Aurelius sucked in a calming breath and frowned. Cato could see him struggling with the prospect of concurring with his subordinate’s judgement while at the same time retaining his authority. At length the legate nodded curtly. ‘Very well, we’ll scout their position. But not Macro. It was remiss of you to involve one of my most valuable and experienced officers in such a risky venture. When the time comes to face the Nubians, I shall need Macro at the head of the First Cohort.’

‘Sir, it’s precisely because of his experience that I chose Macro.’

‘Then you must choose another. Better still, I will find the man.’ He turned to his staff officers. ‘I need a volunteer to scout ahead.’

Tribune Junius took a step forward. ‘I request the honour.’

‘Done! Brave lad.’ Aurelius turned back to Cato. ‘Far better to give a fresh soldier the chance to win his spurs than lay additional burdens on the shoulders of those who have already proved themselves. See? That’s how a good commander does the job . . . Tribune Junius!’

‘Sir?’

‘Remove your armour and go with this man.’ He gestured towards Hamedes. ‘He will explain the details as you go.’

‘Yes, sir.’

The legate looked up. ‘There are perhaps four hours of light left. I shall give you two hours to return. That is when I shall give the order to storm the valley.’

For over an hour the two men climbed higher into the rocks that towered above the gorge. They proceeded cautiously as they worked their way towards the small valley at the end of the track, taking care not to dislodge any large stone that might start a landslide and give away their position. Tribune Junius led the way, occasionally turning to Hamedes to ask for general directions. Above them the sun edged towards the jagged summits at the end of the valley and the heat wrapped itself around them like a burning vice so that every breath felt laboured and even the occasional waft of air was warm and cloying. Soon their linen tunics were saturated with sweat and stuck to their skin.

Then, as they crested a ridge that sloped down sharply towards the track, Junius froze and quickly eased himself down against the rock.

‘What is it, sir?’ Hamedes asked in a hushed voice.

‘I see ’em,’ Junius whispered, frantically gesturing for the priest to join him.

Hamedes shuffled forward and peered over the rocks, down into the valley. There was a large outcrop above the final bend of the track and four men in black robes sat amongst the boulders, keeping watch. A short distance beyond, the track gave out on to an open space where the horses were hobbled. Dotted around the cliffs were several openings of various sizes. Two men, with shields slung over their backs and armed with lances, appeared from behind some rocks further along and strode towards the horses.