The guard saluted and turned to stride off down the corridor. Petronius returned to Macro and Cato. ‘I’ll know soon enough if you’re telling me the truth. One of the temples on the delta was raided ten days ago. The priests were killed and the temple’s strongbox was taken. Only one person was spared. He turned up at the gates of the city yesterday, babbling about the Roman soldiers who had attacked the temple. He was taken into custody to have his wounds dressed and to be fed and rested before we took a statement. We’ll see what he says when he encounters you two.’ He paused and stared at Macro and Cato for a moment before he continued. ‘However, if you’re being straight with me, and this is all the work of Ajax, then it seems we’re dealing with a rather more dangerous and resourceful enemy than I thought.’

Cato nodded. ‘Oh, he’s all that and more. Utterly ruthless. My guess is that he has ambitions to stir up a fresh revolt here in Egypt. That’s the only thing that makes sense.’

‘But why?’ Macro interrupted. ‘Why doesn’t he just run and go to ground? Find somewhere to hide until we give up the chase, then he and his followers can live out their lives as free men.’

‘No, they’ll always be fugitives. Ajax knows that. There can be no peace for him. No matter where he goes, Rome will never give up the hunt. So, all that is left to him is to fight on. It’s all he knows. One way or another he will always be our enemy. Until he is found and killed.’

‘That can’t happen a day too soon,’ Petronius added with feeling. ‘I already have enough problems containing the situation on the upper Nile without this new trouble along the coast.’ He paused and crossed over to the table, pulled up a stool and sat down, gesturing to Cato and Macro to do the same. The scribe remained sitting in the corner, discreetly taking notes. Cato glanced at him, mindful of the need to choose his words with care since Petronius would have a record of what was said.

The governor poured himself a drink before he continued. ‘The province seems to be afflicted by a confluence of threats at present, even before this gladiator of yours turned up - assuming that you are not responsible for the actions that have stirred up the locals.’

Macro bristled, and Cato shook his finger slightly to warn his friend not to react. Petronius missed the gesture; he had his cup in both hands and was staring down at the shimmering surface.