The officers nodded and were waiting to be dismissed when a cavalry auxiliary entered the room and strode up to the prefect of the Alexandrian mounted cohort and quickly reported to him. The other officers looked on curiously as the prefect questioned the man and then dismissed him.

‘Something to tell us?’ asked Aurelius.

‘Yes, sir. It seems that some of the defenders managed to escape us, sir. One of my squadrons was surprised last night. They were part of the perimeter we established round the temple. They were killed where they slept. One of the sentries was still alive when they were discovered this morning. Before he died he said that one of the men who attacked them was in Roman uniform and used the night’s password to get close enough to surprise the sentries.’

‘How did he get hold of the password?’ asked Macro.

Junius pursed his lips. ‘Perhaps he overheard some of our men use it around the temple.’

The cavalry prefect nodded. ‘It’s possible. Anyway, the attackers must have been the mounted men we saw at first light. I sent two of my squadrons to pursue them. They made off towards the north, into the hills. I’ve just heard that they’ve been caught in a dead end. We have them.’

Macro turned to Cato and muttered, ‘That could be Ajax, I suppose.’

‘More than likely.’ Cato nodded. ‘By the gods, that man is like a ghost. A bloody ghost.’

‘How far away are they?’ Aurelius asked the cavalry prefect.

‘No more than four miles, sir. My men are watching them. The leading squadron had the worst of the first encounter. The officer in charge has asked for reinforcements before he tries again.’

Cato stepped forward to intervene. ‘Excuse me, sir, but it’s possible that Ajax is with them. He could have escaped with what’s left of his band of rebels.’

‘So?’

‘Centurion Macro and I were tasked with tracking Ajax down. I request permission to take charge of his capture, sir.’

Aurelius considered for a moment. ‘No. I will take command since I am here. Might as well complete the work I’ve started. I’ll take the auxiliary horse and the archers, since they will be remaining on this side of the Nile in any case. The rest of the men can return to Karnak. However, I shan’t deprive you of the pleasure of being in at the kill, Tribune. Nor you, Centurion Macro.’

‘Thank you, sir,’ Cato responded with forced politeness.

‘Then let’s not waste a moment longer.’ The legate clapped his hands together. ‘It’s time to put an end to this rebel, Ajax. To arms!’

CHAPTER THIRTY

CHAPTER THIRTY