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since I now know the name of your legion, cohort and optio you may as well give me yours.’
    The older legionary took a breath before answering. ‘Nennius.’
    Then the younger man spoke up. ‘I’m Papus.’
    ‘You have your grain. Why aren’t you already back on the road?’
    ‘Just taking a little break before the return journey. You know how it is.’ Nennius offered what he clearly believed to be an engaging smile.
    ‘Tell your friend to come out,’ Cassius said calmly.
    ‘Sir?’
    ‘Your friend. There are three of you here.’
    Nennius looked over at the horses. ‘No, sir, that mount is a spare.’
    Cassius nodded at the building. ‘I saw all the footmarks in there. He’s behind that door to the left. With the daughter, I expect.’ Cassius pointed across the courtyard. ‘The old woman didn’t hang the clothes on that high washing-line.’
    ‘You’re wrong, sir.’
    ‘Let’s see, shall we?’
    Cassius took two steps before Nennius blocked his way. Papus sidled into position behind him, hand on his sword pommel.
    ‘I tell you you’re wrong,’ repeated Nennius.
    ‘Do you know what that is, legionary?’ asked Cassius, aiming a thumb at Simo.
    The Gaul held the spear-head up. It took Nennius a while to process this new development. He looked back at Papus. The younger man shrugged.
    ‘I see you do,’ Cassius continued. ‘Tomorrow I am to meet with the commander of your legion, Prefect Venator. I’m sure he’ll be most interested to hear of this encounter. Optio Rullus too.’
    Now Nennius moved his hand towards his sword.
    Cassius swiftly decided on a different approach.
    ‘However, if you three get on your horses and leave at once, this need go no further.’
    Nennius let out an anxious sigh. Papus – at least aware that he was too drunk to make a decision – shrugged again.
    After what seemed an eternity, Nennius nodded slowly, then scratched at his nose.
    ‘Come out, Vulso!’
    Cassius heard a door open inside, then soft footsteps. The tall, wiry legionary who appeared was carrying his boots in one hand, his belts and weapons in the other. His state of inebriation seemed to be somewhere between the other two. There were livid scratches on his neck and face.
    ‘Morning,’ Cassius said evenly. Another thing he had learned in the last two years was the value of civil formality, even when dealing with infantrymen.
    Cassius would have preferred to take on the other two than Vulso alone. Despite the drink, Cassius noted the immaculate state of his belt and scabbard. He looked like a man who loved his weapons; and men who loved their weapons usually loved using them.
    ‘You lads were involved in the fighting, I expect,’ Cassius said.
    Silence.
    ‘Emesa? Immae?’
    ‘Both,’ said Nennius.
    ‘And quite rightly you feel entitled to a little reward. Fair enough. But that’s what whore-houses are for. I’m sure Palmyra has its share.’
    Vulso nodded towards the building. ‘You haven’t seen her.’
    ‘To the victor the spoils, sir,’ offered Nennius.
    ‘The spoils of war do not extend to indiscriminate rape. Not among the armies of Rome at least. But if you go now, you have my word that news of this will not reach your superiors.’
    Nennius and Vulso exchanged glances, then shrugged. Vulso bent over and put his boots on, then he and Nennius walked away towards the stable.
    ‘I don’t get a turn?’ asked Papus.
    ‘I didn’t even get mine,’ Vulso replied over his shoulder. ‘Was hard enough to get the feisty little bitch on the ground.’
    It seemed to take forever for the three legionaries to mount up. Whenever they exchanged a word, Cassius feared one of them was pointing out that it was two against three; that they could easily do away with the young officer and his servant, then do as they pleased and hide the evidence of their crimes.
    But after a few wary looks at Cassius, they eventually rode out of the courtyard.
    As soon as the cart disappeared, Simo hurried into the