‘We can’t all go back. The horses aren’t up to it. In any case, I need to be here, close to the hill fort, where I can keep an eye on things and see if there’s any chance to rescue Lady Pomponia and the boy.’

‘What can you do alone?’ Boudica asked wearily. ‘Nothing. That’s what. We’ve done our best, Cato. We came very close to doing what we set out to do. It didn’t work out. That’s all there is to it. No point in throwing your life away.’ She laid a hand on his shoulder. ‘Really. That’s how it is. No one could have done more.’

‘Maybe not,’ he agreed reluctantly. ‘But it’s not over yet.’

‘What can you do now? Be honest.’

‘I don’t know… I don’t know. But I’m not giving up. I gave my word.’

For a moment Boudica stared at the barely visible features of the optio’s face.

‘Cato

‘What?’

‘Be careful,’ Boudica said softly. ‘Promise me that at least.’

‘I can’t.’

‘Very well. But you should know that I’d consider the world a poorer place without you in it. Don’t go ahead of your time.’

‘Who says this isn’t my time?’ Cato replied in a grim tone. ‘And this isn’t the moment to philosophise about it.’

Boudica regarded him with a sad, resigned expression.

‘We’ll tie Macro to one of the horses,’ Cato went on. ‘You and the girl take the other two. Leave the forest on the opposite side we came in from — that should keep you clear of the Druids. Go east, and don’t stop until you reach Atrebate territory. If Prasutagus is right, that should take you no more than a day. Get back to the legion as soon as possible and tell Vespasian everything. Tell him I’m still here with Prasutagus and that we’ll try to rescue Lady Pomponia if there’s a chance.’

‘What then?’

‘Then? I imagine Vespasian will have some instructions for me. Prasutagus and I will use this forest as our base. If there’s any message for us, it’s to come here. You’d better make a mental map of the route on your way back so Vespasian’s man can find us.’

‘If there’s a message, I’ll bring it.’

‘No. You’ve risked yourself enough already.’

‘True, but I doubt a Roman would be intelligent enough to follow my directions back here.’

‘Look, Boudica. This is dangerous. I choose to stay here. I wouldn’t want your life on my conscience as well. Please.’

‘I’ll be back as soon as I can.’

Cato sighed. There was no arguing with the bloody woman, and there was nothing he could do to stop her. ‘As you wish.’

‘Right then, let’s get Macro in the saddle.’