Vespasian’s heart felt heavy. The general had got his message, then. He now knew of the terrible danger his family was in. Reminded of his own pregnant wife and young son, Vespasian could sympathise with his general. But sympathy did not allay his apprehension about the general’s state of mind.

Vespasian was suddenly aware that the sentry was watching him.

‘What’s the matter, soldier? Never seen a general before?’

The sentry coloured, but before he could respond, Vespasian sent him down the ladder to alert the duty centurion of General Plautius’s approach. The usual formalities due to a commanding general would have to be organised quickly. Vespasian stayed in the watchtower until the sentry returned, watching the approaching column canter towards the northern gate. The general’s mounted guard came first, followed by Plautius himself and a handful of staff officers. With them rode two hooded figures, and then came the rearguard section, riding either side of five Druids who were tied to their mounts. As they neared, Vespasian could see the foam on the flanks of the horses; the beasts had obviously been driven to the limits of their endurance in the general’s bid to reach the Second Legion as swiftly as possible.

Vespasian quickly descended from the tower and took position at the end of the honour guard formed up on either side of the gateway. It would create a good impression if he greeted the general in person. The pounding of hooves was clearly audible now, and Vespasian gave a nod to the centurion in command of the honour guard.

‘Open the gates!’ shouted the centurion. The locking bar was lifted and carried to one side and then with a deep groan the gates were hauled open as widely as possible. It was neatly timed, as moments later the first of the general’s personal guard reined in to one side of the gateway and waited for Plautius to enter the camp first. The general, followed by his staff, slowed to a walk as the guard centurion bellowed his orders.

‘Honour guard… present!’

The grounded javelins of the legionaries were thrust forward at an angle, and the general responded with a salute in the direction of the headquarters tents where the Second Legion’s standards were housed in a temporary shrine. Plautius came to a halt beside Vespasian and dismounted.

‘Good to see you, General!’ Vespasian smiled.

‘Vespasian.’ Plautius nodded curtly. ‘We need to talk, at once.’

‘Yes, sir.’

‘But first, please see to it that my escort… and my companions,’ he indicated the staff officers and the two cowled figures, ’see to it that they’re made comfortable, somewhere quiet. The Druids can be tied up with the horses.’

‘Yes, sir.’ The legate waved the duty centurion over and passed on the instructions. The horses, badly blown by the effort they had been put to, bellowed with deep breaths from their flared nostrils.