‘Then it may all be boasting, but either way the Legate Quadratus feels it prudent to send a delegation to meet the man. The purpose is to talk rather than fight, so they will take an escort of no more than thirty.’

Rufinus let out a low whistle, making the others turn. ‘Sorry,’ he said. ‘But that is a long way from any rescue. If this high king isn’t friendly, or anyone else goes for them – this Stallion or whatever he’s called – then there won’t be much hope. Has the legate chosen some poor devil to go?’

‘I am going,’ Crispinus said, his expression wooden.

‘Oh, well, look…’ Rufinus glanced around the room for aid, but then gave up. ‘No, I cannot think of a way to make what I said sound any different, so might as well stand by it. It is a big risk. Haven’t we just been talking about this mad priest wanting to sacrifice an important captive? You’ll be there in plenty of time for the whathisname festival.’

‘Samhain,’ Ferox said, and already sensed an inevitability about the course of the meeting.

Crispinus turned to him with a smile.

‘Your local knowledge will be invaluable as usual, Flavius Ferox.’

‘Ah. Of course, sir.’ Orders were orders, and there was also the oath binding him to the tribune’s family.

Rufinus gave a mirthless laugh. ‘Talked your way into that one, boy,’ he said. At most he was a year or so older than Ferox, but he was an equestrian and so the air of superiority came easily.

‘I shall take a decurion and twenty-four of your Batavians, prefect, if that is acceptable to you.’ Cerialis nodded assent. ‘Good. We will also want Vindex and four or five of his scouts. Our job is to talk, see if this man can be dealt with, and most of all to find out as much as we can about him and these priests. If all goes well we shall be back in time to celebrate this Samhain.’

‘I shall lay on the best food we can find,’ Cerialis said, ‘although Batavians have their own festival that begins at dawn.’

‘We shall look forward to it with keen interest, and experience of your table leaves me with no doubt that it will be a dinner to remember.’

‘If you like eggs,’ Rufinus said under his breath. ‘Just hope friend Cerialis won’t be eating it all on his own.’