Cato was not surprised. Since the ambush of the previous legate's column, Aurelius had restricted the range of his patrols to within half a day's march of the army's base at Diospolis Magna. Any intelligence of the enemy's movements beyond that margin depended upon questioning travellers or those fleeing the Nubians, and the truth had to be filtered out from rumours and wild speculation.

'It appears that the enemy have rather greater numbers than I thought,' Aurelius continued. 'So I have sent a request to the governor for reinforcements before we proceed.'

'Reinforcements?' Cato raised his eyebrows. 'Sir, when I last spoke with the governor he was adamant that every man that could be spared had been sent here.'

'There is always a way to find more men,' Aurelius responded dismissively. 'In any case, I do not ask for a vast host with which to overwhelm my enemy, merely enough to ensure the job is done well. Until then, it would be imprudent to proceed, even though I am straining at the leash to get to grips with those Nubians.'

Cato briefly wondered if he had ever met so supine a hunting dog. He thrust the thought aside and cleared his throat. 'Sir, it is possible that the enemy are also using this time to call on reinforcements. In any case, the longer they remain on Roman soil the greater the damage they do to the province. The natives are bound to feel resentment that they have been left to the mercy of the invader.'

'All part of the exigencies of war, alas.'

Cato could see that this line of argument would not be productive, and so switched his tactics. He nodded thoughtfully before he continued. 'Something occurs to me, sir.'

'Oh?'

'While I understand your prudence in delaying the opening of the campaign, other men far removed from this theatre of war will wonder at the delay.'

'Only because they lack full understanding of the circumstances,' Aurelius countered.

'Yes, sir. But that will not stop them muttering. My chief fear is that Governor Petronius will anticipate the musings of such men and be concerned lest he be thought to have sanctioned your inaction, as he might see it. When your request for reinforcements arrives, I fear that it may spur the governor's anxiety that the campaign is not being fought to a swift conclusion. Anxiety was ever the enemy of sound judgement, sir. What if the governor felt impelled to replace you with a commander less inclined to prudence? Some hothead who would lead the army in a wild dash straight at the enemy, with little thought.'

Aurelius stared directly at Cato. 'That could lead to disaster. I see what you mean. And there's no shortage of ambitious men in Alexandria who will regard me with envy now that the fates have elevated me to command of the army.' He nodded. 'Men like that thug Decius Fulvius. He's always looked down on me. The thought of that fool being placed in charge of the campaign is frightening.'

'Yes, sir. It is your duty to make sure that the governor has no excuse to send such a man to take command of the army.' Cato did not mention that it was more than likely that Fulvius was still attached to the force in Crete.

'Yes… Yes, it is my duty,' Aurelius nodded. 'Damn, I should never have sent that request. It's too late now.' He closed his eyes and made a quick calculation. 'It will take at least another two days for the message to arrive. Perhaps a day for the governor to react and then five days to send a reply.' He blinked. 'I must move fast. The army must be on the march before any reply can reach Diospolis Magna. Within the next seven days. I must consult my staff.' Aurelius paused, and then looked again at Cato. 'I must apologise. You were here to discuss a training matter, I believe.'

'Yes, sir. It concerns the officers of some of the cohorts. They have been avoiding the unit exercises and drills.'

'That's right. They have other duties to attend to. I gave them permission.'

'So they said. However, once the campaign begins, every legionary and every officer must be able to keep up with the column. We cannot afford to have any men slowing us down, sir. Officers included. As you just pointed out, the legion must march soon, and strike decisively. You cannot permit those officers who are infirm or unfit to hold you back.'

'You're right,' Aurelius agreed quietly. 'They must be made ready for the campaign. They must join their men in the training. I will not allow them to be excused from now on. Is that clear, Tribune? All officers will take part.'

Cato nodded.

'Was there anything else?'

'No, sir. That's all.'

Aurelius regarded him for a moment before he continued. 'Thank you, Tribune Cato. You are a most useful sounding board. It seems there's something more to you than meets the eye.'

It was clear that he had concluded their interview and Cato bowed his head and turned to leave the legate's presence. Only once he had passed through the entrance and entered the colonnade where some of the clerks still laboured at their desks did he permit himself a small smile of satisfaction.

The pale light of dawn bled out across the hazy sky as the dim figures of the legionaries and their officers made their way out of the temple complex and fell in. A small column of carts stood at the rear to pick up those who failed to complete the march. Macro and Cato had drawn full legionary kit from the legion's stores and retained only their crested helmets to signify their rank. It had been a while since either man had last taken part in a formal route march. Cato recalled the tips given to him when he had been a fresh recruit and placed pads of wool beneath his feet inside his boots. He also folded his cloak across his shoulder to provide a rest for the shaft of the marching yoke. His shield, mess tins and kitbag hung from the fork at the end of the yoke and a javelin rested on the other shoulder. A full canteen and a waterskin completed his load and he shuffled slightly to adjust it to a more comfortable position as he stood beside Macro at the head of the column.

A number of the officers were already in place. The more rotund or elderly men regarded Macro sourly, while their more professional comrades tried not to reveal their amusement over their discomfort.

'Happy-looking bunch, aren't they?' Macro grinned. 'Let's see how they look after the first five miles.'

'Forget them,' Cato muttered. 'Worry about me. If I don't get through it then the whole point of the exercise is lost.'

'You'll do. Tough as old boots, that's what you are, thanks to everything I've taught you.'

'I'd hate to disappoint you.'

'And I'd hate to have to use my vine cane on your back if you begin to falter.' Macro looked down at the short, knotted staff he carried instead of a javelin, the same as the rest of the drill instructors who would be marching with the column. 'Those were your orders, sir. No special treatment for officers.'

Cato nodded. 'Though you might consider taking the sting out of the blow if you can, in my case.'

'Ah, if I did it for you then I'd feel obliged to do it for some of those fat fucks standing over there as well.' Macro gestured to the officers taking up their positions. 'And speaking of slackers, where's Hamedes got to?'

Cato turned and looked towards the temple. 'There he is.'

The priest walked quickly towards them and stopped close by with a nervous grin. 'Do you Romans always march loaded down like mules, sir?'

'You'll be silent, unless spoken to,' Macro replied harshly. 'You're in the army now, lad. Until this is over you can forget being a priest.'

Hamedes had also been issued with full kit and Macro looked him over to ensure that everything was in place and correctly fastened. 'Not bad,' he mused. 'The armour fits well. Did you get some help putting it on?'