Gannascus clapped the man on the back. ‘Watch the man you fight. Forget everything else,’ he bellowed, but looked pleased that his warriors were doing better when they faced the Roman.

The trumpets announced the return of the high king, who thundered through the gateway at the reins of a chariot. The car was painted bright red, and the harness on the two grey ponies pulling it was of red leather. Seeing the Roman, he turned on a denarius and galloped towards the training area, slewing the chariot to a halt at the last minute. ‘So, are you teaching my warriors?’ he called happily.

‘And learning from them.’ Compliments were rarely wasted and this one made Gannascus’ men cheer. Ferox had to admit that he liked them. He had always felt most at ease among fighting men, finding them easier to understand than Romans like Crispinus, for whom the army was merely one short step as they climbed the political ladder.

‘Talk with me,’ the high king said and began walking off. Ferox followed.

‘Did the hunt go well?’ he asked.

‘Well enough, although I lost a fine horse.’

‘Boar?’ Ferox had seen plenty of mounts brought down and gored by the tusks of a cornered animal.

‘Spear,’ said the high king. ‘We were hunting men who dared to steal my cattle. I had thought yesterday’s executions were sufficient warning, but these rogues must have thought that I would be too busy feasting to watch my own property. They were wrong, as I am sure they realised when my hounds found them.’

They were near the great hall and in a burst of yapping half a dozen puppies ran up to greet Tincommius, their tails wagging furiously.

‘Ah, my children.’ The high king scooped up one of the animals in each hand. They were only a few months old, and their legs looked too long for their bodies. ‘You must leave tomorrow.’ The abrupt change of subject took Ferox by surprise. ‘Speak to your tribune, and we will have a council tonight and agree matters.’ The high king made it clear that he expected the Romans to accept his offer.

‘I will speak to the Lord Crispinus.’

‘Good. You must go quickly and I will send some of my men with you as escort.’ Tincommius’ tone suggested that this was more than a courtesy. ‘There may be danger.’

‘The Stallion?’ Ferox asked and the high king looked surprised at his directness.