Ferox said nothing. If the reinforcements had not arrived when they had, then he doubted that anyone would have survived. Vindex had reached the main force quickly, but had trouble finding a senior officer or anyone who knew where the legate or Crispinus were. In the end he met the junior tribune Flaccus, who told him to wait while he reported to Quadratus. The Brigantian waited a long time, until Crispinus appeared and expressed surprise at his presence. By that time Ferox had started to retreat, and it was only the urgent demands of the tribune that gathered enough men and got them moving in time to save the survivors.

‘I shall take your silence as agreement with my fine argument,’ the tribune said. ‘The story will be told of success and we shall all share in the rewards of victory. I do not think that I am breaking any great confidence if I tell you that your name is on the list of those recommended for dona.’

‘I already have plenty of decorations.’ The day after the fight the two chieftains had sent messengers to say that they were willing to make their peace. There was too little food left for the columns to remain in the field, and on top of that the Legate Quadratus wanted to declare victory in the neat little campaign he had been so keen to fight. In the afternoon he met with Tagax and Venutius. The latter was badly bruised and had a bandage tied around his face, but greeted Ferox with great warmth.

‘We met yesterday as enemies, let us talk now as friends,’ the old horse thief declared. ‘I come now because you fought as a man and I can trust you as one brave warrior to another.’ The chieftain’s voice boomed out as he spoke, and Ferox suspected that the words were intended as much for his own warriors as anyone else. This was a good, honourable way to end the fighting. Both chieftains promised to pay all their taxes within ten days, including an additional levy of grain and cattle demanded as the price for peace, and to give hostages from their families as a pledge of their firm alliance with Rome.

‘Be a lean winter for their people,’ Vindex had muttered when the terms were agreed by both sides.

‘Even tougher for Venutius’ neighbours. That rogue will rob them blind to find the cattle he is supposed to give us. I’ll bet Tagax’s folk will lose more than a few over the next few nights.’