Cato fully shared his friend’s desire to put paid to the rebel. However, there was no question of Aurelius giving them permission to spend several days searching for him. He turned to the priest and regarded him thoughtfully. This might also be the opportunity to resolve something that had been troubling him since he had first heard of Ajax’s escape a few hours earlier.

‘Hamedes.’

‘Sir?’

‘I have a job for you. I need someone to go forward and spy out the enemy’s positions. If they go to ground when we attack, then I must know which tomb they are hiding in. Since you know the place, you’re the obvious choice.’

‘Yes, sir.’

‘You’ll need to make an indirect approach.’ Cato looked up at the crags and rocky outcrops that formed the sides of the gorge. ‘It’ll be hard going, and dangerous if you are spotted. Will you volunteer?’

Hamedes nodded at once. ‘Yes, sir. I have as much of a debt to settle with Ajax as you do.’

‘Of course.’ Cato half smiled. ‘I had little doubt you would agree.’ He turned to Macro. ‘Centurion, I want you to go with him.’

Macro raised his eyebrows. ‘Me?’

‘Two pairs of eyes are better than one. Hamedes knows the ground. You know how best to use it. Go with him and report back to me as soon as you have discovered which tomb the enemy are using. It’ll be hot work. You can both leave your armour behind. Just take your swords.’

Macro opened his mouth to protest, then puffed his cheeks and nodded. ‘As you command.’

Once the two men had struggled out of their chain-mail armour and rebuckled their sword belts over their tunics, Cato sent Hamedes to fetch some spare canteens from the nearest cavalry squadron. While the priest strode away, Cato addressed Macro in an undertone. ‘I’d have gone myself, but for my shoulder.’

‘I know.’

‘Be careful, Macro. Don’t take any risks . . . Keep an eye on Hamedes.’

The last remark caught Macro by surprise and he turned towards Cato with a puzzled expression. ‘What?’

Cato glanced at the priest as he was explaining his orders to the decurion of the nearest cavalry squadron. He faced Macro again. ‘I’m not sure how far I trust him any more.’

‘Hamedes?’ Macro shook his head. ‘What the hell are you talking about? He’s served us as loyally as any soldier these last months. Besides, you know his story. Hamedes wants revenge just as we do.’

‘That’s his story,’ Cato replied quietly.

Macro let out a sharp, exasperated breath. ‘You mind telling me what’s brought this on?’

Hamedes had secured two spare canteens and was striding back towards them.