‘Relax.’ Vespasian smiled. ‘It’s a private visit. Aside from being diverted from the campaign to sort out a little problem Verica is having with his subjects. I brought some people to see you before they head back home.’

He stood aside to allow Boudica and Prasutagus to enter. The Iceni warrior had to duck under the doorframe, and seemed to take up a rather larger portion of the room than was really fair. He smiled broadly at the two Romans in their beds.

‘Ha! Sleepyheads!’

‘No, Prasutagus old son,’ replied Macro. ‘We’ve been injured. But I suppose you wouldn’t know about that. Being built like a bloody rock and all.’

When Boudica translated, Prasutagus roared with laughter. In the close confines of the room the sound was deafening, and Vespasian flinched. Prasutagus finally got control of himself and beamed down at Cato and Macro. Then he said something to Boudica, and the words came hesitantly, as if he was embarrassed.

‘He wants you to know he feels a brother bond with you,’ Boudica translated. ‘If you ever want to join our tribe, he’ll consider it an honour.’

Macro and Cato exchanged an awkward look, before Vespasian leaned over them, whispering anxiously.

‘For Jupiter’s sake, watch what you say. That’s quite an honour he’s suggesting. We don’t want to offend our Iceni allies. Understand?’

The two patients nodded, then Macro replied.

‘Tell him that’s, er, very kind of him. If we ever quit the legions then I’m sure we’ll look him up.’

Prasutagus beamed happily, and Vespasian puffed his cheeks and relaxed.

‘Anyway,’ Macro continued, ‘when are you heading off?’

‘Soon as we leave you,’ replied Boudica.

‘Camulodunum?’

‘No. Back to our tribe.’ Boudica looked down at her hands. ‘We’ve got to prepare for our wedding.’

‘Sa!’ Prasutagus nodded happily, placing his paw on Boudica’s shoulder.

‘I see.’ Macro forced a smile. ‘Congratulations. I wish you both well.’

‘Thank you,’ said Boudica. ‘That means a lot to me.’

A difficult silence thickened uncomfortably, before Vespasian stirred.

‘Sorry. I meant to tell you straightaway. The general sends his greetings to all four of you. In fact, what he said was, he trusts that the mission you undertook to rescue his family will be emblematic of the relations between Rome and her Iceni allies. Plautius does not think any reward he could give you would do justice to the great deed you have done… Anyway, that was the gist of the message.’

Macro winked at Cato and smiled bitterly.