Cato felt his pulse quicken. The confrontation had taken a dangerous turn once again. His commander had all but accused him of cowardice. If they had been facing each other in private, Cato could have confronted the accusation directly, but he was aware of the tension that now gripped the officers surrounding him and the legate. If he rounded on the man now, then Aurelius would be forced to apologise to him or dismiss him. An apology would damage his authority irreparably, so the legate would have no choice but to get rid of Cato and send him back to Alexandria. That would remove any opportunity for Cato to change his superior’s mind with regard to his campaign plan. It would result in disaster, Cato was convinced of it. He knew that he must swallow his pride, for the sake of army, his friend Macro, and the fate of the province.

‘I do not fear the Nubians, sir,’ he responded evenly. ‘I am merely offering you my professional opinion. Based upon my years of service to Rome.’

‘And how many years is that, exactly?’

Cato felt furious with himself. He had walked into a trap of his own making. Fool, he cursed himself. ‘Seven years, sir.’

‘Seven,’ Aurelius repeated with a half-smile. ‘I served ten years in the ranks before being promoted to centurion. Then another twelve years acquiring the seniority necessary to become first spear and finally camp prefect. I rather think that I have all the experience necessary to command the army as I see fit. Seven years.’ He shook his head and then swept his arm round, gesturing to all the other officers. ‘I wonder, is there another man here with less experience than you, Tribune? Well?’

There was no response from the officers and the legate turned back to Cato with a triumphant expression. ‘I think that places your advice in the appropriate context . . . wouldn’t you agree?’

Cato did not reply. Anything he said now would damn him either way. He was conscious of the other men watching him closely, waiting for his response. He cleared his throat. ‘I have given you my advice, sir. That is my professional duty. The command of the army is yours. It is up to you to give the orders for the campaign.’

‘That’s right. The decision is made and the time for consultation or dissent is over. Is that clear?’

‘Yes, sir. Perfectly.’

‘Then I expect you, and every one of my officers, to obey my orders without question from now on.’

Cato nodded.

The legate was still for a moment and then nodded. ‘Very well then. You will all receive your instructions once the headquarters staff at Karnak have them ready. In the meantime ensure that your men are ready to advance the moment I give the word.’