‘Get those ready for dispatching straightaway. The courier’s to board the first ship leaving on the morning tide.’

‘Yes, sir. Will that be all for tonight, sir?’

‘Yes. As soon as the dispatches are ready, you can send your clerks back to barracks.’

‘Thank you, sir.’ The clerk saluted and hurried from the office before the general changed his mind. The door closed and Plautius and the commander of the Second Legion were alone in the office.

‘Wine?’ offered Plautius.

‘That’d be welcome, sir.’

General Plautius rose stiffly from his chair and stretched his arms as he made his way over to a brass jug set in a small retaining stand over the delicate flame of an oil lamp. Thin wisps of steam curled up from the jug as Plautius lifted the wooden handle, and then poured two generous portions into silver goblets. He returned to his desk and set them down, smiling contentedly as he wrapped his hands round his warm goblet.

‘I don’t think I could ever come to love this island, Vespasian. Wet and boggy for most of the year, short summers and bitter winters. It’s not a fit climate for civilised men. Much as I enjoy soldiering, I’d rather be home.’

Vespasian smiled, and nodded. ‘No place like it, sir.’

‘I’m determined to make this my last campaign,’ continued the general in a more sombre tone. ‘I’m getting too old for this life. It’s time a new generation of generals took over. I just want to retire to my estate near Pompeii and spend the rest of my days savouring the view out across the bay towards Caprae.’

Vespasian doubted that Emperor Claudius would be keen to dispense with the services of a general of such great experience, but kept his silence so that Plautius might enjoy his reverie. ‘Sounds very peaceful, sir.’

‘Peaceful?’ The general frowned. ‘I’m not sure I even know what the word means any more. I’ve been in the field too long. If I’m honest I’m not really sure if I could stand being retired. Maybe it’s just this place. Hardly been here a few months and I’m already sick of the sight of it. And that bloody man Caratacus is tasking me every step of the way. I really thought we’d beaten him once and for all in that last battle.’