‘You can be very fond of something that is simple, or someone who sees the world in a simple way,’ he went on. ‘I do not know where the Stallion came from, or who he really is, but there is a fire in his soul. He believes utterly, so that when he is cruel or savage he does not understand. It is simply his nature and that cannot be changed. This creature in my hands was born to hunt. You could not stop it from hunting even if you tried. If it is put in chains it will hunt as far as the chain stretches. The only way to stop him would be to break him.’

The high king stared at the animal as the rest yapped around his feet. His face was grim, until at last it softened and he took his fingers from around the puppy’s throat and tickled its stomach. He smiled and set the animal down.

‘The Stallion wishes only for flames and destruction, and for sacrifice.’

‘Samhain is near,’ Ferox said.

‘Then you have heard. He promises a great and terrible sacrifice and he promises much more, for he says that the souls of dead warriors will come into the world and fight alongside his followers, and that men sworn to do his bidding will not be pierced by any blade. He promises blood and fire. He promises war and I believe he is ready to start one and trusts that I will join him.’

‘And you will not?’

Tincommius turned and placed his hands on the centurion’s shoulders. It reminded Ferox of how short the man was, and also the hard assurance in his eyes.

‘I do not wish for a war,’ the high king said, emphasising each word. ‘It is up to you to make sure that I do not have to fight one. Get home, make the new legate of your province agree to friendship.’ Tincommius smiled as he displayed his knowledge. ‘I think you will find that the new governor has arrived. So seal our friendship with him and it will be better for us all. That is why I need to make sure that you get home, and that is why you will have an escort.’

XXI

GANNASCUS AND TWENTY of his men rode south with them. The Germans looked too big on the little ponies, but the animals had strength and stamina and they went at a good pace. With them also came Venutius, accompanied by a dozen warriors as well as Epaticcus, the son of the high king. It rained for the first few days with barely a break, and somehow that made the abandoned remains of the army’s old bases seem even more forlorn.