‘Run, my lord,’ Ferox said, and saw the legate frown. ‘What hound can resist a chase? If the right moment comes, order a retreat and they will follow. Then you can turn with the whole pack and tear them to shreds.’

‘We shall see. For the moment I am drafting an order placing you in command of the exploratores. You will be my eyes and ears.’

‘My lord.’ That was another reminder of Dacia, when he had had the same job. He clutched the bead of the necklace tightly and prayed that this army would march to better fortune. Back then no one had believed him when he had reported that the enemy had massed and was waiting in ambush. He hoped Neratius Marcellus was as shrewd as he seemed.

‘Let’s kill these bastards.’ The legate spoke with surprising vehemence. ‘The traitors and the ones who torture women to death. I hear she was a dancer.’ He shook his head. ‘Such a waste of life.’ Noticing the centurion looking at him he went on. ‘The Lady Sulpicia told me a little about the poor girl. She blames herself. Still, I think it better that the details of what happened be kept from her. At least I do not have to write a letter to my wife telling of the death of her niece. That is something. Do not blame yourself for what has happened. You saved the lady Sulpicia Lepidina and she is worth saving. No reward could be too high for that deed.’

Ferox was not sure whether there was a sparkle of amusement in the legate’s gaze.

‘Well then, get some rest and be ready to have no more for as long as this task takes.’

Ferox stood up. ‘My lord,’ he said, and saluted.

XXVI

IT TURNED COLD overnight, and the next morning the grass crunched underfoot from the heavy frost and the breath of men and beasts steamed as they tried to stamp life into their bones. That night the stars were a vast field of tiny lights, made more bright because there was no moon to challenge them. Far too many soldiers had gathered at Coria to fit into its fort, so the bulk of the army slept in a camp beyond the civilian buildings. Neratius Marcellus had concentrated almost four and a half thousand men – over five thousand including the servants – and planned to lead all save five hundred of them up the Eastern Road the next morning. That plan changed when late in the day a contingent marched up from Bremesio and reported seeing buildings burning and small groups of mounted British warriors shadowing them. Four hundred additional soldiers, half of them cavalry, were instructed to stay at Coria and be ready to confront any signs of trouble in the area in case this threatened communications with the main force.