Short of the top, Valens looked along the column. As usual, Hairan was out in front, on point. The track here was wide enough for three horses abreast. The guide rode between Valens and Iudex, with Narses following. Behind them Decimus led the four spare horses carrying the provisions. They had bought two new animals in the village to join the bell-mare and the sole survivor of those with which they had set out. The new beasts were not yet accustomed to the routine, and were playing up. Decimus was a fine horseman, and controlled them with patience and firmness. Clemens and Aulus brought up the rear. At each stop in the day Valens had altered the order of march, so that all except Hairan and Decimus shared in the discomfort of riding at the tail through the clinging dust raised by those in front.

‘What are you doing here, woman?’ The guide was startled and furious.

Lucia sat her horse across the path. Hairan had gone on ahead.

‘Exposing your treachery,’ Lucia said.

‘What are you talking about?’ The guide pushed his horse alongside hers.

‘Your secret is uncovered.’

‘Have you no shame?’

‘Do not talk to me of shame. Your brother was a man. You are a snake.’

‘My brother was weak, always too soft on you.’ He raised his fist. ‘You will learn obedience.’

Before the blow could land, Iudex grabbed the guide by the scruff of the neck and hauled him almost out of the saddle.

‘You pollute the light in your soul,’ Iudex said, before his huge hand released its grip.

The guide landed hard, but was on his feet in a moment, groping for the hilt of his sword.

‘Not a good idea,’ Valens said, nudging his mount between the guide and the woman.

Looking up at the grim-faced men, all defiance left the guide. ‘Take the bitch, if you want her. She can entertain you all. She will enjoy being on her back. Good riddance – only our customs forced me to marry the whore.’

Iudex swung down, and threw his reins to Narses. With brisk efficiency, he disarmed and searched the guide.

‘Where did you plan to abandon us?’ Valens said.

‘Never! I would not do such a thing.’

Iudex cuffed the man. The guide staggered.

‘I have done you no wrong.’

Iudex hit him again, but this time he punched him hard in the kidneys.

From where he had crumpled to the ground on his knees, the man looked up. ‘It was not my idea. The headman forced me to take an oath. He would have killed me otherwise.’

‘What did he make you swear?’ Valens said.

‘To take you into the uninhabited wastes, to steal your precious things, leave you to die. But I was going to tell you.’

‘Are there others following us?’

‘No, just me. But I would never have done it.’