances, it would undoubtedly produce the result you desire. However, the enemy outnumber us by more than three to one. I respectfully suggest that we keep the army concentrated in one column if we are to have the best chance of gaining a decisive victory. If you divide our forces, each column will be weaker than the subtraction of the parts, as it were.’ Cato stepped forward and pointed at the diagram of the Nile. ‘Besides, where would you have my column cross the river back to the eastern bank, sir? We have barely enough boats to get five hundred men across at a time. You saw how much trouble we faced landing against a far weaker force than I will have to overcome next time. We have too few men to risk dividing the army. Our best chance is a bold strike up the eastern bank of the Nile. Find the Nubian army and force a battle. The quality of our troops should give us the advantage. We can break the enemies’ spirit before they have a chance to make their superior numbers felt,’ Cato concluded. There was a tense silence and Cato swallowed. ‘That’s my advice, sir.’

‘Duly noted,’ the legate said flatly. He stared at Cato for a moment before he continued. ‘I am pleased that you share my confidence in our men. The Jackals and the auxiliaries have proved they are up to standard. Their mettle is beyond doubt. That is precisely why we can afford to divide the army. Each column will be more than able to look after itself. Moreover, the enemy will not think for a moment that we would dare to divide our army. They know they have the advantage in numbers, and they expect us to go on the defensive and hand the initiative to them.’ Aurelius paused as a thought struck him. He smiled faintly as he resumed. ‘Which is exactly what I have been encouraging them to think. Prince Talmis has fallen into my trap. That is why he foolishly sent his column down this bank of the river. He never expected us to respond so swiftly, or so effectively.’

Cato coughed. ‘Then perhaps we should learn from his mistake, sir.’

Aurelius shook his head. ‘I don’t think you grasp the . . . subtleties of the situation, Tribune.’

Cato raised his eyebrows. ‘Subtleties, sir?’