‘Oh, good.’ Vindex sniffed and wrinkled his long nose. ‘You smell funny.’

‘It’s called being clean.’

A trumpet sounded, harsh and brazen in the still air. Masclus gave orders for his men to mount up.

‘Bet they don’t even crap unless they’re told,’ Vindex said.

Ferox ignored him and walked his horse over beside Crispinus. The decurion saluted the tribune and then went to his prefect and saluted again.

‘Third day after the Nones of October. Report of the detachment of the Ninth Cohort of Batavians. All who should be are at their duty stations, as is the baggage. Masclus and his men are ready to depart, and ask permission from his king and lord to set out.’

‘Permission granted.’ Cerialis was wearing his high plumed helmet. ‘Ride to good fortune and a successful return.’

‘My lord!’ Masclus saluted again and went back to the head of the little column. ‘Prepare to march!’ he bellowed. ‘Forward at a walk.’

Crispinus nudged his mare to follow. Ferox stayed back with Vindex, ready to send his scouts ahead once they were properly clear of the fort and canabae. The civilian settlement at Coria, including a number of official buildings, spread far wider than at Vindolanda so that soon it would earn the more formal status of a vicus, but it was early and the few people up and about were not inclined to pay them much attention. On the edge of the village, he heard shouts and saw three small boys lobbing stones at the white-haired beggar as he walked down a lane on to the road. Their aim was not good, but the sight annoyed Vindex.

‘Piss off, you little buggers!’ he shouted, and his savage face was enough to send them scampering back around a corner. The boldest peeked back to look at him, but fled again when the Brigantian snarled.

‘Alms for a blessing.’ The man seemed even more hunched than usual, staring down at the road as he held out his hand. His dog growled at them.

‘Here you are, Father,’ Vindex said, throwing down a couple of coins. ‘We won’t need it where we are going,’ he explained. ‘And I reckon we need all the blessings we can get.’

‘Strange how he seems to follow us around,’ Ferox said. ‘Or it would be if you didn’t keep paying him! Wonder why he’s here?’

Vindex frowned. ‘Everyone’s got to be somewhere. Just wish we weren’t going where we are going.’

‘A man cannot avoid his destiny. We go where we are meant to go.’

‘You saying all this is our fault?’ Vindex gave his leering grin.

‘Not mine – I reckon it’s all your fault. Usually is.’

Crispinus turned and stared at them when he heard the roar of laughter.