‘You do not like dogs, do you?’ He offered one of the puppies to the centurion, and the animal stopped barking and stared at him with scepticism ‘No, I thought not. They call the Silures the “Wolf People” so perhaps you do not care for creatures broken and trained. I hear that the Silures are queer folk. Yet there is an old saying that you cannot trust a man who does not like dogs, but I trust you so perhaps the saying is wrong or I am wrong. I like dogs because they are simple and the best ones are more loyal than any man. My hounds are like family to me and it gives me sorrow when I lose one.’ He put the other dog down and held the puppy he had offered to Ferox up to his own face. A little pink tongue licked the king with great energy and enthusiasm.

Ferox said nothing, sensing that there was a point to all this.

‘We had to kill one of my hounds today. She was a bitch, strong, sharp-nosed and fearless. Two years ago she saved me when I was trapped under a fallen horse and a boar charged at me. The bitch fought him alone until men came to help, and she was sorely hurt. I had her tended and nursed back to health. Her courage was undaunted and she continued to serve well until she became subject to rage. She bit a servant, and today she would not be called off and kept mauling one of the thieves until she got at the man’s throat and tore it out. The man was no loss, but a hound like that cannot be kept. The madness and rage will grow and one day she will turn on a servant or a child and she will kill. So I killed her before that could happen. It was’ – he struggled to find the Latin – ‘necessary.

‘There are men who have served me well in the past, men who boast that the gods love them and speak through them.’ Tincommius nuzzled the puppy against his face.

‘The Stallion and the great druid.’

Tincommius nodded and there was sadness in his voice. ‘The one is his own man and not to be commanded by any chieftain or king. He will do what he will do, but I do not fear him. The Stallion is different and has made promises to those who follow him.’ The high king sighed. ‘It is a shame, for the man has persuaded many to accept my leadership. It was he who won me the druid’s blessing.’

The high king turned the puppy on its back, and one hand closed around its neck. It struggled, but could not break free.