‘We shall see. My prosecutors have been taking statements, gathering evidence. I shall take every possible step to put you two on trial as soon as I can. Then, a public execution. That might just be enough to satisfy the mob and calm things down here in Egypt.’

Macro snorted with derision. ‘You’re having me on! It’s utter shit, all of it.’

‘Trust me, Centurion, that’s exactly what is going to happen. What’s more, the Emperor, and that snake of his, the imperial secretary, Narcissus, will approve my action without a moment’s hesitation.’

Cato had been listening to the heated exchange in silence. Now, as understanding dawned, he smiled without humour.

‘What in Hades are you grinning at?’ asked the governor. ‘I see no cause for amusement.’

‘It’s Ajax, sir. He’s responsible for all of this.’

‘Ajax?’

‘Of course. He’s been covering his tracks. Better than that, he’s been stirring up the locals in his wake.’

‘What do you mean?’

‘We came across a ship, adrift, a few days back. All the crew dead, save one who told us that it was the work of Centurion Macro.’

Macro snorted. ‘Which came as something of a bloody surprise to me, as you can imagine.’

‘It also explains why those villagers fled when we landed on the coast the day before,’ Cato continued. ‘He’s been a busy lad, our gladiator.’

‘I assume you can prove this?’ said the governor. ‘Can this survivor of yours testify that the man who attacked his ship was not Macro?’

‘Unfortunately not, sir. He died soon afterwards.’

‘How convenient.’

‘Not for us, it seems. Nonetheless, you produce your other witnesses and see if they can identify either of us as their attackers. That should prove our innocence.’

The governor was silent for a moment and then nodded. ‘Very well. You have a point.’ He paced to the door and clicked his fingers at one of the guards standing outside. ‘You, go and fetch that temple priest, Hamedes. He’s being held over at the palace barracks. I want him brought here at once. Don’t tell him anything about these two officers. Understand?’