They went at a good pace, but the sight of more than sixty heavily armed riders did not make villagers wary, for the presence of the Germans and the king’s son showed that they travelled with his blessing. People gave them food and shelter for the nights and talked freely. They spoke of the Stallion, who flitted about from place to place, appearing when least expected and telling men of the end of Rome and the cleansing fire that would soon sweep through the land. Even folk loyal to Tincommius were in awe of the priest’s powerful magic. Ferox spoke to one herdsmen and then repeated the story to Crispinus and Vindex.

‘They say that at the great feast the Stallion confronted the Roman envoys,’ he explained.

‘Well, there is truth enough in that,’ the tribune allowed.

‘They also say that he raised his hands in the air, calling on the gods, and struck all three Romans stone dead.’

Vindex grabbed his own left wrist and flopped the hand back and forth. ‘Should we still be moving about?’ he asked.

Crispinus was unsure whether to laugh or take it seriously. ‘How can we make the lie known? Tell the man that we are the envoys and we are as alive as he is.’

‘I already have,’ Ferox said. ‘But he wasn’t surprised. It seems that the great druid told the Stallion that the time was not yet ripe, and that he should respect the high king’s hearth and hospitality, so the priest raises his arms, prays a bit more, and restores us to life.’

Vindex puffed breath on to the palm of his hand and nodded with exaggerated pleasure.

‘Very kind of him, I must say,’ the tribune said. ‘But surely the fellow does not believe such nonsense?’

‘Maybe yes, maybe no,’ Ferox explained. ‘But someone told him the tale and he told us. Word is spreading.’

Next day they met a group of half a dozen men trudging along wrapped in their thick woollen cloaks. They had round shields, a couple of throwing spears on their shoulder, and were going to answer the priest’s call, even though they did not seem to know why. Epaticcus told them to go back home and with the big Gannascus looming over them they shuffled back along the track.

‘Probably double back as soon as we have gone,’ Vindex said and Ferox suspected that he was right.

There were more men the next day striding over the hills to the south as little groups or individuals, but all going in the same direction.

On the fourth day the skies cleared for a few hours, and a pale sun without warmth beamed down on them. An hour after dawn on the next day, the rain started and lasted throughout the day, now and again turning to sleet. They were cold and wet, but by the end of the day they reached the ferry and were taken across the river.