Boudica took a last glance at the still forms huddled beneath their furs on the low bier and nodded.

‘Right, you’d better let Prasutagus have his say.’

Earlier, the Iceni warrior had quietly asked Boudica to let the others know he wanted a word before they passed into Durotrigan territory the next day. Their host had insisted on broaching a cask of ale and had made enough toasts to ensure his happy inebriation before he staggered over to his wife and fell asleep. Now he breathed with the regular deep rhythm of one who would not wake for many hours yet. Against the occasional rumbling of snores from the shadows, Prasutagus briefed the rest of his party in low, serious tones. He watched the others closely as Boudica translated, to make sure that the gravity of his words sank in.

‘He says, once we cross the river, we must be seen as little as possible. This may well be the last night we can enjoy shelter. There will be no fires at night if there is any chance of them being seen by the enemy and we will make as little contact with the Durotriges as possible. We will search for another twenty days, until the Druids’ deadline has passed. Prasutagus says that if we find nothing by then we head back. To stay any longer would be too dangerous, given that your legion will be marching against the Durotriges in only a few days’ time. The moment the first legionary sets foot on Durotrigan soil, every stranger travelling their lands will be regarded as a potential spy.

‘That wasn’t the deal,’ Macro protested quietly. ‘The orders were to find the general’s family, alive or dead.’

‘Not if the deadline has passed, he says.’

‘He’ll follow his orders, like the rest of us.’

‘Speak for yourself, Macro,’ said Boudica. ‘If Prasutagus goes, then I go, and you’re on your own. We didn’t agree to suicide.’

Macro glared angrily at Boudica. ‘We? Who is this “we”, Boudica? The last time we were together this one was just some lunk of a relative who couldn’t resist playing the father figure to you and your mate. What’s changed?’

‘Everything,’ Boudica replied quickly. ‘What’s past is past, and whatever’s to come must not be tainted by the past.’

‘Tainted?’ Macro’s eyebrows rose. ‘Tainted? Is that all I was to you?’

‘That’s all you are to me now’

Prasutagus hissed. He nodded his head towards their hosts and wagged his finger at Macro, warning him to lower his voice. Then he spoke quietly to Boudica, who relayed his words.

‘Prasutagus says the route he has planned will take us through the heart of Durotrigan territory. That’s where we’ll find the bigger villages and settlements, the most likely places where your general’s family might be held.’

‘What if we’re caught?’ Cato asked.