Titus Annius had served for many years, but for most of that time had acted under the orders of someone else. Ferox could see the doubt in his face. ‘We were told to hold up here until we were relieved or got the order to rejoin the column.’

‘I fear that there has been some oversight. Our own troops have joined the main army and are some way north, setting up camp. I suspect the order to recall you has been lost or forgotten.’

It was obvious that Annius’ instincts told him the same thing. He had one century of his own men, for the other had been sent to help guide the baggage train over the pass and had left with them. There were also thirty legionaries with a couple of pack mules, who had come up to set fire to the houses in the fort. There were only half a dozen still with thatch on them, and the straw was damp, so that it had taken them a while to set the first one alight. After that it was easier, lighting torches from the blaze and holding them against the lowest parts of the roofs. As they spoke the last of the round houses caught fire, the strengthening wind blowing dense clouds of black smoke towards them.

Ferox blinked and coughed; the heat was strong even at this distance. Little pieces of smouldering straw floated through the air. ‘How long ago did you get your last order, sir?’

‘Must be three or four hours ago by now. The Tribune Flaccus came up in person with orders from the legate.’ The long habit of obedience fought against Titus Annius’ instincts until his mind found a happy compromise. ‘Would you be kind enough to ride down into the valley and remind them of our presence?’

‘If you wish, but I do think it would be wise for you to pull out now, before it gets dark.’

Titus Annius undid the tie on his helmet’s cheek pieces and rubbed his chin. There was a young centurion with the legionaries and he now wandered over to report.

‘Buildings destroyed, sir,’ he said, and then broke into a fit of coughing as he swallowed a bit of ash. The man noticed the plumed helmet slung behind his saddle, so gave an affable nod to Ferox, probably trying to work out his seniority and unit. Many officers from the legions disdained centurions from the auxilia. Titus Annius was very senior, but if he had not been a former centurion in a legion then he doubted that the man would have paid him so much respect. ‘Do we have fresh orders, sir?’

Titus Annius shook his head. ‘Not yet.’