-The Gladiator

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THE GLADIATOR

Simon

Scarrow and available from

Headline

T h e Roman Series U n d e r the E a g l e T h e Eagle's C o n q u e s t W h e n the E a g l e H u n t s T h e E a g l e and the Wolves T h e Eagle's Prey T h e Eagle's P r o p h e c y T h e Eagle In T h e Sand Centurion T h e Gladiator The

Wellington and Napoleon Quartet Young Bloods T h e Generals Fire a n d S w o r d

THE GLADIATOR SIMON

SCARROW

headline

Copyright © 2009 Simon Scarrow The right of Simon Scarrow to be identified as the Author of the Work has been asserted by him in accordance with the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988. First published in 2009 by HEADLINE PUBLISHING G R O U P 1 Apart from any use permitted under UK copyright law, this publication may only be reproduced, stored, or transmitted, in any form, or by any means, with prior permission in writing of the publishers or, in the case of reprographic production, in accordance with the terms of licences issued by the Copyright Licensing Agency. All characters in this publication - other than the obvious historical characters - are fictitious and any resemblance to real persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental. Cataloguing in Publication Data is available from the British Library ISBN 978 0 7553 2778 2 (Hardback) ISBN 978 0 7553 3916 7 (Trade paperback) Typeset in Bembo by Avon DataSet Ltd, Bidford-on-Avon, Warwickshire Printed and bound in Great Britain by Clays Ltd, St Ives plc Headline's policy is to use papers that are natural, renewable and recyclable products and made from wood grown in sustainable forests. The logging and manufacturing processes are expected to conform to the environmental regulations of the country of origin. HEADLINE PUBLISHING G R O U P An Hachette UK Company 338 Euston Road London NW1 3BH www. headline. co. uk www. hachette. co. uk

T h i s b o o k i s for M i c k W e b b and the staff o f Stoke Holy Cross Primary School. T h a n k y o u for everything y o u have d o n e for m y sons, J o e and N i c k .

O n c e again, m y heartfelt thanks t o m y wife, C a r o l y n , for road-testing each chapter as it c a m e off the w o r d - p r o c e s s o r . A l s o to my agent, M e g , a n d surely o n e o f the best editors i n the business, M a r i o n , w h o always m a n a g e s to rein in my excesses a n d p o i n t me towards a leaner, cleaner tale. Finally, h u g e thanks t o m y s o n J o e , w h o n o w has a n e n c y c l o p a e d i c k n o w l e d g e o f the series a n d thus saved m e f r o m m a k i n g a v e r y e m b a r r a s s i n g error. J o e , you're a star.

THE HEART OF THE ROMAN EMPIRE 49AD

ROMAN PROVINCE OF CRETE

CHAPTER O N E

W

e s h o u l d reach M a t a l a on the n e x t tack,' a n n o u n c e d the captain as he s h a d e d his eyes a n d g a z e d at the coastline of

C r e t e off the starboard b e a m , b u r n i s h e d b y the late a f t e r n o o n sun. B e s i d e h i m o n the d e c k s t o o d s o m e o f his passengers, a R o m a n senator, his d a u g h t e r a n d t w o c e n t u r i o n s , b o u n d for R o m e . T h e four h a d b o a r d e d at C a e s a r e a t o g e t h e r w i t h the daughter's maidservant, a y o u n g J u d a e a n girl. T h e captain was p r o u d o f his vessel. T h e Horus was an o l d ship f r o m A l e x a n d r i a , retired f r o m the fleet that s h i p p e d grain across the M e d i t e r r a n e a n t o R o m e . D e s p i t e her years she was still a t o u g h , seaworthy vessel a n d the captain was confident a n d e x p e r i e n c e d e n o u g h t o take her o u t o f the sight o f land w h e n necessary. Accordingly, the Horus h a d h e a d e d directly o u t to sea w h e n she left the p o r t o f C a e s a r e a , a n d h a d m a d e landfall off the coast of C r e t e three days later. 'Will we arrive at M a t a l a b e f o r e n i g h t ? ' asked the senator. ' I ' m afraid n o t , sir.' T h e captain s m i l e d faintly. ' A n d I ' m n o t g o i n g to a t t e m p t an a p p r o a c h in the dark. T h e Horus has a full h o l d a n d rides l o w in the water. C a n ' t risk r u n n i n g her up on any rocks.' 'So what happens tonight then?' T h e captain p u r s e d his lips briefly. 'We'll have to stand off the coast, h o v e to until d a w n . M e a n s I'll lose a day, b u t that can't be h e l p e d . B e s t offer a q u i c k prayer to P o s e i d o n that we m a k e up the t i m e after we leave Matala.' T h e o l d e r c e n t u r i o n let o u t a frustrated sigh. ' B l o o d y sea travel. N e v e r straightforward. S h o u l d have taken the land route.' T h e o t h e r officer, a tall, slender m a n w i t h a curly m o p of dark hair, l a u g h e d a n d slapped his stout c o m r a d e on the shoulder. 'I t h o u g h t I was the i m p a t i e n t o n e ! E a s y there, M a c r o , we'll still reach R o m e l o n g b e f o r e w e ever c o u l d i f w e h a d g o n e b y land.' 1

' Y o u ' v e c h a n g e d y o u r t u n e . T h o u g h t y o u w e r e the o n e w h o h a t e d the sea.' ' I ' m n o t fond of it, b u t I have my reasons for w a n t i n g to reach R o m e as s o o n as I can.' ' N o doubt.' C e n t u r i o n M a c r o w i n k e d , w i t h a faint n o d towards the senator's daughter. 'I'll j u s t be glad to get a n e w p o s t i n g . B a c k w i t h the l e g i o n s , permanently. T h e g o d s k n o w w e ' v e d o n e e n o u g h to earn it, C a t o , my friend. Two years on the eastern frontier. I've h a d my fill of heat, sand a n d thirst. N e x t t i m e I w a n t a nice cushy p o s t s o m e w h e r e in G a u l . S o m e w h e r e I can rest a while.' 'That's w h a t y o u say now.' C a t o l a u g h e d . ' B u t I k n o w y o u , M a c r o . Y o u ' d b e b o r e d witless b e f o r e the m o n t h was out.' ' I don't know. I'd like t o get b a c k t o s o m e p r o p e r soldiering. N o m o r e d o i n g the dirty w o r k o f the i m p e r i a l palace for me.' C a t o n o d d e d w i t h feeling. E v e r since they h a d carried o u t their first m i s s i o n for N a r c i s s u s , the emperor's private secretary a n d h e a d o f the i m p e r i a l spy n e t w o r k , M a c r o and C a t o h a d faced perils f r o m every quarter, besides the usual dangers o f b e i n g soldiers. C a t o ' s e x p r e s s i o n h a r d e n e d . ' I fear that's rather o u t o f o u r control. T h e m o r e p r o b l e m s we solve, the greater the c h a n c e that we'll be called on again.' 'Ain't that the truth,' M a c r o m u t t e r e d . 'Shit . . .' T h e n , r e m e m b e r i n g that the senator a n d his

daughter were

present, he g l a n c e d at t h e m apologetically a n d cleared his throat. ' S o r r y , miss. P a r d o n m y Gallic.' The

senator

smiled. 'We've

heard

worse

in

recent

months,

C e n t u r i o n M a c r o . In fact I think we have b e c o m e rather u s e d to the rough

ways

of soldiers.

Otherwise

I'd

hardly

countenance

the

attention C a t o has b e e n s h o w i n g m y daughter, e h ? ' S h e g r i n n e d . ' D o n ' t worry, Father, I'll t a m e h i m sure e n o u g h . ' C a t o s m i l e d as she t o o k his a r m a n d gave it an affectionate s q u e e z e . T h e captain l o o k e d a t t h e m and scratched his chin. ' G e t t i n g m a r r i e d then, M i s s J u l i a ? ' S h e n o d d e d . 'As s o o n a s w e return t o R o m e . ' ' D a m n , h a d h o p e d t o ask for y o u r h a n d myself,' the captain j o k e d . H e e x a m i n e d C a t o briefly. T h e centurion's features w e r e u n m a r k e d by the scars o n e t e n d e d to see on the faces of e x p e r i e n c e d soldiers.

2

He was also, by far, the y o u n g e s t c e n t u r i o n the G r e e k sea captain had ever m e t , barely in his twenties, a n d he c o u l d n o t help w o n d e r i n g if such a m a n c o u l d only have b e e n p r o m o t e d to the rank t h r o u g h the patronage of a powerful friend. B u t the medallions fixed to the centurion's harness s p o k e o f real a c h i e v e m e n t s , hard w o n . Clearly there was far m o r e to C e n t u r i o n C a t o than the captain h a d first t h o u g h t . B y contrast, C e n t u r i o n M a c r o l o o k e d every i n c h the hard fighting m a n . S h o r t e r by a h e a d , b u t built like a bull, w i t h w e l l m u s c l e d limbs o n w h i c h n u m e r o u s scars clearly s h o w e d . S o m e fifteen years older than his c o m r a d e , he h a d c r o p p e d dark hair a n d p i e r c i n g b r o w n eyes, yet the creases in his face hinted at a h u m o r o u s side, s h o u l d a suitable o c c a s i o n arise. T h e captain t u r n e d his attention b a c k to the y o u n g e r officer, w i t h a t o u c h of envy. If he m a r r i e d into a senatorial family, t h e n C e n t u r i o n C a t o was set up for the rest of his life. M o n e y , social p o s i t i o n a n d career p r e f e r m e n t w o u l d b e his for the taking. T h a t said, it was clear to the captain that the affection b e t w e e n the y o u n g c e n t u r i o n a n d the senator's d a u g h t e r was real e n o u g h . A t the e n d o f e a c h day the t w o o f t h e m w e r e o n d e c k t o w a t c h the sun set, a r m s a r o u n d each o t h e r as they g a z e d across the sparkling waves. As e v e n i n g a p p r o a c h e d the Horus steered parallel to the coast, passing o n e of the bays that the captain h a d b e c o m e familiar w i t h in the l o n g years that he served a b o a r d m e r c h a n t vessels sailing the l e n g t h a n d breadth o f the M e d i t e r r a n e a n . W h i l e the sun slipped b e l o w the

h o r i z o n , brilliantly g i l d i n g the

edges

of the island's

m o u n t a i n s a n d hills, those on d e c k stared towards the shore. A large agricultural estate lay close to the sea, a n d in the g a t h e r i n g dusk, l o n g lines of slaves r e t u r n e d f r o m their l a b o u r s in the fields, groves a n d vineyards.

Shuffling wearily, they w e r e

h e r d e d b a c k into

their

c o m p o u n d b y overseers w i t h w h i p s a n d clubs. C a t o felt J u l i a tremble at his side a n d t u r n e d to her. ' C o l d ? ' ' N o . It's j u s t that.' S h e i n d i c a t e d the last of the slaves e n t e r i n g the c o m p o u n d , a n d then the gates w e r e shut a n d b a r r e d . ' A terrible existence for any m a n o r w o m a n . ' ' B u t y o u have slaves at h o m e . ' ' O f c o u r s e , b u t they are well cared for a n d have a d e g r e e of liberty 3

i n R o m e . N o t like t h o s e p o o r souls. W o r k e d hard from f i r s t light t o last. Treated no better than f a r m animals.' C a t o t h o u g h t a m o m e n t b e f o r e r e s p o n d i n g . ' T h a t i s the c o m m o n lot of slaves. W h e t h e r they w o r k on estates like that o n e , or in m i n e s , or c o n s t r u c t i o n sites. It is only a small p o r t i o n of t h e m that are l u c k y e n o u g h to live in h o u s e h o l d s like y o u r s , or even to have the c h a n c e to train in the gladiator camps.' 'Gladiators?' Julia

looked

at

him

with

raised

eyebrows.

' L u c k y ? H o w c o u l d y o u consider a n y o n e l u c k y w h o suffered such a fate?' C a t o s h r u g g e d . ' T h e training i s hard, b u t o n c e that's d o n e they don't have i t s o b a d . T h e i r o w n e r s take g o o d care o f t h e m and the best fighters m a k e small fortunes and enjoy the h i g h life.' 'As l o n g as they survive in the arena.' ' T r u e , b u t they risk n o m o r e than any m a n i n the l e g i o n s , a n d have a far m o r e c o m f o r t a b l e life than m o s t . If they live l o n g e n o u g h , gladiators can w i n their f r e e d o m a n d retire wealthy m e n . O n l y a handful of soldiers ever achieve that.' ' T o o b l o o d y true,' M a c r o g r u m b l e d . 'I w o n d e r if it's t o o late to retrain as a gladiator.' J u l i a stared at h i m . 'I am sure y o u don't m e a n that.' ' W h y not? If I am g o i n g to kill p e o p l e t h e n I m i g h t as well be nicely paid for it.' S e n a t o r S e m p r o n i u s c h u c k l e d at the disgusted expression on his daughter's face. ' I g n o r e h i m , m y child. C e n t u r i o n M a c r o i s j o k i n g . H e f i g h t s for the g l o r y o f R o m e , n o t a slave's p u r s e , n o matter h o w l o a d e d w i t h gold.' M a c r o c o c k e d a n eyebrow. ' N o w w h o ' s j o k i n g ? ' C a t o s m i l e d a n d then l o o k e d b a c k towards the shore. T h e slave c o m p o u n d was an ugly blot on the side of the hill o v e r l o o k i n g the bay. All was still, save for a single flickering t o r c h a b o v e the gate, a n d the d i m f o r m of a sentry standing close by as he k e p t w a t c h over the slaves inside. T h i s was the industrial side of slavery, w h i c h was largely invisible t o m o s t R o m a n s , especially t h o s e well b o r n , like S e n a t o r S e m p r o n i u s a n d his daughter. T h e p e r f u m e d , u n i f o r m e d slaves of a rich h o u s e h o l d w e r e a far cry f r o m the r a g g e d masses w h o l a b o u r e d in w o r k c a m p s , always tired and h u n g r y a n d carefully w a t c h e d for

4

any sign o f rebellion, w h i c h w o u l d b e p u n i s h e d w i t h brutal swiftness and severity. It was a harsh r e g i m e , b u t the e m p i r e , a n d i n d e e d every civilised nation that C a t o k n e w of, d e p e n d e d o n slavery t o create wealth and feed its u r b a n multitudes. F o r C a t o it was a harsh r e m i n d e r of the terrible differences in destiny that fate dealt o u t to p e o p l e . T h e worst excesses of slavery w e r e a blight on the w o r l d , he reflected, even if the institution was, for the present, a necessity. He s u d d e n l y felt a faint t r e m o r in the d e c k b e n e a t h his b o o t s and glanced d o w n . ' W h a t the fuck?' M a c r o g r o w l e d . ' D o y o u feel that?' J u l i a g r a b b e d C a t o ' s a r m . ' W h a t is it? What's h a p p e n i n g ? ' T h e r e w e r e cries of surprise a n d a l a r m across the d e c k as the crew and other passengers of the Horus g l a n c e d d o w n at the d e c k . 'We've r u n aground,' said S e m p r o n i u s , as he g r i p p e d the side rail. T h e captain s h o o k his h e a d . ' I m p o s s i b l e ! We're t o o far o f f the shore. I k n o w these waters. There's no shallows for fifty miles. I swear it. In any case . . . L o o k there! At the sea.' T h e captain thrust o u t his a r m a n d the others f o l l o w e d the direction a n d saw that the surface of the water was s h i m m e r i n g faintly. F o r a b r i e f t i m e that s e e m e d far l o n g e r than it was, the dull s h u d d e r o f the d e c k a n d the q u i v e r i n g surface o f the sea c o n t i n u e d . Several o f t h o s e o n b o a r d fell t o their k n e e s a n d b e g a n t o pray fervently to the g o d s . C a t o held J u l i a in his a r m s a n d stared over her h e a d at his friend. M a c r o g r i t t e d his teeth a n d glared b a c k , hands c l e n c h e d into fists at his sides. F o r the first t i m e , C a t o t h o u g h t he saw a g l i m m e r of fear in the other man's eyes, even as he w o n d e r e d w h a t was h a p p e n i n g . 'A sea monster,' M a c r o said quietly. 'Sea monster?' ' H a s to b e . O h , shit, w h y the hell did I a g r e e to travel by sea?' T h e n , as s u d d e n l y as it h a d b e g u n , the faint s h u d d e r i n g s t o p p e d , a n d a m o m e n t later the surface of the sea r e t u r n e d to its steady c h o p as the Horus gently rose a n d d i p p e d on the easy swell. F o r a m o m e n t n o o n e o n the ship m o v e d o r s p o k e , a s i f they w e r e w a i t i n g for the strange p h e n o m e n o n t o b e g i n again. J u l i a cleared her throat. ' D o y o u think it's over, w h a t e v e r it w a s ? ' 5

' N o idea,' C a t o replied softly. T h e b r i e f e x c h a n g e h a d b r o k e n the spell. M a c r o puffed his c h e e k s as he let o u t a d e e p breath a n d the ship's captain t u r n e d away f r o m his passengers a n d s c o w l e d at the steersman. T h e latter h a d released his g r i p on the tiller of the great p a d d l e at the stern of the Horus and was c o w e r i n g b e n e a t h the fantail d e c o r a t i o n o v e r h a n g i n g the stern post. Already the ship was slowly s w i n g i n g r o u n d into the w i n d . ' W h a t i n H a d e s d o y o u think you're d o i n g ? ' the captain b l a z e d a t the steersman. ' R e t u r n t o y o u r b l o o d y p o s t a n d get u s b a c k o n course.' As the steersman h u r r i e d l y t o o k up the tiller, the captain t u r n e d r o u n d to glare at the o t h e r sailors. ' B a c k to w o r k ! M o v e yourselves.' H i s m e n reluctantly r e t u r n e d to their duties as they adjusted the sail that h a d b e g u n to flutter at the e d g e s as the Horus luffed up for a m o m e n t , b e f o r e t h e steersman l e a n e d into the tiller a n d the ship settled b a c k on to her original c o u r s e . M a c r o licked his lips nervously. 'Is it really o v e r ? ' C a t o sensed the d e c k u n d e r his feet, a n d g l a n c e d at the sea, w h i c h l o o k e d j u s t as it h a d b e f o r e the t r e m o r h a d b e g u n . ' S e e m s to be.' ' T h a n k the gods.' J u l i a n o d d e d , t h e n her eyes w i d e n e d as she recalled her m a i d , w h o h a d b e e n resting on her m a t in the small cabin she shared w i t h her mistress a n d the senator. 'I'd better c h e c k on J e s m i a h . P o o r girl will b e terrified.' C a t o released her f r o m his a r m s a n d J u l i a h u r r i e d across the d e c k towards

the

narrow

gangway leading

down

to

the

passengers'

quarters, w h e r e t h o s e w h o c o u l d afford it h a d p a i d for a cabin. T h e rest of the passengers simply lived and slept on the d e c k of the Horus. As Julia disappeared f r o m sight, a faint cry r e a c h e d t h e m f r o m the shore a n d C a t o , M a c r o a n d S e m p r o n i u s t u r n e d towards the land. T h o u g h the light was d i m , they c o u l d clearly see figures s t u m b l i n g away f r o m the estate's slave c o m p o u n d . O r w h a t was left o f it. T h e walls h a d b e e n flattened, e x p o s i n g the b a r r a c k b l o c k s inside. O n l y t w o w e r e still standing; the rest w e r e in ruins. ' B l o o d y hell.' M a c r o stared at the ruins. ' W h a t c o u l d have d o n e that?'

6

' A n earthquake,' said S e m p r o n i u s . ' H a s to b e . I've e x p e r i e n c e d s o m e t h i n g like it b e f o r e w h i l e I was s e r v i n g as a t r i b u n e in B y t h i n i a . T h e earth s h o o k , a n d there was a dull roar. It w e n t on for s o m e m o m e n t s , a n d s h o o k s o m e buildings t o p i e c e s . T h o s e inside w e r e crushed a n d b u r i e d u n d e r the rubble.' H e s h u d d e r e d a t the m e m o r y . ' H u n d r e d s d i e d . . .' ' B u t if it's an earthquake, t h e n w h y w e r e we affected, o u t here at sea?' ' I don't k n o w , M a c r o . T h e w o r k o f the g o d s i s b e y o n d the understanding of men.' 'Perhaps,' C a t o r e m a r k e d . ' B u t surely, if the t r e m o r on land is severe

e n o u g h , it w o u l d c o m m u n i c a t e itself t h r o u g h the w a t e r

to us?' ' T h a t m a y be so,' S e m p r o n i u s a d m i t t e d . 'In any case, we're the lucky o n e s . It is t h o s e on l a n d w h o will have felt the full p o w e r of the g o d s ' wrath.' F o r a m o m e n t the three m e n stared towards the r u i n e d slave c o m p o u n d , slowly slipping into the distance as the Horus sailed steadily away f r o m the coast. A fire h a d b r o k e n o u t in the ruins, m o s t likely f r o m the kitchens p r e p a r i n g the e v e n i n g m e a l , C a t o d e c i d e d . Flames licked u p into the dusk, i l l u m i n a t i n g the s h o c k e d f i g u r e s o f the survivors. A handful w e r e desperately p i c k i n g away at the r u b b l e to free t h o s e t r a p p e d b e n e a t h . C a t o s h o o k his h e a d in pity. ' B e thankful we are at sea. I w o u l d n o t w a n t to be ashore now. You s h o u l d be grateful for that at least, M a c r o . ' ' R e a l l y ? ' M a c r o replied quietly. ' W h a t m a k e s y o u think the g o d s have finished w i t h us yet?' ' D e c k there!' a v o i c e s u d d e n l y c r i e d f r o m aloft. ' C a p t a i n , l o o k ! ' T h e sailor sitting astride the spar close t o the t o p o f the mast h a d thrust his spare a r m o u t , a l o n g the coast to the west. ' M a k e y o u r report p r o p e r l y ! ' the captain b e l l o w e d u p t o h i m . W h a t d o y o u see?' T h e r e was a p a u s e b e f o r e the sailor replied anxiously. 'I don't know, sir. N e v e r seen its like. A line, like a wall, right across the sea.' ' N o n s e n s e , m a n ! That's impossible.' 'Sir, I swear, that's w h a t it l o o k s like.' ' F o o l ! ' T h e captain crossed t o the side o f the ship, s w u n g h i m s e l f 7

u p o n t o the ratlines a n d b e g a n t o c l a m b e r aloft t o j o i n the l o o k o u t . ' N o w then, y o u b l o o d y fool, w h e r e i s this wall o f y o u r s ? ' T h e l o o k o u t thrust his h a n d towards the h o r i z o n , into the f a d i n g light of the setting sun. At first the captain c o u l d see little as he squinted. T h e n , as his eyes adjusted to the distant g l e a m , he saw it. A faint glitter of reflected light r i p p l i n g a l o n g the h o r i z o n , above a dark b a n d that stretched f r o m o u t to sea right up to the coast of C r e t e . W h e r e it t o u c h e d the land there was a c h u r n i n g f o a m of water. ' M o t h e r of Z e u s , ' the captain m u t t e r e d as his guts instantly t u r n e d to ice. T h e l o o k o u t was right. T h e r e was a wall a h e a d of the Horus, a wall of water. A vast tidal wave was s w e e p i n g a l o n g the coast directly towards the ship, no m o r e than t w o or three miles away a n d racing towards t h e m faster than the swiftest of horses.

8

CHAPTER TWO

A

tidal w a v e ? ' C a t o ' s eyes w i d e n e d . ' H o w b i g ? ' ' B i g as a b l o o d y cliff,' the captain replied. ' A n d h e a d i n g this

way, straight a l o n g the coast.' ' T h e n w e m u s t alter course,' said S e m p r o n i u s . ' G e t o u t o f its w a y ' 'There's no t i m e for that. In any case, the w a v e stretched as far as I c o u l d see. We can't avoid it.' T h e senator a n d the t w o c e n t u r i o n s stared at the captain for a m o m e n t b e f o r e S e m p r o n i u s s p o k e again. ' S o , w h a t n o w ? ' ' N o w ? ' T h e captain gave a brittle l a u g h . 'We say o u r prayers a n d m a k e o u r final farewells and wait until the w a v e hits us.' C a t o s h o o k his h e a d . ' N o . T h e r e has t o b e s o m e t h i n g y o u can d o to save the ship.' 'There's

nothing,

I'm

telling

you,' the

captain

said

bleakly.

'You haven't seen the size of that thing yet. B u t y o u will, any moment.' All eyes t u r n e d towards the h o r i z o n , a n d then C a t o n o t i c e d w h a t l o o k e d like a dark s h a d o w o n the r i m o f the w o r l d , a t the m o m e n t only a fine line a n d o n e that l o o k e d w h o l l y u n t h r e a t e n i n g as yet. He stared at it briefly b e f o r e t u r n i n g b a c k towards the captain. ' Y o u ' v e b e e n i n s t o r m s before, haven't y o u ? ' ' O h , yes. S t o r m s are o n e thing. A tidal w a v e is s o m e t h i n g else. There's n o h o p e for us.' ' B o l l o c k s ! ' M a c r o g r o w l e d , a n d t h e n g r a b b e d the captain's tunic in b o t h hands a n d d r e w the G r e e k close to his face. 'There's always h o p e . I haven't survived fuck k n o w s h o w m a n y fights a n d injuries j u s t to die on this tub. N o w then, I ain't a sailor. That's y o u r j o b . Y o u ' v e g o t a d a n g e r o u s situation on y o u r hands. So y o u deal w i t h it. D o w h a t y o u can t o give u s the best c h a n c e t o live t h r o u g h t h i s . Y o u u n d e r s t a n d m e ? ' He gave the captain a shake. 'Well?' 9

T h e G r e e k w i l t e d b e f o r e the intense gaze o f the c e n t u r i o n a n d n o d d e d . 'I'll do w h a t I can.' 'That's better.' M a c r o s m i l e d and released his grip. ' N o w then, is there anything w e can d o t o h e l p ? ' T h e captain swallowed n e r v o u s l y . 'If y o u don't m i n d , i t w o u l d b e best i f y o u stayed o u t o f the w a y ' M a c r o ' s eyes n a r r o w e d . 'Is that all?' ' Y o u c o u l d tie y o u r s e l f to the mast, or o n e of the cleats, to save yourselves f r o m b e i n g swept over the side w h e n the w a v e hits us.' 'All right then.' T h e captain turned away to shout orders to his crew and the sailors hurried aloft to shake o u t the reefs in the h u g e mainsail. At the stern, the steersman strained at the tiller, turning the Horus towards the sunset. ' W h a t is he d o i n g ? ' asked S e m p r o n i u s . ' T h e fool is h e a d i n g straight for the wave.' C a t o n o d d e d . ' M a k e s sense. T h e b o w s are the strongest part o f the ship. I f w e m e e t the w a v e h e a d o n , w e m i g h t b r e a k t h r o u g h it, i f w e can't r i d e over it.' S e m p r o n i u s stared at h i m . 'I h o p e y o u are right, y o u n g m a n . F o r y o u r sake, my sake a n d all o u r sakes.' As s o o n as the senator h a d s p o k e n , C a t o ' s m i n d f o c u s e d at o n c e on Julia a n d he called to M a c r o as he h u r r i e d towards the g a n g w a y l e a d i n g to the cabins. ' G e t y o u r s e l f tied to the mast, a n d take the senator w i t h you.' ' W h e r e are y o u g o i n g ? ' ' T o get J u l i a a n d J e s m i a h . T h e y ' l l b e safer o n deck.' M a c r o n o d d e d , t h e n g l a n c e d towards the h o r i z o n , a n d n o w h e c o u l d see the wave m o r e clearly, rising up in a great bar that e x t e n d e d far o u t to sea, w h i l e the other e n d f o a m e d a n d crashed a l o n g the coast. ' B e q u i c k , C a t o ! ' C a t o ran across the d e c k and j u m p e d d o w n the short flight o f steps into the p a s s e n g e r s ' quarters, w h e r e thin stalls a c c o m m o d a t e d those w h o h a d p a i d the m o s t for their passage t o R o m e . T h r u s t i n g aside the canvas curtain that f o r m e d the makeshift entrance to Julia's quarters, he d u c k e d his h e a d inside. J u l i a sat on the d e c k , cradling J e s m i a h i n her a r m s . ' C a t o ! What's the m a t t e r ? '

10

' N o t i m e t o explain.' H e s t e p p e d towards her, s t o o p e d a n d d r e w her up on to h e r feet. J e s m i a h s c r a m b l e d up at her side, w i d e - e y e d with terror. ' M a s t e r C a t o , ' her lips t r e m b l e d , 'I heard s o m e o n e say there's a monster.' 'There's n o monster,' h e s n a p p e d , thrusting t h e m b o t h o u t o f the stall a n d up towards the gangway. 'We have to get on d e c k , as q u i c k as possible.' J u l i a s t u m b l e d up the steps towards the d e c k . ' W h y ? What's happening?' W i t h a q u i c k glance at J e s m i a h C a t o replied, 'Trust me a n d do as I say' T h e y e m e r g e d o n t o the d e c k i n a scene o f terror a n d c h a o s . M a c r o h a d tied the senator to the f o o t of the mast and was h u r r i e d l y d o i n g the s a m e for himself. All a r o u n d the o t h e r passengers a n d crew w e r e d o i n g the best they c o u l d to secure themselves to the vessel. T h e captain h a d j o i n e d the steersman o n the small steering deck and b o t h m e n b r a c e d their a r m s o n the tiller and stared g r i m l y ahead. J e s m i a h stared r o u n d i n h o r r o r a n d d r e w u p . C a t o g r a b b e d her a r m a n d d r a g g e d her r o u g h l y towards the mast. ' C o m e o n , girl! There's n o t m u c h time.' A s s o o n a s they r e a c h e d M a c r o a n d S e m p r o n i u s , C a t o thrust J u l i a and her m a i d d o w n o n t o the d e c k a n d t o o k u p the tail e n d o f the r o p e M a c r o h a d u s e d t o secure h i m s e l f t o the mast. G l a n c i n g u p , h e saw that the w a v e was m u c h closer now, travelling at an extraordinary speed as it swept a l o n g the coast. He s n a p p e d r o u n d to the t w o women. 'Raise your arms!' R u n n i n g the r o p e r o u n d their s t o m a c h s , C a t o circled the mast and tied the e n d into the l o o p r o u n d M a c r o ' s waist. ' W h a t a b o u t y o u , lad?' M a c r o l o o k e d u p anxiously. ' I n e e d m o r e rope.' C a t o s t o o d u p a n d g l a n c e d r o u n d . E v e r y spare length s e e m e d t o have b e e n taken. T h e n his eyes c a u g h t sight o f s o m e t h i n g over the side of the Horus, no m o r e than fifty p a c e s away in the sea. T h e glistening tip of a r o c k w a s e x p o s e d above the surface, and as C a t o l o o k e d , m o r e rocks e m e r g e d . C l o s e r to the shore it 11

s e e m e d that s o m e tidal current h a d d r a w n the water away, laying bare reefs a n d even the stunted u p p e r w o r k s o f a n o l d w r e c k . T h e sight astonished h i m for an instant b e f o r e a terrified s h o u t from o n e of the c r e w snatched his attention b a c k towards the wave. It was visible to e v e r y o n e on the d e c k now. A great dark m o n s t e r , crested w i t h a haze of w h i t e spray as it c a m e on in a rippling, glassy mass, straight towards the Horus. A h e a d of it, the tiny w i n g s of a seagull g l i m m e r e d in the fading g l o w of the sunset, then the bird was lost in the s h a d o w of the wave. 'Cato!' H e t u r n e d a n d saw J u l i a staring a t h i m , s t r u g g l i n g t o reach o u t a n d grasp his hand. C a t o k n e w there was no t i m e to tie h i m s e l f d o w n . It was t o o late for h i m . H e s l u m p e d d o w n o n the d e c k and s q u e e z e d h i m s e l f b e t w e e n M a c r o a n d J u l i a a s best h e c o u l d , g r a s p i n g t h e m b o t h r o u n d the s h o u l d e r s . T h e light b r e e z e that h a d b e e n b l o w i n g a l o n g b e h i n d the ship abruptly died a n d the sail s a g g e d like old skin f r o m the spar, before s u d d e n l y b e i n g taken aback as the w a v e thrust the air a h e a d o f it. T h e great mass o f w a t e r rose u p a h e a d o f the ship, h i g h , higher than the m a s t , a n d C a t o felt his s t o m a c h k n o t as he gritted his teeth a n d s q u i n t e d at the o n c o m i n g m o n s t e r . T h e d e c k suddenly l u r c h e d as the b o w s swept u p , and the air was filled w i t h cries a n d wails o f terror a n d the s o u n d o f the sea s u r g i n g past the sides of the Horus. T h o s e clustered a b o u t the base of the mast c l u n g to each other as the d e c k canted at a crazy angle a n d a m o u n t a i n of sea swelled up above the ship, d w a r f i n g it. F o r an instant C a t o was lost in abject a w e b e f o r e the m i g h t y a p p a r i t i o n h a n g i n g over the ship, a n d he saw the s p u m e and spray f r i n g i n g the t o p of the wave. W i t h a scream, o n e o f the c r e w m e n c a m e t u m b l i n g d o w n the d e c k , silenced as his h e a d cracked against the d e c k hatch. At that m o m e n t the Horus lost the b r i e f struggle w i t h the wave a n d slid b a c k . A torrent of water crashed d o w n over the vessel, s n a p p i n g the mast off ten feet above the heads o f the R o m a n s tied t o its base. J u s t b e f o r e the black d e l u g e o f tons o f w a t e r s m a s h e d d o w n o n the ship, M a c r o s h o u t e d u p a t the w a v e , ' F u c k y o u ! ' T h e n the sea crashed over t h e m . C a t o ' s h e a d was s n a p p e d b a c k against the mast a n d for an instant he saw w h i t e . He o p e n e d his m o u t h to cry o u t a n d at o n c e it was filled w i t h salt water. A great

12

force tore a t h i m , d r a g g i n g h i m o u t o f the grasp o f his c o m r a d e s . H e tightened his g r i p on the r o p e a r o u n d Julia's waist w h i l e he c l a m p e d his fingers into M a c r o ' s s h o u l d e r for all he was w o r t h . All sense of direction was lost as the ship rolled over, a n d his ears w e r e filled w i t h the roar a n d r u m b l e o f water b o i l i n g a r o u n d h i m . S o m e t h i n g struck h i m , a n d then thrashed a r o u n d , t e a r i n g at h i m , a n d he realised it m u s t be a n o t h e r of the c r e w m e n . F i n g e r s g r o p e d at his face and tore at his cheek. F e a r i n g for his eyes, C a t o h a d to release his g r i p on M a c r o a n d fight b a c k , desperately thrusting the o t h e r m a n away. T h e n a fresh surge o f water swept u p b o t h h i m a n d the other m a n , swirling t h e m away f r o m the s t u m p of the mast in the darkness. F o r a m o m e n t the other m a n s t r u g g l e d like a w i l d animal, fighting for its life. T h e n he was g o n e a n d C a t o felt h i m s e l f rolling a n d twisting, over a n d over, as he c l a m p e d his m o u t h tightly shut a n d h e l d his breath as best he could. Then, at last, he c o u l d bear it no l o n g e r a n d o p e n e d his m o u t h , desperate for air to ease the fire in his chest. Salt water s u r g e d d o w n his throat a n d into his lungs, suffocating h i m , and he k n e w he w o u l d die. T h e wave swept o n , leaving a swirling m a e l s t r o m in its wake. The hull of the m e r c h a n t vessel c a m e to t h e surface in a froth of b u b b l e s a n d spray a n d lay glistening in the failing light for a m o m e n t b e f o r e it slowly rolled u p r i g h t . As the side rail a n d then the d e c k s t r u g g l e d to break the surface of the sea, there was little of the original s u p e r structure that c o u l d b e r e c o g n i s e d . T h e figurehead o f the E g y p t i a n g o d had sheared off, leaving a splintered s t u m p . T h e mast, sail a n d r i g g i n g h a d b e e n swept away a n d the steering paddles w e r e g o n e , taking the captain a n d the steersman w i t h t h e m . As the waters p a r t e d across the d e c k a n d g u s h e d o u t o f the s c u p p e r s , the H o r u s c o n t i n u e d to roll, a n d for an instant it s e e m e d that she m i g h t o v e r t u r n again. T h e n , at the last m o m e n t , she p a u s e d a n d rolled b a c k to settle l o w in the water, a floating w r e c k w h e r e o n c e there h a d b e e n a p r o u d l y k e p t vessel. A r o u n d the Horus swirled t h e flotsam of the shattered mast a n d spar, together w i t h tendrils of the r i g g i n g . A few b o d i e s b o b b e d to the surface a n d then settled on the w a t e r like old rags. M a c r o ' s h e a d swayed to o n e side, a n d he blinked his eyes o p e n a n d c o u g h e d , spraying salt water as he s t r u g g l e d to clear his l u n g s . He 13

s h o o k his h e a d a n d l o o k e d a r o u n d the d e c k . A handful of other figures w e r e stirring, battered a n d d a z e d b u t alive, thanks to the ropes that s e c u r e d t h e m t o the ship. M a c r o v o m i t e d u p s o m e water f r o m the pit of his s t o m a c h , a n d spat on the d e c k to clear his m o u t h . ' C h a r m i n g . . .' H e t u r n e d his h e a d t o see S e m p r o n i u s smiling w e a k l y a t h i m , b e f o r e h e t o o b e g a n t o c o u g h a n d splutter. S e n s i n g m o v e m e n t o n his other side, M a c r o t u r n e d and saw Julia's face t i g h t e n e d into a painful g r i m a c e as she retched. 'All right, miss?' ' O h , perfectly f i n e , thank you,' she m u t t e r e d , a n d then froze. ' C a t o ! Where's C a t o ? ' M a c r o ' s g a z e swept the d e c k , b u t there was no sign of his friend. H e tried t o think b a c k , t h r o u g h the terrible darkness o f the sea that h a d engulfed h i m . ' H e was h o l d i n g o n t o m e w h e n the w a v e struck. T h e n . . . then I can't r e m e m b e r . ' ' C a t o ! ' J u l i a c r i e d o u t into the g l o o m , s t r u g g l i n g t o free herself f r o m the r o p e that still b o u n d her t o the s t u m p o f the mast. O n c e she h a d l o o s e n e d i t e n o u g h she w r i g g l e d o u t a n d s t o o d up. ' C a t o ! W h e r e are y o u ? ' M a c r o eased h i m s e l f o u t o f the cords l o o p e d r o u n d h i m and rose u p beside her. H e t o o k a g o o d l o o k a r o u n d the d e c k , b u t i t was clear that there was n o sign o f C a t o . ' C a t o ' s g o n e , miss.' ' G o n e ? ' S h e t u r n e d t o h i m . ' N o . H e can't be.' M a c r o stared at her helplessly, then g e s t u r e d a r o u n d the d e c k . 'He's gone.' J u l i a s h o o k her h e a d a n d s t e p p e d away f r o m the c e n t u r i o n , raising her v o i c e t o cry o u t hoarsely, ' C a t o ! C a t o ! W h e r e are y o u ? ' M a c r o w a t c h e d her for a m o m e n t a n d t h e n t u r n e d to help the senator to his feet. ' T h a n k s , ' S e m p r o n i u s m u t t e r e d . ' B e t t e r see to the girl, J e s m i a h . ' M a c r o n o d d e d a n d l o o k e d d o w n a t the maidservant. S h e sat s l u m p e d against the f o o t of the mast, her h e a d f l o p p i n g loosely as the ship w a l l o w e d heavily o n the swell. H e knelt d o w n a n d raised her chin tenderly. T h e girl's eyes stared blankly into the m i d - d i s t a n c e . T h e n h e saw the dark b r u i s i n g that had b e g u n t o appear o n the n a p e

14

o f her n e c k , visible even i n the failing light. H e l o w e r e d her chin a n d s t o o d up w i t h a heavy heart. 'She's h a d it. B r o k e n n e c k . ' S e m p r o n i u s w h i s p e r e d , ' P o o r devil. ' ' D e a d ? ' J u l i a l o o k e d r o u n d . ' S h e can't b e . S h e was tied d o w n beside m e . ' 'She's g o n e , miss, ' M a c r o said gently. ' S o m e t h i n g m u s t have hit h e r w h e n the wave struck. A l o o s e b l o c k , part of the mast. C o u l d have b e e n anything. ' Julia c r o u c h e d d o w n i n front

o f her m a i d a n d g r a s p e d her

shoulders. 'Jesmiah! W a k e up. W a k e up I tell y o u ! I o r d e r y o u to w a k e up. ' S h e s h o o k the shoulders violently a n d the d e a d girl's h e a d w o b b l e d obscenely. M a c r o knelt d o w n a t her side a n d t o o k her hands in his. 'Miss, she's g o n e . S h e can't hear y o u any more. There's n o t h i n g y o u can do for her. ' He p a u s e d a n d t o o k a breath to c a l m his o w n e m o t i o n s . ' A n d n o t h i n g for C a t o , neither. ' Julia l o o k e d a t h i m angrily, a n d t h e n h e r features c r u m p l e d a n d she was r a c k e d by a d e e p s o b as she clasped her hands to her face. M a c r o hesitantly p u t a n a r m r o u n d her a n d tried t o think o f s o m e words to c o m f o r t her. B u t n o n e c a m e a n d they sat there as the dusk t h i c k e n e d a b o u t the ship. N o w that the wave h a d passed on d o w n the coast, the sea gradually settled into a c a l m , gentle swell. At

length

Macro

rose

to

his

feet

and

tugged

the

sleeve

of

Sempronius's tunic. 'You'd better take care of her, sir. ' ' W h a t ? ' T h e senator f r o w n e d for a m o m e n t , still d a z e d by the wave, a n d the fact that he was still alive. T h e n he l o o k e d d o w n at his daughter a n d n o d d e d . 'Yes, you're right. I'll l o o k after her. W h a t now, Macro?' 'Sir?' ' W h a t are w e g o i n g t o d o n o w ? ' M a c r o scratched his chin. ' T r y to k e e p the ship afloat for the night, I guess. H a v e to see w h e r e things lie in the m o r n i n g . ' 'Is that it?' M a c r o t o o k a d e e p breath. ' I ' m no b l o o d y sailor, sir. I ' m a soldier. B u t I'll do w h a t I can. All right?' As the senator sat d o w n a n d p u t his a r m r o u n d his daughter, M a c r o straightened his b a c k and called o u t across the d e c k . ' O n y o u r 15

feet, y o u r d o z y bastards! O v e r here, on m e , sharpish. W e ' v e g o t a b l o o d y ship to save!' A s the figures s h a m b l e d towards h i m o u t o f the g l o o m , M a c r o g l a n c e d over t h e m , still h o p i n g to see

Cato

e m e r g e f r o m the

s h a d o w s , alive a n d well. B u t h e was n o w h e r e t o b e seen a m o n g s t the scared a n d s t u n n e d expressions o f the survivors w h o clustered a r o u n d the s t u m p o f the mast.

16

CHAPTER THREE

Y

o u r captain's g o n e , ' M a c r o a n n o u n c e d . ' A n d the m a n o n the

tiller. S o w h o i s n e x t i n the chain o f c o m m a n d ? '

T h e c r e w l o o k e d at each other for a m o m e n t b e f o r e an older m a n

shuffled forward. ' T h a t ' d be m e , sir. T h e first mate.' ' C a n y o u w o r k the ship?' 'I s u p p o s e so, sir. I share w a t c h duties w i t h the captain. Well at least I did, until . . .' T h e m a n gestured towards the stern a n d s h r u g g e d his shoulders. M a c r o c o u l d see that he was still in a state of s h o c k a n d c o u l d n o t yet b e c o u n t e d o n t o m e e t the challenge. ' R i g h t then, I'll take charge for now. O n c e the ship is s e a w o r t h y again y o u will take over as captain. A g r e e d ? ' T h e m a t e gave a resigned shrug. M a c r o l o o k e d r o u n d the d e c k as a small wave sent spray b u r s t i n g over the l o w side of the w a t e r l o g g e d ship. 'First thing we do is lighten the ship. I w a n t all the passengers and c r e w t o start j e t t i s o n i n g the cargo. O n c e we're r i d i n g h i g h e r i n the w a t e r we can b e g i n to bail out.' 'Sir, w h a t c a r g o s h o u l d w e b e g i n w i t h ? ' asked the m a t e . 'Whatever's closest t o h a n d . N o w o p e n the d e c k hatch a n d get o n w i t h it.' T h e timbers o f the hatch h a d splintered a s the cargo t u m b l e d a r o u n d w h e n the ship had rolled over. O n c e the ties h a d b e e n u n d o n e , M a c r o a n d the others w r e n c h e d the battered planks away a n d threw t h e m over the side of the Horus. T h e last light of the day was fading fast as M a c r o l e a n e d over the c o a m i n g and stared d o w n into the h o l d . W h a t e v e r order there m i g h t have b e e n in the l o a d i n g of the cargo, there was n o

sign o f i t i n the j u m b l e d heap

of broken

a m p h o r a e , sacks of grain a n d bales of material that filled the h o l d . S e a water sloshed a b o u t below.

17

' R i g h t then, let's get t o work,' M a c r o o r d e r e d . ' T a k e w h a t c o m e s to h a n d and get it over the side.' He p o i n t e d at the nearest of the crew. ' Y o u four, into the h o l d . T h e rest of y o u take w h a t they pass up a n d throw it overboard.' T h e c r e w m e n s w u n g their legs over the side o f the hatch c o a m i n g a n d warily eased themselves d o w n into the h o l d , b r a c i n g their feet carefully o n the j u m b l e d cargo. M a c r o s p o t t e d s o m e small w o o d e n chests near the t o p of the pile. 'We'll have t h o s e first.' As the first chest c a m e up on d e c k the m a t e stared at it a n d swallowed nervously. 'Sir, y o u can't t h r o w that over the side.' 'Oh? W h y not?' ' T h e s e chests are the p r o p e r t y o f a R o m a n lord. T h e y c o n t a i n rare spices. T h e y ' r e valuable, sir.' 'That's t o o bad,' M a c r o replied. ' N o w p i c k the chest u p a n d get r i d o f it.' T h e m a t e s h o o k his h e a d . ' N o , sir. I will n o t be held responsible for that.' W i t h a sigh M a c r o b e n t d o w n and lifted the chest u p , strode over to the side a n d t h r e w it into the sea. T u r n i n g b a c k to the m a t e , h e c o u l d n o t help b e i n g a m u s e d b y the man's h o r r i f i e d expression. ' T h e r e y o u g o . S e e ? N o t s o difficult w h e n y o u try. T o w o r k , the rest of y o u . I don't give a shit w h a t anything's w o r t h . It all g o e s over the side. G o t that?' T h e c r e w m e n i n the h o l d b e g a n t o w o r k i n earnest, h e a v i n g the l o o s e items o f c a r g o u p o n t o the d e c k , w h e r e their c o m r a d e s s t o o d ready to dispose of it all. M a c r o r e t u r n e d to the m a t e and m u t t e r e d in a l o w v o i c e , ' N o w then, if y o u don't m i n d , I think y o u s h o u l d l e n d a h a n d saving y o u r b l o o d y ship.' T h e m a t e saw the s e r i o u s expression o n the centurion's face a n d n o d d e d quickly b e f o r e j u m p i n g d o w n into the h o l d to. help the others. 'That's better,' M a c r o n o d d e d . A s m o r e chests, a n d bales o f s o d d e n material w e r e h e a v e d u p o n d e c k , S e m p r o n i u s a n d his d a u g h t e r a p p r o a c h e d M a c r o . T h e senator cleared his throat. ' C a n w e h e l p ? ' ' O f c o u r s e , sir. T h e m o r e hands the better. I f these sailors l o o k like

18

lacking, kick ' e m in the arse. We have to lighten the ship as q u i c k l y as we can.' 'I'll see to it.' ' T h a n k y o u , sir.' M a c r o t u r n e d to Julia. ' Y o u m i g h t as well take shelter in the stern, miss.' Julia raised her chin defiantly. ' N o . N o t w h i l e I can do anything to help.' M a c r o c o c k e d a n eyebrow. ' I k n o w w h a t C a t o m e a n t t o y o u , miss. Best that I let y o u deal w i t h y o u r loss. B e s i d e s , it's man's w o r k . No offence, but y o u ' d j u s t get in the w a y ' ' O h really?' Julia's eyes n a r r o w e d . S h e slipped the d r e n c h e d c l o a k from her shoulders a n d let it flop on to the d e c k . B e n d i n g d o w n , she lowered herself into the c a r g o h o l d , p i c k e d u p o n e o f the chests w i t h a grunt and heaved it up towards the d e c k . M a c r o l o o k e d at her a n d shrugged. 'As y o u will, miss. N o w then,' his e x p r e s s i o n h a r d e n e d , 'I'd better see to the dead.' ' D e a d ? ' S e m p r o n i u s l o o k e d at h i m . 'It's a bit late to do anything for t h e m , don't y o u t h i n k ? ' 'We m u s t lighten the ship. T h e y have to go over the side as well, sir,' M a c r o e x p l a i n e d gently. ' I ' m no stranger to death, so let me d o it.' ' O v e r the side?' S e m p r o n i u s g l a n c e d towards the s t u m p o f the mast w h e r e Jesmiah's b o d y lay s l u m p e d . ' E v e n her?' Y e s , sir.' M a c r o n o d d e d sadly. ' E v e n her.' ' S u c h a shame,' S e m p r o n i u s m u s e d as he stared at the body. 'She's not had m u c h of a life.' ' M o r e than s o m e get, sir. A n d her death wasn't as b a d as it c o u l d have been.' M a c r o briefly recalled the siege of the citadel at Palmyra w h e r e he h a d first m e t J e s m i a h . If the citadel h a d fallen then, she a n d all the o t h e r defenders w o u l d have b e e n p u t to the s w o r d , after b e i n g tortured, or r a p e d . B u t the senator was right: Jesmiah's life h a d b e e n cut short, j u s t w h e n she m i g h t have h a d s o m e happiness. M a c r o sighed as he crossed the d e c k a n d b e n t d o w n . S h e was still fastened to the mast by a r o p e a r o u n d her m i d d l e , a n d M a c r o d r e w o u t his dagger a n d q u i c k l y sawed t h r o u g h the c o a r s e r o p e a n d tossed the ends aside. S h e a t h i n g his blade, he slid his hands b e n e a t h the b o d y 19

a n d p i c k e d her up. Jesmiah's h e a d lolled against his shoulder, as if she was d o z i n g , a n d M a c r o p a c e d steadily t o the side o f the ship and lifted her over the rail. He t o o k a last l o o k at her y o u n g face, a n d t h e n l o w e r e d her to the sea, letting her d r o p w i t h a splash. H e r hair a n d clothes b i l l o w e d in the water b e f o r e a slight swell b u m p e d the b o d y against the side of the hull a n d c a r r i e d her o u t o f reach. M a c r o s i g h e d a n d t u r n e d away t o find the n e x t c o r p s e . T h e r e w e r e only three m o r e ; the rest o f t h o s e w h o had b e e n lost h a d b e e n swept over the side, like C a t o , w h e n the titanic wave struck the Horus. M a c r o p a u s e d as he t h o u g h t of his friend o n c e m o r e . C a t o was the closest thing t o family that M a c r o h a d in the w o r l d . In the years they h a d served t o g e t h e r he h a d c o m e to regard h i m as a brother. N o w he was d e a d . M a c r o felt a w e a r y n u m b n e s s i n his heart, b u t h e k n e w that the g r i e f w o u l d c o m e later o n , w h e n h e h a d t i m e t o think. ' P o o r C a t o , he never did like the w a t e r . . .' W i t h a sad shake of his h e a d , M a c r o t u r n e d to p i c k up the last body, a short, thin m e r c h a n t w h o h a d b o a r d e d the ship at C a e s a r e a . W i t h a g r u n t he raised the b o d y a n d tossed it as far f r o m the ship as he c o u l d b e f o r e m a k i n g his way b a c k to the d e c k hatch to help the others lighten the vessel. T h e b u r n i n g a g o n y i n C a t o ' s lungs s e e m e d t o last a n eternity a n d then, as his vision b e g a n to fade, he was aware of a lighter p a t c h i n the dark water that s u r r o u n d e d h i m . H e k i c k e d o u t w i t h the last of his failing strength a n d his heart strained w i t h h o p e as the light g r e w and h e k n e w h e m u s t b e h e a d i n g for t h e surface. T h e n , j u s t as the p a i n was b e c o m i n g so u n b e a r a b l e that C a t o feared he m i g h t black o u t , there w a s an e x p l o s i o n of n o i s e in his ears a n d he burst f r o m the surface o f the sea. A t o n c e h e c o u g h e d u p the water i n his lungs in a g o n i s i n g gasps as he k i c k e d feebly in an .effort to stay on the surface. F o r a w h i l e his breath c a m e in r a g g e d gasps. Water slapped against his face a n d into his m o u t h , causing fresh b o u t s of spluttering a n d retching. H i s eyes s t u n g so b a d l y that he was f o r c e d to k e e p t h e m shut as he s t r u g g l e d to stay afloat. T h e tunic a n d heavy military b o o t s w e i g h e d h i m d o w n a n d e n c u m b e r e d his efforts t o stay o n the

20

surface. H e realised that i f h e h a d b e e n w e a r i n g anything m o r e than this

he w o u l d certainly have d r o w n e d . S l o w l y he recovered his

breath, and then, as his heart ceased p o u n d i n g in his ears, he blinked his eyes o p e n a n d g l i m p s e d a r o u n d the c h o p p y surface of the sea that surrounded h i m . At first he saw n o t h i n g but water, t h e n he t u r n e d his h e a d a n d caught a g l i m p s e of the coastline of C r e t e . It s e e m e d to be miles away, and C a t o d o u b t e d he h a d the strength to s w i m that far. T h e n s o m e t h i n g n u d g e d his side a n d he swirled r o u n d in a panic. A l e n g t h of the ship's spar, c o m p l e t e w i t h a r a g g e d strip of the sail a n d tendrils o f r i g g i n g , b o b b e d o n the surface b e s i d e h i m . H e let o u t a n e x p l o s i v e gasp of relief as he g r a b b e d h o l d of the spar and rested his a r m s over it. W h i l e he rose a n d d i p p e d on the swell, he t o o k in the s c e n e around h i m . T h e sea was d o t t e d w i t h debris from the Horus, as well as a handful of b o d i e s . For a m o m e n t C a t o was struck by the horrific t h o u g h t that he was the only survivor from the ship. All the others m u s t have g o n e d o w n w i t h the vessel w h e n the w a v e struck a n d s w a m p e d the m e r c h a n t m a n . M a c r o . . . Julia, her father and J e s m i a h , all g o n e , he t h o u g h t in a blind p a n i c as a d e e p g r o a n w e l l e d up in his chest. A fresh swell lifted C a t o up, a n d then he saw the ship, or rather what was left o f her. S o m e distance f r o m h i m the hull f l o a t e d very l o w i n the water. T h e mast a n d stern p o s t h a d b e e n c a r r i e d away, a n d i n the g l o o m o f the g a t h e r i n g d u s k C a t o c o u l d j u s t m a k e o u t a handful o f d a z e d figures s t u m b l i n g a b o u t o n d e c k . H e tried t o call out, b u t all he c o u l d m a n a g e was a painful croak, a n d t h e n a small wavelet splashed into his face a n d filled his m o u t h . C a t o spluttered for a m o m e n t , tried to call o u t again, a n d then trod water, fighting off a surge of despair as the last of the day's light b e g a n to fail. T h o s e o n the ship c o u l d n o t see h i m . I n any case, they w o u l d b e t o o p r e o c c u p i e d w i t h their o w n p r o b l e m s t o l o o k for survivors i n t h e sea. C a t o trembled. T h e water was already c o l d e n o u g h , and h e d o u b t e d that he h a d the strength to last t h r o u g h the night. C l u t c h i n g the w o o d e n spar, C a t o struck o u t towards the ship. It was hard g o i n g , b u t the prospect o f b e i n g saved lent h i m desperate strength, e n o u g h t o k e e p k i c k i n g o u t , w o r k i n g his way across the swell towards the Horus. H i s progress felt painstakingly slow, a n d he 21

was fearful that darkness w o u l d s o o n b e u p o n h i m a n d h e w o u l d lose sight of the ship. T h e distance gradually closed, a n d even t h o u g h the night h a d settled across the sea, there was j u s t e n o u g h starlight in the heavens to illuminate the darker outline of the ship against the black swell of the water. As he d r e w closer, C a t o tried to call o u t again, b u t his feeble cry was d r o w n e d by the s u r g e a n d hiss of the waves a n d the splashes c o m i n g f r o m the side o f the ship. N o t far f r o m the H o r u s h e b u m p e d into a w o o d e n case floating l o w in the water. He steered it aside a n d c o n t i n u e d t o close u p o n the ship. T w o figures a p p e a r e d a b o v e h i m , g r u n t i n g as they struggled w i t h a large a m p h o r a . ' O n the c o u n t of three, ' a v o i c e g r o w l e d , a n d they b e g a n to s w i n g the heavy j a r to a n d fro. C a t o r e c o g n i s e d the v o i c e well e n o u g h , but b e f o r e he c o u l d try to s h o u t a g r e e t i n g , the s o u n d died in his throat as he realised that the large j a r w o u l d land right on top o f him. 'Wait! ' T h e s h o u t r i p p e d from his throat as he raised a h a n d a n d w a v e d frantically to attract attention. ' L o w e r that b l o o d y j a r ! ' ' W h a t the fuck?' M a c r o ' s v o i c e carried d o w n t o the water. ' C a t o ? That you?' ' Y e s . . . yes. N o w p u t the b l o o d y thing d o w n , b e f o r e y o u d r o p i t on my head!' ' W h a t ? O h yes. ' M a c r o t u r n e d b a c k t o the o t h e r m a n o n d e c k . 'Easy there. P u t the a m p h o r a d o w n , careful like. C a t o , wait there. I'll get a r o p e . ' ' W h e r e else w o u l d I g o ? ' C a t o g r u m b l e d . A m o m e n t later M a c r o ' s dark f o r m a p p e a r e d a b o v e the rail and a r o p e splashed into the water. C a t o ' s c o l d fingers s t r u g g l e d t o find the e n d o f the rope. W h e n h e h a d it he held on as tightly as he c o u l d b e f o r e m u t t e r i n g t h r o u g h c l e n c h e d teeth, ' R e a d y ' W i t h a g r u n t M a c r o h a u l e d his friend o u t of the sea, a n d as the y o u n g centurion surged up he leaned d o w n with one hand and g r a s p e d his tunic t o haul h i m a b o a r d . C a t o t h u d d e d d o w n o n the d e c k and s l u m p e d against the side, chest h e a v i n g w i t h the effort of the s w i m b a c k to the Horus and shivering violently as a c o o l b r e e z e b l e w across the d e c k . M a c r o c o u l d n o t help s m i l i n g grimly.

22

'Well, you're in a right state. P r o p e r d r o w n e d rat, y o u are. ' C a t o f r o w n e d . 'I fail to see the h u m o u r of o u r situation. ' ' T h e n you're n o t trying hard e n o u g h . ' C a t o s h o o k his h e a d , then his heart stilled as he g l a n c e d r o u n d the deck and t o o k in the d a m a g e that h a d b e e n d o n e to the ship, a n d the handful o f figures w o r k i n g a r o u n d the c a r g o hatch. ' J u l i a . . . Where's Julia?' 'She's safe, lad. A n d so is her father. ' M a c r o p a u s e d a n d cleared his throat. ' B u t Jesmiah's g o n e . ' 'Gone?' ' D e a d . H e r n e c k s n a p p e d w h e n the ship w e n t over. W e lost quite a few of the c r e w a n d passengers. M o s t l y swept away. T h e rest w e r e killed or injured by the ship's kit w h e n it b r o k e l o o s e . ' 'Julia's safe t h e n , ' C a t o m u t t e r e d to h i m s e l f as a surge of relief f l o w e d t h r o u g h h i m . H e t o o k a d e e p breath t o c a l m his p o u n d i n g heart a n d l o o k e d up at M a c r o . ' S h e thinks I was lost?' M a c r o n o d d e d . ' P u t t i n g a brave face o n it, o f c o u r s e , w h a t w i t h her b e i n g the d a u g h t e r of a senator. B u t y o u m i g h t w a n t to p u t her m i n d at rest s o o n e r rather than later. T h e n we n e e d to get this tub seaworthy again, o t h e r w i s e we'll all be for the c h o p . ' C a t o s t r u g g l e d to his feet. ' W h e r e is she?' 'In the h o l d . H e l p i n g get rid o f the cargo. H e r idea, n o t m i n e , before y o u ask. N o w then, ' M a c r o t u r n e d to a nearby sailor, 'give a hand w i t h this. ' L e a v i n g M a c r o a n d the other m a n t o ditch the u n w i e l d y a m p h o r a , C a t o crossed the d e c k towards the o p e n cargo hold. As he approached, he saw S e m p r o n i u s l o o k i n g up. T h e senator b r o k e into a b r o a d smile. 'Well n o w ! I'd g i v e n y o u up for d e a d , C e n t u r i o n . ' C a t o g r a s p e d the h a n d that was offered to h i m , a n d clasped the senator's a r m . T h e older m a n stared at h i m for a m o m e n t a n d t h e n s p o k e softly. 'It's g o o d to see y o u , my boy. I feared the worst. ' ' S o did I, ' C a t o replied ruefully. ' S e e m s the g o d s aren't quite finished w i t h m e . ' ' I n d e e d . I will m a k e a sacrifice to F o r t u n a the m o m e n t we reach dry land. ' ' T h a n k y o u , sir. ' C a t o n o d d e d , a n d then l o o k e d past the senator d o w n into the ship's h o l d . E v e n i n the g l o o m h e c o u l d m a k e J u l i a 23

o u t at o n c e . S h e was b e n t over a w a t e r l o g g e d bale of finely w o v e n cloth, struggling to lift it on to her shoulder. ' E x c u s e m e , sir. ' C a t o released the senator's h a n d a n d h o p p e d over the side o f the hatch, d r o p p i n g slightly b e h i n d Julia. H e l e a n e d forward to help her, b r u s h i n g her a r m as he t o o k h o l d of the cloth. S h e f l i n c h e d and s n a p p e d . 'I can m a n a g e ! ' 'Let me help, Julia. ' S h e froze for an instant a n d then r e s p o n d e d in a whisper, w i t h o u t t u r n i n g her h e a d . ' C a t o ? ' ' O f course. ' D r o p p i n g the bale, J u l i a rose u p and s p u n r o u n d , t h r o w i n g her a r m s a r o u n d h i m . ' C a t o ! O h , C a t o . . . I t h o u g h t . . . ' S h e stared u p into his eyes, her lips trembling. T h e n she b u r i e d her face in his s o d d e n chest a n d c l e n c h e d her fists into the b a c k of his tunic. He felt her s h u d d e r a n d then he heard a sob. He p r i s e d h i m s e l f b a c k so that h e c o u l d l o o k d o w n a t her face. 'It's all right, Julia. S h h h , my love. There's no n e e d for tears, I ' m alive a n d well. ' 'I k n o w , I k n o w , b u t I t h o u g h t I m i g h t have lost y o u . ' ' R e a l l y ? ' C a t o raised his eyebrows. It was a l u c k y thing i n d e e d that he h a d survived the wave. He forced a smile. 'Takes m o r e than a b l o o d y wave to finish me off. ' J u l i a released her g r i p a n d t h u m p e d h i m o n the chest. ' D o n ' t ever do that to me again. ' 'I p r o m i s e . U n l e s s we r u n into another w a v e , that is. ' ' C a t o ! ' she g r o w l e d . ' D o n ' t ! ' T h e y w e r e i n t e r r u p t e d b y a l o u d c o u g h a n d t u r n e d t o see M a c r o , hands o n hips, l o o k i n g d o w n into the h o l d w i t h a b e m u s e d expression. 'If y o u t w o have quite finished, can w e g e t b a c k t o w o r k ? ' T h e first h o u r s o f the night w e r e spent g e t t i n g r i d o f a s m u c h c a r g o as possible. T h e w o r k b e c a m e progressively harder as the survivors b e g a n t o get d e e p e r into the h o l d , w h e r e the heaviest items had b e e n l o a d e d . M u c h o f the c a r g o h a d b e e n t h r o w n o u t o f p o s i t i o n a n d s m a s h e d against the hull o r the u n d e r s i d e o f the c a r g o hatch. B u t slowly the Horus b e g a n to r i d e higher in the water, to the relief of all

24

aboard. H o w e v e r , as they delved further into the h o l d , it was clear that the vessel h a d s h i p p e d a great deal of water. 'We can start bailing that o u t o n c e w e ' v e shifted a bit m o r e of the cargo, ' M a c r o d e c i d e d . 'That'll k e e p us afloat. ' T h e m a t e scratched his chin. 'Yes, I h o p e so. ' M a c r o t u r n e d t o h i m w i t h a n irritable expression. ' P r o b l e m ? ' ' O f c o u r s e . ' T h e m a t e s o u n d e d surprised. ' T h e cargo's shifted all over the place, a n d the Horus has b e e n capsized. We w e r e l u c k y she righted herself. Very l u c k y S h o w s h o w well she was built that she's still afloat. B u t there's b o u n d t o b e plenty o f d a m a g e . S o m e o f the seams will have b e e n badly strained, a n d are p r o b a b l y l e a k i n g already' M a c r o s h r u g g e d . ' T h e n we'll j u s t have t o bail the water o u t faster than it gets in. ' 'We can try' ' B u g g e r try; we will, ' M a c r o said firmly. T h e m a t e n o d d e d slightly. 'If y o u say so. B u t o n c e it's safe e n o u g h I'll have to go into the h o l d a n d e x a m i n e the hull for leaks. T h e n try to stop t h e m up if I can. ' W h a t ' s the d a n g e r o f g o i n g i n there n o w ? ' 'There's still l o o s e c a r g o in there, C e n t u r i o n . T h e swell's g e t t i n g up and I don't fancy b e i n g c r u s h e d or b u r i e d alive if the Horus heaves t o o far to o n e side. We have to get as m u c h of the c a r g o o u t as we can first. ' 'Fair p o i n t . W h e n it's safe to go in. I'll give y o u a h a n d . ' M a c r o glanced r o u n d the d e c k a n d his gaze f i x e d o n the shattered s t u m p o f the b r o k e n mast. ' S o m e t h i n g else o c c u r s to m e . ' 'Sir?' ' K e e p i n g afloat is o n e p r o b l e m , b u t h o w are we g o i n g to get this ship u n d e r way a g a i n ? ' T h e m a t e i n d i c a t e d a spar lashed a l o n g o n e o f the sides o f the vessel. 'We'll have to j u r y - r i g a n e w mast. T h e r e ' s s o m e spare cable and an o l d sail for'ard. T h e n we'll n e e d to r i g a n e w r u d d e r a n d tiller from what's left of the c a r g o hatch. S h o u l d give us steerage way, b u t she'll be slow, a n d I d o u b t if we can w e a t h e r any s t o r m . ' He shivered. ' O r any wave half the size of the o n e that hit us. ' 'That'll have t o d o then. S o o n a s w e get g o i n g we'll m a k e for the nearest h a r b o u r on C r e t e . ' 25

T h e m a t e t h o u g h t a m o m e n t and n o d d e d . 'Matala's the best bet. ' 'Matala it is then. N o w b a c k to w o r k . ' As s o o n as he felt that the h o l d was safe e n o u g h , the m a t e c l i m b e d carefully across the r e m a i n i n g c a r g o a n d w a d e d towards the side of the hull. M a c r o l o w e r e d h i m s e l f d o w n a n d followed the m a t e , c a r r y i n g a sack of tarry strips of old sailcloth. H a r d l y any of the light f r o m the stars filtered into the h o l d , a n d the steady creak of the timbers and r u s h i n g swirl o f w a t e r o n b o t h sides o f the hull was unnerving. ' T h i s w a y ' the m a t e called. 'Stay close to m e . ' 'I will, don't w o r r y a b o u t that. ' T h e m a t e h e a d e d forward, p i c k i n g his w a y over the t i m b e r ribs o f the Horus. T h e n he steadily w o r k e d his way aft, feeling for any leaks a n d holes. E v e r y s o often h e p a u s e d t o c h e c k a n d then asked M a c r o for a p i e c e of cloth, a n d the t w o of t h e m squatted in the c o l d w a t e r a n d did their best to stuff the thick material into the small gaps that h a d o p e n e d i n the s e a m s . W h e n they h a d w o r k e d their way r o u n d the stern a n d b a c k to the b o w s a n d g r o p e d their way to the c a r g o hatch, M a c r o c l i m b e d the ladder o n t o the d e c k a n d s l u m p e d d o w n , cold and exhausted. 'Will that k e e p the water o u t ? ' he asked the m a t e . 'It'll help. It's the best we can do for now. O n c e we have the j u r y mast r i g g e d , we'll have to organise t w o w a t c h e s to take turns at bailing the w a t e r o u t . ' ' F i n e . I'll lead o n e . C a t o can take the other. I w a n t y o u to c o n c e n t r a t e on k e e p i n g the ship afloat a n d g e t t i n g us to p o r t . ' T h e m a t e s i g h e d . 'I'll do the best I can, C e n t u r i o n . ' ' O f c o u r s e y o u will. If the ship sinks and we all d r o w n , then I'll have y o u r b l o o d y guts for garters. ' He s l a p p e d the m a t e on the b a c k . 'Let's get this mast up. ' W i t h the R o m a n officers' help, the c r e w m e n u n t i e d the spar a n d p o s i t i o n e d the butt u p against the s t u m p o f the mast. T h e n , w i t h four ropes tied t o the far e n d , M a c r o a n d f i v e m e n h e a v e d the spar up. T h e m a t e , w i t h t w o strong m e n , kept the butt in p o s i t i o n as C a t o oversaw t w o teams o f m e n h e a v i n g o n the ropes. S l o w l y the spar rose u p , carefully g u i d e d into a vertical p o s i t i o n against the mast's s t u m p as

26

Macro and his m e n t o o k the o t h e r t w o ropes to steady it. At o n c e , the m a t e a n d his m e n h u r r i e d l y lashed the spar to the s t u m p , a n d then tied m o r e ropes a r o u n d it, as tightly as possible, until satisfied that the makeshift mast was as firm as it c o u l d b e . T h e r e was no rest for the crew as they i m p r o v i s e d the necessary shrouds, sheets a n d a cross spar f r o m the ship's s w e e p oars, lashed together. Lastly they fetched o u t the o l d sail f r o m a l o c k e r a n d fastened it to the spar. T h e makeshift r u d d e r was l o w e r e d over the stern a n d a m a n assigned to the tiller b e f o r e the sail was carefully h o i s t e d up the mast. A light b r e e z e filled the sail w i t h a r i p p l i n g series of thuds, as the mate l o o k e d o n apprehensively. T h e n h e gave the o r d e r t o sheet h o m e , and the Horus b e g a n to m a k e w a y t h r o u g h the g e n t l e swell, just a s the f i r s t g l i m m e r o f light a p p e a r e d o n the h o r i z o n . O n d e c k , those w h o w e r e n o t h e l p i n g to c r e w t h e ship lay d o w n to rest, exhausted. S e n a t o r S e m p r o n i u s

cradled his

daughter's

head and

shoulders in his lap a n d covered her w i t h his cloak. O n c e the m a t e was satisfied that the ship was p e r f o r m i n g as well as it c o u l d u n d e r the r o u g h repairs that h a d b e e n c a r r i e d o u t t h r o u g h the night, he c a m e t o report t o M a c r o a n d C a t o . 'We're h o l d i n g a c o u r s e a l o n g the coast, sir. S h o u l d m a k e M a t a l a before the e n d of the day. We can p u t in for repairs there. ' ' G o o d j o b . ' M a c r o smiled. ' Y o u ' v e d o n e well. ' T h e m a t e was t o o tired for any modesty, a n d j u s t n o d d e d b e f o r e he m a d e his w a y aft to give his orders to the m a n at the tiller, a n d then l e a n e d on the side rail. M a c r o r u b b e d his hands t o g e t h e r a n d gazed towards the c o m i n g d a w n . Y o u hear that? Safe a n d s o u n d o n dry land by the e n d of the day' C a t o did n o t reply. H e was staring a t the distant coastline o f C r e t e . After a m o m e n t he stretched his s h o u l d e r s a n d r u b b e d his n e c k . 'Safe and s o u n d ? I h o p e so. ' M a c r o f r o w n e d . ' W h a t n o w ? T h e p r o s p e c t o f b e i n g saved f r o m a watery grave n o t g o o d e n o u g h for y o u ? ' ' O h , I ' m pleased e n o u g h a b o u t that. ' C a t o forced a b r i e f smile. ' T h e thing is, if that w a v e a l m o s t destroyed the ship, t h e n the g o d s only k n o w w h a t i t has d o n e t o the island o f C r e t e . . . '

27

CHAPTER F O U R

A

s the Horus crept r o u n d the p o i n t , t h o s e on b o a r d g o t their f i r s t g l i m p s e o f the devastation that h a d b e e n visited o n the

p o r t o f M a t a l a b y the giant wave. T h e w a r e h o u s e s a n d w h a r v e s h a d b e e n s m a s h e d t o p i e c e s a n d the debris swept u p the slope b e y o n d w h e r e the densely p a c k e d h o u s e s h a d collapsed u n d e r the w e i g h t of the sea w a t e r s u r g i n g ashore. F i s h i n g b o a t s a n d ships lay shattered across the rocks a n d cliffs either side of the bay. F u r t h e r inland, a b o v e the h i g h - w a t e r m a r k w h e r e the w a v e h a d c o m e ashore, the

destruction

c o n t i n u e d . B u i l d i n g s large

a n d small h a d b e e n

flattened, as if c r u s h e d u n d e r the f o o t of s o m e titan. Further inland f i r e s b u r n e d o u t o f control a n d c o l u m n s o f s m o k e swirled into the a f t e r n o o n sky. O n l y a handful of p e o p l e w e r e visible a m o n g s t the ruins, s o m e desperately p l u c k i n g away at the debris to find their l o v e d o n e s a n d valuables. O t h e r s simply sat a n d stared at their s u r r o u n d i n g s in s h o c k . M a c r o swallowed. ' W h a t i n H a d e s h a p p e n e d h e r e ? ' ' T h e w a v e , ' said J u l i a . 'It m u s t have destroyed t h e p o r t b e f o r e it r e a c h e d us. ' ' N o t j u s t the wave. ' C a t o s h o o k his h e a d . ' T h e w a v e swept i n over the l a n d for s o m e way, b u t b e y o n d that, there's still plenty of d a m a g e . ' H e t u r n e d t o the senator. ' S e e m s like that e a r t h q u a k e i n B y t h i n i a y o u told us a b o u t . ' S e m p r o n i u s stared at the s c e n e o p e n i n g o u t b e f o r e t h e m for a m o m e n t b e f o r e he replied. ' T h i s is w o r s e , far w o r s e . I've never seen anything like it. ' T h e y c o n t i n u e d to stare at the devastation as the Horus crept into the bay. D e s p i t e the repairs of the p r e v i o u s night, the ship was still steadily taking on water, a n d regular shifts of the s u r v i v i n g crew a n d passengers h a d taken turns on a h u m a n chain to bail the water o u t

28

of the hull. T h e water level in the h o l d h a d b e e n slowly rising all day, m a k i n g the vessel steadily settle in the swell a n d r e d u c i n g its already slow s p e e d to a crawl. T h e m a t e stared d o w n into the water, n o t i n g a dark patch of s u b m e r g e d rocks p r o j e c t i n g b e y o n d the p o i n t . H e straightened u p a n d p o i n t e d towards a strip of shingle b e l o w the cliffs on the o p p o s i t e side of the bay. ' I ' m g o i n g to b e a c h the ship over there. She's n o t g o i n g to stay afloat for m u c h longer, sir, ' he explained. 'If she's b e a c h e d , then at least she can be salvaged, a l o n g w i t h w h a t little is left of the cargo. ' 'Fair e n o u g h , ' C a t o c o n c e d e d . ' H o w e v e r , I d o u b t there's any chance of h a v i n g the ship repaired in this p o r t for a w h i l e . Or c o m e to that, any p o r t on this side of the island. W h a t h a p p e n e d here is g o i n g to be t h e s a m e e v e r y w h e r e else. ' ' D o y o u really think s o ? ' J u l i a said w i t h a s u r p r i s e d expression. 'You saw the wave. W h a t was to stop it c a r r y i n g on all the w a y a l o n g the coast, a n d t h e n o u t to sea? W h y , I w o u l d n ' t be s u r p r i s e d if it h a d c o n t i n u e d all the way to S y r i a b e f o r e it died away c o m p l e t e l y ' C a t o gestured towards the shore. ' T h a t w a v e a n d the e a r t h q u a k e . will have destroyed almost everything. ' H i s m i n d w e n t b a c k to the slave c a m p they h a d seen c r u m b l e the p r e v i o u s day. ' T h e r e will b e hundreds d e a d . M a y b e t h o u s a n d s . A n d it l o o k s like hardly a b u i l d i n g has b e e n left standing. W h o k n o w s w h a t we'll find w h e n w e get ashore. It'll be c h a o s . C o m p l e t e c h a o s . ' ' B u t we have to get the ship repaired, ' J u l i a insisted. ' S o we c a n return to R o m e . If all the other ships are s m a s h e d , we have to repair this o n e . ' ' A n d w h o will repair it?' C a t o asked. ' T h e d o c k s are g o n e . T h e shipmakers' w o r k s h o p s have g o n e , a n d m o s t o f the carpenters will have b e e n c a u g h t by the wave a n d are p r o b a b l y dead. ' J u l i a t h o u g h t a m o m e n t . ' T h e n w h a t are w e g o i n g t o d o ? ' C a t o wearily ran his fingers t h r o u g h his salt-encrusted hair. W e ' l l go ashore, a n d try to find o u t w h o is left in authority. Perhaps w h e n they hear that y o u r father is w i t h us they m i g h t p r o v i d e s o m e help, a n d shelter. ' 'Shelter?' M a c r o gave a dry l a u g h . 'That's a g o o d o n e . W h a t shelter? As far as I can see, there's only a handful of structures still standing, a n d m o s t of t h o s e are j u s t shacks. ' 29

' T r u e , ' said C a t o . ' B u t I was t h i n k i n g of shelter in a s o m e w h a t w i d e r sense. ' 'Eh?' ' T h i n k a b o u t it, M a c r o . T h e island's b e e n t u r n e d upside d o w n . Y o u saw w h a t h a p p e n e d to the slave c o m p o u n d yesterday. T h o s e slaves are l o o s e now. I i m a g i n e the s a m e thing has h a p p e n e d on every estate. E v e r y o n e will be l o o k i n g for f o o d and a safe place to r i d e o u t the disaster. S o o n they'll be fighting for it. We'll n e e d to find s o m e p r o t e c t i o n s o m e w h e r e , o r m a k e o u r o w n . A t least until help arrives, a n d order is restored. ' M a c r o l o o k e d at h i m sourly. ' B y the g o d s , you're a cheerful soul, C a t o . W e ' v e barely

escaped from

d r o w n i n g , a n d already you're

l o o k i n g for the d o w n s i d e . ' 'Sorry. ' M a c r o g l a n c e d a t J u l i a . 'Are y o u sure y o u w a n t t o m a r r y h i m , miss? M i s t e r the amphora's-always-half-empty. ' S h e did n o t reply, but m o v e d in closer to C a t o a n d grasped his a r m . U n d e r the mate's c o m m a n d the H o r u s e d g e d across the bay towards the strip of b e a c h , and as they d r e w closer to shore they c o u l d see a thin layer of flotsam strewn across the shingle. A handful o f b o d i e s sprawled a m o n g s t splintered lengths o f w o o d and tangles o f v e g e t a t i o n . T h e ship steered steadily towards the shore, w i t h the m a t e constantly l o o k i n g over

the

side

to

gauge

the

depth

as

they

a p p r o a c h e d . As the cliffs l o o m e d over t h e m , C a t o felt a gentle lurch b e n e a t h his feet, then the d e c k was m o t i o n l e s s . 'Let fly the sheets!' the m a t e s h o u t e d to his crew. T h e n , as the sail b i l l o w e d in the g e n t l e b r e e z e , he d r e w a sharp breath a n d gave a n o t h e r order. ' L o w e r the sail!' T h e m e n u n t i e d the

ropes fastening the makeshift spar a n d

carefully l o w e r e d the spar a n d sail to the d e c k . T h e n , o v e r c o m e by the e x h a u s t i o n a n d strain o f the desperate h o u r s o f the. p r e v i o u s night, a n d the f o l l o w i n g day's shifts bailing the w a t e r from the h o l d , the c r e w s l u m p e d d o w n a n d rested. ' W h a t d o w e d o n o w ? ' asked Julia. ' W e ? ' M a c r o t u r n e d to her. 'I w a n t y o u to stay here, miss. Y o u a n d the rest o f the c r e w a n d p a s s e n g e r s . M e a n w h i l e , C a t o , y o u r father a n d I are g o i n g into M a t a l a to c h e c k on the lie of the land. '

30

'I'm coming with you. ' ' W i t h respect, miss, y o u aren't. N o t until we are sure that it's safe. ' Julia f r o w n e d and then l o o k e d up at C a t o . ' T a k e me w i t h y o u . ' 'I can't, ' C a t o replied. ' M a c r o is the r a n k i n g officer. If he says y o u stay, then y o u stay' 'But C a t o — ' 'He's right, my dear, ' S e m p r o n i u s i n t e r v e n e d . ' Y o u have to stay here. J u s t for now. We'll be b a c k s o o n . I p r o m i s e . ' J u l i a m e t her father's gaze a n d after a m o m e n t , n o d d e d . 'All right. B u t don't take any risks. ' 'We w o n ' t , miss, ' said M a c r o . ' C o m e o n , C a t o . Let's get o u r kit from the cabin. ' 'Kit?' ' M o s t of it survived, I c h e c k e d , ' M a c r o e x p l a i n e d . 'If w h a t y o u said earlier is a n y t h i n g to go by, I'd be h a p p i e r if we w e n t a r m e d . ' A short t i m e later, the t w o c e n t u r i o n s a n d the senator splashed d o w n into the shallows f r o m the e n d o f the b o a r d i n g p l a n k that h a d b e e n l o w e r e d from the b o w s . T h e m a t e o f the Horus had o r d e r e d t w o m e n to take the m a i n a n c h o r a n d carry it a short distance up the shingle b e f o r e w e d g i n g its flukes into the b e a c h . He was testing that the a n c h o r was securely f i x e d a s the R o m a n s c a m e ashore a n d m a d e their way up the shingle to firmer g r o u n d . 'All d o n e ? ' M a c r o asked. T h e m a t e n o d d e d . ' T h e ship's as safe and secure as she can b e . At least she can't sink. ' ' G o o d . Y o u ' v e d o n e well. Y o u r captain w o u l d have b e e n p r o u d of you. ' T h e m a t e b o w e d his h e a d . ' I h o p e so. H e was a g o o d m a n , sir. B e s t captain I have sailed w i t h . ' 'A sad loss, ' M a c r o r e s p o n d e d flatly. ' N o w then, we're h e a d i n g into the p o r t , or what's left of it, to see w h a t the situation is. M e a n w h i l e , you're to r e m a i n here. M a k e sure the c r e w stays close to the ship and don't let a n y o n e c o m e aboard. ' 'Why?' 'Just do as I say, all right? H o p e f u l l y s o m e o n e has restored s o m e kind o f o r d e r t o Matala. B u t i f they h a v e n ' t . . . then I'd rather y o u 31

m a d e sure that y o u l o o k e d after y o u r p e o p l e , a n d the senator's daughter. U n d e r s t a n d ? ' 'Yes, sir. ' T h e m a t e n o d d e d s o l e m n l y 'We have a few w e a p o n s in the stern locker. In case of pirates. ' 'Let's h o p e y o u don't n e e d to use t h e m . ' C a t o s m i l e d thinly. ' B u t use y o u r j u d g e m e n t . If there's any sign of trouble, then get e v e r y o n e b a c k on b o a r d a n d pull up the b o a r d i n g plank. ' 'Yes, sir. G o o d luck. ' ' L u c k ? ' M a c r o patted the s w o r d h a n g i n g at his side. 'I m a k e my o w n luck. ' T h e t w o c e n t u r i o n s a n d the senator set o f f a l o n g the shingle towards the p o r t . C a t o g l a n c e d b a c k over his s h o u l d e r a n d saw J u l i a f o l l o w i n g their progress from the foredeck. S h e w a v e d her h a n d hesitantly as she saw h i m l o o k i n g b a c k a n d he resisted the u r g e to wave b a c k . He was t h i n k i n g like a soldier again a n d was already closely w a t c h i n g the cliffs to their left for any sign of d a n g e r as they t r u d g e d a l o n g the top of the shingle. It was only a quarter of a mile to the p o r t , a n d as they a p p r o a c h e d , the debris that h a d b e e n c a r r i e d o n the b a c k w a s h o f the w a v e increased i n intensity. T h e n they c a m e across the f i r s t b o d i e s . T w i s t e d f i g u r e s i n s o d d e n c l o t h i n g m i n g l e d w i t h the remains from

the

warehouses. T h e

wave

o f h o u s e s , boats a n d g o o d s

had

struck

its

victims

down

indiscriminately and the three R o m a n s s t e p p e d over the c o r p s e s of old and y o u n g alike. C a t o felt a stab of pity as he saw a y o u n g w o m a n on her side, an infant still strapped to her chest by a sling, b o t h o f t h e m quite d e a d . H e s t o p p e d a m o m e n t t o stare d o w n a t the b o d i e s . M a c r o p a u s e d at his side. ' P o o r devils. D i d n ' t stand a c h a n c e . ' C a t o n o d d e d silently. H i s c o m p a n i o n l o o k e d u p a n d surveyed the b e a c h a n d the ruins of the p o r t . ' B y t o m o r r o w this place is g o i n g to start smelling a bit ripe. T h e b o d i e s will have to be dealt w i t h . ' ' D e a l t w i t h ? ' S e m p r o n i u s c o c k e d a n eyebrow. 'Yes, sir. It ain't the smell that w o r r i e s m e . It's the sickness that follows death on this scale. I've seen it at w o r k after a siege. Small t o w n in s o u t h e r n G e r m a n y , m a n y years b a c k , s o o n after I j o i n e d the E a g l e s . T h e defenders h a d j u s t left the d e a d w h e r e they had fallen and

32

the weather was hot. B a k i n g h o t . Anyway, by the t i m e the survivors surrendered, the air inside was h i g h e r than a kite. T h e place was a d e n of pestilence. ' ' W h a t did y o u d o ? ' asked S e m p r o n i u s . ' N o t h i n g w e c o u l d do. T h e legate o r d e r e d the survivors t o stay inside the walls a n d then had the gate closed up. C o u l d n ' t afford the sickness s p r e a d i n g to o u r troops. After a m o n t h there was only a handful o f the t o w n s p e o p l e still alive, and m o s t o f t h e m w e r e t o o sick to be w o r t h anything as slaves. If they'd only d i s p o s e d of the b o d i e s properly, then m a n y m o r e w o u l d have lived. ' 'I see. Let's h o p e that w h o e v e r is still in charge of the p o r t k n o w s what to do then. ' M a c r o clicked his t o n g u e . 'It'll be a bastard of a j o b , sir. ' ' N o t our problem. ' Sempronius shrugged. ' C o m e on. ' They

continued

a l o n g the

shoreline

until

they

reached

the

remains of a w a t c h t o w e r that h a d g u a r d e d the entrance to the p o r t . T h e b l o c k s of stone still s t o o d , as h i g h as a m a n , b u t above that the timber posts a n d p l a t f o r m h a d g o n e . So had the gate, a n d the walls had given way u n d e r the pressure of the sea water b u r s t i n g over Matala. B e y o n d the barely discernible line of the wall, the p o r t was a mass o f r u b b l e , t i m b e r and tiles, w i t h n o sense o f the lines o f the neat g r i d o f streets that h a d o n c e t h r o n g e d w i t h the inhabitants o f the t o w n . N o w a handful of figures s t u m b l e d a b o u t the ruins, or sat a n d stared abjectly into the distance. T h e three R o m a n s p a u s e d a t the e d g e o f M a t a l a , s h o c k e d b y the scene in front of t h e m . M a c r o t o o k a d e e p breath. ' N o easy way t h r o u g h that lot. B e t t e r t o w o r k a r o u n d the e d g e and see w h a t the situation is further inland. ' He gestured up the slope. T h e cliffs on either side of the bay gave way to s t e e p - s i d e d hills that flanked the t o w n , n a r r o w i n g into a defile that b e n t r o u n d , o u t of sight, as it led away from the coast. T h e y set off again, a short distance f r o m the shattered remains of the wall. T h e slopes h a d b e e n s t r i p p e d o f m u c h o f the shrubs a n d trees that h a d g r o w n there a n d n o w they w e r e covered by the s a m e dismal tide o f debris a n d d e a d p e o p l e a n d animals that the three m e n had w i t n e s s e d on the b e a c h . T h e y passed the remains of a small c a r g o ship that h a d b e e n c a r r i e d up on the wave, b e f o r e it struck a large 33

b o u l d e r and s m a s h e d t o pieces, leaving only the ribs a n d s o m e timbers still c a u g h t a r o u n d the rock. C a t o c o u l d n o t help b e i n g a w e d by the sight. T h e p o w e r of the wave was as terrible a n d m i g h t y as the w r a t h o f any o f the g o d s . As they r e a c h e d the defile, C a t o a n d the others f o u n d that the easiest path was to cross the remains of the wall a n d p i c k their way warily across the ruins. A small g a n g of y o u n g m e n was busy pulling valuables o u t o f a r u i n e d h o u s e that m u s t have b e l o n g e d t o o n e o f the port's wealthier families. A handful of busts h a d b e e n extracted a n d discarded, a n d the looters w e r e b u s y r e m o v i n g silver plates a n d small chests o f personal effects. T h e y s t o p p e d their w o r k and l o o k e d up warily as the three R o m a n s passed by. M a c r o ' s h a n d w e n t casually to his s w o r d hilt. ' I g n o r e t h e m , ' C a t o m u t t e r e d . 'We can't deal w i t h that now. ' 'Pity. ' M a c r o sniffed, a n d let his h a n d d r o p b a c k to his side. T h e y passed o n b y w i t h o u t e x c h a n g i n g a w o r d . O n the far side o f the defile, the g r o u n d o p e n e d o u t into a w i d e plain, a n d here the d a m a g e c a u s e d by the w a v e gave way to the effects of the e a r t h q u a k e that h a d shaken the island to its roots. T h e r e was no debris w a s h e d u p f r o m the p o r t . Instead m o s t o f the h o u s e s h a d j u s t collapsed, o n t o p of those inside. O t h e r s were partially d a m a g e d a n d a few s e e m e d to have suffered no d a m a g e at all. It w a s the s a m e for the larger buildings. S o m e o f the t e m p l e s w e r e little m o r e than piles o f r u b b l e s u r r o u n d e d b y b r o k e n c o l u m n s that n o w l o o k e d like b a d teeth. O t h e r s w e r e intact, standing defiantly a b o v e the ruins. T h e r e w e r e far m o r e p e o p l e visible h e r e than d o w n i n the p o r t . H u n d r e d s w e r e p i c k i n g over the r u b b l e , r e s c u i n g w h a t they c o u l d f r o m their h o m e s , o r liberating the possessions o f t h e h o u s e s o f the d e a d . Little c l u m p s of h u m a n i t y lay scattered across the slopes of the hill, and on the plain, a short distance from the city. T h i n tendrils of s m o k e drifted up from small fires that s o m e of the survivors h a d lit to w a r m themselves t h r o u g h the night. On a large mass of r o c k s t o o d the town's acropolis, relatively u n t o u c h e d b y the disaster. T h e walls still s t o o d , a l t h o u g h o n e o f the squat towers h a d collapsed d o w n the small cliff on to the t o w n below, flattening several h o u s e s . A s q u a d of soldiers s t o o d g u a r d at the e n d o f the r a m p l e a d i n g t o the gates o f the acropolis, and b e y o n d the

34

walls they c o u l d see that the m a i n administration b u i l d i n g was still standing. ' T h a t l o o k s like o u r best bet, ' said C a t o . 'We s h o u l d h e a d up there. ' S e m p r o n i u s n o d d e d and led the way d o w n the m a i n t h o r o u g h f a r e that stretched t h r o u g h the t o w n towards the acropolis. O n c e , t h e street h a d b e e n fifteen paces across, b u t n o w the sides h a d b e e n buried a n d o n l y a thin path t h r o u g h the r u b b l e r e m a i n e d . T h e y reached the r a m p a n d started u p the incline towards the gates. T h e sentries i m m e d i a t e l y stirred a n d m o v e d to bar their path. M a c r o eyed them coolly. T h e m e n c a r r i e d the oval shields o f auxiliary troops, b u t they l o o k e d n e r v o u s a n d o u t o f c o n d i t i o n . T h e i r leader, a n o p t i o , stepped forward a n d raised his h a n d . 'That's close e n o u g h . W h o are y o u , a n d what's y o u r business?' S e m p r o n i u s cleared his throat a n d stiffened his p o s t u r e . 'I am Caius S e m p r o n i u s , senator o f R o m e . T h e s e are m y c o m p a n i o n s , C e n t u r i o n s M a c r o a n d C a t o . We m u s t see the senior official in the town. At o n c e . ' T h e o p t i o cast his eye over the three m e n b e f o r e h i m . C e r t a i n l y the m a n w h o c l a i m e d to be an aristocrat had the right b e a r i n g for such a rank, a n d the shorter of the o t h e r t w o m e n was scarred a n d burly e n o u g h to be a soldier. B u t the o t h e r was thin a n d y o u n g , a n d did n o t e x u d e any o b v i o u s authority. B e s i d e s their a r m y pattern swords, there was n o other p r o o f o f the f i r s t man's claims. T h e three wore s i m p l e tunics and their skin was g r i m y a n d their chins stubbled. 'Senator, y o u s a y ? ' T h e o p t i o licked his lips nervously. ' F o r g i v e me for saying so, sir, but can y o u prove it?' 'Prove it?' S e m p r o n i u s f r o w n e d a n d thrust o u t his h a n d to s h o w the g o l d senatorial r i n g that h a d b e e n passed d o w n to h i m f r o m his father. ' T h e r e ! G o o d e n o u g h ? ' 'Well, I s u p p o s e . . . ' the o p t i o answered cautiously. 'Is there anything else?' ' W h a t d o y o u w a n t ? ' S e m p r o n i u s answered irritably. ' T h e r i n g i s e n o u g h . N o w , let us in a n d have s o m e o n e take me to w h o e v e r is in command

here.

Before

I

have

you

placed

on

a

charge

for

insubordination. ' T h e o p t i o s t o o d t o attention and saluted. 'Yes, sir. O p e n the g a t e ! ' T w o o f his m e n s p r a n g towards the heavy w o o d e n t i m b e r s a n d 35

thrust t h e m b a c k . W i t h a g r o a n the d o o r s w u n g o p e n . T h e o p t i o detailed four of his m e n to stay on g u a r d a n d then u s h e r e d the senator and the t w o c e n t u r i o n s inside the a c r o p o h s . B e y o n d the gate there was a small courtyard, on either side of w h i c h stretched s t o r e h o u s e s , a n d ahead of t h e m lay a basilica. S o m e of the tiles had fallen o f f and the r o o f had collapsed at o n e e n d . O t h e r w i s e the b u i l d i n g was intact. M o r e auxiliary troops squatted in the shade of the walls o f the acropolis and s o m e w a t c h e d c u r i o u s l y a s the o p t i o a n d four o f his m e n e s c o r t e d the R o m a n s across t o the entrance o f the basilica. ' S e e m s y o u ' v e b e e n l u c k y ' said M a c r o . ' N o t t o o m u c h d a m a g e u p here. ' 'Yes, sir. ' T h e o p t i o g l a n c e d r o u n d . ' B u t m a n y of the lads w e r e d o w n in the t o w n w h e n the t r e m o r struck. A n d after that, the wave. Still can't a c c o u n t for over half of the c o h o r t . ' ' C o h o r t ? W h i c h c o h o r t i s that?' 'Twelfth H i s p a n i a , sir. ' 'Garrison troops?' ' F o r the last fifteen years, ' the o p t i o c o n c e d e d . ' B e f o r e that the unit was on the D a n u v i u s frontier. B e f o r e my t i m e , t h o u g h . ' 'I see. ' M a c r o n o d d e d . ' A n d w h o is the c o m m a n d e r h e r e ? ' 'Prefect L u c i u s C a l p u r n i u s , b u t he's up at G o r t y n a , the province's capital, a l o n g w i t h the rest of the quality. He left C e n t u r i o n Portillus in c h a r g e w h i l e he was g o n e . ' T h e y entered the basilica, passing e m p t y offices, and crossed the m a i n hall t o the suite o f r o o m s o n the far side. T h e o p t i o p a u s e d o u t s i d e a n o p e n d o o r a n d r a p p e d o n the frame. ' C o m e ! ' a v o i c e called o u t wearily. T h e o p t i o indicated t o his m e n t o

r e m a i n o u t s i d e a n d led

S e m p r o n i u s and his c o m p a n i o n s into the prefect's office. It was a large r o o m w i t h shuttered w i n d o w s that l o o k e d o u t over the t o w n towards the sea. N o r m a l l y it w o u l d have b e e n a fine v i e w i n d e e d , C a t o reflected, but t o d a y the w i n d o w s p r o v i d e d a p a n o r a m a o f destruction a n d suffering. In front of the w i n d o w s , seated at a desk, was a thickset m a n in a red military tunic. He was c o m p l e t e l y bald a n d his features w e r e heavily w r i n k l e d . He s q u i n t e d towards his visitors. 'Yes? O h , it's y o u , O p t i o . W h o are these m e n ? '

36

' T h e y a p p r o a c h e d the m a i n gate, sir. ' T h e o p t i o i n d i c a t e d S e m p r o n i u s . ' T h i s g e n t l e m a n claims t o b e a R o m a n senator, C a i u s S e m p r o n i u s . He says the others are c e n t u r i o n s . ' 'I see. ' Portillus squinted again, then rose from the chair and strode u p t o his guests, w h e r e h e c o u l d e x a m i n e t h e m m o r e closely. ' S o then, sir, m i g h t I ask w h a t y o u are d o i n g here in M a t a l a ? ' 'Certainly, ' S e m p r o n i u s replied patiently. 'We w e r e on a ship b o u n d for R o m e . Yesterday e v e n i n g we w e r e struck by a giant w a v e , just off the coast of C r e t e . ' ' W h e r e d i d the ship sail f r o m ? ' Portillus i n t e r r u p t e d . ' W h a t p o r t ? ' ' C a e s a r e a , on the Syrian coast, ' S e m p r o n i u s said at o n c e . ' C a n the ship's captain verify this?' ' T h e ship's captain was swept away by the wave. B u t y o u can ask the first m a t e , if y o u feel y o u n e e d to. ' 'I m a y do that. Later. ' Portillus eyed t h e m suspiciously for a m o m e n t . 'I take it y o u have seen w h a t the w a v e did to us here in Matala. W h i c h rather b e g s the q u e s t i o n , if it was powerful e n o u g h to destroy a t o w n , then h o w did a s i m p l e ship m a n a g e to survive?' W e b l o o d y well nearly didn't!' M a c r o i n t e r r u p t e d and then glared at Portillus. 'Still, you s e e m to have c o m e o u t of it u n t o u c h e d . C a r e to explain that, eh? Sitting pretty up h e r e w h i l e everything g o e s to shit d o w n there in what's left of the t o w n . ' S e m p r o n i u s laid his h a n d o n M a c r o s shoulder. 'That's e n o u g h . C e n t u r i o n Portillus is right to be careful. T h e r e are b o u n d to be plenty o f p e o p l e r o a m i n g the island i n the days t o c o m e . T h e y c o u l d claim to be anybody. All I have on my p e r s o n to identify me is my senatorial ring. S e e here. ' He raised his h a n d for Portillus to e x a m i n e closely. Portillus scratched his chin for a m o m e n t . 'All right then, let's agree for the m o m e n t that y o u are w h o y o u say y o u are. W h a t are you doing here?' 'It was the nearest p o r t we c o u l d m a k e for after we h a d repaired the d a m a g e as best we c o u l d , ' S e m p r o n i u s explained. 'We had h o p e d to have the ship m a d e seaworthy again, or at least take passage in a n o t h e r a n d c o n t i n u e o u r voyage. B u t now, having seen what's left o f Matala, well, it's clear that we will be stuck here until a n o t h e r ship arrives. I n w h i c h case w e will n e e d a c c o m m o d a t i o n w h i l e w e wait. 37

hoped to ask y o u r c o m m a n d e r for help, b u t it seems that he is away at the m o m e n t . ' 'That's right. He w e n t to the governor's palace at G o r t y n a for the annual b a n q u e t . T h e prefect and all the local w o r t h i e s . As s o o n as the e a r t h q u a k e a n d the w a v e hit us, I sent h i m a report. He s h o u l d be b a c k to take c h a r g e at any t i m e . ' ' H o w far away is G o r t y n a ? ' C a t o asked. 'Fifteen miles or so. ' ' A n d the prefect has n o t r e t u r n e d yet, n o r sent a reply?' ' N o . N o t yet. ' Macro

took

a

deep

breath

to

calm

his

growing

sense

of

frustration. ' A n d w h a t have y o u d o n e i n the m e a n t i m e ? ' 'Done?' ' T o help the p e o p l e d o w n there. ' M a c r o j e r k e d his t h u m b in the direction of the w i n d o w . ' T o help rescue t h o s e trapped in the ruins, to treat the injured a n d organise f o o d and water for the survivors, a n d to restore order. Well?' Portillus's b r o w creased into a frown. 'I have d o n e all that is necessary t o m a k e sure the m e n o f m y c o h o r t w e r e seen t o first, a n d to m a k e t h e m ready to carry o u t w h a t e v e r orders the prefect gives t h e m the m o m e n t he returns from G o r t y n a . That's w h a t I've d o n e . ' 'Bullshit!' M a c r o g r o w l e d . ' B l o o d y j o b s w o r t h . Y o u and y o u r m e n are sitting on y o u r arses w h i l e the p e o p l e d o w n there n e e d y o u . It is y o u r duty to k e e p the p e a c e . There's b u g g e r all else for y o u to do on a garrison posting. ' S e m p r o n i u s c o u g h e d . ' M a c r o . I ' m sure that C e n t u r i o n Portillus a n d his m e n will do what's n e e d e d the m o m e n t his prefect returns. ' ' A s s u m i n g he d o e s return, ' C a t o a d d e d . T h e others t u r n e d t o l o o k a t h i m . Portillus raised his eyebrows. ' W h y w o u l d n ' t he r e t u r n ? ' ' W h e n exactly did y o u send the m e s s a g e t o h i m ? ' 'Last night. ' ' T h e n h e has h a d t i m e t o r e s p o n d o r return. S o w h y haven't y o u heard from h i m ? ' ' I don't k n o w ! ' Portillus f l a p p e d a n o p e n h a n d . ' C o u l d b e any reason. Perhaps he is n e e d e d in G o r t y n a . ' 'Perhaps, ' C a t o c o n c e d e d . ' T h e n again, if w h a t has h a p p e n e d here

38

in Matala is a n y t h i n g to go by, surely G o r t y n a will have b e e n hit hard as well. ' A s Portillus struggled t o c o m e t o t e r m s w i t h the implications o f Cato's w o r d s , the s o u n d of a horse's h o o v e s clattering across the courtyard e c h o e d faintly t h r o u g h the basilica. M a c r o t u r n e d towards the s o u n d a n d w e n t to the d o o r . A c l o a k e d figure c a m e r u n n i n g through the entrance a n d across the hall, m a k i n g straight for the prefect's office. ' S e e m s that w e m a y b e a b o u t t o f i n d o u t what's h a p p e n e d a t G o r t y n a , ' M a c r o said quietly. A m o m e n t later the n e w arrival was standing in front of the three officers and the senator, struggling for breath. H i s cloak and face w e r e g r i m y w i t h dust from a hard ride. He m a d e an effort to stand up straight and salute b e f o r e m a k i n g his r e p o r t . 'Is this the m a n y o u sent to G o r t y n a ? ' asked S e m p r o n i u s . Portillus n o d d e d a s h e faced the m a n . ' D i d y o u f i n d the prefect?' 'Yes, sir. T h a t is, I saw h i m . ' ' S a w h i m ? W h a t d o y o u m e a n ? S p e a k sense, m a n ! ' 'I saw his b o d y , sir. T h e prefect's d e a d . So is nearly every o t h e r official in the p r o v i n c e , sir. ' ' D e a d ? ' Portillus s h o o k his h e a d . ' H o w ? ' ' T h e y w e r e all in the b a n q u e t hall at the governor's palace w h e n the e a r t h q u a k e struck. T h e r o o f collapsed o n t o p o f t h e m . T h e survivors on the governor's staff have b e e n pulling the b o d i e s o u t all day, sir. There's only a handful left alive. S o m e of t h e m w o n ' t live long. ' 'I don't believe it, ' Portillus m u m b l e d . 'It's n o t possible. ' C a t o e d g e d closer to the messenger. ' W h a t a b o u t the g o v e r n o r ? Is he d e a d ? ' ' N o . At least n o t w h e n I left G o r t y n a , sir. He was hurt b a d , like. His legs have b e e n c r u s h e d . H e sent m e b a c k here t o report t o C e n t u r i o n Portillus. ' 'Me?' 'Yes, sir. Y o u are the senior R o m a n official in Matala. He's o r d e r e d you to take c h a r g e here. ' ' M e ? ' Portillus's eyes w i d e n e d w i t h s h o c k , a n d n o t a little anxiety. ' T h e r e has to be s o m e o n e else. ' 39

' N o , sir. ' ' I . . . I n e e d t o think. ' Portillus b a c k e d away a n d then t u r n e d t o g a z e o u t of the w i n d o w . 'I n e e d t i m e to m a k e a plan. T i m e to restore order. I . . . ' He fell silent a n d his shoulders s l u m p e d . M a c r o leaned towards C a t o a n d S e m p r o n i u s as he m u t t e r e d , ' N o w that is n o t w h a t I w o u l d call a safe pair of hands. ' 'You're right, ' S e m p r o n i u s replied. 'We have to do s o m e t h i n g . R i g h t now. '

40

CHAPTER FIVE

S

enator S e m p r o n i u s cleared his throat a n d t o o k a step towards the

prefect's desk. ' C e n t u r i o n Portillus!'

T h e officer t u r n e d quickly a t the t o n e o f c o m m a n d i n the

senator's v o i c e . ' C e n t u r i o n Portillus, I a m a s s u m i n g the authority o f the g o v e r n o r for the present e m e r g e n c y . I will also take c o m m a n d of all military and naval forces present i n C r e t e , starting w i t h this c o h o r t . D o y o u understand?' Portillus l o o k e d s h o c k e d , as did the others in the r o o m . After a m o m e n t he swallowed a n d clasped his hands. ' B u t sir, the g o v e r n o r has a p p o i n t e d m e , as y o u j u s t heard. ' ' T h e g o v e r n o r was acting o n the basis that y o u w e r e the senior surviving

official. He

could

hot

have

known

that

I, or

these

other officers, w e r e present on the island. S i n c e they are l e g i o n a r y c e n t u r i o n s they o u t r a n k y o u , a n d as a senator I carry the a u t h o r i t y of the senate w i t h my rank. I w o u l d be the m o s t suitable r e p l a c e m e n t for G o v e r n o r Hirtius a n d I i n t e n d to take c o m m a n d . Is that clear?' Portillus n o d d e d a n d then bit his lip. ' D o y o u have a p r o b l e m w i t h m y d e c i s i o n ? ' 'Well, yes, sir. There's the q u e s t i o n of p r o t o c o l . ' ' P r o t o c o l ? ' M a c r o g r u m b l e d . ' W h a t are y o u talking a b o u t ? ' 'Strictly

speaking,

the

senator

needs

the

permission

o f the

e m p e r o r to enter a province, ' Portillus c o n t i n u e d nervously. ' W h a t ? ' M a c r o raised his v o i c e . ' W h a t the hell are y o u talking about? O u r b l o o d y ship is leaking like a sieve. W h e r e else c o u l d we g o ? O r d o y o u think w e s h o u l d have n i p p e d b a c k t o R o m e first t o get the emperor's n o d that it's all right for us to set f o o t on this b l o o d y island?' 'That's the regulations, sir. ' 41

' B o l l o c k s ! ' M a c r o spat b a c k . ' B o l l o c k s to regulations, y o u fool. ' S e m p r o n i u s intervened. ' C e n t u r i o n Portillus is right to raise the issue H o w e v e r , given the circumstances - the extraordinary c i r c u m stances - I think the n o r m a l rules have to be i g n o r e d . B e s i d e s , ' he t u r n e d b a c k to Portillus, 'I am sure that y o u w o u l d be c o n t e n t to pass the responsibility for the c o h o r t on to a m o r e senior official. Is that not so?' Portillus b o w e d his h e a d . ' O f c o u r s e , sir. A s y o u w i s h . ' H e g l a n c e d towards

the

messenger

still

standing

near

the

door, and

then

c o n t i n u e d in a very deliberate t o n e . 'Naturally, I will w a n t it on r e c o r d that y o u insist on t a k i n g c o m m a n d , a n d that y o u a s s u m e full responsibility for y o u r actions, sir. ' 'As y o u w i s h , you'll have that in w r i t i n g , ' S e m p r o n i u s replied, struggling to k e e p the c o n t e m p t from his v o i c e . ' S o then, I am n o w i n charge. A g r e e d ? ' 'Yes, sir. ' ' T h e n the first p r i o r i t y is to restore o r d e r here in M a t a l a and help the survivors. ' T h e senator l o o k e d towards C a t o and M a c r o a n d t h o u g h t for a m o m e n t b e f o r e he m a d e a d e c i s i o n . ' C e n t u r i o n M a c r o , y o u are to a s s u m e control here in Matala. I a u t h o r i s e y o u to do w h a t ever is necessary to help the local p e o p l e . Y o u are to c o m m a n d e e r any r e m a i n i n g f o o d stocks a n d existing shelter. P r i o r i t y is to be given to rescuing those still t r a p p e d in the rubble a n d the injured. T h e r e is to b e n o l o o t i n g , such a s w e saw o n the w a y here. U s e w h a t e v e r force is necessary to prevent s u c h lawlessness. Is that u n d e r s t o o d ? ' 'Yes, sir. ' ' G o o d . N o w then, C e n t u r i o n C a t o , y o u a n d I m u s t h e a d for G o r t y n a at o n c e . We have to see what's left of the province's administration. That's w h e r e w e n e e d t o b e i n o r d e r t o regain control of C r e t e a n d deal w i t h this c h a o s . ' C a t o n o d d e d . 'Yes, sir. W h a t a b o u t the ship, a n d those still on board?' S e m p r o n i u s smiled. 'Julia is safe w h e r e she is for now. ' ' B u t she w o u l d be safer if she was b r o u g h t here, sir. ' ' O f c o u r s e . C e n t u r i o n M a c r o will take care of it. ' M a c r o patted his friend on the shoulder. 'Trust m e . ' ' A n d y o u m i g h t as well take charge of the c r e w a n d passengers, '

42

S e m p r o n i u s c o n t i n u e d . ' A d d t h e m t o the c o h o r t . T h e y m a y n o t b e soldiers, b u t they're g o o d m e n . T h e y ' v e m o r e than p r o v e d that they can be useful in a crisis. ' 'I'll see to it. ' 'Sailors?' C e n t u r i o n Portillus s h o o k his h e a d . 'In the Twelfth Hispania? T h e lads'll n o t stand for it, sir. ' 'They'll stand for w h a t e v e r I tell t h e m to, ' M a c r o said firmly. ' A n d from w h a t I've seen so far, they'll be a w e l c o m e addition to the slackers l o u n g i n g a r o u n d the acropolis. N o w then, Portillus, I w a n t all the m e n a n d officers a s s e m b l e d for parade. T i m e for t h e m to m e e t their n e w c o m m a n d e r . ' As Portillus h u r r i e d off to carry o u t his orders, S e m p r o n i u s clasped M a c r o ' s h a n d . ' G o o d luck, C e n t u r i o n . D o w h a t y o u can. I f you n e e d to r e p o r t anything, s e n d w o r d to me at G o r t y n a . ' 'Yes, sir. H o w l o n g d o y o u i n t e n d staying there?' S e m p r o n i u s t h o u g h t for a m o m e n t a n d then s h r u g g e d . 'As l o n g as it takes, I s u p p o s e . T h e g o d s only k n o w w h a t we will find there, a n d what the situation is across the rest of the p r o v i n c e . O n c e I've assessed the situation I will send w o r d to y o u here in M a t a l a . ' The

senator a n d

Cato

took

some

cloaks

from

the prefect's

quarters t o k e e p t h e m w a r m d u r i n g the night's ride t o G o r t y n a , then chose t w o of the best horses from the prefect's stable in the c o r n e r o f the acropolis's courtyard a n d m o u n t e d up. A s they c l o p p e d o u t o f the gate, the m e n o f the c o h o r t w e r e already s h a m b l i n g into f o r m a tion, u n d e r M a c r o ' s d i s a p p r o v i n g glare as he s t o o d in the s h a d e of the basilica's c o l o n n a d e . C a t o twisted in the saddle as they r o d e past. 'See you soon, Macro. ' ' T a k e care, C a t o . I've a feeling we're in for a bastard t i m e of it. ' S e m p r o n i u s clicked his t o n g u e a n d u r g e d his h o r s e into a trot as they a p p r o a c h e d the gate and t h e n r o d e d o w n the r a m p towards the m a i n street o f the t o w n , lined w i t h ruins. A s they passed t h r o u g h the remains of the gate, C a t o t o o k a last l o o k towards the sea. A l t h o u g h h e c o u l d n o t see the side o f the bay w h e r e the H o r u s was b e a c h e d , he felt his heart stir w i t h anxiety for Julia's safety. S e m p r o n i u s n o t i c e d the expression o n the y o u n g officer's face a n d smiled. ' R e s t easy, C a t o . N o h a r m will c o m e t o her w h i l e she's i n M a c r o ' s care. ' 43

C a t o forced himself to smile b a c k . 'I know. I pity any m a n who w o u l d try and cross h i m . ' T h e y rode away

from

the

city following the

G o r t y n a road over

rolling hills, w h e r e they passed further scenes of destruction caused by the earthquake. M a n y m o r e villas, farms a n d roadside shrines had b e e n t o p p l e d a n d w e r e n o w n o m o r e than heaps o f bricks, tiles and timber. T h e survivors had d r a g g e d o u t the injured and s o m e o f the bodies, which

lay

in

makeshift

shrouds

waiting

for

burial

or

c r e m a t i o n . T h e living stared at the passing h o r s e m e n with gaunt expressions of h o r r o r a n d n u m b e d s h o c k , a n d C a t o felt guilty as he followed S e m p r o n i u s a n d tried to i g n o r e the suffering that stretched o u t mile after mile a l o n g the road to G o r t y n a . As dusk settled, S e m p r o n i u s gave the o r d e r to stop a n d rest the horses at the e d g e of a small village. N o t o n e h o u s e h a d survived and there was a dreadful stillness in the g a t h e r i n g g l o o m as figures h u d d l e d in w h a t e v e r shelter they c o u l d find for the night. T h e r e were n o cries o f grief, a n d n o m o a n s from the w o u n d e d . T h e only s o u n d was a light s o b b i n g f r o m the remains of a small f a r m close by. C a t o tethered his h o r s e to the s t u m p of a tree a n d m a d e his way over towards the s o u r c e o f the crying. ' C a t o , ' S e m p r o n i u s called softly. ' D o n ' t go far. ' C a t o n o d d e d a n d c o n t i n u e d forward cautiously. I n the g l o o m h e c o u l d m a k e o u t the line of a fallen wall a n d tiles scattered across the g r o u n d . T h e s o u n d c a m e m o r e clearly. C r o u c h i n g d o w n close t o the blocks of s t o n e that m a d e up the wall, he saw a flicker of m o v e m e n t b e n e a t h s o m e o f the tiles close by. H e l e a n e d forward a n d carefully r e m o v e d the nearest tile. T h e r e was a startled cry, and C a t o saw the t o p half of a small child, no m o r e than t w o years old, lying on its b a c k . T h e child was n a k e d a n d the puffy pale flesh was s m e a r e d w i t h g r i m e and b l o o d . T h e tile h a d struck its h e a d , g o u g i n g . a patch o f scalp away, a n d a tacky black mass of d r i e d b l o o d and m a t t e d hair covered o n e side. T h e child's eyes w e r e o p e n , a n d w i d e b l u e eyes g a z e d intently at C a t o as the w h i m p e r i n g c o n t i n u e d . 'You're all right, ' C a t o said gently. ' S h h h , y o u ' r e all right. ' H e cleared the debris away from the e x p o s e d half o f the child's b o d y a n d then saw that a large slab of s t o n e lay j u s t b e l o w the waist,

44

covering the legs. H e t o o k h o l d o f the e d g e s o f the s t o n e a n d eased it up n o w able to see that the child was m a l e . As the pressure c a m e off the boy's pelvis a n d legs he s c r e a m e d , a shrill, piercing cry of agony. C a t o flung the s t o n e aside a n d t o o k the boy's h a n d . ' T h e r e , it's g o n e . H u s h now. S h h h . ' H e glanced d o w n , a n d a t o n c e a wave of nausea threatened to o v e r w h e l m h i m . T h e s t o n e h a d crushed the b o y f r o m the waist d o w n , shattering b o n e s a n d laying open the delicate f l e s h . T h e thin shafts o f the shin b o n e s s p i k e d o u t from the skin w h e r e the legs h a d b e e n violently b r o k e n . T h e b o y let

out

a scream a n d s u d d e n l y started s h u d d e r i n g

violently. C a t o hurriedly u n d i d the clasp of his cloak a n d c o v e r e d the child, t u c k i n g o n e e n d u n d e r his h e a d to act as a pillow. All the t i m e the boy's tiny h a n d clasped C a t o ' s fingers w i t h surprising strength, until the s c r e a m i n g d i e d away a n d he lay, staring at C a t o , s h u d d e r i n g as he d r e w breaths in r a g g e d gasps. T h e r e was a c r u n c h of b o o t s on the rubble close b y a n d C a t o g l a n c e d u p t o see S e m p r o n i u s , w h o h a d c o m e t o investigate the s c r e a m i n g . 'What's that y o u have there?' ' A b o y ' C a t o shuffled aside s o that the senator c o u l d see. ' H e was caught by this wall w h e n it fell. ' ' H o w is h e ? ' C a t o swallowed the bitter taste in his m o u t h and felt his throat c o n tract. He cleared it harshly before he c o u l d reply. 'His legs are b r o k e n . ' ' I s e e . . . W i l l h e live?' For a m o m e n t C a t o was silent. He w a n t e d to say that the b o y w o u l d live a n d c o u l d be saved. B u t it was a lie. E v e n if, by s o m e miracle, he survived, he w o u l d s p e n d the rest of his days as a cripple. N o o n e h a d c o m e t o rescue h i m a n d C a t o g l a n c e d a t the ruins o f the h o u s e b e y o n d the fallen wall, w h e r e no d o u b t the rest of his family lay b u r i e d u n d e r the rubble. H e l o o k e d d o w n a t the child, a n d forced h i m s e l f to smile as he quietly replied to the senator. 'I d o u b t he will survive a n o t h e r night if we leave h i m here, sir. It's a miracle he's still alive. He m i g h t live, if we can find s o m e o n e to take care o f h i m . T h e s u r g e o n o f the Twelfth H i s p a n i a m i g h t save h i m , b u t only at the cost of his legs. ' S e m p r o n i u s g l a n c e d at C a t o w i t h n a r r o w e d eyes a n d t h e n said deliberately, ' T o o b a d we can't take h i m b a c k to M a t a l a . ' 45

' W h y not? It's o n l y t w o h o u r s d o w n the r o a d . ' ' T w o h o u r s there, t w o h o u r s b a c k , m o r e like three o n c e w e start r i d i n g in the dark. I ' m sorry, C a t o , but we can't afford to return to M a t a l a . We have to press o n . ' ' W h y ? ' C a t o stared u p a t S e m p r o n i u s . 'We s h o u l d d o w h a t w e can for h i m first. ' ' T h e r e isn't t i m e . N o w leave h i m a n d let's g o . ' 'Leave h i m ? ' C a t o s h o o k his h e a d . ' L i k e this? He w o u l d n ' t have a chance. ' ' H e doesn't have m u c h of a c h a n c e as it is. Y o u said so yourself. ' C a t o was still h o l d i n g the boy's h a n d . He bit his lip. ' N o . I can't leave h i m , sir. It's n o t right. ' S e m p r o n i u s t o o k a d e e p breath. ' C e n t u r i o n C a t o , it's n o t a q u e s t i o n of right or w r o n g . I ' m g i v i n g y o u an order. ' T h e r e was a tense silence as the t w o m e n stared at each other. T h e n the child g r o a n e d slightly and C a t o l o o k e d d o w n a n d stroked the boy's fine hair w i t h his spare h a n d . 'Easy now, lad. Easy. ' ' C a t o , ' S e m p r o n i u s c o n t i n u e d in a g e n t l e t o n e , ' w e have to go o n . We have to get to G o r t y n a as s o o n as possible. We have to do w h a t we can to restore order, to help p e o p l e a n d to save lives. There's n o t m u c h w e can d o for this o n e . A n d i f w e lost the best part o f a day b y t a k i n g h i m b a c k to M a t a l a , then o t h e r lives m i g h t be p u t at risk as a result. ' ' T h e y m i g h t b e , ' C a t o replied. ' W h o can say for certain? B u t i f w e a b a n d o n this b o y now, then we can be sure he will die, c o l d a n d alone. ' 'Perhaps, perhaps n o t . H e m i g h t b e saved b y s o m e o n e . ' ' D o y o u really believe that?' ' D o y o u really believe that a delay w o u l d n o t p u t lives at risk in Gortyna?' Sempronius countered. C a t o f r o w n e d , t o r n b y the truth o f the senator's w o r d s , a n d his o w n m o r a l c o m p u l s i o n t o d o w h a t h e c o u l d t o save the boy. H e d e c i d e d to try a n o t h e r tack. ' W h a t if this was Julia? W o u l d y o u still say w e s h o u l d g o o n ? ' ' B u t it isn't J u l i a , fortunately. N o w , C a t o , my boy, please see reason. You're an officer, w i t h w i d e r obligations to y o u r duty, to y o u r e m p i r e . I ' m sure y o u have had t o leave badly w o u n d e d m e n b e h i n d

46

you on c a m p a i g n . T h i s b o y is a casualty, a n d o n e y o u can do n o t h i n g for. Why, I dare say that the slightest m o v e m e n t w o u l d be the m o s t terrible agony. W o u l d y o u really p u t h i m t h r o u g h the t o r m e n t of a ride b a c k to M a t a l a ? O n l y for h i m to die there? It is kindest to leave him-' S e m p r o n i u s laid his h a n d on C a t o ' s s h o u l d e r a n d s q u e e z e d gently. ' B e l i e v e m e . . . N o w w e have t o g o . C o m e . ' C a t o felt a bitter pain in his throat as he f o u g h t to a c c e p t Sempronius's a r g u m e n t . W h a t e v e r his heart said, he h a d r e s p o n s i bilities to others, m a n y others. He tore his eyes away f r o m the boy's face and released his tender h o l d on the small h a n d . At o n c e the fingers scrabbled a n d g r a s p e d at C a t o ' s as the boy's eyes stared in terror. C a t o h u r r i e d l y s t o o d up a n d b a c k e d away, pulling his h a n d free. ' C o m e . ' S e m p r o n i u s d r e w h i m away, towards the tethered horses. ' N o t i m e to waste. ' As C a t o t u r n e d and followed the senator, a shrill, k e e n i n g cry of panic a n d terror split the dusk a n d p i e r c e d his y o u n g heart like a javelin. He felt that he w a n t e d to be sick, that he was a c o l d , i n h u m a n creature w h o h a d forsaken any c l a i m to those qualities that defined a good man. 'We have to g o . ' S e m p r o n i u s raised his v o i c e , g r a s p i n g C a t o ' s a r m and pulling h i m firmly away f r o m the intensifying cries of the small boy. ' G e t on y o u r h o r s e a n d let's be away. D o n ' t forget w h a t I said. Others need you. ' H e steered C a t o t o the side o f his m o u n t and h e l p e d heave h i m up on to its b a c k . T h e n he h u r r i e d l y u n t e t h e r e d the h o r s e a n d thrust the reins into C a t o ' s h a n d b e f o r e s l a p p i n g the animal's flank to s e n d it on its way w i t h a shrill whinny. S e m p r o n i u s m o u n t e d his o w n beast a n d s p u r r e d it o n , after the o t h e r h o r s e . W h e n he d r e w a l o n g side the c e n t u r i o n , he glanced at h i m q u i c k l y a n d saw the g r i m set of C a t o ' s e x p r e s s i o n in the twilight. S e m p r o n i u s felt a heavy w e i g h t of guilt settle on his heart. It h a d b e e n a hard but necessary d u t y to leave the stricken child, a n d it h a d clearly affected C a t o far m o r e than himself. T h e y o u n g m a n h a d a g o o d soul. H e felt deeply, a n d was n o t afraid to s h o w it. As S e m p r o n i u s u r g e d his h o r s e ahead, there was o n e small grain o f c o m f o r t h e c o u l d glean f r o m the situation. T h a t was the realisation that his d a u g h t e r h a d c h o s e n her m a n well.

47

As night closed in over C r e t e they r o d e o n , following the main route across the rich agricultural plain to G o r t y n a . On either side the groves of olive trees, fruit orchards a n d vineyards stretched out towards the distant hills. M u c h of the land h a d b e e n b o u g h t up and c o n c e n t r a t e d i n estates, o w n e d b y s o m e o f the wealthiest m e n o f the e m p i r e . W h i l e they lived lives of l u x u r y in the cities, the estates were m a n a g e d for t h e m by stewards. B e n e a t h the stewards were the overseers w h o c o m m a n d e d the gangs o f slaves that toiled from before d a w n to dusk. F o r m o s t of the slaves life was brutal and short and death was a release. N o w , t h o u g h , the situation had c h a n g e d , C a t o reflected. T h e e a r t h q u a k e h a d flattened m a n y o f the estates, a n d the slaves w o u l d snatch the o p p o r t u n i t y to escape, or turn on their f o r m e r masters. It was a clear night, a n d even t h o u g h a crescent m o o n and the star-speckled heavens p r o v i d e d d i m i l l u m i n a t i o n , S e m p r o n i u s slowed the p a c e to a walk. ' N o p o i n t in h a v i n g the horses s t u m b l e , ' he e x p l a i n e d . 'Besides, they c o u l d use a rest. ' ' S o c o u l d I. ' C a t o shifted his b u t t o c k s a n d r u b b e d a h a n d on the small o f his b a c k . T h e night air was c o o l , a n d n o w h e w o n d e r e d a t the w i s d o m o f leaving his c l o a k w i t h the d y i n g boy. A t o n c e h e dismissed

the

unworthy

thought

and

glanced

round

at

the

s u r r o u n d i n g landscape. T h e road c l i m b e d u p o n t o a l o w r i d g e , and as they reached the crest C a t o saw a fire blazing across the fields to his right, no m o r e than quarter of a m i l e away. 'What

in

the

name

o f the

gods

is

going

on

over

there?'

Sempronius muttered. B o t h riders reined in as they g a z e d towards the lurid red flames l i c k i n g up into the night. A pyre h a d b e e n built close to the ruins of a collection of f a r m buildings. A r o u n d it w e r e four stout timbers w i t h crosspieces, f r o m w h i c h h u n g the n a k e d b o d i e s o f three m e n a n d a w o m a n , close e n o u g h t o the f i r e t o b e s c o r c h e d b y the heat. T h e y w r i t h e d in a g o n y a n d their cries, thin a n d distant t h o u g h they w e r e , chilled C a t o ' s b l o o d . In the g l o w of the flames, a n d the stark s h a d o w s of those slowly roasting o n the crosses, C a t o c o u l d m a k e o u t a r i n g o f f i g u r e s

48

watching

spectacle. S o m e o f t h e m c a r r i e d j a r s and drank freely

from t h e m as they l o o k e d o n . O t h e r s w e r e d a n c i n g , w h i l e a few lobbed stones at their victims. C a t o swallowed. ' L o o k s like the slaves are t a k i n g their revenge. ' T h e t w o of t h e m stared at the g r i m scene for a m o m e n t b e f o r e the senator m u t t e r e d , ' T h e p o o r bastards. ' 'I fear this w o n ' t be the last t i m e we witness this k i n d of thing, ' said C a t o . 'It will be b r e a k i n g o u t across the island, I i m a g i n e . ' As they w a t c h e d , a burly m a n e m e r g e d f r o m the c r o w d w i t h a mallet and w e n t over t o the cross b e a r i n g the w o m a n . H e k n o c k e d out the w e d g e s , k e e p i n g the crosses in place, a n d t h e n , b r a c i n g himself against the stake, p u s h e d it towards the fire. T h e cross l u r c h e d over, h u n g still for a s e c o n d as the w o m a n thrashed uselessly against her b o n d s , a n d then t o p p l e d into the blaze in a burst of sparks a n d a sudden flare of flames that licked up into the night, a l o n g w i t h a last scream of p a i n a n d terror. 'I've seen e n o u g h , ' said C a t o . 'We'd best g o , sir. ' ' Y e s . . . yes, o f c o u r s e . ' C a t o t u g g e d his reins to t u r n the h o r s e b a c k in the direction of G o r t y n a , a n d was a b o u t to dig his heels in w h e n he saw a figure stroll out on to the road, ten paces a h e a d . ' A n d w h e r e d o y o u think you're g o i n g ? ' the m a n called o u t cheerily in r o u g h l y a c c e n t e d Latin. ' T w o riders o u t on the r o a d in the middle of night can't be up to any g o o d . ' Senator

Sempronius

breathed

a

sigh

of relief at

the

man's

amiable t o n e , w h i l e C a t o ' s s w o r d h a n d slipped casually d o w n to his thigh. 'You'd better get o u t of here, ' said S e m p r o n i u s . 'There's a slave g a n g on the l o o s e nearby. Y o u s h o u l d e s c a p e w h i l e y o u can. ' ' O h o ! ' the m a n called b a c k a n d t o o k a few paces towards the riders. ' F r o m the s o u n d o f y o u r v o i c e , y o u m u s t b e part o f the quality, a very p r o p e r R o m a n and no mistake. ' 'I am a R o m a n official, ' S e m p r o n i u s a c k n o w l e d g e d . 'I have to get to G o r t y n a as swiftly as I can, so I'd ask y o u to step aside, my g o o d m a n , then w e can all b e o n o u r w a y ' T h e stranger was close e n o u g h n o w for C a t o t o m a k e o u t s o m e detail. He was tall a n d b r o a d w i t h u n k e m p t hair and a b e a r d , a n d 49

dressed in a r a g g e d tunic. A l o n g club s w u n g f r o m his h a n d . He l a u g h e d as he lifted the club a n d let it rest on his shoulder. ' T h e thing is, this here road b e l o n g s to me now, a n d I've d e c i d e d to c h a r g e a toll for road users.' H i s t o n e h a r d e n e d . ' B e g i n n i n g w i t h y o u two. N o w , get off t h o s e horses a n d h a n d t h e m over. T h e horses a n d anything else o f value y o u have o n you.' ' W h a t ? ' S e m p r o n i u s stiffened i n his saddle. ' H o w dare y o u ? ' A s the m a n h a d b e e n s p e a k i n g , C a t o was aware o f m o v e m e n t either side of the road, a n d n o w he c o u l d see several figures closing i n a r o u n d t h e m . H i s f i n g e r s t i g h t e n e d a r o u n d the handle o f his s w o r d as he s p o k e quietly. 'Sir, we're in trouble. D r a w y o u r sword.' ' T r o u b l e ? ' S e m p r o n i u s l o o k e d r o u n d a n d froze a s h e saw m e n e m e r g i n g from the s h a d o w s , each o n e h o l d i n g a club, or pitchfork, a n d all as r a g g e d as the first m a n . T h e r e was a swift clatter as the t w o R o m a n s snatched o u t their swords and held t h e m ready. ' N o w then, don't p u s h y o u r luck, g e n t l e m e n , ' the m a n said evenly. ' N o sense i n a n y o n e g e t t i n g hurt. There's far m o r e o f u s than y o u . Y o u p u t up any fight a n d I swear I'll g u t y o u b o t h . S o , nice a n d easy like, t h r o w y o u r swords away a n d get off t h o s e horses.' C a t o ' s heart was p o u n d i n g and there was the familiar icy tingle on the b a c k of his n e c k that c a m e b e f o r e a fight. He g r i t t e d his teeth and g r o w l e d , ' S i n c e y o u ' v e b e e n g o o d e n o u g h to play fair by us, I'll give y o u o n e w a r n i n g . G e t o u t o f o u r way.' T h e r e was a m o m e n t of stillness as the t w o R o m a n s stared intently a t the m e n s u r r o u n d i n g t h e m , then s o m e o n e roared: ' G e t ' e m , lads!' T h e s h a d o w s raced towards the h o r s e m e n . C a t o k i c k e d his heels in. ' R i d e , sir!' S e m p r o n i u s u r g e d his m o u n t forwards, b u t h e was a n instant slower to react than C a t o , a n d before his h o r s e h a d g o n e ten feet the m a n h a d snatched at the reins, w h i l e others r u s h e d in from the side. 'Cato! Help!' C a t o twisted r o u n d in his saddle and saw the senator slashing wildly w i t h his short s w o r d at the figures flitting a r o u n d h i m . 'Shit!' C a t o hissed, a n d savagely w r e n c h e d the reins as he s w e r v e d his m o u n t r o u n d . W i t h his s w o r d a r m tensed h e c h a r g e d b a c k into the l o o s e m e l e e a b o u t S e m p r o n i u s . T h e h o r s e let o u t a snort as it 50

b a r g e d into the m a n h o l d i n g the reins, a n d C a t o slashed o u t w i t h his s w o r d i n a w i d e arc, forcing the o t h e r m e n b a c k . T h e n h e g r i p p e d tight w i t h his thighs as he s w u n g across to the o t h e r side a n d h a c k e d d o w n a t the hands still g r a s p i n g the reins o f S e m p r o n i u s ' s h o r s e . T h e blade t h u d d e d d o w n , cutting flesh a n d shattering b o n e , a n d a shrill scream tore o u t of the man's lungs as he fell b a c k staring in h o r r o r at his nearly severed h a n d . C a t o l e a n e d forward a n d snatched up the reins b e f o r e pressing t h e m towards the senator. ' H e r e ! ' ' R o m a n bastard!' a v o i c e c r i e d o u t , a n d C a t o l o o k e d r o u n d j u s t i n t i m e to see a m a n c h a r g i n g h i m w i t h a pitchfork c l u t c h e d in b o t h hands. H e s n a t c h e d his s w o r d blade b a c k a n d c h o p p e d a t the o n c o m i n g p r o n g s . T h e r e was a sharp r i n g as metal m e t metal a n d C a t o ' s b l o w k n o c k e d the p r o n g s d o w n , away f r o m his chest. A n instant later he felt a blow, like a p u n c h , in his thigh, and there was a w h i n n y f r o m the h o r s e as the o t h e r p r o n g stuck into its side. C a t o g a s p e d , then snarled as he d r e w his a r m b a c k a n d s l a m m e d the tip of the blade d e e p into the man's chest, j u s t b e l o w his n e c k . T h e attacker collapsed w i t h a g r u n t , releasing his g r i p on the shaft of the pitchfork as he s l u m p e d to the g r o u n d . F o r a m o m e n t the shaft s a g g e d , t e a r i n g at the flesh of m a n a n d horse, b e f o r e C a t o k n o c k e d it free w i t h his sword. T h e n h e g l a n c e d r o u n d , a n d saw that the t w o m e n h e h a d p u t d o w n h a d shaken the rest o f the attackers. ' G o , sir!' he s h o u t e d at S e m p r o n i u s . T h i s t i m e h e w a i t e d until the senator's m o u n t h a d cleared the l o o s e r i n g o f m e n b e f o r e h e s l a p p e d the side o f his blade into his o w n horse's r u m p a n d g a l l o p e d after S e m p r o n i u s . He heard a g r u n t , a n d a n o t h e r pitchfork narrowly flicked past his left side before d r o p p i n g o u t o f view. H e d u c k e d low, c l e n c h i n g his f i s t a r o u n d the s w o r d handle to ensure he did n o t d r o p it as they r o d e d o w n the r o a d to G o r t y n a . B e h i n d t h e m the attackers h o w l e d w i t h rage a n d ran after t h e m for a short distance, b e f o r e g i v i n g up a n d hurling insults that gradually f a d e d b e h i n d C a t o a s h e f o l l o w e d S e m p r o n i u s a l o n g the road.

51

CHAPTER SIX

M

acro let o u t a w e a r y sigh as he l o o k e d over the reports he had d e m a n d e d from the officers and clerks o f the auxiliary c o h o r t .

O u t s i d e night h a d fallen, a n d f r o m the w i n d o w o f the office h e c o u l d

see the flickering g l o w o f torches a l o n g the walls o f the acropolis. H e blinked a n d r u b b e d his eyes as his m o u t h o p e n e d in a l o n g , w i d e y a w n , before r e t u r n i n g his attention to his w o r k . Several w a x n o t e b o o k s were stacked on his desk detailing the strength of each c e n t u r y in

the

c o h o r t , w i t h the n a m e s of the best m e n in each unit

u n d e r s c o r e d b y their c e n t u r i o n s . T h o s e d e a d o r m i s s i n g w e r e m a r k e d w i t h a cross. T h e r e was also a detailed inventory of the cohort's stores c o m p i l e d by the q u a r t e r m a s t e r and a report f r o m the only assistant assigned t o the cohort's s u r g e o n . T h e s u r g e o n w h o had b e e n i n the p o r t w h e n the e a r t h q u a k e struck a n d was still missing. T h e barracks r o o m that served as sick quarters was overflowing w i t h injured, and the surgeon's assistant r e q u e s t e d m o r e m e n to help h i m deal w i t h the casualties. In a d d i t i o n to his o t h e r c o n c e r n s , M a c r o h a d sent o u t a patrol to the bay to find the c r e w a n d passengers of the Horus and have t h e m e s c o r t e d b a c k t o the acropolis. T h e y w o u l d b e given shelter, a n d M a c r o w o u l d n e e d the fittest o f t h e m t o f i l l o u t the ranks o f the c o h o r t until the e m e r g e n c y was over. A s s o o n a s h e t o o k c o m m a n d o f the c o h o r t , h e had carried o u t a close inspection o f the m e n f o r m e d u p i n their centuries i n the courtyard of the acropolis. It was as Portillus h a d said: only half his m e n h a d survived w h e n the e a r t h q u a k e struck M a t a l a . T h o s e that r e m a i n e d w e r e badly shaken by the loss of their c o m r a d e s , and the m o r t a l terror they felt towards w h i c h e v e r g o d it was w h o h a d d e c i d e d to w r e a k his fury u p o n the p o r t . As M a c r o slowly p a c e d a l o n g the ranks of the Twelfth Hispania, his e x p e r i e n c e d eye quickly

52

saw that the

c o h o r t was

typical of m o s t

of the

g a r r i s o n units

stationed in the safer provinces of the e m p i r e . T h e r e was a m i x t u r e of w o r n - o u t veterans, impatiently awaiting their discharge, a n d those w h o s e health h a d b e e n b r o k e n o n c a m p a i g n a n d w h o h a d b e e n transferred t o C r e t e w h e r e they c o u l d m a n a g e t o carry o u t g e n t l e policing duties. Finally there was a handful of simpletons and scrawny youths w h o c o u l d j u s t a b o u t b e trusted t o h o l d a w e a p o n a n d n o t d o themselves, o r their c o m r a d e s , any h a r m . M a c r o s h o o k his h e a d . A s things s t o o d , the c o h o r t was g o i n g t o be little use in restoring order and h e l p i n g the civilian survivors. He w o u l d n e e d better m e n , a n d m o r e o f t h e m , i n the days t o c o m e . M e a n w h i l e , he resolved to do w h a t he c o u l d w i t h the resources at hand. N o t that there w e r e m a n y resources, h e sighed. T h e q u a r t e r master's inventory revealed that the c o h o r t h a d b e e n r u n d o w n in recent years. A string of g o v e r n o r s h a d d o n e their best to cut the costs o f r u n n i n g the p r o v i n c e right d o w n t o the b o n e i n o r d e r t o curry favour w i t h the e m p e r o r a n d senate b a c k i n R o m e . W o r n - o u t e q u i p m e n t h a d n o t b e e n replaced a n d the soldiers had h a d t o m a k e u p the shortfall i n the local markets. T h e y w o r e a n o d d a s s o r t m e n t o f standard-issue kit a n d a r a n g e of o l d Gallic and G r e e k h e l m e t s a n d swords. T h e r e w e r e very few slings, a l m o s t n o lead shot for t h e m , a n d very few reserves o f essential rations a n d d r i n k i n g water. T w o o f the cisterns of the acropolis w e r e b o n e dry a n d the third only half full, and w h a t was left was barely p o t a b l e , as M a c r o had discovered w h e n h e a c c o m p a n i e d the q u a r t e r m a s t e r d o w n the steps into the c o o l interior of the cistern, cut from living r o c k . ' T h a t is f u c k i n g disgusting!' He spat o u t the rank-tasting l i q u i d and w i p e d his m o u t h dry o n the b a c k o f his h a n d b e f o r e c l i m b i n g b a c k o u t . ' W h e n was the last t i m e this was drained and c l e a n e d o u t ? ' T h e q u a r t e r m a s t e r s h r u g g e d . ' D o n ' t know, sir. M u s t have b e e n before my t i m e . ' ' H o w l o n g have y o u b e e n h e r e ? ' ' S e v e n years, sir. ' 'Seven years, ' M a c r o repeated flatly. ' A n d y o u j u s t c h o s e to i g n o r e it?' ' N o , sir, ' the q u a r t e r m a s t e r replied indignantly He was a thin old stick, w i t h dark, w i z e n e d features, b u t he c a r r i e d the scars that s p o k e 53

of some

active

service,

Macro

conceded. T h e

quartermaster

c o n t i n u e d . ' T h e prefect told m e n o t t o bother. S a i d that h o w a s w e were a g a r r i s o n unit, a n d the p r o v i n c e was at p e a c e , there was no p o i n t in p r e p a r i n g for a siege, sir. ' 'I see. R i g h t , well, that's g o i n g to c h a n g e . At first light I w a n t y o u a n d y o u r clerks d o w n here. T h e cistern i s t o b e drained, t h o r o u g h l y c l e a n e d , repaired a n d m a d e ready to store any rain that falls. ' 'Yes, sir. ' M a c r o stared a t the quartermaster. ' L o o k h e r e . . . w h a t was the name again?' ' C o r v i n u s , sir. L u c i u s Junillus C o r v i n u s . ' ' C o r v i n u s , e h ? ' M a c r o smiled. ' C r o w - i t suits y o u . N o w then, w e have p e o p l e o u t there w h o n e e d o u r help. F o r n o w w e are j u s t g o i n g to help the survivors. D i g o u t any of those t r a p p e d in the ruins, then we have to feed t h e m , see that they have fresh water a n d shelter. In the l o n g e r t e r m we will n e e d to m a k e sure that there is order. If the f o o d runs short then we're g o i n g to be hard pressed to k e e p things peaceable. In that event, I n e e d every m a n of the Twelfth H i s p a n i a properly e q u i p p e d a n d ready to fight. So that m e a n s y o u will n e e d to pull y o u r t h u m b o u t o f y o u r arse a n d m a k e sure the m e n have w h a t they n e e d . G o t that?' 'Yes, sir. I'll do my best. ' M a c r o s h o o k his h e a d . 'Best isn't g o o d e n o u g h . Y o u will d o w h a t I n e e d y o u to d o . If y o u can't do the j o b then I'll send y o u b a c k to the ranks a n d find s o m e o n e w h o can. ' ' B - b u t y o u can't do that, ' C o r v i n u s s t a m m e r e d . 'I will protest to the prefect, sir. Y o u have no a u t h o r i t y to r e m o v e m e . ' ' Y o u can protest all y o u like. T h e prefect is d e a d . ' 'Dead?' ' H e was killed w h e n the e a r t h q u a k e hit G o r t y n a . H i m a n d m o s t of the senior officials r u n n i n g the p r o v i n c e . That's w h y S e n a t o r S e m p r o n i u s is t a k i n g c h a r g e of things. That's w h y I am in charge of the c o h o r t , a n d w h y y o u are g o i n g to have to start e a r n i n g y o u r pay for the first t i m e in years. ' M a c r o p a u s e d a n d then gently p u n c h e d the m a n on the chest. 'It's all d o w n to us, C o r v i n u s . We're all that stands b e t w e e n those p e o p l e o u t there, a n d starvation a n d chaos. N o w , I'll ask y o u o n e t i m e only. C a n y o u d o y o u r j o b ? '

54

C o r v i n u s t o o k a d e e p breath and n o d d e d . ' G o o d m a n ! N o w then, I w a n t a full inventory of the cohort's kit in my hands b e f o r e the first c h a n g e of w a t c h tonight. Y o u ' d best start now. ' ' Y e s , sir. ' C o r v i n u s saluted a n d t u r n e d away, h u r r y i n g across the courtyard t o the supply office a n d s t o r e r o o m s . M a c r o w a t c h e d h i m for a m o m e n t a n d then sighed. He h o p e d that this was g o i n g to be the briefest c o m m a n d h e w o u l d ever h o l d . J u s t l o n g e n o u g h t o set the c o h o r t b a c k on its feet a n d deal w i t h the crisis in M a t a l a b e f o r e a n e w prefect arrived. T h e n he, C a t o a n d the others c o u l d c o n t i n u e their voyage b a c k t o R o m e . T h e s o o n e r the better, h e m u s e d a s h e m a d e his way b a c k to the prefect's office. O n c e h e h a d f i n i s h e d reading t h r o u g h the w a x e d n o t e tablets, M a c r o sent for Portillus. W h i l e h e w a i t e d , h e h e l p e d h i m s e l f t o o n e o f the small j a r s of w i n e that the prefect h a d kept in a small rack in the c o r n e r of the office. Several tiles had fallen in a n d s m a s h e d the j a r s in the u p p e r s e c t i o n o f the rack, b u t s o m e a t the b o t t o m h a d survived. He t u g g e d the c o r k s t o p p e r o u t and sniffed. A fine a r o m a wafted up into his nostrils a n d he smiled. Clearly the prefect h a d b e e n a m a n w h o k n e w h o w t o i n d u l g e himself. S h u t t i n g o n e eye, h e p e e r e d into the jar. ' A n d half full. ' He smiled to h i m s e l f as he t o o k the j a r a n d a silvered c u p b a c k t o the desk a n d f i l l e d the c u p almost t o the b r i m . ' N o t a total disaster then. ' T h e r e was a k n o c k at the d o o r , a n d w i t h o u t w a i t i n g for a response, Portillus o p e n e d it a n d entered the office. A q u i c k frown flitted across his face as he saw the w i n e , and then g l a n c e d to the surviving j a r s i n the c o r n e r o f the r o o m . M a c r o realised that h e h a d h o p e d t o have t h e m for h i m s e l f n o w that the previous c o m m a n d e r had no earthly use for such l u x u r i e s . ' A h e m , y o u sent for m e , sir. ' Y e s . S h u t the d o o r . ' O n c e the d o o r was closed a n d Portillus was standing at ease in front of the desk, M a c r o cleared his throat a n d b e g a n . ' T h i s is n o t a g o o d c o h o r t , C e n t u r i o n , as I am sure y o u know. T h e o r g a n i s a t i o n is slack, the m e n are generally s e c o n d - r a t e and the officers are w o r s e . 55

However,' he p a u s e d , 'that is a b o u t to c h a n g e . A n d since y o u are my s e c o n d in c o m m a n d , y o u are g o i n g to help m a k e that c h a n g e . Is that clear?' Portillus n o d d e d d o u b t f u l l y 'I can't hear y o u , C e n t u r i o n . ' 'Yes, sir. It is clear.' ' G o o d . ' M a c r o t a p p e d the w a x tablets. 'I w a n t the best eighty m e n in the c o h o r t to f o r m a fighting century. T h e y are to have the best of the kit, a n d they are to be c o m m a n d e d by the best officer. W h o would you recommend?' Portillus p u r s e d his lips a m o m e n t b e f o r e he replied. ' C e n t u r i o n M i l o , sir. He was p r o m o t e d from the l e g i o n s a year ago.' ' T h e n he shouldn't have g o n e soft yet. F i n e , M i l o it is. He is to c h o o s e his standard bearer, o p t i o a n d clerk as he sees fit.' 'Yes, sir.' 'As for the rest of the m e n , they are g o i n g to w o r k in the t o w n at first light. T h e y are to leave their kit here in barracks, b u t k e e p their swords, and divide into t w o teams. H a l f can deal w i t h rescuing p e o p l e from the ruins a n d c a r r y i n g the injured up here to be treated. T h e others are t o forage t h r o u g h the ruins for any supplies o f f o o d a n d w i n e . Y o u can detail s o m e o f t h e m t o start c a r r y i n g water from the nearest streams to start filling the cisterns.' ' B u t that'll take ages, sir.' 'Well, we're

not

going anywhere

for the

m o m e n t , are

we,

Portillus?' ' N o , sir.' ' F i n e , then those are the orders for t o m o r r o w . M a k e sure the m e n are told that there is to be no pilfering, m i n d . If they e n c o u n t e r any civilian looters they are to p u t a stop to it. K n o c k heads together if y o u m u s t , but don't g o straight i n w i t h the blade. T h e p e o p l e o u t there have suffered e n o u g h already. O n e f i n a l thing. A c c o r d i n g t o C o r v i n u s w e have s o m e tents i n stores. T h e y ' r e o l d and probably haven't b e e n u s e d for years, but they m i g h t be serviceable for the local p e o p l e . H a v e s o m e o f the m e n set t h e m u p o n the slope facing the acropolis, o u t s i d e o f the town.' Portillus n o d d e d , a n d then c h e w e d his lip. 'Sir?' 'What?'

56

' S o m e t h i n g j u s t o c c u r r e d t o m e . M o s t o f the f o o d i n M a t a l a was stored d o w n in the w a r e h o u s e s . N e a r the m a i n market.' 'So?' ' T h e wave destroyed the area, a n d c a r r i e d away m o s t of the debris w h e n it r e c e d e d . What's left will have b e e n r u i n e d . T h e only o t h e r f o o d will b e w h a t was i n the h o u s e s w h e n the e a r t h q u a k e struck. T h a t w o n ' t a m o u n t to m u c h , sir.' ' H m m , y o u have a point.' M a c r o sat b a c k and stroked his j a w . ' S o we'll find w h a t w e can a n d then l o o k for o t h e r sources o f f o o d . A n y estates near to the p o r t ? ' Portillus t h o u g h t for a m o m e n t . ' T h e nearest o n e is further a l o n g the coast, o w n e d by S e n a t o r C a n l i u s . It p r o d u c e s olive oil a n d grain.' 'That's g o o d for a start then. I'll s e n d s o m e m e n w i t h w a g o n s . T h e y can take w h a t w e n e e d a n d let the l a n d o w n e r bill u s w h e n w o r d gets b a c k t o h i m i n R o m e . ' ' S e n a t o r C a n l i u s w o n ' t like that, sir.' 'Probably not.' M a c r o sniffed. ' B u t it w o n ' t be my p r o b l e m by then, so I don't care. We have to ensure a g o o d supply of f o o d so o u r m e n a n d the p e o p l e don't starve w h i l e w e sort things out.' 'Let's h o p e we can, sir.' ' O h , w e will.' M a c r o smiled. ' I w o n ' t stand for anything else. N o w then, that's all for now, Portillus. I'll have the clerks draw up the assignments for each unit. T h e y ' l l be w i t h y o u a n d the o t h e r officers o n c e they are ready. As s o o n as the sun rises I w a n t the Twelfth Hispania to get to work.' T h e r e was a n o t h e r k n o c k a t the d o o r . 'Come!' T h e d o o r o p e n e d and a n auxiliary entered the r o o m a n d saluted. 'Patrol's r e t u r n i n g f r o m the bay, sir.' ' H a v e they g o t the crew a n d passengers w i t h t h e m ? ' 'Yes, sir.' ' G o o d . S o o n as they are t h r o u g h the gates, have the m e n sent to the barracks. S p r e a d t h e m a r o u n d . O n c e they're there, y o u can tell ' e m they have j u s t b e e n i n d u c t e d into the c o h o r t and n o r m a l military discipline applies. B e t t e r explain w h a t that m e a n s to t h e m , eh?' T h e auxiliary g r i n n e d . Y e s , sir.' 57

' H a v e the w o m e n a n d children b r o u g h t t o the basilica. T h e y can kip d o w n in the a d m i n hall. T h e n ask the senator's d a u g h t e r if she w o u l d b e k i n d e n o u g h t o j o i n me.' 'Yes, sir.' T h e auxiliary saluted a n d left the r o o m . C e n t u r i o n Portillus raised an eyebrow. ' S e m p r o n i u s ' s daughter? She's landed herself right in the m i d d l e of it. I d o u b t that the kid of a p u r p l e - s t r i p e r is g o i n g to like the a c c o m m o d a t i o n . ' M a c r o t h o u g h t b a c k t o the desperate t i m e w h e n h e h a d first e n c o u n t e r e d J u l i a d u r i n g the siege o f the citadel i n Palmyra. S h e had taken her chances a l o n g w i t h the rest of the defenders a n d had r e q u i r e d n o m o r e than the m e a g r e rations p r o v i d e d t o the others, w h i l e d e v o t i n g herself t o the care o f the w o u n d e d and the dying. J u l i a was n o w h i n i n g m e m b e r o f the p a m p e r e d aristocracy. S h e h a d p r o v e d her w o r t h . 'She'll cope,' M a c r o replied. 'She's no kid. J u l i a S e m p r o n i a is t o u g h e n o u g h . B e s i d e s , she has no choice.' Portillus puffed o u t his cheeks. 'I'd s o o n e r y o u tell her that than m e , sir. Perhaps I'd better be off then. D u t i e s to attend to and all that.' 'Yes, get on w i t h it,' M a c r o r e s p o n d e d gruffly. ' B e a r in m i n d w h a t I said. T h e r e ' l l be no slacking in this c o h o r t f r o m n o w o n , a n d that applies to officers as m u c h as the men.' 'I understand, sir.' Portillus b o w e d his h e a d a n d h u r r i e d from the r o o m . F o r a m o m e n t M a c r o was alone, a n d h e l o o k e d a t his c u p o f w i n e for an instant b e f o r e greedily raising it to his lips a n d draining it. ' A h h h ! N e e d e d that.' H e w i p e d a dribble o f w i n e f r o m his chin a n d eased h i m s e l f b a c k in the chair w i t h a gratified smile. H i s entire b o d y a c h e d w i t h the exertions o f the previous day a n d night, and his eyes w e r e sore. He closed t h e m for a m o m e n t , relishing the s o o t h i n g c o m f o r t of a b r i e f instant of relaxation. T h e w i n e still tingled in his throat a n d felt w a r m in his s t o m a c h as he f o l d e d his fingers across his belly. 'Just rest a m o m e n t , ' he told h i m s e l f drowsily. 'Just a m o m e n t . . .' ' A m I disturbing y o u ? ' ' W - w - w h a t ? ' M a c r o s t r u g g l e d up in the seat a n d blinked his eyes o p e n . J u l i a was standing in the threshold of the office g r i n n i n g at him.

58

'It's j u s t that y o u w e r e s n o r i n g so l o u d l y ' ' S n o r i n g ? ' M a c r o s h o o k his h e a d guiltily. ' B o l l o c k s . I was j u s t m u m b l i n g to myself.' ' W i t h y o u r eyes closed.' M a c r o f r o w n e d at her. 'I can do t w o things at o n c e , y o u k n o w , miss.' ' I ' m sorry, M a c r o . I m e a n t no offence. You m u s t be e x h a u s t e d after all that w e ' v e b e e n t h r o u g h . As are we all.' ' W h e r e are m y b l o o d y m a n n e r s ? ' M a c r o m u t t e r e d t o h i m s e l f a s h e j u m p e d to his feet and h u r r i e d to pull a spare chair over towards the table. H e patted the seat. ' T h e r e y o u are, M i s s J u l i a . Sit y o u d o w n . ' ' T h a n k you.' S h e let o u t a d e e p sigh. ' S o , then, w h e r e is my father, and C a t o ? ' ' G o n e , miss.' 'Gone?' 'To G o r t y n a . S o o n as we g o t here we heard that the g o v e r n o r , his staff a n d senior officers w e r e c a u g h t up in the e a r t h q u a k e . K i l l e d m o s t o f ' e m o u t r i g h t . Y o u r father said h e h a d t o take c h a r g e o f things a t o n c e . H e a n d C a t o t o o k t w o o f the horses from the stables a n d left as s o o n as they could.' 'Typical,' J u l i a said w i t h a trace of bitterness. ' N o last w o r d for m e , then?' 'Er, n o t as s u c h , no.' 'And Cato?' ' O h , he said to be sure to s e n d y o u his love a n d that I was to take care o f y o u until h e g o t back.' J u l i a stared at M a c r o a n d s h o o k her h e a d . 'You're a p o o r liar, M a c r o . B e t t e r leave that sort o f thing t o p e o p l e w h o are trained for it, like my father.' 'If y o u say so.' J u l i a l o o k e d r o u n d the office a n d then t h r o u g h the w i n d o w towards the hillside o p p o s i t e the acropolis. A handful of fires h a d already b e e n lit and tiny figures clustered a b o u t the g l o w of the flames. 'I c o u l d hardly believe w h a t I saw on the way up here,' she said quietly. 'I t h o u g h t we h a d h a d it b a d on the ship. B u t this?' 'We did have it b a d on the ship, miss. We're l u c k y to be here. B u t you're right, it m u s t have b e e n terrifying w h e n it struck the p o r t . 59

Portillus told me there w a s a b l o o d y great roar a n d a r u m b l i n g sound, a n d then the buildings started to shake a n d collapse, the weakest and oldest ones first. Naturally, that was w h e r e the p o o r e s t p e o p l e in M a t a l a w e r e p a c k e d in. T h o u s a n d s o f t h e m are b u r i e d u n d e r the ruins. T h e n , as s u d d e n l y as it h a d started, it s t o p p e d . P o o r souls w h o w e r e left alive m u s t have t h o u g h t it was all over.' M a c r o s h r u g g e d . ' U n t i l the wave hit the p o r t , a n d swept up t h r o u g h the g o r g e s o m e distance, destroying everything a n d e v e r y o n e in its path. Portillus r e c k o n s that as m a n y again w e r e d r o w n e d as had died in the earthquake.' J u l i a stared at h i m for a m o m e n t , then she s h o o k her h e a d and m u t t e r e d , ' D e a r g o d s . . . W h a t can they have d o n e to deserve this?' ' W h o k n o w s the will o f the g o d s ? ' M a c r o y a w n e d . ' B u t whatever the p e o p l e of C r e t e have d o n e to piss t h e m off, they've paid a high price.' J u l i a g l a n c e d o u t t h r o u g h the w i n d o w , her m i n d still struggling to take in the scale of the d e s t r u c t i o n she h a d seen on the way up from the ship. It was i m p o s s i b l e to i m a g i n e that m a n y m o r e t o w n s and cities h a d shared the fate of M a t a l a . S u d d e n l y she f r o z e . ' D o y o u think it's over? Do y o u think it c o u l d h a p p e n a g a i n ? ' 'I've no idea, miss. I ' m j u s t a soldier, n o t a soothsayer.' M a c r o l e a n e d forward a n d tried to s o u n d reassuring as he c o n t i n u e d . 'There's b e e n n o m o r e tremors since w e arrived. W e can only pray t o the g o d s to spare us any m o r e suffering.' 'Yes, there is that. If y o u really think prayers can help.' 'Well, they can't hurt.' 'I s u p p o s e not.' J u l i a was quiet for a m o m e n t b e f o r e she fixed her gaze o n M a c r o again. ' D o y o u think they're safe o u t there? M y father, and C a t o ? ' ' D o n ' t see w h y n o t . T h e y have their swords, a n d p e o p l e have t o o m u c h o n their m i n d s already w i t h o u t c a u s i n g t h e m any trouble. T h e y ' l l be fine, miss. C a t o ' s a t o u g h lad. H e ' l l see that y o u r father gets t h r o u g h to G o r t y n a , a n d then they can start sorting things o u t . Trust m e , C a t o k n o w s w h a t he's d o i n g . T h e y ' l l b e all right.'

60

CHAPTER SEVEN

W

hat the hell did w e think w e w e r e d o i n g ? ' C a t o g r o w l e d t h r o u g h c l e n c h e d teeth as the senator tied his n e c k cloth

tightly a b o u t the w o u n d . 'We s h o u l d have w a i t e d until light b e f o r e setting off.' ' S h h h ! ' S e m p r o n i u s g l a n c e d nervously at the s u r r o u n d i n g trees. ' T h e y m i g h t have followed us.' 'I d o u b t it. We m u s t have c o v e r e d at least t w o miles b e f o r e the horse gave out.' C a t o p a u s e d as a n o t h e r b u r n i n g spasm shot t h r o u g h his leg. W h e n it had passed he let o u t a d e e p breath and c o n t i n u e d . ' I ' m sure they'd have given up the chase l o n g b e f o r e then.' 'Let's h o p e so.' S e m p r o n i u s tied off the k n o t and c h e c k e d the makeshift dressing to ensure it w o u l d n o t slip. ' T h e r e . T h a t s h o u l d do it. It's my fault, C a t o . I s h o u l d have s l o w e d the p a c e o n c e we w e r e clear. It was m a d n e s s to k e e p g a l l o p i n g a l o n g the road in the dark like that. It's a miracle y o u r h o r s e didn't fall earlier o n , or mine.' 'Well, w e ' v e only g o t the o n e n o w ' C a t o s m i l e d grimly. ' S o n o question o f g a l l o p i n g anywhere.' T h e y h a d a b a n d o n e d C a t o ' s w o u n d e d h o r s e b a c k o n the road w h e r e it h a d collapsed, b l o o d y froth in its m o u t h a n d nostrils. S e m p r o n i u s h a d h a u l e d C a t o u p b e h i n d h i m a n d they h a d c o n t i n u e d a n o t h e r m i l e b e f o r e taking a n a r r o w track off into a g r o v e of p i n e trees a n d then s t o p p i n g t o t e n d t o C a t o ' s w o u n d . T h e p r o n g h a d passed t h r o u g h the m u s c l e at the b a c k of his leg w i t h o u t striking b o n e , o r s e v e r i n g any m a j o r b l o o d vessels. T h e w o u n d was b l e e d i n g freely, b u t despite the pain, C a t o f o u n d that he c o u l d still b e a r w e i g h t on his leg. He w a l k e d a few paces to the spot w h e r e he s l u m p e d d o w n a n d let S e m p r o n i u s e x a m i n e a n d dress the w o u n d as best he c o u l d in the d i m light cast by a crescent m o o n a n d the stars. S e m p r o n i u s eased h i m s e l f b a c k a n d sat o n the g r o u n d clasping 61

his hands t o g e t h e r i n his lap. ' W h a t d o y o u think w e s h o u l d d o n o w ? ' 'I don't fancy b l u n d e r i n g into any m o r e g a n g s of r e n e g a d e slaves. B e s t to wait until first light w h e n we can see the way a h e a d and avoid any trouble.' 'Yes, you're right.' S e m p r o n i u s t u r n e d his h e a d to l o o k b a c k in the direction of the road. ' A r e y o u sure they w e r e slaves?' 'I think so. T h e y w e r e all in rags, a n d we w e r e near that estate w h e r e we saw . . .' C a t o flinched at the m e m o r y and cleared his throat noisily. ' T h e y m u s t have g o n e to the road l o o k i n g for easy p i c k i n g s . We w e r e l u c k y to get away. If t h o s e slaves, a n d w h a t we saw b a c k there, are typical of w h a t is h a p p e n i n g elsewhere on the island, then w e ' v e g o t m o r e of a p r o b l e m than I thought.' ' H o w so?' ' W h a t if we find ourselves fighting a slave revolt?' 'A revolt? I don't think so. There's b o u n d to be s o m e t e m p o r a r y disorder. It's o n l y natural that they w o u l d take a d v a n t a g e of the situation t o t u r n o n their overseers. O n c e they've d r u n k themselves insensible a n d w o k e n up w i t h a hangover, I'd be w i l l i n g to b e t they'd have n o idea w h a t they w a n t t o d o next. S o m e m i g h t run off into the hills to try and j o i n the b r i g a n d s , but the rest will drift a r o u n d the estate until s o m e o n e c o m e s a l o n g a n d sorts t h e m out.' ' Y o u think s o ? ' C a t o said doubtfully. ' I think y o u underestimate the danger, sir.' ' T h e y ' r e only slaves, my boy. C h a i n - g a n g slaves - the lowest of the low, little better than beasts. Trust m e , they have no e x p e r i e n c e of m a k i n g their o w n decisions. W i t h o u t overseers t o lead t h e m , they w o n ' t have a clue w h a t to do a b o u t the situation.' 'I h o p e you're right. B u t w h a t if they did find a leader a m o n g s t their ranks? W h a t t h e n ? ' ' T h e y w o n ' t . I've b e e n o n e n o u g h estates i n m y t i m e t o k n o w how

they

operate. Anyone

showing

an

ounce

o f spirit

or

i n d e p e n d e n c e is either sold off to a gladiator s c h o o l , or b r o k e n a n d p u n i s h e d as an e x a m p l e to the rest. We'll have t h e m b a c k in h a n d b e f o r e l o n g . O n c e the ringleaders responsible for that s i c k e n i n g display w e w i t n e s s e d have b e e n identified a n d r o u n d e d u p , they'll b e crucified and their b o d i e s left to rot. I think that'll teach the rest a lesson they w o n ' t forget for a l o n g time.'

62

C a t o n o d d e d . Yet h e still felt uneasy. H e h a d n o idea quite h o w m a n y slaves there w e r e on the island. If they did m a n a g e to organise, and find a leader, then they w o u l d p o s e a grave d a n g e r to R o m a n interests i n C r e t e . N o r were slaves the only c o n c e r n . T h e r e w e r e brigands up in the hills, criminals, r u n a w a y slaves a n d outcasts, w h o w o u l d be sure to e x p l o i t the c h a o s . If the slaves a n d the b r i g a n d s m a d e c o m m o n cause, then n o t h i n g short o f a m a j o r c a m p a i g n w o u l d ensure that the island r e m a i n e d part of the e m p i r e . H e shifted a n d shuffled b a c k t o p r o p h i m s e l f u p against the s t u m p of a felled tree. 'I think we s h o u l d get s o m e rest now, sir. W e ' v e b e e n on the go for the best part of t w o days w i t h o u t sleep. I'll take the first watch. I'll w a k e y o u w h e n it's t i m e for y o u r turn.' 'Fair e n o u g h , but m a k e sure that y o u d o . I can't afford to have y o u t o o tired t o offer m e help w h e n w e reach G o r t y n a . ' 'I'll w a k e y o u , sir. O n m y word.' 'Very well.' S e m p r o n i u s cast his eyes a b o u t the g r o u n d a n d then p i c k e d a s p o t by the n e x t tree, w h e r e there was a soft m o u n d of p i n e needles. H e pulled his cloak a r o u n d h i m a n d settled d o w n , resting his h e a d on a root. After a w h i l e , his b r e a t h i n g b e c a m e steady a n d d e e p until he b e g a n to snore. C a t o l e a n e d his h e a d b a c k a n d stared up at the heavens. It was a clear night, a n d stars and m o o n g l e a m e d against a pitch-black b a c k d r o p . T h e v i e w h e l p e d t o c a l m his troubled m i n d for a m o m e n t and h e w i s h e d that J u l i a was w i t h h i m , nestled into the c r o o k o f his a r m , her hair b r u s h i n g softly against his chin. For a m o m e n t he recalled the a r o m a of her favourite scent a n d smiled faintly. T h e n a distant light c a u g h t his attention a n d he l o w e r e d his gaze a n d stared o u t across the dark landscape. A fire was flaring up on the plain, s o m e miles away, a n d as he w a t c h e d the flames spread q u i c k l y until a w h o l e b u i l d i n g was engulfed. He w a t c h e d for a w h i l e longer, w i t h a g r o w i n g sense of f o r e b o d i n g in his heart. S e n a t o r S e m p r o n i u s t o o k over a n d w o k e C a t o j u s t b e f o r e d a w n . C a t o stirred, a n d f o u n d that he lay u n d e r the senator's cloak. He n o d d e d towards it a n d m u t t e r e d his thanks. 'You n e e d e d it m o r e than me.' S e m p r o n i u s smiled. 'It was easy e n o u g h t o walk u p a n d d o w n t o stay w a r m . Actually, i t r e m i n d e d m e 63

o f m y days a s a j u n i o r t r i b u n e i n the N i n t h L e g i o n o n the R h i n e . N o t m u c h c o m f o r t there, I can tell y o u . B u t I forget, y o u were stationed o n the s a m e frontier, weren't y o u ? ' 'Yes, sir. O n c e y o u ' v e spent o n e w i n t e r there y o u never w a n t t o e x p e r i e n c e another. C o l d a s H a d e s . ' 'Yes, I r e m e m b e r . ' S e m p r o n i u s shivered, a n d then offered C a t o his h a n d . ' C o m e , w e have t o go.' C a t o g r o a n e d as he rose to his feet. H i s injured l e g felt stiff a n d i m m e d i a t e l y b e g a n to throb as he p u t w e i g h t on it. S e m p r o n i u s r e g a r d e d h i m anxiously. ' B a d ? ' 'I've h a d w o r s e . As l o n g as I get the w o u n d c l e a n e d a n d rested for a few days I'll be fine.' ' R e s t is s o m e t h i n g that will be in short supply, I fear.' H e c l a m b e r e d u p o n t o the horse's b a c k a n d then l e a n e d d o w n t o help C a t o up. T h e h o r s e staggered a little as it adjusted to the additional w e i g h t . O n c e C a t o h a d t u c k e d a n a r m a r o u n d his waist, S e m p r o n i u s clicked his t o n g u e a n d walked the h o r s e b a c k d o w n the track towards the road. As they e m e r g e d f r o m the p i n e trees, C a t o g l a n c e d in the direction of the fire he h a d seen the previous night, but there was n o t h i n g m o r e than a b l a c k e n e d shell r e m a i n i n g . Several o t h e r b u r n e d - o u t buildings d o t t e d the s u r r o u n d i n g landscape, and a c o l u m n of distant figures p i c k e d its way across a field. W h e t h e r they w e r e slaves o r civilians, C a t o c o u l d n o t tell. T h e r o a d a h e a d o f t h e m was clear, a n d S e m p r o n i u s t u r n e d the h o r s e towards G o r t y n a o n c e again and p r o c e e d e d at a steady trot. T h e y sighted several m o r e bands of p e o p l e as the sun rose and b a t h e d the province in a w a r m glow. A l o n g the road they also e n c o u n t e r e d a few m o r e survivors p i c k i n g over the remains of their property as they l o o k e d for valuables. S o m e j u s t sat and stared vacantly as the h o r s e rode by, w h i l e others held o u t their hands and b e g g e d for f o o d . S e m p r o n i u s did his best to i g n o r e t h e m as he stared ahead and k i c k e d his heels in to m o v e on as swiftly as possible. N o w and again they c a m e across b o d i e s b e a r i n g s w o r d and knife w o u n d s , a d d i n g yet m o r e death t o the n u m b e r o f those killed b y the earthquake. A s the m o r n i n g w o r e o n , C a t o w o n d e r e d i f there was anything that the senator and he c o u l d do to help restore order to the province in the face o f such destruction and loss o f life. T h e task l o o k e d quite hopeless.

64

At last, shortly before midday, the road c u r v e d r o u n d a hill a n d there a h e a d o f t h e m lay the provincial capital o f G o r t y n a . T h e city spread across the plain w i t h a fortified acropolis on a hill to the n o r t h . T h e wall was pierced by gaps w h e r e sections had collapsed. T h e r e were still s o m e sentries on the m a i n gate w h e r e the road entered the city. B e y o n d the wall they c o u l d see that nearly all the roofs h a d b e e n d a m a g e d and there were g a p i n g holes a m i d the red tiles of the largest public buildings and temples that r e m a i n e d standing. To o n e side of the city s t o o d a sprawl of tents and makeshift shelters w h e r e s m o k e from small c o o k i n g fires trailed up into the blue sky. S e m p r o n i u s had raised a h a n d to s h a d e his eyes as they a p p r o a c h e d the city. ' S e e m s to be less d a m a g e than we saw at Matala.' ' T h e r e w o u l d b e . T h e p e o p l e here d i d n o t have t o c o p e w i t h the wave as well. A small m e r c y perhaps.' T h e sentries a t the gate stirred warily a s the t w o m e n o n h o r s e b a c k c l o p p e d a l o n g the paved r o a d towards the gate. W h e n the h o r s e was no m o r e than fifty feet away their leader raised his a r m a n d called out. 'That's close e n o u g h . W h a t is y o u r business h e r e ? ' S e m p r o n i u s held o u t the h a n d w i t h his ring. ' I a m S e n a t o r L u c i u s S e m p r o n i u s , c o m e t o see the g o v e r n o r o f the province.' T h e sentry l e a n e d t o o n e side a n d p o i n t e d a t C a t o . ' W h o ' s that?' ' C e n t u r i o n C a t o . W e w e r e travelling t o R o m e b y ship w h e n the wave struck.' ' W a v e ? ' T h e sentry a p p r o a c h e d cautiously as S e m p r o n i u s reined in a short distance f r o m the gate. 'We've heard that a w a v e h a d struck the coast, sir, b u t the stories w e ' v e b e e n h e a r i n g are, well, a bit wild. E n t i r e p o r t s a n d coastal villages destroyed.' 'It's true,' S e m p r o n i u s replied. 'We l a n d e d at M a t a l a , what's left of it. That's w h e r e we l e a r n e d that the g o v e r n o r was injured. I've c o m e to see w h a t the situation is.' 'It's b a d e n o u g h , sir. There's hardly an officer left in the g a r r i s o n ; m o s t o f t h e m w e r e a t the governor's palace w h e n the e a r t h q u a k e struck. O n l y a handful of his guests e s c a p e d f r o m the b a n q u e t hall w h e n the r o o f fell in a n d b u r i e d the rest.' ' W h e r e is the g o v e r n o r ? ' 'He's at the palace stables, sir. T h e stables survived well e n o u g h to be u s e d as a hospital. That's w h e r e w e ' v e b e e n t a k i n g the injured.' 65

S e m p r o n i u s p a u s e d a m o m e n t . 'What's his c o n d i t i o n ? ' T h e sentry p u r s e d his lips. ' T h e official w o r d is that he'll recover.' 'But?' T h e sentry g l a n c e d r o u n d a n d then l o w e r e d his v o i c e . 'That's not w h a t my m a t e in the palace g u a r d says. If y o u w a n t to speak to the g o v e r n o r , y o u ' d best do it quickly, sir.' 'Very well, let us pass.' T h e sentry n o d d e d a n d t u r n e d t o call t o his m e n . ' O p e n the gate!' T h e r e was a d e e p g r o a n as the m e n thrust against the timbers of the r i g h t - h a n d d o o r a n d it b e g a n to o p e n . T h e g r o a n c h a n g e d into a g r a t i n g s o u n d a n d t h e n a shrill squeal b e f o r e it c a m e to rest and w o u l d n o t b u d g e any further. T h e r e was a gap j u s t w i d e e n o u g h for the h o r s e to pass t h r o u g h a n d the sentry s h r u g g e d apologetically. 'Sorry, sir, but the m a s o n r y has shifted and that's as far as she'll move.' S e m p r o n i u s n o d d e d his thanks a n d e d g e d the h o r s e t h r o u g h the gap. Inside the city was the familiar p a n o r a m a of shattered buildings a n d r u b b l e strewn across the p a v e d m a i n street. T h e r e w e r e m o r e p e o p l e a m i d the ruins a n d d a m a g e d buildings than there h a d b e e n at M a t a l a , a n d for the first t i m e C a t o b e g a n to feel a small m e a s u r e of h o p e . S o m e settlements h a d evidently n o t b e e n as badly affected as h e h a d feared, b u t then, h e m u s e d , M a t a l a h a d prepared h i m for the w o r s t . T h e h o r s e p i c k e d its way a l o n g the m a i n street towards the heart of the city, past a m a r k e t p l a c e w h e r e scores of stalls h a d collapsed and their r u i n e d wares lay strewn a b o u t t h e m , p i c k e d over by survivors. As they a p p r o a c h e d the centre of the city, the large civic buildings c r o w d e d the street on either side, a n d w h e r e they h a d collapsed C a t o saw that great c o l u m n s o f s t o n e h a d t o p p l e d like skittles, their sections laying scattered across the street and the steps leading u p t o w h e r e the t e m p l e d o o r s had s t o o d . T h e governor's palace s t o o d a t the very centre o f G o r t y n a , o n the intersection of the t w o m a i n streets. T h e r e was a tall o u t e r wall, p i e r c e d by an impressive d o u b l e - a r c h e d g a t e h o u s e , a n d inside a vast p a v e d courtyard o p e n e d up on the other side. T h e palace, a fine b u i l d i n g of w h i t e stone, l o o k e d as if it h a d b e e n m a u l e d by siege e n g i n e s . T h e r e w e r e great gaps in the walls and only a few expanses o f tiles gave any indication o f the original lines o f the roof.

66

S e m p r o n i u s s u c k e d in his breath. 'It's a w o n d e r a n y o n e survived that.' 'Yes,' C a t o m u t t e r e d . ' T h a t l o o k s like the stables over there.' He p o i n t e d to a n a r r o w walled yard to o n e side of the m a i n b u i l d ing-A small c r o w d s t o o d or squatted outside, s o m e h o l d i n g infants or supporting others as they w a i t e d to be seen. T w o a r m y m e d i c s in black tunics w e r e assessing the patients a n d a d m i t t i n g only those w i t h the worst injuries. It was clear that the m o o d of the c r o w d was sullen, and C a t o heard a n g r y g r u m b l i n g as they a p p r o a c h e d the stables. ' M a k e way there!' S e m p r o n i u s called o u t . ' M a k e way, I said!' T h e c r o w d p a r t e d i n front o f the h o r s e a n d the expressions o f those closest h a r d e n e d as they stared up at the riders. ' T h e y o u n g 'un's w o u n d e d , ' a n o l d m a n g r o w l e d . ' S e e there, o n his leg.' 'Bastard's j u m p i n g the q u e u e , ' a n o t h e r v o i c e called o u t , a n d at o n c e there was a n a n g r y m u r m u r s w e e p i n g t h r o u g h the c r o w d , a n d those still a h e a d of S e m p r o n i u s refused to give way. 'Take y o u r turn like the rest of u s ! ' S e m p r o n i u s glared in the direction of the last s h o u t . 'I am a R o m a n senator, d a m n y o u ! N o w d o a s y o u are told a n d m o v e aside.' 'Fuck you!' ' O n e rule for the rich, another for the p o o r ! ' another m a n s h o u t e d . 'That's right!' S e m p r o n i u s s h o u t e d . 'That's h o w it is. N o w clear a path b e f o r e I clear it for y o u ! ' He d r e w his s w o r d to e m p h a s i s e his w o r d s a n d dared a n y o n e i n the c r o w d t o defy h i m . T h e p e o p l e glared back, b u t as S e m p r o n i u s k i c k e d his heels in to m o v e the h o r s e o n , they p a r t e d b e f o r e h i m . As he r e a c h e d the arch a n d passed t h r o u g h into the courtyard, a m a n raised his fist a n d cried o u t , ' B l o o d y aristocrats! O u r p e o p l e die o u t here a n d they l o o k after their o w n ! ' T h e a n g e r was taken u p i n o t h e r shouts a n d bitter cries, b u t S e m p r o n i u s kept his face fixed in an expression of h a u g h t y c o n t e m p t as he w a l k e d the h o r s e up to a rail a n d slipped f r o m the saddle to tether it. C a t o d i s m o u n t e d beside h i m , w i n c i n g as a shaft of pain shot t h r o u g h his leg. He clasped a h a n d to his thigh as he l o o k e d r o u n d and saw a m a n in a dark tunic w i t h red t r i m on the sleeves e m e r g e from o n e o f the stalls.

67

T h e m a n gestured towards C a t o ' s leg. 'I'll have a l o o k at that.' He w i p e d s o m e b l o o d o f f his hands w i t h a soiled r a g as he a p p r o a c h e d the n e w arrivals. 'Romans?' Cato nodded. T h e s u r g e o n p o i n t e d a t C a t o ' s b a n d a g e d thigh. ' H o w did that happen?' 'We ran into s o m e e s c a p e d slaves. O n e o f t h e m stuck m e w i t h a pitchfork.' 'Nasty. I'd better see to it.' 'Later. W e n e e d t o speak t o the governor.' C a t o gestured t o S e m p r o n i u s . 'We have u r g e n t business w i t h him.' ' S o d o e s everyone.' T h e s u r g e o n l a u g h e d mirthlessly. ' B u t he's i n n o c o n d i t i o n t o see a n y o n e right now, p o o r devil.' 'That's t o o bad,' said S e m p r o n i u s . 'I m u s t insist that he sees us. Immediately' T h e s u r g e o n s h o o k his h e a d . 'I can't let y o u disturb my patient. Y o u ' d better g o and see M a r c u s Glabius i f y o u w a n t t o k n o w what's g o i n g on.' 'Who?' ' G l a b i u s is in c h a r g e now. He p e r s u a d e d the g o v e r n o r to a p p o i n t h i m as his successor yesterday' ' W h a t office did this G l a b i u s h o l d b e f o r e ? ' asked C a t o . ' C i v i l administration? M i l i t a r y ? ' ' N e i t h e r . H e was o n e o f the province's tax collectors.' ' A tax c o l l e c t o r ? ' S e m p r o n i u s c o u l d n o t h i d e his disgust. W h y o n earth did Hirtius h a n d p o w e r over to a b l o o d y tax collector? Surely there m u s t have b e e n an official on his staff he c o u l d have t u r n e d t o ? ' ' N o , they w e r e all at the b a n q u e t w h e n it h a p p e n e d . F o r s o m e reason G l a b i u s was late arriving. O t h e r w i s e . . . ' T h e s u r g e o n wearily ran a h a n d t h r o u g h his hair. 'In any case, they're close friends a n d business associates. Do I n e e d to spell it o u t for y o u ? ' Cato

could

guess

the

arrangement

easily

enough. Governor

Hirtius sold the tax c o n c e s s i o n to Glabius for a k n o c k - d o w n price. In e x c h a n g e , the t w o of t h e m h a d a private a r r a n g e m e n t w h e r e b y Hirtius quietly p o c k e t e d a p e r c e n t a g e of the tax s q u e e z e d o u t of the islanders and any m e r c h a n t s w h o paid duties o n c a r g o e s leaving o r

68

arriving in C r e t e . A c o m m o n a r r a n g e m e n t t h r o u g h o u t the e m p i r e , and o n e of the m e a n s by w h i c h provincial g o v e r n o r s a m a s s e d a fortune d u r i n g their t e r m in office. It w a s an illegal practice, b u t since provincial g o v e r n o r s a c c u s e d o f malpractice h a d the c o m f o r t a b l e prospect o f b e i n g tried b e f o r e their p e e r s , a n d those w h o aspired t o b e g o v e r n o r s i n turn, there was little prospect o f p r o s e c u t i o n . T h a t said, g o v e r n o r s h a d to be careful n o t to exact t o o m u c h f r o m a p r o v i n c e lest their wealth p r o v o k e a d a n g e r o u s d e g r e e of interest from the e m p e r o r . It was n o t u n k n o w n for an e m p e r o r to dispose of a wealthy R o m a n in o r d e r to confiscate his property. 'Just take us to the governor,' S e m p r o n i u s said firmly. ' R i g h t n o w ' 'If that is y o u r w i s h . ' T h e s u r g e o n b o w e d his h e a d . ' T h i s way, sir.' W i t h S e m p r o n i u s offering s u p p o r t t o C a t o , they followed the s u r g e o n d o w n the line of stables until they r e a c h e d a large tack r o o m at the e n d . It h a d b e e n cleared o u t a n d a c o u c h lay against the far wall. A m a n lay on the mattress. He was still, apart from the steady rise a n d fall of his chest. H i s breath c a m e in l a b o u r e d rasps. T h e y crossed the r o o m a n d S e m p r o n i u s indicated a simple b e n c h against o n e o f the o t h e r walls a n d s p o k e t o the s u r g e o n . ' G i v e m e a h a n d with that.' As they d r a g g e d it over towards the c o u c h , G o v e r n o r Hirtius t u r n e d his h e a d to the side to o b s e r v e t h e m . By the light of a small w i n d o w h i g h u p o n the wall C a t o c o u l d see that o n e side o f his face was heavily b a n d a g e d . A l o o s e sheet lay across his b o d y a n d covered his legs. O n c e S e m p r o n i u s a n d C a t o h a d settled o n the b e n c h , the s u r g e o n s t o o d b y the c o u c h a n d d r e w the sheet d o w n t o the governor's waist. H i s chest w a s bare a n d the pale skin was c o v e r e d w i t h black a n d p u r p l e b r u i s i n g d o w n his right side. B e n e a t h the d i s c o l o u r e d flesh the b o n e s a n d m u s c l e a p p e a r e d t o C a t o t o b e m i s s h a p e n . T h e a r m h a d b e e n b r o k e n a n d was fixed in a splint. S e m p r o n i u s l e a n e d forward a n d s p o k e in a c o m f o r t i n g t o n e . ' G r e e t i n g s , A u l u s Hirtius. We've m e t o n c e or t w i c e b e f o r e , at the senate b a c k i n R o m e . ' T h e g o v e r n o r licked his lips and n o d d e d faintly b e f o r e w h i s p e r i n g h o a r s e l y , ' L u c i u s S e m p r o n i u s . . . I r e m e m b e r . . . W h a t are y o u d o i n g here?' 'I've c o m e t o take charge o f the province.' 69

Hirtius's eyes w i d e n e d and he m a d e to raise his h e a d as he r e s p o n d e d sharply, ' W h o sent y o u ? ' T h e slight effort c a u s e d a s u d d e n s p a s m of a g o n y to course t h r o u g h the governor's b o d y a n d he fell b a c k w i t h a k e e n i n g g r o a n as he g r i t t e d his teeth. The s u r g e o n l e a n e d over his patient anxiously. ' L i e still, sir. Y o u m u s t lie still.' S e m p r o n i u s w a i t e d until the tension left the governor's b o d y and h e was breathing m o r e easily. T h e n h e s p o k e again. ' N o o n e sent m e . M y ship was passing the island w h e n the e a r t h q u a k e struck. I l e a r n e d that y o u h a d b e e n injured, my friend, a n d c a m e to offer my services. N o w that I see y o u , it is clear that you'll n e e d t i m e to recover. As the r a n k i n g official in the p r o v i n c e I s h o u l d take c h a r g e , until y o u are ready to r e s u m e y o u r duties.' ' N o n e e d . . . I have already f o u n d s o m e o n e . ' ' S o I understand. B u t H i r t i u s , I c a n n o t allow a tax collector to take on such a responsibility. T h e y are c o r r u p t d o g s at the best of times. We c a n n o t let s u c h a m a n g o v e r n Crete.' Hirtius s t r u g g l e d to raise a h a n d in protest. S e m p r o n i u s t o o k it and patted it gently. 'There's no n e e d to w o r r y n o w that I ' m here. Y o u r p r o v i n c e is in safe hands. I swear it, on my honour.' ' N o . . .' Hirtius s l u m p e d b a c k with a d e e p g r o a n , face muscles c l e n c h e d as he fought a wave of agony. At length his b o d y relaxed a n d beads of sweat trickled from his brow. H i s breathing was r a g g e d as he stared at the ceiling and m u t t e r e d , ' M y wife, has she b e e n f o u n d yet?' 'Wife?' T h e

senator

turned

to

the

doctor

and

whispered,

'What's this?' ' A n t o n i a . A p p a r e n t l y she left the feast shortly b e f o r e the e a r t h q u a k e . Hasn't b e e n seen since. B u t we're still finding b o d i e s in the r u b b l e . I fear it's only a m a t t e r of t i m e b e f o r e we find hers.' 'I see.' S e m p r o n i u s g a z e d at the stricken g o v e r n o r for a m o m e n t and then t u r n e d t o the s u r g e o n . 'I'll leave h i m i n y o u r hands. D o y o u r best for him.' ' O f c o u r s e , sir.' T h e senator l o w e r e d his v o i c e . 'A b r i e f w o r d w i t h y o u , if I m a y ? ' H e rose from the b e n c h , g e s t u r i n g t o the others t o follow h i m . A t the d o o r he p a u s e d a n d s p o k e softly to the s u r g e o n . 'Will Hirtius live?'

70

' I ' m d o i n g w h a t I can f o r h i m . W i t h e n o u g h t i m e , h e m i g h t recover—' 'Spare me the b e d s i d e manner. Will he live? Yes, or no.' T h e s u r g e o n licked his lips a n d then s h o o k his h e a d . ' B o t h legs are crushed. He has internal injuries, c r u s h e d ribs a n d organs. I d o u b t that he will last m o r e than a few days.' 'I see. Well, do w h a t y o u can to m a k e h i m c o m f o r t a b l e then.' T h e surgeon nodded. C a t o l o o k e d towards the c o u c h . ' O n e other thing. Hirtius i s t o have no m o r e visitors. Isn't that right, sir?' 'Yes,' S e m p r o n i u s a g r e e d . ' O f c o u r s e . T h a t i s m y strict order.' ' N o t even G l a b i u s ? ' asked the s u r g e o n . ' H i m especially, understand? He is n o t to disturb the g o v e r n o r . As far as e v e r y o n e is c o n c e r n e d , Hirtius is glad that I have arrived to take charge. H e has c o n f i d e n c e i n m e a n d has g r a n t e d m e full p o w e r s over the p r o v i n c e , until he has recovered or a r e p l a c e m e n t is sent from R o m e . That's o u r story, and y o u will stick to it. Is that clear?' 'Yes, sir.' ' G o o d , then I w a n t y o u t o e x a m i n e the centurion's w o u n d . C l e a n it up and p u t on a fresh dressing. I n e e d h i m as ready as he can be w h e n I go to relieve G l a b i u s of his t e m p o r a r y a p p o i n t m e n t . '

71

CHAPTER EIGHT

M

acro m o p p e d his b r o w and squinted up at the m i d d a y sun blazing in the clear sky. F r o m the g a t e h o u s e of the acropolis he

c o u l d see the teams o f auxiliaries w o r k i n g a m i d the ruins, carefully searching for survivors b e n e a t h the rubble. O n c e they h a d b e e n

l o c a t e d , the l o n g process o f d i g g i n g t h e m o u t b e g a n . S o m e were f o u n d easily e n o u g h , b u t m a n y w e r e t r a p p e d u n d e r several feet o f masonry

and had

suffered

terrible

injuries. Still, he

conceded,

Portillus and his m e n w e r e p r o c e e d i n g in a m e t h o d i c a l m a n n e r as they w o r k e d their way across the city towards the g o r g e that led to the p o r t . A n u m b e r of slaves w o r k e d alongside the soldiers; those who

had chosen

to

remain

after the

earthquake. M o s t

o f the

s u r v i v i n g slaves h a d taken the c h a n c e to r u n away. T h e y w o u l d be recovered i n d u e c o u r s e , a n d p u n i s h e d , M a c r o reflected. M a n y slaves w e r e b r a n d e d a n d w o u l d find it hard to b l e n d in a m o n g s t those w h o w e r e free. T h e i r only o t h e r c h o i c e was to h i d e in the wilderness, a p r e c a r i o u s e x i s t e n c e that h a d few attractions over slavery. On the slope outside of Matala the goatskin tents from the auxiliary cohort's stores had b e e n set up, and several h u n d r e d p e o p l e were n o w sheltering from the sun in their shade. T h e r e were still another t w o thousand p e o p l e w h o had lost their h o m e s and had to m a k e do with sleeping in the o p e n , or finding what shelter they c o u l d in the clumps of trees that g r e w higher up the slope. T h e r e was a stream up there, and a plentiful supply of water flowed from the m o u n t a i n s that f o r m e d the spine of the island. M a c r o c o u l d see a n u m b e r of t o w n s p e o p l e carrying full skins and a m p h o r a e b a c k to the tents, and at the base of a small waterfall near the top of the hill a handful of children were splashing happily in the glittering silver cascade. E v e n t h o u g h they h a d a g o o d supply of water, the m o s t pressing p r o b l e m was f o o d . It h a d b e e n three days since he h a d taken

72

c o m m a n d of the c o h o r t , and at o n c e it was clear that the p o r t was desperately short of supplies. A small a m o u n t h a d b e e n g l e a n e d f r o m the estates o f C a n l i u s and the ruins o f M a t a l a a n d a d d e d t o the m e a g r e reserves in the acropolis. M a c r o h a d b e e n forced to issue an edict that any private stocks of f o o d m u s t be s u r r e n d e r e d to the c o h o r t . F r o m there a daily ration w o u l d be issued to the survivors. T h o s e w h o w e r e c a u g h t h o a r d i n g f o o d , o r dealing f o o d i n the black market, w o u l d be d e n i e d rations a n d b a n i s h e d f r o m the city a n d its environs. If they a t t e m p t e d to sneak b a c k in a n d w e r e c a u g h t then they w o u l d b e l o c k e d into o n e o f the cisterns, w h i c h M a c r o had chosen for a t e m p o r a r y prison. The last i t e m on the edict w a r n e d that those w h o w e r e c a u g h t a t t e m p t i n g t o steal f o o d from the cohort's stores w o u l d b e s u m m a r i l y e x e c u t e d . T h e r e h a d b e e n protests w h e n the edict had b e e n read o u t i n the c a m p , and the m o b h a d readily a c c e p t e d a m o u t h p i e c e in the f o r m of the father of the m e r c h a n t s ' guild, a stocky individual n a m e d Atticus, w h o c o u l d have passed for M a c r o ' s brother, i f h e h a d had o n e . M a c r o h e l d firm in the face of the protests a n d raised his hands t o c a l m the c r o w d , a n d w h e n that h a d n o t w o r k e d h e d r e w his s w o r d and r a p p e d i t sharply o n the r i m o f o n e o f his men's shields. W h e n the last a n g r y m u r m u r h a d d i e d away, he drew a d e e p breath a n d p o i n t e d at Atticus. ' I don't care w h a t y o u think. W e m u s t ration w h a t f o o d w e have, or p e o p l e will starve. O n c e the f o o d supply to the t o w n is restored, then things can return to n o r m a l . U n t i l then we m u s t have discipline, and patience.' Atticus s n o r t e d . ' A n d y o u w o u l d have u s believe that y o u a n d y o u r m e n don't take m o r e than y o u r fair share, I s u p p o s e ? ' 'I will see to it that the f o o d is fairly shared,' M a c r o replied in his p a r a d e - g r o u n d v o i c e , so that all m i g h t hear h i m . 'Priority will go to t h o s e w h o are h e l p i n g to find survivors a n d supplies in the ruins, a n d t h o s e w h o are responsible for e n s u r i n g order.' ' H a ! ' A t t i c u s raised his hands a n d c l a p p e d . ' I k n e w it. T h e a r m y takes care o f its o w n and d a m n the rest o f us! Well, C e n t u r i o n , w e w o n ' t stand for it.' He t u r n e d to address the c r o w d . 'I say we k e e p w h a t e v e r f o o d we have for ourselves! L e t the soldiers fend for themselves!' 73

T h e m o b c h e e r e d his w o r d s and Atticus m i l k e d his s u p p o r t for a w h i l e , p u m p i n g his fists in the air, b e f o r e crossing his arms and t u r n i n g b a c k to M a c r o w i t h a smile. 'Quiet!' Macro bellowed. ' Q U I E T , I S A I D ! ' B u t this t i m e there was n o response f r o m the c r o w d , w h o c o n t i n u e d t o j e e r a n d whistle a n d shake their f i s t s . A t length M a c r o gave u p a n d t u r n e d t o the twenty m e n h e had b r o u g h t w i t h h i m to l e n d force to his authority. 'Let ' e m hear it, lads!' T h e soldiers d r e w their swords a n d b e g a n t o p o u n d the inside o f their shields, filling the air w i t h a d e a f e n i n g d r u m m i n g that d r o w n e d o u t the din of the c r o w d . Gradually they fell quiet and M a c r o gave the order for his m e n to still their w e a p o n s . 'That's better. N o w then, I have told y o u h o w I intend to run things, and it will be so. I will n o t tolerate any attempts to u n d e r m i n e my authority as acting prefect of the c o h o r t . If a n y o n e wishes to increase their rations then they will have to w o r k for it by helping the cohort's w o r k parties searching the ruins. In a d d i t i o n , I c o u l d use m o r e m e n to replace t h o s e lost in the disaster. If there are any m e n o u t there w i t h p r e v i o u s military e x p e r i e n c e then they m a y apply to enlist at the acropolis.' ' D o n ' t do it!'Atticus called o u t to the c r o w d . ' D o n ' t betray the rest of us. If we stand up against this bully, then there's n o t h i n g he can do!' ' R i g h t ! ' M a c r o clicked his fingers. ' T h a t d o e s it. First section! Arrest that m a n , at the d o u b l e ! ' Atticus's m o u t h o p e n e d i n surprise, but b e f o r e h e c o u l d react, the auxiliaries h a d s u r r o u n d e d h i m a n d t w o o f t h e m sheathed their swords a n d p i n n e d his a r m s b e h i n d his b a c k . H e s t r u g g l e d uselessly for a m o m e n t w h i l e the c r o w d b e g a n to protest angrily. M a c r o kept his c a l m a n d gave the o r d e r for his m e n to m a r c h b a c k to the acropolis, p u r s u e d b y the j e e r s a n d insults o f the m o b . H e t o o k u p p o s i t i o n beside Atticus a n d the m e n h o l d i n g h i m . ' T h i s w o u l d n ' t b e necessary i f y o u had b e e n a g o o d b o y a n d kept y o u r m o u t h shut.' Atticus sneered. 'That's w h a t all tyrants say.' 'Tyrant?' M a c r o p u r s e d his lips. ' M e ? N o , I ' m j u s t a soldier trying to do his j o b , a n d y o u , m a t e , are a l o u d m o u t h pain in the arse. So 74

spare me any c o m m e n t s a b o u t f r e e d o m a n d tyranny. You can save it for w h e n this is all over.' Atticus glared a t h i m . Y o u have m e now, C e n t u r i o n , but there will be a r e c k o n i n g o n e day.' 'Sure.' M a c r o n o d d e d . 'I'll m a k e a n o t e of it.' 'I'll have y o u ! ' Atticus spat. ' Y o u p i g ! ' M a c r o s u d d e n l y lashed o u t w i t h a c l e n c h e d fist, striking Atticus squarely on the t e m p l e . W i t h a g r u n t , he collapsed into the g r i p of the soldiers on either side. M a c r o s h r u g g e d . ' S o m u c h for tyranny. Get h i m t o the cistern, a n d m a k e sure n o h a r m c o m e s t o h i m o n the way. He can stay there for a c o u p l e of days to c o o l o f f b e f o r e we let him go.' T h e small c o l u m n o f soldiers p i c k e d their way a l o n g the m a i n street a n d b a c k to the acropolis. M a c r o saw that J u l i a was standing by the gate a s they m a r c h e d u p the ramp. H e had sent s o m e m e n into the t o w n to find s o m e clothes for her a m o n g s t the ruins a n d she was w e a r i n g a pale b l u e tunic that r e a c h e d d o w n to her ankles. M a c r o b o w e d his h e a d in greeting. ' M o r n i n g , miss. H a d a g o o d night's sleep?' Y e s thank you.' S h e s m i l e d briefly. 'Is there any w o r d f r o m Gortyna?' ' N o t yet. I sent a m e s s a g e yesterday. We s h o u l d get a reply by nightfall. S h o u l d p u t y o u r m i n d at rest.' 'I h o p e so.' J u l i a pulled at a strand of her dark hair. 'It's hard n o t to w o r r y a b o u t m y father a n d C a t o . I ' m sure that C a t o w o u l d have sent w o r d as s o o n as he c o u l d to say that they w e r e safe.' 'If the situation here is a n y t h i n g to go by then I e x p e c t they're up to their n e c k s in it over at G o r t y n a . B u t I ' m sure they'll send n e w s the first m o m e n t that they can. D o n ' t fret, M i s s Julia. Y o u r dad's a t o u g h o n e , a n d C a t o ' s as smart as n e w paint. They'll be fine, trust m e . ' J u l i a n o d d e d a little uncertainly a n d was silent for a m o m e n t before she c o n t i n u e d . ' H o w l o n g d o y o u think we'll b e h e r e ? ' M a c r o s t e p p e d aside from the c o l u m n o f soldiers a n d u n d i d the strap of his h e l m e t before r e m o v i n g it a n d w i p i n g his brow. 'Difficult to say. T h e r e ' s plenty of s h i p p i n g that puts into C r e t e , so w o r d of w h a t has h a p p e n e d here will reach R o m e s o o n e n o u g h . ' 'I haven't n o t i c e d any n e w ships in the p o r t since we arrived.' 75

'True,' M a c r o c o n c e d e d . ' T h a t wave m u s t have had a w i d e effect. It's possible that it did for the ships close to the island. Perhaps there will b e others w h o have heard the n e w s a n d are w a r y o f l a n d i n g i n C r e t e . B u t s o m e o n e will put into o n e o f the island's ports s o o n e r o r later. T h e y ' l l get the story, a n d carry it o n w a r d s to R o m e . O n c e the e m p e r o r grasps the scale o f the d a m a g e that's b e e n d o n e here, then he'll be sure to send help.' 'Help? What kind of help?' ' T r o o p s , f o o d , a n d a r e p l a c e m e n t g o v e r n o r as s o o n as he appoints o n e . W h e n they arrive, then y o u r father a n d the rest of us can leave, a n d take the first ship b a c k to R o m e . ' ' A n d h o w l o n g will i t b e b e f o r e help arrives?' M a c r o f r o w n e d as he m a d e a r o u g h estimate of the distances involved. 'Realistically, I'd say it'd be t w o m o n t h s b e f o r e the first ship c o m e s from R o m e . ' ' T w o m o n t h s ? T w o m o n t h s ! ' Julia gestured towards the tents. ' W i t h the a m o u n t o f f o o d w e have, t h o s e p e o p l e aren't g o i n g t o last t w o m o n t h s . T h e r e has t o b e s o m e q u i c k e r w a y t o get help. W h a t a b o u t the closest provinces? E g y p t , C y p r u s o r G r e e c e ? ' ' T h e y will do w h a t they can. B u t the trouble is, I i m a g i n e they'll be wary of doing anything without requesting permission from Rome.' J u l i a s h o o k her h e a d . 'That's madness.' 'That's bureaucracy, miss.' ' B u t we have to help these people.' 'We are h e l p i n g t h e m . W h a t they n e e d is order, and that's w h a t I am g i v i n g t h e m . O n c e that is established then I can deal w i t h the f o o d a n d m a k e sure that e v e r y o n e is fed as well as o u r stocks allow. It's g o i n g to be t o u g h , on all of us. M o l l y c o d d l i n g a civilian m o b is n o t the kind o f situation I ' m u s e d t o h a n d l i n g , t o b e honest, miss.' ' S o I can see,'Julia r e s p o n d e d in an acerbic t o n e as she n o d d e d towards the c o l u m n e s c o r t i n g Atticus. ' T h a t was very well handled. I ' m sure that little i n c i d e n t has h e l p e d to w i n the p e o p l e round.' ' N o w that i s o u t o f order.' M a c r o f r o w n e d . ' I ' m n o t standing for election, miss. I j u s t w a n t to do the best for those w h o have survived. I w a n t to give t h e m a d e c e n t c h a n c e to live t h r o u g h this a n d get b a c k to s o m e k i n d of n o r m a l existence. If that m e a n s I have to use

76

m e t h o d s that don't g o d o w n well w i t h the m o b , a n d t r o u b l e m a k e r s like Atticus there, then that's j u s t tough.' ' O n you? Or them?' ' O n all of us.' M a c r o r e p o s i t i o n e d his felt skullcap a n d p u t his h e l m e t b a c k o n . 'If that's all, miss, I have w o r k to do.' He strode off after his m e n , still fastening his h e l m e t straps. Julia w a t c h e d h i m for a m o m e n t , k n o w i n g full well that she was in the wrong. She had been acquainted with M a c r o long enough to k n o w that h o w e v e r direct a n d harsh his m e t h o d s m i g h t s e e m , his p u r p o s e was always w e l l - m e a n i n g and fair. By the t i m e she h a d d e c i d e d to m a k e her apology, M a c r o h a d already entered the h e a d q u a r t e r s b u i l d i n g a n d disappeared from sight. Julia slapped her h a n d against her thigh, furious w i t h herself, a n d then t u r n e d away from the acropolis a n d g a z e d o u t across the tented slope. T h e c r o w d that had gathered t o hear M a c r o ' s a n n o u n c e m e n t was slow in dispersing, and little k n o t s of p e o p l e still c l u n g together, n o d o u b t v o i c i n g their anger. M a c r o h a d authority over t h e m for the m o m e n t , she reflected, but w h e n the f o o d b e g a n t o r u n o u t , h u n g e r and despair w o u l d tear apart the present fragile order. S h e s h u d d e r e d at the p r o s p e c t , a n d then slowly m a d e her way b a c k t h r o u g h the gate into the acropolis. T h e r e was n o t h i n g for her t o v o l u n t e e r e d her services to help the

do. She had

cohort's s u r g e o n tend the

w o u n d e d , b u t he h a d rebuffed her curtly, saying that the hospital was no place for a senator's daughter. W h e n she had tried to a r g u e the case, p o i n t i n g o u t that she h a d p e r f o r m e d such duties d u r i n g the siege at Palmyra, the s u r g e o n h a d bitterly r e m a r k e d that the p e o p l e of the east w e r e barbarians. Different standards applied in C r e t e . M u c h a s J u l i a h o p e d the s u r g e o n was right, she h a d seen e n o u g h of the w o r l d to k n o w that any civilisation was only ever a few meals away f r o m anarchy a n d the b l o o d y c h a o s that w o u l d inevitably follow. T h e t h o u g h t i m m e d i a t e l y m a d e her l o n g t o b e r e u n i t e d w i t h her father a n d C a t o . S h e felt a p a n g of l o n g i n g for C a t o a n d w i s h e d he was w i t h her, m a k i n g her feel safe. 'I h o p e y o u haven't called me here to waste my time,' said M a c r o as he p l a c e d the torch in an iron bracket a n d sat d o w n on the b o t t o m step o f the cistern t o l o o k a t Atticus. T h e G r e e k was c h a i n e d b y the 77

ankle to the r o c k wall. H i s w h i t e tunic was streaked with filth. He h a d b e e n in the p r i s o n for only o n e night, a n d the dark, the d a m p stench a n d the isolation h a d acted o n h i m w i t h impressive speed. ' Y o u told the sentry it was important.' 'It is. I w a n t to offer y o u a deal.' 'Really?' M a c r o s m i l e d thinly. ' W h a t k i n d of a deal? A r e y o u g o i n g to p r o m i s e to be a g o o d b o y if I let y o u g o ? ' 'Yes. I'll behave.' 'I see, a n d w h y s h o u l d I trust y o u to behave? Y o u see, I have no m o r e faith in y o u r w o r d than y o u have in mine.' Atticus licked his lips nervously. 'I k n o w w h e r e to find food.' ' S o d o I ; w e k e e p d i g g i n g i n the ruins.' 'I m e a n , I k n o w w h e r e we can find a lot of f o o d . E n o u g h to feed the p e o p l e for m a n y days.' ' O h . A n d w h e r e w o u l d this f o o d b e ? ' ' T h e f a r m i n g estate o f a friend o f mine.' 'Where?' ' O n the coast, n o t far f r o m here. The estate b e l o n g s to D e m e t r i u s o f Ithaca.' 'We've already tried there. I sent a patrol yesterday. T h e y c a m e b a c k e m p t y - h a n d e d . It s e e m s the slaves, or their b r i g a n d friends, h a d g o t there a h e a d o f u s a n d e m p t i e d the grain pits.' Atticus smiled. 'That's w h a t y o u think. D e m e t r i u s is a cautious m a n . B e i n g close to the sea, he was always w o r r i e d a b o u t raids f r o m pirates. So he kept his valuables, a n d nearly all his p r o d u c e , in a small c o m p o u n d a m i l e or so f r o m the m a i n estate. T h e entrance is easily missed, and the c o m p o u n d is p r o t e c t e d by a palisade. I dare say that D e m e t r i u s will have h e a d e d there the m o m e n t the

earthquake

ended.' ' A s s u m i n g h e survived.' 'I don't d o u b t that he did. He's a resourceful man.' 'I a s s u m e that y o u c o u l d lead us there.' 'In e x c h a n g e for my f r e e d o m . . . and a reward.' ' O n c e y o u give m e the directions t o this c o m p o u n d , ' M a c r o r e s p o n d e d . 'If you're right, then I'll think a b o u t letting y o u out.' ' N o t h i n g d o i n g . Y o u either let m e s h o w y o u w h e r e i t i s and let

78

me g o , or y o u can starve for all I care.' Atticus gestured casually. ' O f c o u r s e y o u c o u l d always torture m e t o reveal the location a n d then have me quietly killed.' M a c r o n o d d e d slowly. ' N o t a b a d idea, that. A r e d - h o t p o k e r up the arse is usually pretty g o o d at l o o s e n i n g t o n g u e s . I c o u l d give it a g o , i f y o u like.' Atticus l o o k e d hard a t M a c r o , trying t o g a u g e i f the o t h e r m a n was j o k i n g , b u t there was a d a n g e r o u s glint in M a c r o ' s eyes a n d the G r e e k s w a l l o w e d quickly. 'I'll s h o w y o u w h e r e it is, a n d then y o u can set me free.' 'I'll think a b o u t it.' 'I w o n ' t c o - o p e r a t e unless y o u g u a r a n t e e my release,' Atticus said w i t h as m u c h defiance as he c o u l d m a n a g e . 'It's t o o late to strike a deal, my friend. You've already told me y o u have s o m e t h i n g I w a n t . I don't s u p p o s e for a m o m e n t that y o u w a n t to take that k n o w l e d g e w i t h y o u to the grave. S o , it's j u s t a q u e s t i o n o f t o r t u r i n g y o u until y o u give i t up. A n d if, b y s o m e miracle, y o u are a m u c h t o u g h e r bastard than I take y o u for, then y o u m i g h t die before spilling y o u r guts. I shan't c o m p l a i n if there is o n e less m o u t h to feed . . . o n c e we've finished pulling y o u to pieces, a bit at a time.' M a c r o sat b a c k a n d scratched his chin nonchalantly. ' S o t h e n , what's i t t o b e ? Tell m e w h a t y o u k n o w , o r let m e prise i t o u t o f y o u ? ' Atticus g r i t t e d his teeth as he let o u t a l o n g hiss of breath. 'All right, I'll take y o u t o the c o m p o u n d . T h e n will y o u release m e ? ' ' Y o u play fair by m e , a n d I'll do the s a m e for you,' M a c r o replied. H e s t o o d a n d t u r n e d t o climb b a c k u p the steps. ' H e y ! W h a t a b o u t m e ? ' Atticus called after h i m . M a c r o p a u s e d a n d l o o k e d b a c k . 'Tyrant y o u called m e . T h a t , I can live w i t h . P i g , on the other h a n d , takes a little t i m e to get over. A n o t h e r night in here will do w o n d e r s to help y o u d e v e l o p a d u e sense of deference. S l e e p tight.'

79

CHAPTER N I N E

T

he small c o l u m n left M a t a l a at daybreak. M a c r o t o o k forty m e n a r m e d w i t h spears f r o m his fighting c e n t u r y to escort four

w a g o n s , all that c o u l d be d r a w n by the available horses and m u l e s . A handful of civilians h a d v o l u n t e e r e d to drive the w a g o n s a n d act as porters. Atticus, unshaven a n d blinking, was taken o u t of the cistern and chained t o the driver's b e n c h o f the l e a d i n g w a g o n . H e s c o w l e d at M a c r o as the latter strode past a n d t o o k p o s i t i o n at the h e a d of the leading section. C e n t u r i o n Portillus h a d already p r o v i d e d h i m w i t h directions to the estate a n d Atticus w o u l d direct t h e m from there to the c o m p o u n d . M a c r o h a d left Portillus to c o m m a n d in his absence. W i t h C e n t u r i o n M i l o , the o t h e r five sections o f the fighting century, and the m e n detailed as rescue parties, he s h o u l d have m o r e than e n o u g h strength to deal w i t h any trouble from the refugees in Macro's absence. M a c r o t o o k a last l o o k d o w n the c o l u m n to m a k e sure that e v e r y o n e was ready, then w a v e d his h a n d and swept it forward. T h e l e a d i n g sections s t e p p e d o u t , their nailed b o o t s g r i n d i n g the l o o s e chippings o n the d r i e d - o u t surface o f the road. B e h i n d t h e m c a m e the steady clop o f the horses and m u l e s and then the d e e p r u m b l e o f the w a g o n wheels. A t the tail o f the c o l u m n the r e m a i n i n g t w o sections p a c e d forward as a few refugees l o o k e d o n . T h e y w a t c h e d the c o n v o y for a short while, then r e t u r n e d to the daily struggle to search the ruins for f o o d and anything of value that c o u l d be h o a r d e d until after the crisis was over and n o r m a l life c o u l d b e g i n again. T h e road c l i m b e d a short distance inland b e f o r e j o i n i n g the m a i n r o u t e that stretched a l o n g the s o u t h e r n coast of C r e t e . A m i l e s t o n e m a r k e d the distance to G o r t y n a , a n d M a c r o led the c o l u m n in that direction. T h e r e h a d still b e e n n o w o r d from C a t o a n d S e m p r o n i u s , and M a c r o was b e g i n n i n g t o worry. S o m e t h i n g m i g h t have h a p p e n e d

80

to t h e m on the road to the provincial capital, b u t short of s e n d i n g o u t a search party, or travelling the s a m e r o u t e himself, there was no way o f k n o w i n g for sure. H e tried t o thrust the c o n c e r n f r o m his m i n d as he t o o k in the s u r r o u n d i n g c o u n t r y s i d e . As the road r e a c h e d the fertile plain that stretched across m u c h of the s o u t h e r n side of the island, a vista of f a r m l a n d spread o u t on either side, d o t t e d w i t h the hovels o f smallholders, the m u c h larger structures o f estates, a n d here and there a small village. T h e y c a m e to a j u n c t i o n beside a m i l e s t o n e and, f o l l o w i n g the directions given to h i m by Portillus, M a c r o led the c o l u m n off the m a i n road and d o w n the lane towards the estate o f D e m e t r i u s . T h e c o l u m n t r a m p e d a l o n g the peaceful lane a s insects d r o n e d lazily b e t w e e n the flowers that f r i n g e d the route. 'Sir.' O n e

o f the

auxiliaries i n the l e a d i n g section s u d d e n l y

p o i n t e d ahead. A t f i r s t M a c r o saw only a n untidy b u n d l e o f rags, then q u i c k l y realised it was a body. He threw up his a r m a n d called o u t , ' H a l t ! ' W h i l e the m e n a n d w a g o n s g r o u n d t o a stop, M a c r o cautiously m a d e his way d o w n the stony lane, warily g l a n c i n g from side to side as he a p p r o a c h e d the body. It was a m a n w h o m u s t have h a d an i m p o s i n g p h y s i q u e w h e n he was alive, despite his sparse grey hair a n d w o r n features. T h e b o d y lay curled up on its side in a ball. T h e skin was livid w i t h bruises and cuts. B e n e a t h the skin, l u m p s a n d swellings indicated w h e r e b o n e s h a d b e e n b r o k e n , a n d the o n c e strong j a w h a d b e e n p u l v e r i s e d so badly that the m i s s h a p e n face w o u l d have b e e n barely recognisable t o a n y o n e w h o h a d k n o w n h i m i n life. M a c r o squatted d o w n to e x a m i n e the body, w r i n k l i n g his n o s e at the r i p e o d o u r s o f decay. T h e tunic was o f a g o o d quality a n d the belt was d e c o r a t e d w i t h silver f i t t i n g s . T h e m a n w o r e a r m y b o o t s , o l d but well l o o k e d after, a n d a t o u g h leather w h i p was w r a p p e d tightly a b o u t his throat. H i s t o n g u e p r o t r u d e d from his swollen lips a n d his eyes b u l g e d i n their sockets. T h e b r a n d o f M i t h r a s was clearly visible on the f o r e h e a d , a n d M a c r o realised that he was l o o k i n g at a l e g i o n a r y veteran. D i s c h a r g e d f r o m the army, he h a d taken a j o b as a n overseer o f slaves. T h e hard life o f the l e g i o n s m a d e such m e n well suited t o the task, a n d also m a d e t h e m t h e f i r s t target o f the w r a t h o f slaves if they rose in rebellion. S l i p p i n g his hands u n d e r the body, M a c r o rolled it o f f the road a n d 81

into the grass at the verge. R i s i n g b a c k to his full height, he w a v e d the c o l u m n o n a n d the m e n t r u d g e d past the c o r p s e , briefly g l a n c i n g over it as they w e n t by. T h e m o r e e x p e r i e n c e d a n d n e r v o u s of the m e n b e g a n t o survey the s u r r o u n d i n g landscape warily n o w that they h a d seen this first sign of danger. A short distance f r o m the body, the lane passed t h r o u g h a g r o v e of olive trees a n d t h e n e m e r g e d b e f o r e an extensive sprawl of buildings a n d e m p t y grain pits. I m m e d i a t e l y in front o f t h e m was a n i m p o s i n g gateway l e a d i n g into the villa o f the estate owner. A quarter of a m i l e away lay the slave c o m p o u n d . T h e r e w e r e large gaps i n the wall t h r o u g h w h i c h M a c r o c o u l d see the remains o f the l o n g b a r r a c k blocks i n w h i c h the slaves w e r e l o c k e d u p each night. T h e r e was n o sign o f life there now. T h e bitter tang o f b u r n i n g wafted t h r o u g h the air, a n d M a c r o halted the c o l u m n o n c e m o r e outside the gate. 'First section, w i t h m e ! ' H i s fist t i g h t e n e d r o u n d the handle of his s w o r d as he warily a p p r o a c h e d the entrance t o D e m e t r i u s ' s villa. O n e o f the gates was still in place b u t the o t h e r h a d b e e n thrust o p e n , a n d M a c r o warily led his eight auxiliaries inside. T h e r e was a large o p e n courtyard s u r r o u n d e d by a c o l o n n a d e , w h i c h h a d s u p p o r t e d a tiled r o o f b e f o r e the e a r t h q u a k e . N o w the shattered tiles lay in heaps a b o u t the c o l u m n s . O p p o s i t e the gate s t o o d the b u r n e d - o u t shell o f the m a i n residence. B l a c k e n e d walls a n d charred timbers s t o o d stark against the clear sky. In the centre of the courtyard lay the remains of a large bonfire: a tangle o f b u r n e d w o o d , u n r e c o g n i s a b l e black l u m p s o f m a t t e r a n d ashes. Around the remains of the fire w e r e three tall b e a m s a n d crosspieces. A b o d y was nailed to e a c h , facing the fire. T h e rear o f e a c h b o d y was u n h a r m e d , and c o l o u r e d cloth still c l u n g t o the c o r p s e s . H o w e v e r , on the side facing the fire they h a d b e e n slowly roasted. T h e cloth h a d c h a r r e d and the skin was black and blistered. T h e i r lips h a d b e e n c u r l e d b a c k b y the heat, e x p o s i n g t h e teeth, w h i c h n o w s e e m e d t o g r i n a t the horrified soldiers standing b e n e a t h them. M a c r o p i c k e d u p the lightly b u r n e d e n d o f a shaft o f w o o d and p r o d d e d the charred debris. ' L o o k s like s o m e o n e w e n t into the f i r e . ' H e t u r n e d a n d scanned the g r o u n d until h e saw the hole into w h i c h the fourth b e a m h a d

82

b e e n d r o p p e d . T h e e n d o f the b e a m still p r o t r u d e d f r o m the remains o f the f i r e . ' T h e r e . L o o k s like the slaves p u s h e d o n e o f their victims into the flames.' ' F u c k i n g awful way t o die,' m u t t e r e d o n e o f the auxiliaries. M a c r o d r o p p e d the shaft a n d g l a n c e d r o u n d the inside o f the courtyard. 'Well, there ain't a g o o d way to die. C o m e o n , lads. W e ' v e seen e n o u g h . N o t h i n g t o b e d o n e here.' O u t s i d e , the m e n w h o h a d r e m a i n e d i n the c o l u m n l o o k e d curiously at the ashen expressions of the section M a c r o h a d taken inside. H e m a d e his way over t o the w a g o n w h e r e Atticus was c h a i n e d to the b e n c h and o r d e r e d the driver to r e m o v e the shackles. Atticus r u b b e d his ankles a n d n o d d e d towards the villa. ' A n y sign o f D e m e t r i u s ? ' 'Wouldn't k n o w w h a t he l o o k s like. In any case, it's i m p o s s i b l e to tell w h o any o f t h e m were.' Atticus l o o k e d at h i m quickly. ' W h a t h a p p e n e d in there?' ' L o o k s like the slaves d e c i d e d to take r e v e n g e on their master a n d his family. C o o k e d ' e m alive.' ' S w e e t g o d s . . .' Atticus swallowed, t h e n l o o k e d r o u n d anxiously. ' D o y o u think the slaves are still n e a r b y ? ' M a c r o s h o o k his h e a d . ' N o t i f they're sensible. Y o u k n o w the law — if any slave kills his master, then every slave in the h o u s e h o l d has to be e x e c u t e d . My guess is that o n c e they realised w h a t they'd let themselves in for, they ran for the hills.' Atticus's e x p r e s s i o n h a r d e n e d . ' T h e n they m u s t b e h u n t e d d o w n and killed.' 'All in g o o d time,' M a c r o replied evenly. ' R i g h t n o w I w a n t y o u to take us to D e m e t r i u s ' s f o o d hoard.' 'Yes, of course.' Atticus t o o k o n e last glance at the villa gates, then d r e w a d e e p breath a n d p o i n t e d to a n a r r o w track h e a d i n g away f r o m the buildings towards a distant line of p i n e trees. ' O v e r there.' T h e c o l u m n c o n t i n u e d forward, e a g e r t o b e away f r o m the stench of the b u r n e d villa. J u s t b e f o r e they r e a c h e d the trees there w a s a s h o u t f r o m o n e o f the w a g o n s , and M a c r o t u r n e d t o see the driver p o i n t i n g across the o p e n g r o u n d towards a j u m b l e d cluster of rocks half a mile away. T h r e e figures w e r e standing on the highest rock, watching them. 83

'Slaves,' Atticus m u t t e r e d t h r o u g h c l e n c h e d t e e t h . ' We s h o u l d take t h e m . C e n t u r i o n , send y o u r m e n after those m u r d e r o u s bastards.' T h e r e was g r u m b l e d a g r e e m e n t from the nearest auxiliaries, but M a c r o s h o o k his h e a d . ' N o t h i n g d o i n g , Atticus. W e can't spare the m e n for a chase. B e s i d e s , my lads can't o u t p a c e t h e m in full a r m o u r . In any case, they'll k n o w the g r o u n d a r o u n d here. C h a n c e s are they'll lead o u r m e n into a trap.' 'You're letting t h e m get away?' Atticus said w i t h a s h o c k e d expression. ' C a n ' t help it. R i g h t n o w w e have m o r e i m p o r t a n t things t o deal w i t h . T h e slaves can wait for the m o m e n t . ' M a c r o cleared his throat a n d called o u t harshly, ' K e e p m o v i n g ! M o v e , y o u idle bastards!' T h e y entered the p i n e trees and the track w o u n d its way t h r o u g h the d a p p l e d light. M a c r o s c a n n e d the r o u t e a h e a d , and the s h a d o w s on either side, as they progressed for over half a m i l e . ' Y o u had better be right a b o u t this f o o d hoard,' he said quietly. 'I k n o w the way,' Atticus replied. 'I j u s t h o p e the slaves haven't b e e n there a n d taken it already. C h a n c e s are that q u i t e a few of t h e m k n e w o f it.' M a c r o n o d d e d . 'Let's h o p e they t h o u g h t better than to b u r n it d o w n . T h e slaves have g o t to eat too.' T h e track t u r n e d sharply to the left a n d d e s c e n d e d into a g o r g e w i t h steep sides, a perfect spot for an a m b u s h , M a c r o d e c i d e d , as he g l a n c e d up at the b o u l d e r s strewn across the slopes. If t h o s e w e r e t u m b l e d d o w n o n t o the c o l u m n they w o u l d s m a s h the w a g o n s t o p i e c e s , a n d crush any m a n or h o r s e in their path. ' H o w m u c h further?' 'We're there.' Atticus raised his h a n d a n d p o i n t e d . ' T h r o u g h the trees, s e e ? ' M a c r o squinted a n d saw that the track b e g a n to o p e n o u t into a clearing a h u n d r e d p a c e s ahead. On either side the slopes of the g o r g e spread o u t . As the c o l u m n entered the clearing he saw a sizeable w o o d e n s t o c k a d e , t w i c e the height o f a m a n . T h e r e was a w a t c h t o w e r at each c o r n e r and a stout pair of gates w h e r e the track e n d e d . A n u m b e r of b o d i e s lay in front of the w o o d e n walls, struck d o w n by arrows a n d light javelins.

84

' S e e m s that the slaves p a i d a visit after all,' said M a c r o . ' S o m e o n e was here to see t h e m off.' ' S t o p there!' a v o i c e called o u t f r o m the s t o c k a d e , a n d M a c r o saw that several m e n h a d a p p e a r e d a b o v e the s h a r p e n e d stakes that f o r m e d the wall. E a c h m a n c a r r i e d a javelin, a n d there was further m o v e m e n t in the nearest w a t c h t o w e r s as b o w m e n c l i m b e d the ladders. A figure above the gate c u p p e d a h a n d to his m o u t h a n d called o u t a g a i n , ' I said stop w h e r e y o u are!' ' H a l t ! ' o r d e r e d M a c r o . He s t e p p e d forward and raised a h a n d in greeting. 'We're from M a t a l a . Twelfth H i s p a n i a . C e n t u r i o n M a c r o . ' ' C e n t u r i o n M a c r o ? N e v e r heard o f you.' 'I arrived shortly after the earthquake.' ' H o w c o n v e n i e n t ! ' the m a n a b o v e the gate replied caustically. ' B e g o n e ! Before I order my m e n to shoot you down.' M a c r o l o o k e d b a c k over his shoulder. 'Atticus! C o m e forward!' T h e m e n p a r t e d as Atticus eased his way t h r o u g h the front ranks o f the auxiliaries a n d s t o o d b e s i d e M a c r o . ' D o y o u k n o w that m a n u p there?' M a c r o p o i n t e d . Atticus strained his eyes for a m o m e n t a n d then smiled. 'Why, yes! That's D e m e t r i u s . ' H e s t e p p e d forward a n d called out. ' D e m e t r i u s o f Ithaca, it's m e , A t t i c u s ! ' T h e r e was a b r i e f p a u s e b e f o r e the m a n a b o v e the gate r e s p o n d e d i n a relieved t o n e . 'Atticus! Y o u survived. N o surprise there. W h o ' s y o u r friend? I k n o w the officers of the Twelfth, b u t I don't r e c o g n i s e him.' ' H e arrived after the e a r t h q u a k e , like he says.' 'Fair e n o u g h . . .' D e m e t r i u s t u r n e d to

call d o w n into the

s t o c k a d e . ' O p e n the g a t e ! ' W i t h a faint creak from the ropes that acted as hinges, the gates s w u n g inwards and a m o m e n t later D e m e t r i u s e m e r g e d , smiling, as h e a d v a n c e d o n Atticus a n d M a c r o . After clasping a r m s w i t h his friend, the estate o w n e r t u r n e d t o e x a m i n e M a c r o . ' A relation o f Atticus?' 'I think not,' M a c r o s n o r t e d . 'Well, y o u c o u l d be m i s t a k e n for a brother.' ' R e a l l y ? Well, that's s o m e t h i n g I shall j u s t have to live with.' 'A p r i c k l y friend y o u have here, Atticus.' 85

'He's n o friend.' Atticus s h o o k his h e a d . ' W h a t h a p p e n e d here? W e passed w h a t was left of the villa. W h e n we saw the b o d i e s I feared that y o u h a d b e e n killed.' Demetrius

frowned. 'Bodies? What

do you

m e a n ? W h a t has

h a p p e n e d t o m y villa?' 'Surely y o u k n o w ? ' 'If I did, I w o u l d n ' t be asking. Tell me.' M a c r o cleared his throat. ' T h e place has b e e n b u r n e d d o w n b y the slaves. We f o u n d the b o d y of an overseer a short distance from the villa, a n d four m o r e b o d i e s inside.' T h e b l o o d d r a i n e d f r o m D e m e t r i u s ' s face. ' W h e n I b r o u g h t m y family d o w n here I left my steward in c h a r g e w i t h a handful of m e n I c o u l d trust.' ' W h a t h a p p e n e d b a c k there?' asked M a c r o . 'After the e a r t h q u a k e ? ' D e m e t r i u s was silent for a m o m e n t , as he collected his t h o u g h t s . ' T h e slaves h a d b e e n w o r k i n g late that evening, and h a d only j u s t c o m e b a c k f r o m the estate w h e n the e a r t h q u a k e struck. I was w i t h m y family i n the garden. I f w e h a d b e e n inside, t h e n w e w o u l d have shared the fate of the kitchen staff, a n d b e e n c r u s h e d a n d b u r i e d alive. As it was, they w e r e the only ones we lost. I left orders for the slaves to repair as m u c h d a m a g e as possible w h i l e we t o o k shelter d o w n here. M y steward r e p o r t e d t o m e o n the first e v e n i n g after the e a r t h q u a k e , and said that the slaves w e r e b e i n g kept in their place by the overseers and the repairs to the c o m p o u n d wall were u n d e r way. So I t h o u g h t all was well, until he failed to report the f o l l o w i n g e v e n i n g , and the o n e after. T h a t was w h e n they appeared.' H e indicated the b o d i e s . ' T u r n e d up at dusk a n d d e m a n d e d that I o p e n the gates. W h e n I said n o , they c h a r g e d the gate. I told my m e n to stop t h e m , a n d as y o u c a n see, that did the job. They m e l t e d away into the trees. We've b e e n k e e p i n g a close w a t c h for t h e m ever since,' D e m e t r i u s c o n c l u d e d wearily. ' W h o e v e r they are.' M a c r o n o d d e d towards the b o d i e s . ' T h o s e aren't y o u r slaves?' ' O n e o r t w o o f t h e m . T h e rest are strangers.' M a c r o stared at the nearest b o d i e s for a m o m e n t , d e e p in t h o u g h t . 'That's w o r r y i n g . I had h o p e d that this was a local uprising. B u t it s e e m s that y o u r slaves m u s t have b e e n led on by outsiders. Possibly b r i g a n d s from the hills w h o have c o m e to stir things up and g r a b

86

s o m e l o o t , or slaves from a n o t h e r estate. E i t h e r way, y o u r slaves are in o p e n revolt now. T h e y ' l l have to be dealt w i t h w h e n I get the chance.' ' D e a l t w i t h ? ' D e m e t r i u s l o o k e d a l a r m e d . ' B u t I have a f o r t u n e invested in them.' 'Well, it s e e m s that y o u r investment has j u s t t u r n e d sour,' M a c r o r e s p o n d e d flatly. ' S o u r e n o u g h t o b u r n d o w n y o u r villa, a n d roast y o u r steward a n d s o m e others into the bargain.' 'When

I

find

the

ringleaders,

I'll

make

them

pay

dearly'

D e m e t r i u s said bitterly, and then quickly l o o k e d at M a c r o . ' B u t w h y have y o u c o m e here? T o rescue us?' ' N o , but y o u a n d these others are w e l c o m e t o j o i n u s w h e n w e return to Matala.' ' S o w h y are y o u here?' 'I've c o m e for w h a t e v e r supplies o f grain, olives a n d any o t h e r foodstuffs y o u have in y o u r stockade.' D e m e t r i u s ' s eyes n a r r o w e d . ' Y o u ' v e c o m e t o take m y p r o p e r t y ? ' M a c r o n o d d e d . ' I a m here t o c o m m a n d e e r it. D u e n o t e will b e m a d e o f everything w e take away o n the w a g o n s , and y o u can apply for c o m p e n s a t i o n o n c e order is restored to C r e t e . N o w , if y o u don't m i n d , I w a n t the w a g o n s l o a d e d as q u i c k l y as possible. If there are rebellious slaves on the l o o s e we s h o u l d return to M a t a l a b e f o r e dark.' M a c r o t u r n e d t o call a n o r d e r b a c k t o the waiting c o l u m n . ' G e t the w a g o n s into the s t o c k a d e a n d l o a d ' e m u p ! ' 'Wait!' D e m e t r i u s

grasped

Macro's

a r m . 'You

can't

take

my

property. I f o r b i d it.' ' T h e p e o p l e i n M a t a l a n e e d feeding. There's n o t e n o u g h f o o d i n the t o w n a n d we n e e d y o u r s . Sorry, b u t there it is.' M a c r o l o w e r e d his gaze t o the Greek's h a n d . ' N o w , i f y o u don't m i n d s t e p p i n g aside, m y m e n can get on w i t h it.' ' N o . N o ! Y o u can't. I w o n ' t allow y o u to.' M a c r o s i g h e d . 'I see. Well then . . . First section! Arrest this m a n . D i s a r m his followers. If a n y o n e tries to resist, then k n o c k ' e m on the head.' ' W h a t ? ' D e m e t r i u s stared a b o u t wildly as he was seized by t w o o f M a c r o ' s m e n . T h e rest o f the c o l u m n m a r c h e d o n into the s t o c k ade, t o g e t h e r w i t h the w a g o n s . A s M a c r o had s u s p e c t e d , w i t h o u t 87

D e m e t r i u s to lead t h e m , his retainers m e e k l y surrendered their w e a p o n s and s t o o d in a little g r o u p , u n d e r g u a r d , as the soldiers and volunteers b e g a n t o l o a d the f i r s t sacks o f grain a n d jars o f olives o n t o the beds o f the w a g o n s . D e m e t r i u s c o n t i n u e d t o c o m p l a i n , loudly, until M a c r o d r e w his s w o r d and patted the flat against the p a l m of his hand. ' D o b e a g o o d m a n a n d p i p e d o w n , eh? O t h e r w i s e I'll have t o m a k e you.' ' Y o u w o u l d n ' t dare,' D e m e t r i u s spat b a c k defiantly. ' H e would,' Atticus i n t e r r u p t e d . ' B e l i e v e m e . B e s t do as he says. F o r now.' T h e estate o w n e r stared at his friend for an instant, a n d then his shoulders s l u m p e d as he gave w a y a n d sat heavily on o n e of the piles of grain sacks that s t o o d b e t w e e n the l o w s t o r e r o o m s that filled the stockade. 'That's the spirit.' M a c r o s m i l e d reassuringly. T h e w a g o n s were l o a d e d as fully as possible, a n d the axles creaked a n d g r o a n e d u n d e r the l o a d a s the drivers steered t h e m o u t o f the s t o c k a d e a n d b a c k up the track towards the villa. M a c r o m a d e a last attempt

to

persuade

Demetrius

to

come

with

t h e m , but

the

l a n d o w n e r was a d a m a n t that he w a n t e d to protect w h a t was left of his stock o f f o o d supplies. W i t h a b r i e f s h o w o f reluctance, s o m e o f his m e n o p t e d to go w i t h the c o l u m n . A handful r e m a i n e d b e h i n d w i t h h i m and w a t c h e d as the c o l u m n gradually disappeared into the p i n e trees that g r e w on the sides of the g o r g e . A s they h e a d e d b a c k u p the track, M a c r o t u r n e d t o Atticus a n d m u t t e r e d , ' Y o u r friend is a fool. He m i g h t have driven the slaves off the last t i m e . B u t if they g r o w in strength they'll be far m o r e d e t e r m i n e d n e x t t i m e . D e m e t r i u s a n d the others will e n d u p like those I saw at the villa, in all likelihood.' 'You really think s o ? ' ' H a r d to be sure,' M a c r o c o n c e d e d . ' B u t it s e e m s that the slaves are b e g i n n i n g to organise. If that's the case, then we m a y have quite a p r o b l e m o n o u r h a n d s . T h i n g s c o u l d get pretty r o u g h , right across the island.' Atticus was silent for a m o m e n t . 'I h o p e you're w r o n g . ' ' S o do I,' M a c r o replied quietly, surveying the sides of the g o r g e

88

as the heavily laden c o l u m n slowly m a d e its way a l o n g the track. As they e m e r g e d from the g o r g e he let o u t a sigh of relief. A short distance further o n , the track b e g a n to pass t h r o u g h a thicker c o n c e n t r a t i o n of p i n e trees, a n d t h e n , a little way a h e a d , it e m e r g e d from the trees on to o p e n g r o u n d . In the distance M a c r o saw the remains o f the villa. A s h e t u r n e d t o Atticus, t o m a k e s o m e j o k e a b o u t b e i n g o u t of the w o o d s , there was a faint crack as a stick b r o k e , s o m e w h e r e o f f in the trees. M a c r o ' s eyes shot r o u n d to stare into the s h a d o w s b e n e a t h the b r a n c h e s . Figures e m e r g e d from the g l o o m , stealthily closing i n o n the c o l u m n f r o m b o t h sides. M a c r o d r e w his sword, s n a t c h e d a d e e p breath and b e l l o w e d , ' A m b u s h ! '

89

CHAPTER TEN

T

here was a s u d d e n s h o u t from the trees, a n d the cry was taken up on all sides as the attackers s w a r m e d o u t of the s h a d o w s ,

c h a r g i n g towards M a c r o ' s c o l u m n on the track. M a c r o planted his

l e a d i n g f o o t towards the nearest e n e m i e s a n d b r a c e d his shield up in front o f h i m , s w o r d a r m d r a w n b a c k ready t o thrust. ' F o r m u p ! F a c e ' e m ! ' h e s h o u t e d t o his m e n a b o v e the din. M o s t reacted swiftly, t u r n i n g to confront the enemy, spear tips l o w e r e d . A handful w e r e m o m e n t a r i l y d a z e d b y the s u d d e n n e s s o f the attack and s t u m b l e d b a c k in the face of the onslaught. ' K e e p the w a g o n s m o v i n g ! ' M a c r o o r d e r e d the l e a d i n g driver. As the

attackers raced o u t of the s h a d o w s , M a c r o

saw that

they w e r e dressed i n o l d tattered tunics, m o s t o f t h e m barefoot, a n d a r m e d w i t h a n a s s o r t m e n t o f knives, hatchets a n d pitchforks. O n l y a handful h a d swords or spears and they clearly had no idea h o w t o use t h e m . T h e y w a v e d t h e m a r o u n d a b o v e their heads, w e a r i n g frenzied expressions of hate and terror on their faces, as they c h a r g e d in. T h e r e was no t i m e to take any m o r e in as the first of t h e m , teeth gritted a n d eyes w i d e and staring madly, slashed at M a c r o w i t h a scythe. M a c r o t o o k the g l a n c i n g b l o w o n the side o f his shield a n d then p i v o t e d on his leading foot to k n o c k the slave off b a l a n c e as he s t u m b l e d past. As the slave tried to retain his balance, M a c r o stabbed h i m i n the side o f the chest, d r i v i n g the blade h o m e , b e f o r e r i p p i n g i t free w i t h a g u s h o f b l o o d . T h e m a n d o u b l e d up, releasing his g r i p on t h e scythe and clasped his hands over the w o u n d as he s l u m p e d to the g r o u n d a n d curled up w i t h a d e e p g r o a n o f agony. M a c r o l o o k e d up. M o r e slaves w e r e p o u r i n g f r o m u n d e r the trees. H e c o u l d n o t estimate their strength, but they clearly o u t n u m b e r e d the m e n in M a c r o ' s c o l u m n . H o w e v e r , the auxiliaries were trained

90

fighters, and well a r m e d . As M a c r o g l a n c e d r o u n d , he saw that his m e n w e r e h o l d i n g their o w n , c u t t i n g d o w n the slaves as they c a m e on in a disorganised rush. A s u d d e n snarl s n a p p e d M a c r o ' s attention b a c k to his front as a slave l e a p e d towards h i m , s w i n g i n g a m e a t cleaver. He j u s t had t i m e to throw his shield up as the heavy blade s l a m m e d into

the

edge, cutting through

the b r o n z e

trim

and

splintering the w o o d b e n e a t h , w h e r e it stuck fast. ' M y t u r n ! ' M a c r o snarled, slashing at the side of the man's h e a d , and the blade j a r r e d as it bit t h r o u g h skin and skull w i t h a w e t crack. As the m a n d r o p p e d to his k n e e s w i t h a s t u n n e d expression, M a c r o w i t h d r e w his s w o r d a n d k n o c k e d the cleaver free w i t h the g u a r d . J u s t then he felt s o m e t h i n g grasp his ankle a n d l o o k e d d o w n to see that the f i r s t m a n h a d d r a g g e d h i m s e l f towards his b o o t a n d , h a v i n g g r a b b e d it, was p r e p a r i n g to sink his teeth into M a c r o ' s calf. ' D o n ' t y o u dare!' M a c r o k i c k e d the h a n d free a n d s t a m p e d o n the man's wrist w i t h his nailed b o o t . T h e n h e s w u n g the l o w e r e d g e o f the shield at the slave's h e a d , k n o c k i n g the stricken m a n o u t . ' W h e n I p u t y o u d o w n , y o u stay d o w n ! ' M a c r o e d g e d a l o n g the track, k e e p i n g p a c e w i t h the l e a d i n g w a g o n . H e g l a n c e d t o his left a n d saw that s o m e o f his m e n w e r e t o o intent on the fight to realise that the w a g o n s w e r e c o n t i n u i n g forward. ' K e e p m o v i n g ! ' M a c r o yelled. 'Protect the b l o o d y w a g o n s ! ' E v e n t h o u g h they w e r e p o o r l y a r m e d a n d b e i n g h a c k e d d o w n i n droves, the slaves c o n t i n u e d their ferocious assault, as if they h a d no fear of death. M a c r o saw o n e spitted by a spear as he h u r l e d h i m s e l f at the auxiliaries. T h e b l o o d i e d tip of the spear e x p l o d e d t h r o u g h the b a c k of his tunic a n d the slave heaved h i m s e l f a l o n g the shaft as he clawed at the auxiliary's h e a d . T h e soldier released his g r i p on the spear a n d s n a t c h e d o u t his s w o r d , thrusting it into the slave's throat. W i t h a b l o o d y g u r g l e of rage the slave flailed at his o p p o n e n t , spattering the auxiliary w i t h b l o o d b e f o r e his strength gave o u t and he s l u m p e d to his k n e e s , still p i e r c e d t h r o u g h by the spear. T h e auxiliary b a c k e d away, hastily l o o k i n g r o u n d to m a k e sure that he was k e e p i n g a l o o s e f o r m a t i o n a l o n g s i d e his c o m r a d e s as they p a c e d a l o n g the road, d o i n g their best to stay close to the w a g o n s . T h e g r o u n d on either side was strewn w i t h b o d i e s , a n d still the slaves

91

c a m e o n . M a c r o struck d o w n a toothless m a n , o l d e n o u g h t o b e his father, a n d the m a n c u r s e d h i m as he d i e d . A h a n d g r a s p e d M a c r o ' s s h o u l d e r a n d he s p u n r o u n d , ready to strike, until he saw Atticus and j u s t m a n a g e d to stay his s w o r d in t i m e . ' G i v e m e a w e a p o n , ' Atticus p l e a d e d . ' B e f o r e they tear m e t o pieces!' M a c r o l o o k e d r o u n d a n d saw a pitchfork lying beside the b o d y o f a slave, no m o r e than a boy. ' T h e r e ! T a k e it.' Atticus snatched the pitchfork up a n d g r a s p e d the shaft firmly as he l o w e r e d the p r o n g s at a thin m a n racing towards h i m w i t h a nailed club. T h e slave s w u n g the club in a v i c i o u s arc, a i m i n g at Atticus's h e a d . T h e latter d u c k e d the b l o w and then thrust his p r o n g s into the slave's s t o m a c h , a n d w i t h a g r u n t of b r u t e strength carried the w i r y slave up off the g r o u n d . T h e slave s c r e a m e d as his w e i g h t c a r r i e d h i m further d o w n the sharp iron spikes that i m p a l e d h i m . Atticus twisted the shaft to o n e side a n d the slave crashed to the g r o u n d . P l a c i n g a b o o t o n the man's chest h e w r e n c h e d the p r o n g s free and i m m e d i ately w e n t into a c r o u c h as he l o o k e d r o u n d for a n o t h e r threat. ' G o o d j o b , ' M a c r o said grudgingly. T h e leading w a g o n r u m b l e d o u t o f the w o o d o n t o clear g r o u n d a n d c o n t i n u e d towards the r u i n e d villa, the driver c r a c k i n g his w h i p over the heads o f the horses a n d m u l e s a s h e u r g e d t h e m o n . A h e a d o f h i m , a c o u p l e o f auxiliaries w e r e forced t o s c r a m b l e t o the side o f the track before they w e r e r u n d o w n . M a c r o g r o u n d his teeth furiously as he trotted after the w a g o n . ' N o t s o b l o o d y fast, y o u f o o l ! ' T h e driver c a r r i e d on heedlessly, a n d the others followed his example

as

the

wagons

emerged

from

the

w o o d , leaving

the

auxiliaries a n d volunteers s c r a m b l i n g to k e e p up as they tried to fight off the slaves s w a r m i n g r o u n d the c o l u m n like a n g r y wasps. O n e o f M a c r o ' s m e n , at the rear of the last w a g o n , s t u m b l e d -and fell, sprawling across the gravelled track. At o n c e several slaves l e a p e d on h i m w i t h bloodthirsty h o w l s o f t r i u m p h a n d h a c k e d and stabbed a t h i m as he struggled on the g r o u n d . He let o u t a piercing shriek, b e f o r e it was savagely c u t o f f as axe b l o w s r a i n e d d o w n on his h e a d . M a c r o c o u l d see the d a n g e r clearly e n o u g h . I f the m e n i n the c o l u m n c o u l d n o t stay t o g e t h e r then they w o u l d b e o v e r w h e l m e d

92

and b u t c h e r e d o n e b y o n e . H e had t o slow the leading w a g o n . W i t h a curse he released his g r i p of the shield handle a n d tossed it to o n e side so that it w o u l d n o t w e i g h h i m d o w n . Fortunately there h a d b e e n no t i m e to find any greaves for his legs, a n d the scale a r m o u r was n o t heavy e n o u g h t o stop h i m b r e a k i n g into a r u n . H e s h e a t h e d his s w o r d a n d ran as fast as he c o u l d to overhaul the l e a d i n g w a g o n , passing the h e a v y rear w h e e l s . As it l u r c h e d over a b u m p , a j a r of olive oil t i p p e d over the side, narrowly m i s s i n g M a c r o , a n d shattered on the stony track. He l e a p e d over the shards of pottery, a n d as he d r e w level with the driver, g r a s p e d the side o f the b e n c h a n d l a u n c h e d h i m s e l f u p o n t o t h e f o o t rail. T h e driver g l a n c e d d o w n i n p a n i c , b e f o r e h e saw it was o n e of his o w n side, and then cracked his w h i p again. M a c r o did n o t waste t i m e w i t h any m o r e w o r d s a n d s t r u g g l e d t o his feet, d r i v i n g his fist into the man's s t o m a c h so that he d o u b l e d over w i t h a g r u n t , d r o p p i n g the w h i p a n d traces as he s l u m p e d across the b e n c h , g a s p i n g for breath. M a c r o snatched the traces u p a n d pulled t h e m sharply, d r a g g i n g b a c k o n the h o r s e s ' bridles. ' W h o a ! W h o a there!' W i t h f r i g h t e n e d w h i n n i e s the horses d r e w up a n d the slight incline o f the track slowed the w a g o n a t o n c e . M a c r o settled t h e m on a steady p a c e a n d then g l a n c e d r o u n d . He saw Atticus close by, still b r a n d i s h i n g his pitchfork as he k e p t t w o slaves at bay. N o w that the c o l u m n was in the o p e n , M a c r o h a d a far better v i e w of his situation. Scattered across the field on either side w e r e t w o or three h u n d r e d slaves. After witnessing the fall of so m a n y of their c o m r a d e s in the first m o m e n t s of the attack, the rest w e r e n o w m o r e wary, and they

h u n g b a c k from

the

column, waiting to p o u n c e

on

any

stragglers, o r c h a r g e into any gaps b e t w e e n the w a g o n s a n d the m e n defending them. 'Atticus!' M a c r o s h o u t e d t o h i m . ' O v e r here!' Atticus thrust at the slaves nearest to h i m a n d trotted warily up a l o n g the side o f the l e a d i n g w a g o n . M a c r o l e a n e d towards h i m , clasping the man's h a n d a n d h a u l i n g h i m u p o n t o the driver's b e n c h . ' H e r e , take the traces. K e e p the s p e e d d o w n so that the rest of the w a g o n s a n d the m e n can k e e p up. Is that clear?' Atticus n o d d e d , still breathing r a g g e d l y f r o m his exertions. He t o o k the traces in o n e h a n d , a n d kept a tight g r i p on the shaft of his 93

w e a p o n with the other. M a c r o w a i t e d a m o m e n t to be sure that he h a d the right p a c e , a n d then j u m p e d clear o f the w a g o n , landing heavily. At o n c e he straightened up and d r e w his s w o r d again. 'Twelfth Hispania! Stay w i t h the w a g o n s ! ' The

auxiliaries

and

those

volunteers

who

had

snatched

up

w e a p o n s from the d e a d a n d injured f o r m e d a l o o s e c o r d o n a r o u n d the w a g o n s as the c o l u m n c o n t i n u e d up the track at a m e a s u r e d p a c e . T h e slaves stayed w i t h t h e m , b u t kept m o r e than a spear's length away, t o o n e side o f the w a g o n s . S o m e h a d b e g u n t o snatch u p stones a n d small rocks f r o m the g r o u n d , and h u r l e d t h e m a t the R o m a n soldiers. T h e

uneven

rattle

and

thud

o f the

makeshift

missiles

a c c o m p a n i e d the c o l u m n all the way to the remains of the villa. H a v i n g cast his shield away, M a c r o did his best to d u c k any stones he saw c o m i n g , b u t o n e still crashed off his shoulder. S o m e o f the u n p r o t e c t e d volunteers w e r e n o t s o fortunate, a n d M a c r o saw o n e take a b l o w to the h e a d . T h e m a n c r i e d o u t , clasping a h a n d to his t e m p l e as he staggered away from the track. At o n c e a slave w i t h a mallet l e a p e d forward a n d s m a s h e d it d o w n on his h e a d , c r u s h i n g the skull in a welter of b l o o d a n d brains. T h e y passed the villa a n d c o n t i n u e d up the track towards the j u n c t i o n w i t h the r o a d t o G o r t y n a . T h e slaves k e p t w i t h t h e m , s t o o p i n g to snatch up stones a n d rocks to k e e p hurling at the c o l u m n . F o r their part, the auxiliaries kept their shields raised and, w h e n the c h a n c e p e r m i t t e d , threw missiles b a c k . T h e path o f M a c r o ' s c o l u m n was m a r k e d by d e a d a n d injured slaves, w i t h a handful of civilians a n d soldiers a m o n g s t t h e m . ' H o w l o n g d o y o u think they'll k e e p this u p ? ' Atticus called o u t f r o m w h e r e h e c r o u c h e d l o w b y the driver's b e n c h . ' U n t i l they get tired of it,' M a c r o replied tersely as he d u c k e d to p i c k u p a shield f r o m o n e o f his m e n w h o had fallen a t the h e a d o f the c o l u m n . A large rock h a d shattered the auxiliary's k n e e a n d he g r i t t e d his teeth as he sat on the g r o u n d . M a c r o t u r n e d to the nearest o f his m e n . 'Get him on to a w a g o n ! ' W h i l e they h a u l e d the soldier u p and d r a g g e d h i m , c r y i n g o u t i n agony, to the rear of the l e a d i n g w a g o n , M a c r o hefted the shield a n d held it h i g h to cover his body. T h e rain of missiles eased off a n d he

94

saw that the slaves w e r e pulling b a c k . T w o h u n d r e d paces away, standing on a stretch of wall, s t o o d a figure s h o u t i n g orders to t h e m . Unlike

the

others

he

was

w e a r i n g leather b o d y

armour, with

wrist guards, a n d a leather skullcap. A s w o r d h u n g from a strap across his shoulder. B e h i n d h i m s t o o d several o t h e r m e n similarly e q u i p p e d . As the slaves g a t h e r e d in a l o o s e m o b in front of h i m , the m a n continued

to

give

his instructions. W i t h deliberate

gestures

he

p o i n t e d in the direction of the road, and at o n c e a b o d y of his followers ran o f f in that direction. T h e rest t u r n e d b a c k towards the c o n v o y a n d c o n t i n u e d to b o m b a r d it w i t h stones and rocks. B u t this t i m e they h a d p i c k e d a n e w target. T h e i r fire c o n c e n t r a t e d on the leading w a g o n . ' T h e y ' r e g o i n g for the horses and m u l e s ! ' M a c r o called o u t . ' C o v e r them!' T h e m e n closed u p a l o n g the flanks o f the leading d r a u g h t animals, p r o t e c t i n g t h e m as best they c o u l d . B u t the targets w e r e t o o large t o miss, a n d every s o often o n e o f the beasts w o u l d w h i n n y a n d leap in its traces as it was struck. Atticus did his best to k e e p control o f t h e m , b u t the frequent stops s l o w e d the p a c e o f the c o l u m n t o a crawl. M a c r o g r i t t e d his teeth in frustration, well aware that the other g r o u p o f slaves h a d raced a h e a d o f t h e m t o the m a i n road, n o d o u b t w i t h s o m e plan in m i n d to r e n e w the attack. G l a n c i n g up at the sky, he also realised that it was well past n o o n . If they did n o t q u i c k e n the p a c e there was a c h a n c e that they w o u l d still be on the road to M a t a l a , s u r r o u n d e d by their attackers, as night fell. If that h a p p e n e d , then they c o u l d easily be r u s h e d in the darkness. H e l o o k e d towards the slave leader again. T h e m a n was w a l k i n g alongside the track, a h u n d r e d paces away, p a u s i n g n o w a n d t h e n to watch the progress of his followers as they kept up their harassment o f the w a g o n s . 'You're n o t g o i n g to have things y o u r o w n way for ever, mate,' M a c r o g r o w l e d , then t u r n e d t o the m e n f o l l o w i n g h i m . ' W h e n I give the w o r d , first three sections follow m e . Go in hard a n d fast w i t h as m u c h noise as y o u can m a k e . G e t ready . . .' M a c r o t e n s e d his muscles as he w a l k e d slowly a l o n g the track, w a t c h i n g a n d w a i t i n g as the slaves g r e w m o r e b o l d in their attack. S o m e , g r i n n i n g w i t h c o n t e m p t , ran u p t o w i t h i n ten feet b e f o r e 95

t h r o w i n g their rocks a n d snarling insults at the auxiliaries. M a c r o w a i t e d until there w e r e several of t h e m close by, h u r l i n g missiles a n d defiance. T h e n h e f i l l e d his lungs. ' C h a r g e t h e m ! ' H e s p r a n g t o the side, p u m p i n g his legs a s h e t h r e w h i m s e l f at the slaves. ' G e t ' e m , lads! Kill ' e m all!' W i t h a throaty roar, his m e n t u r n e d on the slaves a n d c h a r g e d after their c o m m a n d e r . T h e nearest attackers t u r n e d a n d f l e d , s o m e k n o c k i n g into their c o m r a d e s i n their haste, s e n d i n g three o f t h e m sprawling in the coarse grass. M a c r o p a u s e d briefly to stab his blade d o w n as he passed o n e of the slaves struggling to rise up on his hands a n d k n e e s . T h e s w o r d w e n t i n d e e p b e t w e e n his s h o u l d e r blades and the slave fell flat as M a c r o y a n k e d the blade free a n d c h a r g e d o n , b e l l o w i n g a t the t o p o f his v o i c e . E v e n t h o u g h they w e r e n o t e n c u m b e r e d by a r m o u r , as the auxiliaries w e r e , s o m e of the slaves w e r e a g e d , and for others the harsh c o n d i t i o n s u n d e r w h i c h they had toiled for years h a d s a p p e d their strength, a n d they w e r e r u n d o w n a n d killed w i t h o u t m e r c y as they tried to escape. M a c r o a n d his m e n c h a s e d t h e m across the o p e n g r o u n d beside the road, slashing at any o f their e n e m i e s that c a m e w i t h i n reach. A h e a d o f t h e m the leader o f the slaves u n s h e a t h e d his sword a n d was s h o u t i n g a t his followers t o t u r n a n d f i g h t . T h e a r m e d m e n w h o h a d b e e n standing b e h i n d h i m closed u p o n e a c h side, swords held ready as they m a d e their stand. As the first slaves r e a c h e d his p o s i t i o n , the leader b e g a n to rally t h e m . F a c e d w i t h his ferocious h a r a n g u e , they t u r n e d to confront the R o m a n s , f o r m i n g up in a c r u d e line as they m a d e ready t o f i g h t w i t h their assortment o f w e a p o n s . S o m e only c a r r i e d the rocks they h a d p i c k e d up a n d others s t o o d w i t h bare hands as they c o n f r o n t e d the auxiliaries. M a c r o realised that the three sections h a d a c h i e v e d all they c o u l d w i t h their s u d d e n charge. I f they c a r r i e d o n they w o u l d b e b l o w n b y the effort of the pursuit, a n d n o w that the slaves w e r e t u r n i n g on t h e m , the a d v a n t a g e was lost. M a c r o d r e w u p , p a n t i n g heavily. 'Twelfth, halt! F o r m o n m e , lads!' T h e f i r s t o f his m e n ceased their pursuit, a n d hurriedly e d g e d towards M a c r o . A handful of h o t h e a d s c a r r i e d on a bit further, before they saw the solid b o d y o f the e n e m y w a i t i n g for t h e m . T h e n they s t o p p e d a n d retreated to a safe distance b e f o r e trotting b a c k to the

96

rest of their c o m r a d e s , f o r m i n g a line on either side of the c e n t u r i o n . ' H u r r y it u p ! ' M a c r o yelled at t h e m . ' Q u i c k as y o u c a n ! ' O n e o f the slaves s h o u t e d a n insult after the R o m a n s , b u t the sense of it was lost d u e to the b l o o d p o u n d i n g t h r o u g h M a c r o ' s h e a d . M o r e v o i c e s j o i n e d in, a n d a m o m e n t later the air was full of the cries of c o n t e m p t , j e e r s a n d whistles of the slaves as they w a t c h e d the R o m a n s retreat. M a c r o c o u l d n o t h e l p a w r y smile as he steadily b a c k e d away towards the rest of the c o l u m n . D e s p i t e their noise, the slaves did n o t s e e m t o b e i n m u c h h u r r y t o turn the tables o n the R o m a n s a n d chase t h e m b a c k t o the w a g o n s . T h e i r leader m u s t have felt the s a m e , sensing the o p p o r t u n i t y to counterattack slipping f r o m his grasp. C a l l i n g to his i m m e d i a t e e n t o u r a g e , he strode t h r o u g h the milling ranks of the slaves a n d towards the auxiliaries, b e c k o n i n g the rest to follow h i m . O n e by o n e they drifted forward, a n d t h e n as a mass, c l o s i n g o n the o u t n u m b e r e d R o m a n s . 'Shit,' M a c r o m u t t e r e d irritably. ' T h o u g h t it w o u l d take t h e m a bit l o n g e r to g e t their balls back.' G l a n c i n g over his shoulder, h e saw that the c o l u m n h a d m o v e d o n since h e h a d l e d the w i l d charge. N o w they w e r e abreast o f the last w a g o n , a n d the other sections o f the c e n t u r y w e r e c o n t i n u i n g w i t h their orders, staying close to the animals pulling the w a g o n s . ' R i g h t t h e n , lads!' M a c r o called o u t . ' W h e n I give the order, break a n d r u n to the last wagon. Then we'll f o r m the rearguard . . . N o w ! ' T h e y t u r n e d a n d ran across the f i f t y paces o f o p e n g r o u n d separating t h e m f r o m the tail o f the c o l u m n . B e h i n d t h e m the slaves let o u t a great shout a n d b r o k e into a c h a r g e , l e a p i n g over the b o d i e s of their stricken c o m r a d e s as they s u r g e d after M a c r o a n d his m e n . As s o o n as the auxiliaries r e a c h e d the last of the w a g o n s , M a c r o t u r n e d a n d p r e s e n t e d his shield. T h e others fell in on either side, f o r m i n g a tight shield wall as they b r a c e d themselves for the i m p a c t o f the

c h a r g e . T h e f i r s t o f the slaves

struck a t M a c r o ' s shield,

h a m m e r i n g at the surface w i t h a c r u d e club. An instant later all his m e n w e r e e n g a g e d , b l o c k i n g b l o w s a n d stabbing b a c k a s they gave g r o u n d , staying close to the w a g o n . M a c r o g l i m p s e d the slave leader to his right, duelling w i t h a thickset auxiliary. T h e slave s o u g h t for a gap b e t w e e n the shields to strike w i t h his w e a p o n , a finely d e c o r a t e d gladiator's

s w o r d that

glittered in

97

the

afternoon

sunshine. T h e

auxiliary struck o u t , a n d the slave n i m b l y l e a n e d to o n e side, b e f o r e thrusting his p o i n t b a c k at the auxiliary, narrowly missing his face as the tip g l a n c e d off a c h e e k g u a r d . T h e slave l o o k e d up a n d c a u g h t M a c r o ' s eyes for an instant. T h e r e was a flicker of r e c o g n i t i o n there, M a c r o was certain o f it. T h e n the slave l a u n c h e d into a furious series of b l o w s that b a t t e r e d his auxiliary o p p o n e n t against the side o f the w a g o n . T o o late the auxiliary saw the danger, a n d the solid t i m b e r disc of the w h e e l k n o c k e d h i m d o w n a n d rolled over h i m , c r u s h i n g his hips a n d s n a p p i n g his spine, l e a v i n g h i m l o o k i n g startled. A s his m o u t h o p e n e d a n d shut a n d his a r m s flailed uselessly, he b e g a n to die in agony. T h e o n e - s i d e d nature o f the m e l e e told o n c e again a s the g r o u n d b e h i n d the w a g o n was littered w i t h fallen slaves a n d o n l y three of the auxiliaries. T h e leader of the slaves called his m e n off, a n d they e n d e d their pursuit o f the R o m a n s a n d s t o o d , chests h e a v i n g , glaring after the c o l u m n as it r u m b l e d its way up the track towards the G o r t y n a road. M a c r o w a i t e d until the g a p h a d o p e n e d up to a h u n d r e d paces b e f o r e h e sheathed his s w o r d a n d strode a l o n g the c o l u m n t o c h e c k o n his m e n and the c o n d i t i o n o f the horses a n d m u l e s . T h e rocks and stones h a d caused n u m e r o u s m i n o r injuries t o m a n a n d beast alike, b u t they still c o n t i n u e d steadily a l o n g the track. ' N o t far to the r o a d now, lads!' M a c r o called o u t cheerily. ' T h o s e bastards have l e a r n e d their lesson. T h e y w o n ' t b e b o t h e r i n g the Twelfth H i s p a n i a for m u c h longer.' H e s p o k e t o o s o o n . O n c e a safe gap h a d o p e n e d u p b e t w e e n the w a g o n s a n d the slaves, their leader l e d his m e n forward again, k e e p i n g level w i t h the R o m a n c o l u m n . M a c r o r e g a r d e d t h e m warily, but w h e n they m a d e n o a t t e m p t t o close the gap, h e t o o k satisfaction i n the k n o w l e d g e that every step a l o n g the track was t a k i n g t h e m closer t o the safety o f M a t a l a . N o w that h e t h o u g h t a b o u t it, h e felt there was a g o o d c h a n c e his c o l u m n m i g h t get t h r o u g h after all, a n d the p e o p l e of M a t a l a w o u l d be fed for a few m o r e days at least f r o m the stocks piled o n the w a g o n s . 'Sir!' M a c r o t u r n e d towards the v o i c e a n d saw o n e o f his m e n o n a

98

slight rise in the track at the front of the c o l u m n . He was w a v i n g his spear to attract M a c r o ' s attention. ' W h a t is it?' T h e first w a g o n g r o u n d to a halt as it reached the rise, a n d Atticus s t o o d u p o n the driver's b e n c h a n d stared a h e a d a l o n g the track. M a c r o trotted forward, past the other w a g o n s . 'What's the b l o o d y h o l d - u p ? W h a t the fuck are y o u s t o p p i n g for?' ' L o o k ! ' Atticus thrust o u t his a r m . A s M a c r o d r e w level w i t h the l e a d i n g w a g o n , h e l o o k e d i n the direction Atticus indicated. F r o m the h i g h e r g r o u n d h e c o u l d see the j u n c t i o n w i t h the G o r t y n a road barely a h u n d r e d paces a h e a d , w h e r e the track h a d b e e n built u p t o m e e t the height o f the road. Across the j u n c t i o n s t o o d the slaves w h o h a d b e e n sent t o cut off the c o l u m n . T h e y h a d t o r n u p s o m e o f the stone slabs from the road. W i t h these, a n d s o m e h u r r i e d l y felled trees, they h a d c o n s t r u c t e d a

crude

b a r r i c a d e . M a c r o estimated that there w e r e over t w o h u n d r e d m e n waiting for t h e m , w i t h a n o t h e r t w o h u n d r e d b e h i n d the w a g o n s . It was a neat trap, he a d m i t t e d ruefully. T h e b a r r i c a d e w o u l d give little e n o u g h p r o t e c t i o n from M a c r o ' s auxiliaries, but it w o u l d stop the w a g o n s f r o m m a k i n g any further progress before

the way was

cleared. T h e b a n k e d track m e a n t there was n o c h a n c e o f d r i v i n g the w a g o n s r o u n d the b a r r i c a d e . N o t w i t h o u t t h e m t o p p l i n g over o n the slope. T h e c h o i c e was simple. E i t h e r M a c r o w o u l d have t o a b a n d o n the w a g o n s a n d retreat to M a t a l a e m p t y - h a n d e d , or he m u s t c o n t i n u e the a d v a n c e into the teeth of t h o s e d e f e n d i n g the obstacle a n d try to cut a path t h r o u g h , w h i l e t h o s e b e h i n d attacked the rear of the c o l u m n . I f t h e c o l u m n b e c a m e stuck, M a c r o and his m e n w o u l d b e s u r r o u n d e d a n d cut d o w n o n e b y o n e . ' W h a t d o w e d o ? ' asked Atticus. 'Well, M a c r o ? ' 'Shit,' M a c r o m u t t e r e d u n d e r his breath. 'We k e e p g o i n g . W e take the b a r r i c a d e a n d clear i t away a n d f i g h t o u r way t h r o u g h . T h e f o o d has to get to M a t a l a . A d v a n c e ! ' Atticus t o o k a d e e p breath a n d flicked the reins. H i s w a g o n l u r c h e d forward. After a short p a u s e the others followed a n d the auxiliaries t r u d g e d o n , shields held close to their sides. As they n e a r e d the b a r r i c a d e , M a c r o c o u l d see the slaves g r i m l y p r e p a r i n g t o d e f e n d it. R o u g h - h e w n spears and pitchforks w e r e l o w e r e d , ready to receive 99

the R o m a n s . S o m e collected m o r e rocks t o hurl a t the m e n a n d horses a p p r o a c h i n g t h e m . G l a n c i n g over his shoulder, M a c r o saw that the o t h e r party of slaves h a d already q u i c k e n e d their p a c e to catch up w i t h the convoy. It was g o i n g to be a b l o o d y business, he reflected, a n d the o d d s w e r e l e n g t h e n i n g against g e t t i n g the w a g o n s , the f o o d a n d his m e n b a c k t o M a t a l a . B u t there was n o h e l p i n g it, h e t h o u g h t resignedly. T h e only r o u t e t o safety was t h r o u g h the b a r r i c a d e . H e h u n c h e d his n e c k d o w n a little and t i g h t e n e d his g r i p on his sword a n d m a r c h e d steadily towards the enemy. Suddenly, the slaves on the left of their line t u r n e d away from the a p p r o a c h i n g w a g o n s a n d stared d o w n the r o a d towards Matala. A n instant later s o m e w e r e b a c k i n g away, a n d then the first of t h e m threw d o w n their w e a p o n s and ran diagonally across the field away f r o m the road, m a k i n g for the nearest g r o v e o f olive trees. T h e panic spread a l o n g the line, a n d before the R o m a n s even r e a c h e d the b a r r i c a d e the last of the slaves h a d fled. ' W h a t the hell?' M a c r o t u r n e d t o l o o k d o w n the road a s the w a g o n s halted. O n c e the r u m b l i n g o f the w h e e l s a n d the g r i n d i n g t r a m p of b o o t s h a d stilled, he c o u l d hear a n e w s o u n d , the distant t h u n d e r o f h o r s e h o o v e s p o u n d i n g a l o n g the road. A r o u n d a c o r n e r in the road c a m e the first of the h o r s e m e n , w e a r i n g red tunics a n d Gallic helmets, u r g i n g their m o u n t s o n . T h e y c a r r i e d spears, a n d shields w e r e slung across their backs, e x c e p t for the rider at the h e a d o f the c o l u m n . H e was dressed i n scale a r m o u r a n d w o r e the h e l m e t of a c e n t u r i o n , his crest swept b a c k as he led his m e n towards the junction. 'They're ours!' M a c r o beamed. 'Ours!' B e h i n d the w a g o n s the s e c o n d party of slaves was m e l t i n g away. E x c e p t for their leader a n d his

c o m p a n i o n s . He

stared

at the

a p p r o a c h i n g h o r s e m e n for a m o m e n t a n d then b a c k at the w a g o n s . W h e n he saw M a c r o , he raised his sword in a m o c k gladiator's salute a n d then t u r n e d to follow t h e rest of the slaves r u n n i n g for the safety of the olive trees. M a c r o t u r n e d his attention b a c k to the a p p r o a c h i n g h o r s e m e n as they slowed to a trot a n d a p p r o a c h e d the b a r r i c a d e . T h e leader reined in, a n d steered his m o u n t r o u n d the obstacle t o the w a g o n s o n the o t h e r side.

100

' C e n t u r i o n M a c r o , ' a familiar v o i c e called o u t . ' W h a t on earth have y o u b e e n u p t o ? ' 'Cato!' Macro

the gods. What the b l o o d y hell are

you doing here?'

101

CHAPTER ELEVEN

s

e m p r o n i u s sent m e b a c k t o fetch y o u a n d Julia,' C a t o e x p l a i n e d as he slipped d o w n f r o m the horse's b a c k , w i n c i n g as he j a r r e d

his i n j u r e d leg. He strode stiffly towards his friend a n d clasped Macro's hand. ' H e needs us in Gortyna.' M a c r o h a d n o t i c e d the l i m p a n d n o d d e d at C a t o ' s leg. ' Y o u all right, lad?' ' S o m e bastard s t a b b e d me in the thigh, b u t I'll live.' C a t o g l a n c e d past M a c r o t o the w a g o n s , a n d saw that s o m e o f the animals a n d m e n h a d b e e n injured. 'I s p o t t e d the slaves as we r o d e up. L o o k s like they've b e e n g i v i n g y o u s o m e trouble.' 'That's p u t t i n g i t mildly.' M a c r o g r i m a c e d . ' T h e y w e r e t h r o w i n g themselves at us. I'd never have believed slaves w o u l d fight so hard. Anyway, Gortyna's the o t h e r way. Y o u c a m e f r o m t h e direction o f Matala.' C a t o n o d d e d . ' I w e n t there f i r s t . C e n t u r i o n Portillus told m e w h e r e y o u h a d g o n e . T h e senator and I passed here a few days a g o a n d saw there was trouble. I t h o u g h t it w o u l d be as well to m a k e sure y o u w e r e all right.' 'Well, we are now.' M a c r o p o i n t e d towards the cavalry s q u a d r o n o n the other side o f the b a r r i c a d e . ' W h o are that l o t ? ' ' F o u r t h B a t a v i a n , stationed outside G o r t y n a . T h e y lost half their m o u n t s in the earthquake, as well as over a h u n d r e d of their m e n . G i v e n the dangers o n the r o a d , the senator d e c i d e d o n a n e s c o r t . ' ' D a n g e r s ? I take it this isn't the only place the slaves are m a k i n g trouble, t h e n ? ' ' N o . ' C a t o l o w e r e d his v o i c e . ' T h e r e are uprisings all a l o n g the s o u t h e r n side o f the island. M o s t l y o n the b i g estates, b u t m a n y o f the slaves have r u n away f r o m the towns as well. It's only to be e x p e c t e d that they w o u l d take a d v a n t a g e o f the situation. T h e r e have b e e n

102

several reports o f t h e m attacking farms a n d smaller settlements. T h e y even attacked a small d e t a c h m e n t S e m p r o n i u s sent to an o u t p o s t to g u a r d the estates a l o n g the road f r o m G o r t y n a . ' C a t o

gestured

towards the c o l u m n b e h i n d M a c r o . ' B u t this? Y o u m u s t have nearly a h u n d r e d m e n w i t h you.' H e g l a n c e d towards the trees, w h e r e the slaves h a d taken shelter. Already a handful h a d r e a p p e a r e d a l o n g the fringe

a n d w e r e w a t c h i n g the

R o m a n s warily. ' T h e y ' r e

getting

a m b i t i o u s . W e ' d better get y o u r c o l u m n on the road to M a t a l a as q u i c k as possible.' While some

of the Batavians f o r m e d a screen o p p o s i t e

the

olive trees, t h e rest d i s m o u n t e d a n d h e l p e d M a c r o ' s m e n clear the b a r r i c a d e away f r o m the road. A short t i m e later the c o l u m n was trundling a l o n g the r o a d to M a t a l a , the Batavians r i d i n g a short distance o u t o n either f l a n k t o deter any further attacks. C a t o h a d o r d e r e d o n e o f his m e n t o lead his h o r s e a s h e m a r c h e d a l o n g s i d e Macro. ' H o w are things a t G o r t y n a ? ' asked M a c r o . ' N o t g o o d . T h e city wasn't a s b a d l y d a m a g e d a s M a t a l a , b u t j u s t a b o u t every senior official and officer was killed or w o u n d e d w h e n the governor's b a n q u e t hall collapsed.' 'Is the g o v e r n o r still alive?' C a t o s h o o k his h e a d . ' H e d i e d a few h o u r s after w e arrived. M i g h t have b e e n better i f h e h a d b e e n killed outright.' ' H o w so?' ' T h e p o o r bastard was in agony, b u t the real p r o b l e m is that he h a d h a n d e d p o w e r over t o o n e o f his m e n , Glabius.' 'Let me guess. Glabius is e n j o y i n g the opportunity, a n d isn't k e e n o n having t o m o v e aside for S e m p r o n i u s . ' C a t o s m i l e d thinly. 'Exactly. A n d since h e has s u r r o u n d e d h i m s e l f w i t h friends, a n d a small a r m y of b o d y g u a r d s , he's in a g o o d p o s i t i o n to dictate his t e r m s . So the senator has h a d to c o m p r o m i s e . He is sharing p o w e r w i t h Glabius for now. G l a b i u s has a u t h o r i t y over G o r t y n a , w h i l e S e m p r o n i u s has taken charge o f the rest o f the province.' 'Great.' M a c r o f r o w n e d . 'Just w h a t we n e e d . A b l o o d y turf w a r b e t w e e n t w o politicians w h i l e the w o r l d a r o u n d t h e m g o e s t o the dogs.' 103

' T r u e , but it w o n ' t last,' C a t o c o n t i n u e d . ' S e m p r o n i u s has sent messages to every c o h o r t a n d g a r r i s o n d e t a c h m e n t on the island i n f o r m i n g t h e m of the situation in G o r t y n a , a n d that he has taken t e m p o r a r y c o m m a n d o f all available military forces. O n c e they're o n o u r side, I don't think G l a b i u s is g o i n g to cause any trouble. T h e n we can deal w i t h the slaves a n d restore order.' 'That's easier said than d o n e . If the rest of the slaves on this island are anything like that lot b a c k there, then w e ' v e g o t a hard fight a h e a d o f us, C a t o . B e l i e v e m e . I f they get properly a r m e d a n d o r g a n i s e d then they're g o i n g to be a t o u g h nut to crack.' ' S e m p r o n i u s d o u b t s it,' C a t o replied. ' H e reckons they w o n ' t a m o u n t t o m u c h unless they acquire s o m e k i n d o f leader.' ' B u t they have. I saw him.' M a c r o recalled an i m a g e of the m a n he h a d seen g i v i n g orders to the slaves. ' H e l o o k e d like a hard case. A gladiator possibly. There's s o m e t h i n g else.' 'Oh?' ' H e seemed to k n o w me.' ' R e a l l y ? ' C a t o raised his eyebrows. 'Yes. He l o o k e d at m e . As sure as day, he r e c o g n i s e d me.' C a t o was quiet for a m o m e n t . ' D o y o u k n o w h i m ? ' 'I don't think so.' M a c r o f r o w n e d . 'I don't know. We m a y have m e t s o m e t i m e , but I can't p l a c e h i m . It certainly wasn't in the l e g i o n s . H e was y o u n g . N o older than y o u , I'd say. F r o m the scars o n his face he's b e e n in a fight or two.' ' T h e n perhaps he is a professional fighter, possibly a gladiator. T h e r e w o n ' t b e m a n y o f t h o s e o n the island, s o w e s h o u l d f i n d o u t w h o h e i s quickly e n o u g h , o n c e w e get b a c k t o G o r t y n a a n d p u t the w o r d a b o u t . Still, if he is a gladiator, a n d he is l e a d i n g that b a n d of slaves w h o attacked y o u , then you're right, w e ' v e g o t a p r o b l e m . ' 'A p r o b l e m ? ' M a c r o l a u g h e d drily. 'We're in a p r o v i n c e devastated by an e a r t h q u a k e a n d the largest w a v e I have ever fucking seen. T h e g o v e r n o r a n d nearly all his lackeys are d e a d . T h e p e o p l e are g o i n g to get very h u n g r y unless s o m e o n e sorts o u t a p r o p e r supply of f o o d . There's only a handful of d e c e n t soldiers left alive on the island and n o w w e ' v e g o t a b u d d i n g Spartacus on the l o o s e . . . a n d y o u suggest we have a p r o b l e m . Well, I ' m simply d e l i g h t e d that the l e g i o n s are still recruiting the brightest a n d the best. That's all I can say'

104

C a t o s h r u g g e d . ' C o u l d b e worse.' ' C o u l d it? H o w exactly?' 'We c o u l d b e b a c k i n Britain.' M a c r o was silent for a m o m e n t b e f o r e he p u r s e d his lips a n d c o n c e d e d , ' T h e r e is always that.' ' T h e q u e s t i o n is, w h a t d o e s o u r gladiator friend h o p e t o achieve f r o m his rebellion?' C a t o m u s e d . ' F o r the m o m e n t he's free, a n d s o are t h o s e w h o follow h i m . T h e f i r s t i m p u l s e w o u l d have b e e n t o r u n t o the hills t o avoid recapture a n d p u n i s h m e n t . T h e y w o u l d k n o w that it w o u l d only be a m a t t e r of t i m e b e f o r e a powerful force was sent t o h u n t t h e m d o w n . B u t the e a r t h q u a k e has c h a n g e d everything. N o w there's a lot m o r e to play for.' 'What do you mean?' ' Y o u said it yourself, M a c r o . W e ' v e only a handful of m e n to take t h e m o n . W e have the remains o f t o w n s t o protect, a n d o u r hands are full k e e p i n g o r d e r a n d trying to feed the survivors. We're in no shape to take on a slave rebellion, small as it is right now. If this gladiator can p e r s u a d e m o r e runaways t o j o i n h i m , n o t t o m e n t i o n all the o t h e r slaves w h o have stayed b e h i n d , then w h o is to say h o w a m b i t i o u s the m a n m i g h t b e c o m e ? ' M a c r o d i g e s t e d the s u g g e s t i o n a n d puffed his c h e e k s o u t . 'Are y o u s u g g e s t i n g he m i g h t m a k e a play for the w h o l e island?' ' W h o k n o w s ? H e m i g h t . B u t h e m i g h t try a n d cut a deal w i t h S e m p r o n i u s for his f r e e d o m , a n d the f r e e d o m of his followers.' ' H e w o n ' t m a k e that o n e fly!' M a c r o s n o r t e d . ' I f R o m e starts setting slave rebels free in C r e t e , then w h o k n o w s w h e r e that m i g h t e n d ? S e m p r o n i u s w o u l d never a g r e e to it.' ' Q u i t e . A n d w h e n h e doesn't, o u r gladiator i s g o i n g t o b e faced w i t h s o m e difficult c h o i c e s . If he surrenders, then the ringleaders will b e crucified. T h a t will b e j u s t the start o f the reprisals. S o h e will have to find s o m e w a y to escape f r o m C r e t e , or take us o n . That's the real danger. U n l e s s we get reinforcements, then he will have the u p p e r hand. If he wipes us o u t — ' ' B o l l o c k s ! That's n o t g o i n g t o happen.' M a c r o l a u g h e d . ' O n c e R o m e hears what's h a p p e n e d here, they'll s e n d o u t a n a r m y t o crush the rebellion in d o u b l e time.' ' N o d o u b t . B u t b y then the d a m a g e will b e d o n e . W o r d will g o 105

right r o u n d the e m p i r e that the slaves of C r e t e rose up and seized it f r o m the hands o f their masters. N o w that's a n e x a m p l e that m i g h t j u s t inspire other slaves i n every p r o v i n c e u n d e r R o m a n rule. There's the p r o b l e m . S e m p r o n i u s can't afford to let this get o u t of h a n d . N e i t h e r can w e , for that matter. I f things g o p e a r - s h a p e d , y o u can b e sure that the e m p e r o r will be l o o k i n g for p e o p l e to h o l d responsible. D o y o u really think h e w o u l d stop a t the s e n i o r political figure i n C r e t e ? S e m p r o n i u s w o u l d be the first for the c h o p a n d my guess is w e w o u l d n ' t b e far behind.' 'Shit . . . you're right,' M a c r o m u t t e r e d and g l a n c e d towards a distant hillock w h e r e a small b a n d of slaves was still s h a d o w i n g the c o l u m n . ' W h y is it always us that land in the shit? Always us.' C a t o l o o k e d at his friend a n d smiled. 'I asked y o u that q u e s t i o n once.' ' R e a l l y ? W h a t did I say?' ' Y o u l o o k e d at m e , in that barely tolerant w a y that y o u d o , a n d said,' C a t o cleared his throat and did a passable i m i t a t i o n of the t o n e of v o i c e M a c r o a d o p t e d w i t h the thickest of his r e c r u i t s , ' Why us? Because we're here, lad. That's why! M a c r o stared at C a t o . 'I said that?' ' Y o u did. Quite a g o o d a p h o r i s m I t h o u g h t , at the time. Very stoic.' ' L o a d of shite, m o r e like. If I say anything like that again, then feel free to kick me up the arse.' ' I f y o u insist.' T h e r e w e r e n o m o r e attacks o n the c o l u m n a s i t a p p r o a c h e d M a t a l a . I n the g a t h e r i n g d u s k the slaves w h o h a d b e e n w a t c h i n g t h e m t u r n e d away a n d vanished into the s h a d o w s stretching across the landscape. T h e r e was o n e last p r e c a u t i o n for M a c r o to take b e f o r e they r e t u r n e d to the t o w n . He o r d e r e d a b r i e f halt as the chains w e r e replaced on Atticus a n d he was s e c u r e d to the d r i v i n g b e n c h . O n e o f the auxiliaries t o o k over the reins. Atticus g l o w e r e d at M a c r o and raised his f o o t to shake the heavy iron links f r o m side to side. ' W h a t is the reason for this, C e n t u r i o n ? I don't deserve this. N o t after all I have d o n e t o d a y ' Y o u have b e e n useful,' M a c r o

106

a g r e e d . ' B u t you're

a proven

troublemaker, a n d right n o w I can't afford to let y o u stir the shit up a m o n g s t the p e o p l e o f Matala.' 'I risked my life to obtain the f o o d in these w a g o n s . ' ' S o r r y . Y o u k n o w h o w i t i s w i t h leopards a n d spots. I don't think I can trust y o u . N o t j u s t yet.' 'Then when?' ' W h e n I d e c i d e , a n d n o t before.' 'I s u p p o s e y o u will say that my b e i n g held in chains is for the good of my people?' 'Your p e o p l e ? ' M a c r o c h u c k l e d . ' W h e n did they b e c o m e y o u r p e o p l e ? Y o u are y o u r o w n m o u t h p i e c e , n o t theirs. N o w then, d o b e a g o o d prisoner, eh? I w o u l d hate to have to c o n v i n c e y o u to behave.' He h e l d up a c l e n c h e d fist. 'If I m a k e my p o i n t clear.' ' Y o u r m e r e s t threat of v i o l e n c e is powerfully eloquent,' Atticus replied coolly. ' Y o u have me for now, M a c r o , b u t w h e n I am released I will pay y o u b a c k , w i t h interest.' ' O f c o u r s e . I'll l o o k forward t o it.' M a c r o slapped the r u m p o f the nearest h o r s e f r o m the t e a m d r a w i n g the f i r s t w a g o n a n d the animal j o l t e d forward. T h e auxiliary c r a c k e d his w h i p a n d the rest o f the t e a m b r o k e into a walk. As the w a g o n l u r c h e d forward, Atticus t o p p l e d b a c k w a r d s o n t o the sacks o f grain piled b e h i n d the driver's bench, causing M a c r o to laugh. 'Bit hard o n h i m , don't y o u t h i n k ? ' asked C a t o . 'Perhaps.' M a c r o s h r u g g e d . ' B u t I ' m n o t taking any risks, n o t until we have the situation in hand.' ' W h o k n o w s h o w l o n g that will b e ? ' T h e c o l u m n t r u n d l e d r o u n d the last b e n d i n the road, a n d there before t h e m lay the ruins of M a t a l a a n d the refugee c a m p . As the p e o p l e c a u g h t sight o f the l o a d e d w a g o n s w i t h the w o u n d e d p e r c h e d on t o p they b e g a n to call to their friends a n d family a n d h u r r i e d t h r o u g h the tents a n d shelters towards t h e road. As he w a t c h e d the surge o f h u m a n i t y sweep across the s l o p e , C a t o g l a n c e d r o u n d a t the thin screen of soldiers and cavalry. ' D e c u r i o n ! ' h e called o u t t o the c o m m a n d e r o f the s q u a d r o n . ' H a v e y o u r m e n close u p r o u n d the w a g o n s . K e e p t h o s e p e o p l e away' 'Yes, s i r ! ' T h e d e c u r i o n saluted a n d t u r n e d to pass the orders on to 107

his m e n . T h e riders n u d g e d their m o u n t s in towards the side of the road so that the w a g o n s w e r e p r o t e c t e d f r o m the a p p r o a c h i n g c r o w d . C a t o g l a n c e d ahead. T h e r e was still half a m i l e to go b e f o r e they reached the r a m p l e a d i n g u p t o the acropolis. T h e f i r s t p e o p l e d r e w u p across the road, f i f t y paces a h e a d o f the front o f the c o l u m n . M a c r o h a u l e d himself u p b e s i d e the driver o f the l e a d i n g w a g o n a n d c u p p e d a h a n d to his m o u t h . ' M a k e way there!' After a m o m e n t ' s hesitation, the t o w n s p e o p l e shuffled aside, a n d s t o o d a n d stared a t the l a d e n w a g o n s w i t h h u n g r y eyes. M o r e a n d m o r e p e o p l e arrived to swell their ranks, a n d inevitably the pressure from b e h i n d forced t h o s e at the front b a c k towards the road. T h e driver of the first w a g o n instinctively allowed his horses to slow d o w n for fear of r u n n i n g into the nearest civilians. ' C l e a r the way!' M a c r o s h o u t e d again. ' M o v e b a c k , d a m n y o u ! ' As those closest s t r u g g l e d to do as they h a d b e e n ordered, there w e r e a n g r y shouts from the b a c k from t h o s e w h o feared they w o u l d miss o u t o n any f o o d that m i g h t b e distributed. M a c r o t u r n e d t o the decurion. 'Take eight o f y o u r m e n , a n d clear the road.' 'Yes, sir! Y o u m e n , follow me.' T h e d e c u r i o n d u g his heels i n gently and w a l k e d his h o r s e forward, followed by his m e n , fanning o u t either side of their leader. As they closed in, C a t o c o u l d see the f r i g h t e n e d expressions of the p e o p l e in the c r o w d as they pressed b a c k . T h e fear spread t h r o u g h the p a c k e d ranks like wildfire a n d they recoiled from the horses as the d e c u r i o n l e d his m e n d o w n the road. M a c r o t u r n e d t o the driver a n d m u t t e r e d , ' K e e p u p w i t h them.' W i t h a crack of the w h i p the w a g o n l u r c h e d forward again, r u m b l i n g over the w o r n p a v i n g stones l e a d i n g u p t o w h e r e the t o w n gate h a d o n c e s t o o d . C a t o , the auxiliaries a n d v o l u n t e e r s increased their p a c e to k e e p up, a n d to his side he saw the hostile faces in the c r o w d as the c o l u m n passed t h r o u g h . ' B l o o d y R o m a n s ! ' a m a n in a t o r n tunic s h o u t e d , and raised his fist. ' T h e y ' r e g o i n g to k e e p it all to themselves!' H i s anger was taken up by others a n d the air was filled w i t h j e e r s and shouts. A m o t h e r raised her infant up for the passing h o r s e m e n to see a n d c r i e d o u t in a shrill v o i c e that her b a b y w o u l d s o o n

108

die unless h e was properly fed. C a t o was t e m p t e d t o offer s o m e reassurance, a n d p r o m i s e that they w o u l d receive a fair share of the rations, but realised it w o u l d be a pointless gesture. H i s v o i c e w o u l d be d r o w n e d o u t by the din assaulting the c o l u m n on all sides, a n d it w o u l d only m a k e h i m l o o k w e a k . D i s t r a c t e d by the b a y i n g of the c r o w d , he failed to n o t i c e Atticus e d g i n g his w a y a l o n g the grain sacks piled on the l e a d i n g w a g o n . When

he

came

to

the

e n d o f his chain, Atticus s t o p p e d a n d

c o n t i n u e d o n his s t o m a c h until h e c o u l d reach the e n d o f the w a g o n . C a t o ' s gaze t u r n e d away from the c r o w d a n d he started as he saw Atticus lying full length. W h a t ' s h e d o i n g ? ' asked o n e o f the auxiliaries m a r c h i n g b e s i d e Cato. B r a c i n g his feet, Atticus thrust his a r m s against the r e a r m o s t sacks o f grain. ' S t o p h i m ! ' C a t o s h o u t e d , s p r i n g i n g towards the w a g o n . B u t i t was t o o late. T h e first o f the sacks o n the t o p o f the pile t i p p e d over the e n d a n d t o p p l e d on to the road. It l a n d e d w i t h a soft t h u d a n d split. G r a i n e x p l o d e d across the r o a d w i t h a swift, soft hiss. A s e c o n d sack was already falling a s C a t o c a u g h t u p w i t h the w a g o n a n d h a u l e d h i m s e l f up. H e saw Atticus s t r u g g l i n g t o p u s h yet m o r e o f the grain o n t o the road, a n d s t a m p e d d o w n hard o n his a r m . Atticus c r i e d o u t as the nailed studs bit into his flesh a n d snatched his o t h e r a r m b a c k to try to shift C a t o ' s b o o t . L e a n i n g d o w n , C a t o hauled the third sack b a c k so that it was in no d a n g e r of falling. B e f o r e he c o u l d think to do a n y t h i n g else, there was an e x c i t e d s h o u t f r o m the c r o w d a n d a m a n darted b e t w e e n the horses a n d w e n t d o w n o n his k n e e s t o claw the grain into a fold in his tunic. At o n c e others followed suit a n d the auxiliaries w e r e shoved aside as p e o p l e frantically pressed t h r o u g h to get at the spilled grain. L e a n i n g d o w n , C a t o glared into Atticus's eyes a n d c l a m p e d a h a n d r o u n d the man's throat. 'Try anything else, and I swear I will cut y o u r throat w h e r e y o u lie. U n d e r s t a n d ? ' Atticus w a s g a s p i n g as he n o d d e d . C a t o c l e n c h e d a little tighter for a m o m e n t to e m p h a s i s e his threat b e f o r e he released his g r i p a n d t u r n e d towards the c h a o t i c scene b e h i n d the w a g o n . T h e vehicle was still m o v i n g forward, b e h i n d the g a p cleared for it by the d e c u r i o n 109

and his m e n . B u t the desperate surge o f the c r o w d towards the grain h a d split the c o l u m n in t w o , forcing the f o l l o w i n g w a g o n s and their escort to stop. C a t o t u r n e d t o M a c r o a n d called o u t , ' K e e p g o i n g ! I'll take c h a r g e of the rest.' A s M a c r o n o d d e d , C a t o j u m p e d d o w n a n d d r e w his sword, b r a c i n g his feet to m a i n t a i n his balance as he was j o s t l e d by the c r o w d . H e forced his w a y t h r o u g h t o the rear half o f the c o l u m n , standing stationary b e f o r e the h e a v i n g mass of civilians scrabbling away at the grain. 'Auxiliaries! O n m e ! F o r m a w e d g e ! ' C a t o t o o k u p p o s i t i o n i n the m i d d l e o f the road, a n d the m e n o f the Twelfth f o r m e d up at his b a c k in a c h e v r o n . W h e n he saw that the m e n w e r e ready, C a t o t o o k a d e e p breath a n d called o u t , as l o u d as he c o u l d , ' S h i e l d s front, present spears!' T h e r e was a clatter as the shafts of their spears r a p p e d against the shield r i m s , and an a r r o w h e a d of sharp iron points f a c e d the c r o w d . ' A d v a n c e ! ' C a t o b e l l o w e d a n d then called the t i m e : ' O n e . . . t w o . . . one . . . two!' T h e w e d g e t r a m p e d steadily forward a n d faces i n the c r o w d b e g a n t o l o o k u p i n the direction o f the a p p r o a c h i n g f o r m a t i o n . S o m e snatched a last handful of grain a n d then t u r n e d to p u s h their way to safety. ' T h e y ' l l m u r d e r us!' a shrill v o i c e c r i e d o u t , a n d there w e r e p a n i c k e d shouts a s the civilians s c r a m b l e d o u t o f the path o f the o n c o m i n g soldiers. C a t o called b a c k over his s h o u l d e r , ' G e t the w a g o n s m o v i n g ! D o n ' t stop for a n y t h i n g until we reach the acropolis.' A s the w h e e l s r u m b l e d into life b e h i n d h i m , C a t o c o n t i n u e d the a d v a n c e , the b o o t s of the auxiliaries g r i n d i n g over the scattered grain. B e f o r e t h e m a n o l d m a n h a d slipped t o the g r o u n d a n d was s t r u g g l i n g to rise to his feet. O n e of the soldiers thrust his shield o u t , k n o c k i n g the m a n o n t o his side. H e l a n d e d heavily o n his k n e e and then rolled into a ball, h u g g i n g the j o i n t as he g r o a n e d in agony. T h e auxiliary l o w e r e d his spear tip and C a t o thrust his s w o r d o u t towards the m a n . ' N o ! Leave h i m b e a n d step over him.' T h e o l d m a n was left on the g r o u n d as the f o r m a t i o n passed over

110

h i m , a n d then l o o k e d up in terror as the g r o u n d t r e m b l e d u n d e r the w e i g h t o f t h e heavy w h e e l s o f the w a g o n s . T h e horses s t e p p e d nimbly over the prostrate f o r m , b u t the w h e e l s were insensitive to his plight, and C a t o g l a n c e d b a c k a t the s o u n d o f the thin cry o f dread t o see the o l d m a n w r i g g l e t o o n e side a t the last m o m e n t . C a t o c o n t i n u e d to a d v a n c e a l o n g the road as the other civilians h u r r i e d to get o u t o f the way o f the lethal spear points. J u s t b e f o r e the c o l u m n r e a c h e d the remains of the gate, a s t o n e flew o u t of the c r o w d a n d clattered off the side of a cavalryman's shield. M o m e n t s later m o r e followed, m i x e d w i t h m u d a n d turds, spattering the m e n a r o u n d the w a g o n s . 'Ignore them!' C a t o shouted. 'Keep moving!' T h e rear o f the c o l u m n entered the t o w n a n d c o n t i n u e d a l o n g the m a i n route, n o w cleared o f r u b b l e b y the w o r k gangs M a c r o h a d organised. S o m e m e m b e r s o f the c r o w d followed t h e m a short distance, still t h r o w i n g missiles, b e f o r e they gave up and b a c k e d off, s h o u t i n g final insults before r e t u r n i n g to their shelters. M a c r o was waiting for t h e m o n the r a m p l e a d i n g u p t o the acropolis. A s C a t o a p p r o a c h e d , b r u s h i n g filth f r o m his shoulder, M a c r o s m i l e d ruefully. ' L i k e I said, we're always in the shit.' 'It wasn't pretty, b u t at least we g o t the w a g o n s through,' said C a t o . 'There's e n o u g h supplies for a few m o r e days.' ' A n d then we have to go o u t and repeat the w h o l e t h i n g all over again.' M a c r o t u r n e d towards the first w a g o n and s t a b b e d his finger a t Atticus. ' N i c e w o r k , m a t e . Y o u a l m o s t g o t s o m e o f y o u r p e o p l e killed. H a p p y n o w ? ' Atticus s h o o k his h e a d . ' N o t m y fault.' ' O h , b u t it was. If y o u hadn't played y o u r fancy trick b a c k there, there w o u l d n ' t have b e e n any trouble.' M a c r o gestured to t w o of his m e n . ' T a k e h i m b a c k t o the p r i s o n . N o rations for h i m for the n e x t t w o days.' 'What?' ' T h e p r i c e y o u pay for the grain that y o u c a u s e d t o b e wasted.' A s Atticus was u n c h a i n e d from the w a g o n and led away, C a t o surveyed the refugee c a m p a n d s h o o k his h e a d wearily. 'It's b a d e n o u g h h a v i n g t o deal w i t h the rebels, w i t h o u t m a k i n g e n e m i e s o f the civilians.' 111

'We're in a thankless j o b here, C a t o o l d son,' M a c r o a g r e e d , a n d w a v e d the rest of the c o l u m n forward up the slope to the gates of the acropolis. ' E v e n so, we have to do w h a t we can to save these people.' 'Yes,' C a t o replied, a n d was silent for a m o m e n t b e f o r e he c o n t i n u e d quietly, 'I hate to say it, b u t unless we get s o m e help from outside, a n d get it s o o n , the p r o v i n c e is g o i n g to collapse into c o m p l e t e chaos. It'll be a b l o o d b a t h a n d there's p r e c i o u s little we can do to prevent it.'

112

CHAPTER TWELVE

D

o y o u think Portillus is up to the j o b ? ' asked C a t o as they r o d e out

of Matala

the

following

morning.

Behind

the

two

c e n t u r i o n s f o l l o w e d the cavalry escort. J u l i a sat a l o n g s i d e the driver o n a small cart halfway a l o n g the c o l u m n o f m o u n t e d m e n . ' H e k n o w s w h a t h e has t o do,' M a c r o replied. ' I gave h i m his orders last night. K e e p the p e o p l e fed. K e e p the rebel slaves at bay. S i m p l e e n o u g h . E v e n Portillus can handle that. A n y t h i n g else c o m e s u p , t h e n he sends a m e s s a g e to G o r t y n a a n d asks for instructions. A n d at least he w o n ' t have to c o n t e n d w i t h Atticus.' M a c r o n o d d e d to the rear o f the

column, where

the

G r e e k t r o u b l e m a k e r was r i d i n g

b e t w e e n t w o burly m e n . 'What do you intend to do with him?' 'He's t o u g h a n d has c o u r a g e , a n d p r o v i d e d h e keeps his m o u t h shut I r e c k o n w e can p u t h i m o n the strength o f o n e o f the c o h o r t s at G o r t y n a . ' ' W h a t i f h e disagrees?' 'In that case, I'll offer h i m a c h o i c e . Atticus can w e a r the u n i f o r m , or he can w e a r chains.' 'Fair e n o u g h . ' C a t o n o d d e d , t h e n his t h o u g h t s r e t u r n e d t o M a t a l a . T h e situation i n the t o w n was s o u n d e n o u g h . E v e n t h o u g h there was n o q u e s t i o n o f d e f e n d i n g the refugee c a m p , Portillus h a d sufficient m e n u n d e r a r m s t o d e f e n d the acropolis, a n d there was r o o m e n o u g h for the t o w n s p e o p l e to take shelter f r o m any danger. C a t o f r o w n e d at h i m s e l f for a d m i t t i n g the possibility that the rebel slaves m i g h t c o n s i d e r a n attack o n the t o w n . Yet every eventuality h a d t o b e anticipated. E v e n that. ' I ' m sure h e will m a n a g e . ' A s the c o l u m n m a d e its w a y warily a l o n g the road t o G o r t y n a , the sun c l i m b e d into a clear b l u e sky. O n c e in a w h i l e , the riders g l i m p s e d m o v e m e n t i n the distance a n d saw r a g g e d f i g u r e s w a t c h i n g 113

t h e m pass by. T h e r e was n o sign o f any b a n d s o f rebels, a n d o n c e C a t o was confident that there was n o i m m e d i a t e danger, h e reined in a n d w a i t e d for Julia's cart to catch up b e f o r e w a l k i n g his h o r s e alongside. ' I w o n d e r e d w h e n y o u w o u l d h o n o u r m e w i t h y o u r presence.' J u l i a smiled. S h e l o w e r e d her v o i c e , b u t c o n t i n u e d i n the s a m e lighth e a r t e d t o n e . ' G i v e n the, ah, e n c o u n t e r last night, I feared y o u m i g h t have t u r n e d o u t t o b e the l o v e - t h e m - a n d - l e a v e - t h e m type. Like y o u r friend M a c r o . ' Cato

turned

to

meet

her

sultry

gaze

and

could

not

help

s m i l i n g at the t h o u g h t of the previous evening. T h e y had sat in a small n e g l e c t e d terrace g a r d e n that m u s t have b e e n the p r i d e a n d j o y o f o n e o f the previous c o m m a n d e r s o f the g a r r i s o n , h o m e s i c k for his villa b a c k i n S p a i n . B e l o w t h e m the ruins o f the t o w n w e r e dark a n d shapeless w h e r e o n c e they w o u l d have b e e n illuminated b y torches and the w a n t w i n k l e o f l a m p s , a c c o m p a n i e d b y the s o u n d s o f revellers i n the inns o f the streets a r o u n d the f o r u m . N o w there was silence, and even the refugee c a m p was quiet a n d still, until a small cluster o f figures s u r r o u n d i n g o n e o f the c a m p fires slowly b r o k e into a s o n g , w h o s e c h e e r y m e l o d y drifted faintly across the ruins. J u l i a h a d l e a n e d into his s h o u l d e r as C a t o w r a p p e d his c l o a k around them both. 'It's strange to hear t h e m singing.' S h e s p o k e softly. 'After all that they have lost.' 'I s u p p o s e so, but p e r h a p s s o n g is o n e of the few things the w a v e a n d the e a r t h q u a k e couldn't take f r o m them.' C a t o t u r n e d his h e a d a n d kissed her b r o w gently, shutting his eyes as he slowly breathed in the scent o f her hair. H e felt her tremble. 'What's w r o n g ? ' 'Nothing.' ' N o t h i n g ? I k n o w y o u better than that.' J u l i a shifted r o u n d a n d stared up at his face, d i m l y lit by the stars. S h e c u p p e d his c h e e k in her h a n d . ' C a t o , my love, I nearly lost y o u the night of the wave. I t h o u g h t we w e r e all finished w h e n the water c l o s e d over us. In the c o l d darkness of the sea I gave in to terror. In the last m o m e n t s I d r e w s o m e c o m f o r t that at least we w o u l d be t o g e t h e r in w h a t e v e r afterlife there is.' S h e swallowed a n d c o n t i n u e d . ' T h e n , w h e n the ship rose b a c k o u t of the sea, I saw that y o u w e r e

114

g o n e . I still lived, but y o u h a d b e e n taken f r o m me.' S h e g l a n c e d away, quickly w i p i n g her eye. 'At that m o m e n t I felt like my heart h a d b e e n r i p p e d from my body. I r e m e m b e r t h i n k i n g that I w a n t e d to die. To t h r o w m y s e l f into the o c e a n so I c o u l d be w i t h y o u . F o r a m o m e n t , that was all I w a n t e d to do.' ' T h e n I ' m glad y o u didn't.' ' C a t o , that's n o t funny. I m e a n it. I h a d no idea h o w m u c h y o u m e a n t t o m e until that m o m e n t w h e n I t h o u g h t y o u w e r e dead.' ' B u t I didn't die,' he kissed the p a l m of her h a n d , ' t h a n k the g o d s . We're still very m u c h alive, my love, a n d we have everything to live for.' ' I know.' J u l i a n o d d e d . 'Perhaps k n o w i n g that m e a n s s o m e g o o d has c o m e o u t of all this.' T h e y l o o k e d across to the refugee c a m p on the side of the hill o p p o s i t e the acropolis. S o m e m o r e p e o p l e h a d g a t h e r e d r o u n d the fire w h e r e the s i n g i n g h a d b e g u n a n d a d d e d their voices. T h e t u n e was clearer now, a n d C a t o a n d J u l i a listened to it for a w h i l e . He c o u l d n o t help feeling m o v e d b y the j u x t a p o s i t i o n o f the b u r d e n o f so m u c h tragedy and the cheerful lightness of the s o n g that p i e r c e d the s h a d o w s o f the night lying heavily u p o n the hilly landscape. H e held J u l i a close to h i m a n d s p o k e softly in her ear. 'I w a n t to m a k e love.' ' N o w ? ' she w h i s p e r e d . ' H e r e ? ' 'Yes.' S h e l o o k e d at h i m for a m o m e n t b e f o r e kissing h i m on the lips, slipping her h a n d gently b e h i n d his h e a d and d r a w i n g h i m towards her as she eased herself b a c k on to the c o o l grass of the terrace garden. C a t o felt a w a r m rush to his loins as he b e g a n to harden. They kissed a w h i l e longer, revelling in the t o u c h , the scent and the w a r m t h o f each other. T h e n J u l i a o p e n e d her legs either side o f h i m a n d said, ' N o w , m y C a t o . N o w . I w a n t y o u inside m e . B u t w a t c h that l e g of y o u r s . . .' C a t o felt a fresh tingle of a r d o u r as he recalled it all again. He s m i l e d at J u l i a t r u n d l i n g alongside h i m in the cart. 'I k n o w w h a t you're thinking,' she l a u g h e d . 'Is it so o b v i o u s ? ' 115

'Trust m e . You're a m a n . Of c o u r s e it's obvious.' T h e y b o t h l a u g h e d . T h e nearest troopers o f the m o u n t e d escort t u r n e d to l o o k at t h e m w i t h c u r i o u s expressions, b e f o r e t u r n i n g their attention b a c k t o the s u r r o u n d i n g landscape, w a t c h i n g for signs o f danger. T h e y a p p r o a c h e d G o r t y n a a t d u s k , w i t h o u t incident, a n d c a u g h t sight of the city as the road r o u n d e d the c u r v e of a hill. After his e x p e r i e n c e of M a t a l a , M a c r o was s u r p r i s e d to see that the province's capital a p p e a r e d to have suffered far less d a m a g e than the port. To the side of the road l e a d i n g to the m a i n gate w a s a m a r c h i n g c a m p . A section o f auxiliary t r o o p s g u a r d e d the entrance. M a c r o p o i n t e d t o them. ' W h o are they?' C a t o reined in as he d r e w alongside. ' D e t a c h m e n t s from the Fifth Gallic a n d Tenth M a c e d o n i a n , f r o m the garrisons o f C n o s s o s and A x o s . T h e reports f r o m the n o r t h o f the island said that there h a d n o t b e e n nearly as m u c h d a m a g e there, so S e m p r o n i u s sent orders for reinforcements t o b e m a r c h e d t o G o r t y n a . T h e r e s h o u l d b e m o r e m e n c o m i n g f r o m the o t h e r cities over the n e x t f e w days.' W e l l that's s o m e t h i n g . ' M a c r o n o d d e d . 'As l o n g as they aren't as o u t o f c o n d i t i o n a s the b o y s o f the Twelfth H i s p a n i a . We're g o i n g t o n e e d s o m e g o o d m e n to sort things o u t . W h a t I'd give for a few c o h o r t s f r o m the S e c o n d L e g i o n right now.' ' N o t every auxiliary unit is like the Twelfth,' C a t o c o u n t e r e d . 'Those m e n we

c o m m a n d e d a t B u s h i r a n d Palmyra w e r e fine

soldiers. You said so yourself. As g o o d as legionaries.' 'True enough,' Macro

c o n c e d e d . ' B u t that was only b e c a u s e

w e w o r k e d t h e m hard, C a t o . D r i l l e d ' e m hard a n d drilled ' e m regularly. We m a d e t h e m ready for war. T r o u b l e w i t h g a r r i s o n units is that m o s t of their officers let t h e m go soft. In t i m e they're little better than the layabouts of the t o w n w a t c h . I'd lay g o o d m o n e y that m o s t o f the auxiliary c o h o r t s o n C r e t e are cut from the s a m e cloth.' 'Perhaps. B u t w e can't k n o w for sure.' M a c r o l o o k e d at h i m . ' R e a l l y ? C a r e to m a k e a bet that there's n o t o n e m a n a m o n g s t that lot fit to take his place in the S e c o n d L e g i o n ? '

116

C a t o c o n s i d e r e d the w a g e r for a m o m e n t a n d s h o o k his h e a d . 'I can think o f better ways t o waste m y m o n e y ' T h e y left their escort at the city gates, a n d the d e c u r i o n , w i t h orders t o i n d u c t Atticus into o n e o f t h e infantry c o h o r t s , m a r c h e d his m e n away towards their c a m p o n the far side o f G o r t y n a . M a c r o a n d C a t o d i s m o u n t e d a n d led their horses a l o n g the m a i n street as Julia's cart followed b e h i n d . Inside t h e walls, makeshift tents and c r u d e shelters filled the r u i n e d quarters of the city. T h e y passed several gangs of slaves at w o r k clearing r u b b l e and m a k i n g repairs to t e m p l e s a n d business premises. C a t o n o t i c e d that the slaves w e r e securely c h a i n e d to each o t h e r a n d w e r e closely w a t c h e d by overseers a r m e d w i t h heavy clubs. T h e p o o r e s t dwellings o f G o r t y n a h a d b e e n left to their o w n e r s , w h o p i c k e d over t h e m , still g l e a n i n g for valuables a n d w h a t e v e r f o o d r e m a i n e d that h a d n o t g o n e off in the h o t days f o l l o w i n g the

earthquake. A r m e d m e n s t o o d o u t s i d e the larger

h o u s e s a n d s t o r e r o o m s s u r r o u n d i n g the city's f o r u m . ' S e e m s that G l a b i u s is l o o k i n g after his own,' M a c r o c o m m e n t e d quietly. ' F o r now,' C a t o replied. ' B u t I don't i m a g i n e S e m p r o n i u s will p u t up w i t h this for long.' ' W h y n o t ? T h e r i c h have always b e e n g o o d a t l o o k i n g after each other.' ' W h y n o t ? ' J u l i a i n t e r r u p t e d . ' B e c a u s e m y father i s n o fool, C e n t u r i o n M a c r o . H e k n o w s that i f a w e d g e i s driven b e t w e e n the local p e o p l e , then it can only h a r m efforts to rebuild the p r o v i n c e , and help the cause of the rebel slaves. That's w h y not.' M a c r o scratched the stubble on his chin. 'If y o u say so.' 'Trust m e , ' she

c o n t i n u e d . ' H e will d o

the right thing. H e

always has.' C a t o c o u l d believe it. T h e senator h a d a strong m o r a l streak a n d a sense o f d u t y t o R o m e that o v e r r o d e any self-interest. W h i c h was w h y he h a d never b e e n g r a n t e d any rank higher than quaestor. If he had b e e n p r e p a r e d t o m a k e a n d take b r i b e s , then h e w o u l d have b e e n a p p o i n t e d a provincial g o v e r n o r years before. T h e y c o n t i n u e d t h r o u g h the f o r u m , w h e r e a handful of stalls h a d b e e n set up by traders desperate to e a r n hard c u r r e n c y to b u y f o o d for their families. E v e n t h o u g h it was late in the day, l o n g past the 117

usual t i m e they closed up for the night, the traders w e r e still w a i t i n g patiently for c u s t o m , t h o u g h the area was a l m o s t deserted. A short distance from the f o r u m s t o o d the entrance to the governor's palace. T h e t w o R o m a n officers a n d the cart w e r e w a v e d t h r o u g h , a n d a s they entered the courtyard C a t o n o t e d that the p a l a c e was g u a r d e d b y auxiliaries. T h e r e was n o sign o f the t o w n guards and the private b o d y g u a r d s , w h o h a d r e m a i n e d loyal t o G l a b i u s . M a c r o called over o n e o f the governor's h o u s e h o l d slaves. ' Y o u , where's S e n a t o r S e m p r o n i u s ? " ' O v e r there, master.' T h e slave b o w e d his h e a d as he p o i n t e d towards the stable courtyard. 'Take the horses,' M a c r o o r d e r e d , h a n d i n g the reins to the slave. C a t o h e l p e d J u l i a d o w n f r o m the cart and the three o f t h e m m a d e their way across to the entrance of the stables. T h e r e was no l o n g e r a restless c r o w d d e m a n d i n g treatment, a n d a c a l m sense of o r d e r prevailed i n the buildings a n d store sheds o n e a c h side o f the c o u r t yard. T h e r o o m s to the right w e r e still s e r v i n g as a makeshift hospital, a n d S e m p r o n i u s h a d c o m m a n d e e r e d those to the left for his h e a d quarters. A s M a c r o , C a t o a n d J u l i a w e r e s h o w n into a tack r o o m , the senator g l a n c e d up f r o m the desk that h a d b e e n set up by the far wall. A pile of reports on w a x e d slates lay before h i m a n d he l o w e r e d the brass stylus in his h a n d as a b r o a d smile creased his w e a r y features. R e l e a s i n g her h o l d o n C a t o ' s h a n d , Julia ran across the r o o m a n d e m b r a c e d her father. 'Easy, my dear!' he c h u c k l e d , kissing her tenderly on the c h e e k . M a c r o a n d C a t o s t o o d b y the d o o r i n a n a w k w a r d silence until S e m p r o n i u s b e c k o n e d t o t h e m t o a p p r o a c h . J u l i a straightened u p and w e n t to sit on the clerks' b e n c h to o n e side of the desk. ' G o o d to see y o u again, g e n t l e m e n , ' said S e m p r o n i u s . ' H a v e a seat. H o w are things a t M a t a l a , M a c r o ? ' ' N o t t o o b a d , s i r . T h e f o o d i s b e i n g r a t i o n e d a n d there are supplies for s o m e days yet. T h e p e o p l e aren't happy, b u t we're k e e p i n g t h e m in line, for n o w ' He g l a n c e d briefly at C a t o . ' T h e c h i e f difficulty is the slave rebellion.' ' R e b e l l i o n ? ' S e m p r o n i u s frowned. 'I d o u b t a f e w m i n o r skirmishes a m o u n t to a rebellion.' 'It's g o n e b e y o n d a few skirmishes, sir.' M a c r o briefly r e c o u n t e d

118

the attack on his c o l u m n a n d the fact that the slaves w e r e b e i n g led by the m a n in the leather skullcap. 'A

gladiator, y o u

say?' S e m p r o n i u s

mused, once

Macro

had

finished his report. 'That's my guess, sir. If I ' m right then he s h o u l d be easy to identify. I'll give y o u r clerks the details that I can recall of the m a n , and we'll see if a n y o n e recognises h i m f r o m the description.' ' S o m e o n e m i g h t , but w h a t g o o d will that d o us?' M a c r o was surprised. 'Well, sir, k n o w i n g y o u r e n e m y is always s o m e t h i n g of a help.' ' B u t y o u said h e s e e m e d t o k n o w y o u already' 'That's h o w i t l o o k e d t o m e . C a n ' t say I recalled h i m , t h o u g h . N o t yet. If I can learn s o m e t h i n g a b o u t h i m , then perhaps I can place this m a n a n d have s o m e idea o f h o w m u c h o f a threat h e poses.' S e m p r o n i u s c o n s i d e r e d this briefly a n d then n o d d e d . 'All right. I'll m a k e sure his d e s c r i p t i o n is circulated. T h o u g h I don't see h o w o n e gladiator is g o i n g to upset my plans to restore o r d e r to C r e t e . H e ' s no m o r e of a threat than any o t h e r slave a m o n g s t that rabble s k u l k i n g in the hills.' J u l i a l e a n e d forward. 'Father, this w o u l d n ' t be the first t i m e that R o m e u n d e r e s t i m a t e d the d a n g e r p o s e d b y a n e s c a p e d gladiator. C e n t u r i o n M a c r o i s right t o b e c o n c e r n e d . ' S e m p r o n i u s f r o w n e d , a n d then s h o o k his h e a d w i t h a small l a u g h a s h e u n d e r s t o o d her p o i n t . ' T h i s i s C r e t e , m y dear, n o t C a m p a n i a . G l a d i a t o r s c h o o l s are s o m e w h a t thinner o n the g r o u n d here than they are a r o u n d C a p u a . T h e r e i s n o d a n g e r o f a n o t h e r Spartacus. B e s i d e s , I d o u b t that any slave in the e m p i r e can be u n a w a r e of the dreadful fate that befell t h o s e w h o followed Spartacus. T h e y m i g h t r u n a n d hide, b u t any r u n a w a y slaves will b e t o o terrified o f b e i n g involved in a general uprising. T h e y ' d s o o n e r be captured, r e t u r n e d to their masters and punished.' M a c r o s u c k e d in a breath as he recalled the fanaticism w i t h w h i c h the slaves h a d attacked his c o l u m n . 'Truly, sir, I h o p e you're right.' 'I am sure of it.' S e m p r o n i u s softened his expression. ' N o w , there are slightly m o r e pressing p r o b l e m s t o b e faced b e f o r e w e w o r r y t o o m u c h a b o u t this gladiator o f yours.' 119

' R e a l l y ? ' M a c r o raised his eyebrows. 'Yes, really,' S e m p r o n i u s replied testily. 'We still have to c o n t e n d w i t h that fool M a r c u s G l a b i u s . I've m a n a g e d to p e r s u a d e h i m to h a n d the governor's palace over to m e , b u t he's o c c u p i e d the acropolis, and keeps h i m s e l f s u r r o u n d e d b y b o d y g u a r d s . H e has also taken charge o f the f o o d supplies a n d h a d t h e m m o v e d t o the s t o r e r o o m s i n the acropolis. A n d w h i l e h e controls the f o o d , h e controls G o r t y n a , a n d to a d e g r e e the troops u n d e r my c o m m a n d , since I am required to go to h i m for the men's rations. N o w , I m i g h t have b e e n p r e p a r e d to o v e r l o o k such issues if G l a b i u s was f e e d i n g the p e o p l e a n d h e l p i n g t h e m recover from the

earthquake, but h e

isn't. H e has b e e n

p r o t e c t i n g the p r o p e r t y o f his friends, a n d o p e n l y p e r m i t t i n g t h e m t o e x p l o i t the f o o d s h o r t a g e by h o a r d i n g supplies, w h i l e he uses the provincial treasury to b u y grain a n d m e a t at vastly inflated prices for distribution to the p o o r . S o m e of the grain is r u i n e d and the m e a t is rotten. It's an intolerable state of affairs,' S e m p r o n i u s c o n c l u d e d . ' T h e n w h y d o y o u tolerate it, sir?' asked C a t o . ' W h y ? ' S e m p r o n i u s rose f r o m his desk a n d m a d e for the d o o r t o the courtyard. ' C o m e w i t h m e and I'll s h o w y o u w h y ' H e led t h e m into the centre o f the stable courtyard a n d t u r n e d t o p o i n t at the acropolis built on a nearby hill that d o m i n a t e d the centre of the city. A n a r r o w track w o u n d its way up the steep slope to the gate, w h i c h was p r o t e c t e d b y sturdy towers o n each side. 'As y o u can see, G l a b i u s has p i c k e d h i m s e l f a safe spot to sit o u t the crisis. It w o u l d take an a r m y to seize the acropolis, a n d he has all the provisions to withstand a siege w h i l e I have n o n e to m o u n t o n e . B e s i d e s , i t w o u l d b e m a d n e s s t o u s e force t o b r i n g G l a b i u s t o heel, g i v e n the p r o b l e m s we already face.' ' S o w h a t is y o u r plan, sir?' asked M a c r o . ' M y plan is to gather e n o u g h soldiers here to ensure that there is no p o p u l a r u p r i s i n g p r o v o k e d by the i n e p t i t u d e of G l a b i u s , Also, I i n t e n d to restore order to the farms and estates of the s o u t h e r n part o f the island, a n d r o u n d u p those slaves y o u s e e m s o c o n c e r n e d a b o u t . O n c e that has b e e n achieved, then I will settle matters w i t h Glabius.' C a t o s h o o k his h e a d . 'I d o u b t that w o u l d be a g o o d idea, if y o u don't m i n d m y saying?'

120

'Oh?' ' G l a b i u s is a tax collector, sir.You k n o w h o w well c o n n e c t e d they are b a c k i n R o m e . Y o u w o u l d risk m a k i n g s o m e d a n g e r o u s e n e m i e s i f y o u t o o k h i m on.' ' A n d I risk l o s i n g control of the p r o v i n c e if I don't.' 'That's true,' C a t o c o n c e d e d . T h e senator was i n a n i m p o s s i b l e position. S e m p r o n i u s stared up at the acropolis w i t h a w e a r y e x p r e s s i o n b e f o r e he c o n t i n u e d . 'I sent a full r e p o r t on the situation here to R o m e this m o r n i n g . I said that I w o u l d wait for further instructions b e f o r e dealing w i t h Glabius.' M a c r o a n d C a t o e x c h a n g e d a q u i c k glance. T h e senator was t a k i n g the easy way o u t by w a i t i n g for orders; d i s o w n i n g r e s p o n sibility for affairs in C r e t e . It m i g h t take as m u c h as t w o m o n t h s for a reply to reach G o r t y n a . In that t i m e Glabius w o u l d be free to c o n t i n u e e x p l o i t i n g the situation, e n d a n g e r i n g the security o f n o t only the p r o v i n c e b u t the rest of the e m p i r e as well, o n c e n e w s of the collapse o f a u t h o r i t y o n the island l e a k e d o u t across the M e d i t e r ranean. It was essential that the senator realised the n e e d to r e m o v e G l a b i u s . E v e n i f that m a d e

him enemies back in R o m e , Cato

reflected. He cleared his throat. 'Sir, I don't think we can afford to wait for instructions f r o m R o m e . W e will have t o act l o n g b e f o r e then. B e f o r e G l a b i u s stirs up t o o m u c h hostility a m o n g s t the local people.' S e m p r o n i u s c o c k e d a n eyebrow. ' W h a t d o y o u p r o p o s e w e d o then?' T h e shift in authority f r o m the senator to his s u b o r d i n a t e was n o t lost o n M a c r o , a n d h e h a d t o force h i m s e l f n o t t o s h o w his surprise as C a t o m a d e his reply. 'We have to take control of the f o o d stocks up there, sir. T h a t m e a n s w e have t o arrest G l a b i u s , a n d d i s a r m his b o d y g u a r d s . O n c e that's d o n e , w e can b e sure that the p e o p l e will b e o n o u r side.' While

we

make

enemies

o f Glabius's

friends?'

Sempronius

p a u s e d . ' B o t h here a n d b a c k i n R o m e . ' ' C a n ' t be h e l p e d . B e s i d e s , the m a t h e m a t i c s of the situation is quite clear, sir. T h e r e are m o r e h u n g r y p e o p l e than there are friends of G l a b i u s . W h o w o u l d y o u rather have o n y o u r side?' 121

S e m p r o n i u s pressed his lips together and g l a n c e d at the others, b e f o r e t u r n i n g to stare helplessly at the walls of the acropolis. J u l i a cleared her throat a n d gently t o o k her father's h a n d . ' C a t o ' s right. You m u s t act. S o o n . ' T h e senator was silent for a m o m e n t b e f o r e he n o d d e d slowly. 'Very well. G l a b i u s will be dealt with.'

122

CHAPTER THIRTEEN

T

h e f o l l o w i n g m o r n i n g , S e n a t o r S e m p r o n i u s m e t w i t h his senior military officers. In a d d i t i o n to M a c r o a n d C a t o , there w e r e the

commanders

o f the

three

auxiliary c o h o r t s . T h e prefect o f the

Batavian cavalry, M a r c e l l u s , was a slender, h a r d - l o o k i n g veteran w i t h silver hair a n d piercing dark eyes. T h e d e t a c h m e n t s o f the t w o infantry c o h o r t s w e r e led b y c e n t u r i o n s , Albinus a n d Plotius, m e n w h o h a d served w i t h their units since f i r s t signing up. U n f o r t u n a t e , since M a c r o h a d h o p e d they m i g h t have b e e n p r o m o t e d t o their present rank f r o m the l e g i o n s . 'Pity,' he m u t t e r e d to C a t o as the senator m a d e the i n t r o d u c t i o n s . ' B u t we'll have t o m a k e do.' S e m p r o n i u s g l a n c e d at h i m irritably as he c o n t i n u e d . ' M a c r o is the acting prefect of the Twelfth H i s p a n i a at Matala. C e n t u r i o n C a t o is s e r v i n g as my military aide a n d c h i e f of staff.' M a r c e l l u s l o o k e d searchingly at C a t o for a m o m e n t . ' M i g h t I ask the substantive rank o f M a c r o a n d C a t o ? ' ' O f course.' S e m p r o n i u s

nodded. 'Both

hold legionary

rank,

p e n d i n g r e a p p o i n t m e n t t o n e w units o n c e they return t o R o m e . ' 'I see.' M a r c e l l u s n o d d e d w i t h a small smile of satisfaction. ' T h e n , as prefect, I am the senior officer present.' 'You

are, technically,' S e m p r o n i u s

replied

in

an

even

tone.

' H o w e v e r , as the senior office-holder in the province, I have the final w o r d i n matters o f c o m m a n d . F o r the present I a m c o n t e n t t o p e r m i t M a c r o t o retain c o m m a n d o f o u r forces.' 'I have to protest, sir. M a c r o is o n l y an acting prefect. I am a p e r m a n e n t h o l d e r of that rank. T h e r e f o r e I s h o u l d be in c o m m a n d . ' ' Y o u r protest is n o t e d , Prefect M a r c e l l u s ; however, I have m a d e my d e c i s i o n . Prefect M a c r o will lead m y m e n . ' 'I see.' M a r c e l l u s n o d d e d . 'I'd like that n o t e d in w r i t i n g , sir.' 123

' W o u l d y o u ? ' S e m p r o n i u s l o o k e d s u r p r i s e d for a m o m e n t , b e f o r e h e recovered. 'Are y o u sure a b o u t that?' T h e other m a n r e t u r n e d his stare steadily a n d then s h o o k his h e a d . 'I s u p p o s e not. After all, w h a t difference d o e s it m a k e ? T h e r e aren't likely to be any rewards h a n d e d o u t to the c o m m a n d e r s as a result of o u r actions in this crisis.' 'Quite,' S e m p r o n i u s replied. ' T h i s is a s i m p l e p o l i c i n g matter, g e n t l e m e n . O u r goals are t o enforce order, feed the p e o p l e and recapture the slaves w h o have r u n away f r o m their masters. T h a t is all.' He g l a n c e d r o u n d at his subordinates. ' H a v i n g c o n s i d e r e d the situation, I have m a d e the f o l l o w i n g plans to achieve o u r goals. T h e B a t a v i a n h o r s e a n d the Fifth Gallic will be tasked w i t h h u n t i n g d o w n the fugitive slaves a n d any b r i g a n d s that are p r e y i n g on the p e o p l e a n d p r o p e r t y of this province.' He p a u s e d , a n d c h e w e d his lip for a m o m e n t before c o n t i n u i n g . 'Prefect Marcellus will c o m m a n d this force.' M a c r o cleared his throat. ' B e g g i n g y o u r p a r d o n , sir. I t h o u g h t y o u said I was y o u r c h o i c e for c o m m a n d e r . ' 'I did.' ' T h e n shouldn't I lead this c o l u m n ? ' ' Y o u r particular talents are required here, for the present.' 'Sir?' 'I will explain later.' S e m p r o n i u s t u r n e d to C e n t u r i o n Plotius. ' T h e Tenth M a c e d o n i a n will r e m a i n i n G o r t y n a , t o k e e p order and t o help w i t h r e c o n s t r u c t i o n . C e n t u r i o n C a t o will assign w o r k details for y o u r men.' ' Y e s , sir.' Plotius n o d d e d . 'Any questions?' Marcellus s p o k e . 'Yes, sir. It will take my m e n s o m e days to carry o u t their j o b , and w e will n e e d a d e q u a t e provisions. T h e thing is, M a r c u s G l a b i u s has n o t b e e n f o r t h c o m i n g w i t h the supplies h e has h o a r d e d up there on the hill.' ' S o I've heard.' 'Well, the truth of it is that he has b e e n g i v i n g me half of w h a t I n e e d for the m e n a n d horses, a n d he's b e e n d o l i n g it o u t on a daily basis. I will n e e d at least ten days' supplies, a n d I will n e e d it in full rations.'

124

'I've

already

requested

that,'

Sempronius

replied. ' H o w e v e r ,

G l a b i u s has sent m e w o r d that h e m u s t put the p e o p l e o f G o r t y n a first. He will only grant y o u - t h o s e are his w o r d s — five days' supplies, at half rations, for y o u and y o u r horses.' Marcellus's expression d a r k e n e d . ' T h a t w o n ' t d o , sir. In any case, w h o is he to tell y o u w h a t he will p r o v i d e f r o m his supplies?' ' W h o i n d e e d ? ' S e m p r o n i u s s m i l e d weakly. ' G l a b i u s i s the m a n sitting on the f o o d chest. H e ' s also the m a n sitting pretty up there in the acropolis. U n t i l the situation c h a n g e s , the allocation of supplies is in his hands. In the m e a n t i m e , y o u a n d y o u r m e n will take w h a t rations he provides for us, and w h e n they are e x h a u s t e d y o u will have to live off the land.' C a t o l e a n e d forward. ' B e g g i n g y o u r p a r d o n , sir?' ' W h a t is it?' 'Prefect M a r c e l l u s a n d his

c o l u m n will n o t b e

campaigning

t h r o u g h hostile territory. At least, it w o n ' t be hostile to start with. The local p e o p l e have little e n o u g h f o o d as it is, and if o u r m e n t u r n up and start seizing what's left, t h e n we are hardly g o i n g to k e e p their loyalty, a n d that's s o m e t h i n g we're g o i n g to n e e d in full m e a s u r e in the days to c o m e . ' 'Well, w h a t o f it?' S e m p r o n i u s r e s p o n d e d i n a n e x a s p e r a t e d t o n e . ' O u r soldiers have t o b e fed.' 'That's true, but it w o u l d be best if they take as little as possible f r o m each settlement they pass t h r o u g h , and also they m u s t pay their way' 'Pay?' M a r c e l l u s s n o r t e d . 'We're b l o o d y army, n o t traders. We don't pay o u r w a y ' C a t o p u r s e d his lips. 'As things are, I w o u l d r e c o m m e n d that we pay for the f o o d , sir. U n l e s s we w a n t the peasants, slaves a n d b r i g a n d s m a k i n g c o m m o n cause.' ' L e t t h e m try,' scoffed M a r c e l l u s . 'I'll ride t h e m into the g r o u n d . ' 'I'd rather y o u didn't,' said S e m p r o n i u s . 'I w o u l d i m a g i n e the e m p e r o r w o u l d n o t b e pleased t o lose any m o r e tax-payers i n this p r o v i n c e than is w h o l l y necessary. You'll do as C a t o says a n d pay for y o u r supplies, and don't leave p e o p l e to starve in y o u r w a k e . Is that clear?' Y e s , sir.' 125

' G o o d , then I w a n t y o u and C e n t u r i o n Albinus t o prepare y o u r m e n to m a r c h at first light. Your orders will be sent to y o u later o n . I will w a n t regular reports on y o u r progress, M a r c e l l u s . E v e r y other day' 'Yes, sir. Is that all?' S e m p r o n i u s stared at h i m for a m o m e n t a n d n o d d e d . 'Yes. T h e briefing is over. Y o u m a y leave, e x c e p t for C e n t u r i o n s C a t o and Macro.' T h e y r e m a i n e d in their seats as the o t h e r three officers scraped b a c k their chairs a n d rose to salute and leave the r o o m . O n c e the d o o r was closed b e h i n d t h e m , and the s o u n d o f footsteps h a d r e c e d e d across the flagstones of the stable courtyard, M a c r o cleared his throat a n d l e a n e d forward belligerently. ' M i g h t I ask w h y I am n o t b e i n g entrusted w i t h c o m m a n d of the c o l u m n b e i n g sent to deal w i t h the slaves?' 'It is n o t a question of trust.' S e m p r o n i u s sighed. ' R a t h e r , it is n o t a question of my faith in y o u so m u c h as my lack of trust in Marcellus.' ' E h ? I don't follow y o u , sir.' ' Y o u saw w h a t he was like. A m b i t i o u s , a n d resentful. Marcellus has b e e n s e r v i n g i n C r e t e for l o n g e n o u g h t o favour a n insider like G l a b i u s over m e . I c o u l d be w r o n g a b o u t h i m , b u t I w o n ' t take the risk. I'd rather he was kept away f r o m G o r t y n a w h i l e we deal w i t h G l a b i u s . C h a s i n g d o w n the runaways and e n f o r c i n g martial law will k e e p h i m o c c u p i e d for a w h i l e . Besides,' S e m p r o n i u s s m i l e d , ' I m e a n t w h a t I said a b o u t r e q u i r i n g y o u r talents here, M a c r o . ' 'Sir?' 'I think it is t i m e I resolve my differences w i t h Glabius a n d p e r s u a d e h i m to retire f r o m his current post. I have no intention of setting Marcellus l o o s e o n the s o u t h e r n part o f the p r o v i n c e short o f rations. S o , we m u s t get o u r hands on the supplies up in the acropolis as s o o n as possible.' M a c r o g l a n c e d a t C a t o a n d w i n k e d . ' N o w that s o u n d s like m y k i n d o f proposition.' C a t o l o o k e d a t S e m p r o n i u s . ' W h a t d o y o u have i n m i n d , sir?' ' A little subterfuge, w h i c h w e will p u t into effect o n c e Marcellus is a safe distance f r o m G o r t y n a . T o m o r r o w a f t e r n o o n s h o u l d do.' S e m p r o n i u s c o u l d n o t suppress a small c h u c k l e . ' A n d then we shall

126

see if G l a b i u s has any b a c k b o n e to b a c k up his bluster. That's all for now, g e n t l e m e n . ' M a c r o a n d C a t o w e r e a t the d o o r w h e n S e m p r o n i u s called after t h e m . ' O n e o t h e r thing. I've f o u n d o u t w h o this gladiator m i g h t b e . I t s e e m s that the governor's w i f e b o u g h t h i m o n a trip b a c k t o R o m e a few m o n t h s a g o . Apparently he was a rising star and A n t o n i a p a i d a small f o r t u n e for him.' ' W h y ? ' asked C a t o . 'I m e a n , of w h a t use is a gladiator to a R o m a n matron?' M a c r o a n d S e m p r o n i u s g l a n c e d a t each other, a n d M a c r o raised his eyes. ' O h . ' C a t o b l u s h e d . 'I see. Anyway, w h a t is his n a m e ? ' 'I didn't get his real name,' said S e m p r o n i u s . ' O n l y the o n e he f o u g h t u n d e r - " T h e Iron T h r a c i a n " . N o t m u c h help, I ' m afraid. Still, i f h e survived the e a r t h q u a k e , h e m i g h t b e the m a n w h o i s l e a d i n g the slaves.' As

the

sun

began

to

sink b e h i n d

the

mass

of the

acropolis,

S e m p r o n i u s , a c c o m p a n i e d b y t w o m e n i n the plain tunics o f clerks, w i t h the b a g s c o n t a i n i n g their w r i t i n g materials slung f r o m their s h o u l d e r s , m a d e his way u p the path l e a d i n g t o the m a i n gate o f the acropolis. He h a d sent a m e s s a g e to G l a b i u s earlier in the a f t e r n o o n requesting a m e e t i n g to discuss the p r o v i s i o n i n g r e q u i r e m e n t s of his t r o o p s . G l a b i u s had c o n s e n t e d , a n d a g r e e d the t i m e that S e m p r o n i u s h a d s u g g e s t e d for the m e e t i n g . T h e s h a d o w s w e r e l e n g t h e n i n g o n the slope l e a d i n g u p t o the acropolis, casting g l o o m over the narrow alleyways b e t w e e n the houses that clustered there. Up on the wall that r i n g e d the t o p of the hill, a handful of Glabius's m e n patrolled a l o n g the sentry walk, dark shapes against the brilliant glare of the sky. S e m p r o n i u s was w e a r i n g a w h i t e tunic, f r i n g e d w i t h the b r o a d red b a n d that signified his social status. Across his s h o u l d e r was a s w o r d belt, from w h i c h h u n g a richly d e c o r a t e d scabbard and hilt - a w e a p o n that had b e e n in his family for g e n e r a t i o n s and survived the capsizing of the Horus. A s the gradient s t e e p e n e d a n d the route b e g a n t o z i g z a g u p the slope, M a c r o t u r n e d t o C a t o a n d m u m b l e d , ' T h i s i s never g o i n g t o w o r k . We shouldn't have let h i m talk us into it.' 127

' T h e plan will w o r k , i f w e k e e p quiet.' C a t o t a p p e d his m o u t h w i t h a finger. Macro

clamped

his

lips

together

and

shook

his

head

in

resignation. He w a l k e d a little awkwardly, thanks to the knife b o u n d against his spine u n d e r the tunic. C a t o also m o v e d warily, a n d w i t h a slight limp, as he was still r e c o v e r i n g f r o m his w o u n d . He w o r e a felt skullcap to help c o n c e a l his identity if they e n c o u n t e r e d any of Glabius's m e n w h o m i g h t have visited the senator's h e a d q u a r t e r s . H e h a d m e t Glabius o n c e , a n d the m a n was sure t o r e c o g n i s e h i m w h e n they c a m e face to face, b u t by then it w o u l d be t o o late for the tax collector to do anything a b o u t it. A v a g u e m o v e m e n t to his side d r e w M a c r o ' s attention and he saw a file of auxiliary troops stealing a l o n g the n a r r o w alleys that threaded the h o u s e s a n d small s h o p s c r o w d i n g u n d e r the l o o m i n g mass o f the acropolis. T h i s part of the city h a d n o t suffered nearly as badly as the rest, b u t even so, C e n t u r i o n Plotius a n d his m e n w o u l d b e forced t o p i c k their way quietly over the occasional heaps of r u b b l e in order n o t to alert the sentries on the walls above t h e m . T h e t w o guards at the gate rose to their feet a n d hefted their spears as the senator and his followers a p p r o a c h e d . C a t o saw that they w e r e b i g , heavy m e n w i t h the b r o k e n noses o f b o x e r s , o r perhaps f r o m t i m e spent in the street gangs that w e r e a feature of every large city across the e m p i r e . T h e y m o v e d to bar the w a y to the closed gate a n d o n e raised his h a n d to halt S e m p r o n i u s . 'State y o u r business, sir,' he said bluntly. ' I ' m here t o see M a r c u s G l a b i u s . H e i s e x p e c t i n g m e . ' The

guard

smiled

faintly

as

he

replied.

'Governor

Marcus

G l a b i u s left w o r d t o a d m i t y o u , sir. H e said n o t h i n g a b o u t any companions.' S e m p r o n i u s bit b a c k o n his anger. ' T h e s e m e n are m y personal secretaries. I n e e d t h e m to m a k e notes at the m e e t i n g . N o w let us through.' T h e senator t o o k a step towards the gate. T h e g u a r d whistled and the o t h e r m a n o n d u t y b l o c k e d their path. 'Get out of my way' Sempronius growled. ' N o t so fast, sir,' said the first g u a r d . 'I have to search these bags b e f o r e I let y o u enter.'

128

H e t u r n e d t o M a c r o a n d C a t o a n d n o d d e d towards their haversacks. ' P u t ' e m o n the g r o u n d and step b a c k t w o paces.' T h e y did as they w e r e told and w a t c h e d as the guard knelt d o w n , o p e n e d each b a g in turn and r u m m a g e d t h r o u g h the w a x e d slates and styli before flipping the flaps b a c k and stepping away. 'Pick ' e m up.' C a t o c o u l d sense M a c r o bristling w i t h anger at his side as they retrieved their bags, a n d willed his friend to control his t e m p e r . T h e g u a r d a p p r o a c h e d the gates a n d b e l l o w e d o u t the order for t h e m to be o p e n e d . T h e r e was a dull g r a t i n g f r o m inside as the l o c k i n g bolt was slid aside, a n d a m o m e n t later o n e of the d o o r s g r o a n e d on its hinges as it s w u n g inwards. T h e guards s t e p p e d aside as S e m p r o n i u s clicked his f i n g e r s a n d led M a c r o a n d C a t o into the acropolis. L i k e m a n y G r e e k cities, the acropolis was d o m i n a t e d b y t e m p l e s a n d shrines to those g o d s m o s t revered by the local p e o p l e . In addition, there w e r e

a

n u m b e r of administration buildings

and

barracks built close to the walls that ran a r o u n d the e d g e of the hill. There

were

no

priests

in view. A

handful

of m e n

dressed

in

c o m f o r t a b l e tunics w e r e sitting in the shade of a g r o v e as they drank wine from a slender-necked amphora. ' S e e m s like the quality of G o r t y n a are d o i n g all right,' M a c r o muttered. A large g r o u p clustered a r o u n d a g a m e of dice o u t s i d e o n e of the b a r r a c k b l o c k s , a n d a n o t h e r six m e n w e r e patrolling a l o n g the walls, occasionally g l a n c i n g d o w n over the city, or o u t across the plains in the direction o f M a t a l a , a n d u p into the hills b e h i n d G o r t y n a . T h e e a r t h q u a k e h a d f l a t t e n e d o n e o f the smaller t e m p l e s , a n d large sections o f the roofs o f the others h a d fallen in. T h e t w o - s t o r e y administration b u i l d i n g was largely intact, save for the p o r t i c o , w h i c h had collapsed a n d n o w lay i n piles o f r u b b l e o n either side o f the entrance. A s they passed the T e m p l e o f J u p i t e r , B e s t a n d Greatest, C a t o saw that it was the newest structure on the acropolis, a n d the least d a m a g e d . T h r o u g h the c o l u m n s that s u r r o u n d e d the b u i l d i n g h e c o u l d see sacks o f grain a n d racks o f a m p h o r a e piled h i g h a l o n g the o u t e r walls. T h e m a i n d o o r s w e r e o p e n , and m o r e supplies w e r e visible in the d i m interior. C a t o q u i c k e n e d his p a c e , c a u g h t the eye o f S e m p r o n i u s and n o d d e d towards the t e m p l e .

129

' E n o u g h there to feed the p e o p l e for a w h i l e yet, n o t to m e n t i o n our men.' 'I know,' S e m p r o n i u s replied coolly. ' D a m n Glabius.' H e led t h e m towards the administration b u i l d i n g , w h e r e a n o t h e r o n e o f Glabius's hired m e n s t o o d o n guard. S e m p r o n i u s e x p l a i n e d his business o n c e again a n d the g u a r d n o d d e d a n d e s c o r t e d t h e m inside w i t h a curt gesture. T h e y passed t h r o u g h the m a i n hall, w h i c h was f i l l e d w i t h f i n e rugs, furniture, statuary a n d b o x e s o f scrolls. T h e contents

o f Glabius's

house, Cato

surmised, carried up

to

the

acropolis for safe k e e p i n g until the crisis was over. On the far side, a d o o r gave o u t on to a small c o l o n n a d e d courtyard. A staircase on the far side c l i m b e d up to a s e c o n d level of r o o m s , built directly on top of the wall. T h e g u a r d l e d t h e m up the stairs a n d a l o n g a n a r r o w c o r r i d o r until they r e a c h e d a d o o r at the end. He s t o p p e d and r a p p e d o n the frame. ' C o m e ! ' called a h i g h - p i t c h e d v o i c e f r o m inside, a n d the guard lifted the latch a n d s w u n g the d o o r o p e n before s t e p p i n g aside to let S e m p r o n i u s and his m e n pass. T h e r o o m was l o n g a n d narrow, w i t h w i n d o w s a l o n g o n e side g i v i n g f i n e v i e w s o u t over t h e city. Smaller w i n d o w s , high u p

o n the o p p o s i t e wall, allowed the a f t e r n o o n

sunlight to fill the r o o m w i t h an a m b e r h u e . G l a b i u s sat b e h i n d a desk b e s i d e o n e of the w i n d o w s . A pile of w a x e d tablets lay b e f o r e h i m , w i t h o n e o p e n o n the desk. A s they entered, h e h u r r i e d l y m a d e a final m a r k in the w a x a n d closed the tablet. A s h e strode across the r o o m , M a c r o studied the m a n they h a d c o m e to see. M a r c u s G l a b i u s was short, a h e a d shorter than even M a c r o , a n d heavily c o v e r e d w i t h fat a n d flesh that m a d e his cheeks pendulous

and

quivery. A l t h o u g h

his

wrinkled

face

indicated

a d v a n c e d years, M a c r o was s u r p r i s e d to see that G l a b i u s h a d fine curly black hair, a n d then realised that the tax collector was w e a r i n g a w i g . He w o r e a silk tunic a n d soft d o e s k i n b o o t s that laced up to j u s t b e l o w his k n e e s . H e s t r u g g l e d t o his feet a n d b o w e d towards his guests. ' W e l c o m e , Senator.' H e g l a n c e d shrewdly a t M a c r o . C a t o h a d m a n o e u v r e d h i m s e l f to stand b e h i n d S e m p r o n i u s ' s shoulder. 'I had n o t e x p e c t e d y o u t o b r i n g c o m p a n y . Witnesses t o o u r discussion, perhaps?'

130

' T h e s e m e n are m y secretaries, n o t witnesses,' S e m p r o n i u s replied coldly. ' T h e y are here to take notes.' ' B o t h o f t h e m ? Surely o n e w o u l d suffice?' ' F o r a lesser official, perhaps,' S e m p r o n i u s c o u n t e r e d . ' B u t as a senator, and as acting g o v e r n o r of the p r o v i n c e , it is for me to c h o o s e h o w m a n y m e n I need.' ' A c t i n g g o v e r n o r ? ' Glabius smiled. ' Y o u have no right to that title, alas. My p o o r friend Hirtius m a d e that quite clear in his last hours.' ' N e v e r t h e l e s s , I have a s s u m e d the g o v e r n o r s h i p , and have w r i t t e n t o R o m e t o seek confirmation.' A q u i c k frown flitted across Glabius's features, b e f o r e he s m i l e d again. ' H o w strange. I have w r i t t e n to my g o o d friend the i m p e r i a l secretary, N a r c i s s u s , t o ask for c o n f i r m a t i o n o f m y o w n c l a i m t o the post. A h well, w e shall s o o n see w h o R o m e a c k n o w l e d g e s . Anyway, I believe y o u are here to request rations for y o u r men.' M a c r o knelt d o w n and o p e n e d his b a g . W i t h o n e h a n d h e b e g a n to r u m m a g e t h r o u g h the c o n t e n t s , w h i l e the other stole slowly r o u n d , b e h i n d his b a c k . T h e senator cleared his throat a n d answered the tax collector clearly. ' N o . ' S e m p r o n i u s s h o o k his h e a d . ' N o t this t i m e . I have finished w i t h requests, G l a b i u s . N o r will I c o n d o n e any m o r e p a y m e n t s , at y o u r profiteering rates, for the rancid stocks that y o u s u p p l y to my m e n . I have c o m e here t o d e m a n d that y o u surrender control o f the supplies g a t h e r e d here. F u r t h e r m o r e , I w a n t y o u , y o u r friends a n d y o u r hired thugs to quit the acropolis immediately.' F o r an instant, Glabius's eyes w i d e n e d w i t h a stab of anxiety. 'Sadly, I a m u n a b l e t o c o m p l y w i t h y o u r wishes.' H e s t e p p e d o u t f r o m b e h i n d his desk so that he h a d a clear line to the d o o r at the e n d of the r o o m . ' N o w , if y o u don't m i n d , I think I m i g h t n e e d a few, er, witnesses o f m y o w n i n here.' He o p e n e d his m o u t h to d r a w a d e e p breath a n d call for his guards a s S e m p r o n i u s t u r n e d t o M a c r o a n d n o d d e d . ' N o w ' M a c r o s u r g e d to his feet, d a g g e r in h a n d , a n d h u r l e d h i m s e l f at G l a b i u s , k n o c k i n g h i m b a c k against the wall and d r i v i n g the breath o u t o f h i m i n a n explosive gasp o f pain. B e f o r e the tax collector c o u l d react, M a c r o s p u n h i m r o u n d , g r a b b e d h i m u n d e r the j a w w i t h his left h a n d a n d thrust the e d g e of the d a g g e r against his throat. 131

' D o n ' t m o v e a muscle,' he hissed in Glabius's ear. ' T h e blade's sharp, a n d will cut t h r o u g h y o u r throat at the slightest pressure.' Glabius a t t e m p t e d to w r i g g l e , a n d M a c r o c l a m p e d his left h a n d tightly a b o u t the man's w i n d p i p e . 'I said, don't m o v e . A n d if y o u m a k e a s o u n d w i t h o u t my say-so, it'll be the last thing y o u d o . Understand?' Glabius

made

to

nod,

but

wisely

changed

his

mind

and

w h i m p e r e d , 'Yes.' C a t o l e a n e d across the table a n d t u r n e d the tablet that G l a b i u s h a d b e e n w o r k i n g o n r o u n d t o face h i m . H e flipped i t o p e n a n d ran his eyes

over

the

columns

o f figures

under

some

clearly

marked

headings. He let o u t a l o w whistle. ' L o o k s like you're m a k i n g a small f o r t u n e o n the c o m m i s s i o n s o n the grain purchases. W h a t a m I saying? It's a b l o o d y h u g e fortune. I think I'll h a n g on to this.' He t u r n e d to S e m p r o n i u s for p e r m i s s i o n . 'Sir?' ' T a k e it. P u t it in y o u r b a g . I ' m sure Narcissus will be delighted to find o u t h o w well his friend is d o i n g o u t of the provincial treasury.' 'Yes, sir.' ' G o o d . ' S e m p r o n i u s s m i l e d a s h e s t o o d i n front o f G l a b i u s a n d crossed his a r m s . ' N o w that I have y o u r attention, a n d y o u r c o o p e r a t i o n , I w a n t y o u to listen carefully. Y o u will do exactly as I say. If y o u m a n a g e that, then y o u will live. If y o u mess u p , or try to m a k e a r u n for it, or s h o u t a w a r n i n g , then C e n t u r i o n M a c r o will kill y o u on the spot. So listen. T h i s is w h a t you're g o i n g to do . . .' A short t i m e after S e m p r o n i u s a n d the others h a d entered Glabius's office, they r e - e m e r g e d . T h i s t i m e the tax collector a c c o m p a n i e d t h e m , f o l l o w i n g the senator, w h i l e M a c r o a n d C a t o w a l k e d b e h i n d G l a b i u s . M a c r o held the d a g g e r in his right h a n d , c o n c e a l e d in the s h o u l d e r b a g , w h i c h h a d a small slit to the front t h r o u g h w h i c h the p o i n t of the blade p r o j e c t e d , j u s t e n o u g h for h i m to k e e p the tip in Glabius's side as they w a l k e d steadily a l o n g the c o r r i d o r and d o w n the steps into the courtyard. T h e g u a r d w h o h a d s h o w n the visitors up to the office was w a i t i n g in the shade of the c o l o n n a d e and h u r r i e d l y rose to his feet at their a p p r o a c h . G l a b i u s s l o w e d to a stop a n d b e c k o n e d t o the m a n . ' O v e r here!'

132

T h e g u a r d d r e w u p i n front o f the small party a n d eyed t h e m curiously, until G l a b i u s started to give his orders. 'I w a n t the m e n s u m m o n e d t o the side o f the T e m p l e o f Jupiter, a t once.' 'Yes, sir.' M a c r o gave G l a b i u s j u s t the lightest of p r o d s , as a little reminder. ' O h yes,' G l a b i u s a d d e d hurriedly. ' M a k e sure they are all there, i n c l u d i n g the m e n at the gate and on t h e walls.' 'All of t h e m ? ' T h e guard c o u l d n o t c o n c e a l his surprise at the order. Y e s , all o f t h e m ! ' Glabius replied harshly. ' D ' y o u hear m e ? All o f them.' ' B u t sir, the gate? W h o will guard it?' 'That's n o t i m p o r t a n t now. I w a n t e v e r y o n e by the t e m p l e , for a . . . a . . .' G l a b i u s bit his lip, a n d then started as M a c r o applied s o m e pressure to his b a c k . 'A reward! Yes, I w a n t to reward y o u m e n . F o r y o u r loyal service. F o r all the hard w o r k y o u have d o n e to help the p e o p l e o f G o r t y n a c o m e t h r o u g h the dark t i m e that has afflicted us!' M a c r o l e a n e d a little closer a n d w h i s p e r e d u n d e r his breath, 'Easy d o e s it. Let's n o t go overboard, e h ? ' G l a b i u s n o d d e d ever so faintly as he cleared his throat. 'Just s u m m o n the m e n . Tell t h e m I w a n t to address t h e m , t h e m a n d all my family a n d friends in the acropolis. S e n d w o r d to t h e m as well, at once. G o ! ' T h e g u a r d b o w e d his h e a d a n d t u r n e d t o stride away. ' D o n ' t w a l k , r u n ! ' G l a b i u s called after h i m , after a n o t h e r p r o d from M a c r o . W i t h a last glance b a c k , the guard s t u m b l e d into a trot as he h u r r i e d away to carry o u t his orders. As the clatter of footsteps faded, G l a b i u s swallowed n e r v o u s l y a n d glanced a t S e m p r o n i u s . ' D o y o u think h e believed m e ? ' Y o u ' d better pray h e did.' G l a b i u s stared intently at the senator. 'I don't k n o w w h a t exactly y o u think y o u are d o i n g , but y o u w o n ' t get away w i t h it.' 'We shall see. You j u s t play y o u r part a n d we'll take care of things.' ' W h a t are y o u u p t o ? ' ' Y o u ' l l see. N o w then, let's get m o v i n g again. A s far a s the entrance. A n d then w e wait there w h i l e y o u r m e n assemble.' W i t h M a c r o k e e p i n g a close eye on G l a b i u s , they slowly m a d e 133

their way b a c k t h r o u g h the hall and halted j u s t inside the building. K e e p i n g to the s h a d o w s , they w a t c h e d as the b o d y g u a r d s and hired thugs b e g a n to drift across the acropolis a n d assemble to the side of the c o l o n n a d e o f the T e m p l e o f Jupiter. S e m p r o n i u s h a d n o t e d the area on a previous visit, a n d saw h o w the b u l k of the t e m p l e c o n c e a l e d the line o f sight t o the m a i n gate. T h e y w a i t e d a n d w a t c h e d as a small c r o w d of the tax collector's guests a m b l e d a r o u n d the corner, c a r r y i n g the w i n e a m p h o r a w i t h t h e m and chatting cheerily as they f o u n d a s h a d e d c o r n e r to sit d o w n in a n d wait for their host. All the w h i l e M a c r o kept the p o i n t of his blade lightly pressed into the small o f Glabius's b a c k . O n c e , w h e n h e swayed forward a fraction, M a c r o g r a b b e d the b a c k of his tunic and gave h i m a harsh t u g . ' Y o u even think a b o u t trying to r u n for it, a n d I'll have you.' 'I wasn't t h i n k i n g a b o u t it! I swear. I ' m j u s t . . . j u s t scared.' M a c r o w i n k e d at C a t o as he replied in a g r o w l , ' G o o d . B e i n g scared m i g h t j u s t k e e p y o u alive.' G l a b i u s swallowed a n d n o d d e d . T h e y w a i t e d until the last of Glabius's followers a p p e a r e d to have answered the s u m m o n s , a n d then S e m p r o n i u s t u r n e d t o h i m . 'Are y o u clear o n w h a t y o u have t o d o ? ' Y e s . Absolutely' ' T h e n let's do it.' S e m p r o n i u s t o o k a d e e p breath a n d p l a c e d his h a n d on Glabius's s h o u l d e r as they walked slowly o u t of the entrance and started to cross the p a v e d area towards the t e m p l e . As they walked, S e m p r o n i u s m u t t e r e d t o C a t o , ' C a r r y o n , C e n t u r i o n . ' Y e s , sir.' C a t o saluted a n d t u r n e d to stride towards the m a i n gate, a w a x e d tablet c l u t c h e d u n d e r o n e a r m to reinforce the impression that he was a menial clerk g o i n g a b o u t his business. G l a b i u s g l a n c e d r o u n d . 'Where's h e off t o ? ' ' N e v e r y o u mind,' M a c r o said from b e h i n d . 'Just c o n c e n t r a t e o n w h a t y o u have to do.' T h e y c o n t i n u e d forward towards the small c r o w d b e s i d e the t e m p l e . A t their a p p r o a c h the m e n s t o p p e d m i l l i n g a b o u t a n d t u r n e d to G l a b i u s and the others expectantly. ' T h i s will do,' said S e m p r o n i u s , d r a w i n g up. ' R i g h t then, it's y o u r show.'

134

W i t h M a c r o standing b e h i n d a n d j u s t t o o n e side o f h i m , and S e m p r o n i u s on the o t h e r flank, G l a b i u s t o o k a d e e p , n e r v o u s breath and raised an a r m . ' M y friends! Faithful retainers! I am delighted to a n n o u n c e that S e n a t o r S e m p r o n i u s a n d I have r e a c h e d an a g r e e m e n t a b o u t the g o v e r n a n c e o f the p r o v i n c e . I have d e c i d e d t o — ' ' N o t so fast,' S e m p r o n i u s said u n d e r his breath. ' S p i n it o u t , like I told you.' As G l a b i u s c o n t i n u e d , the senator g l a n c e d to his side a n d saw that C a t o was halfway t o the gate. G l a b i u s h a d t o k e e p his m e n o c c u p i e d for a little w h i l e yet. 'I have d e c i d e d to, ah, firstly thank y o u for y o u r friendship a n d y o u r service. Y o u have b e e n a great s o u r c e of s u p p o r t in the troubled days since the g o d s b r o u g h t d o w n their wrath o n o u r fine city o f G o r t y n a . . .' C a t o l o o k e d b a c k a n d was relieved t o see that G l a b i u s h a d the attention o f his followers. N o o n e s e e m e d t o b e taking any interest i n the clerk S e n a t o r S e m p r o n i u s h a d sent o n s o m e errand. H e c o n t i n u e d striding away from the t e m p l e , trusting that e v e r y o n e h a d answered the s u m m o n s . A h e a d o f h i m was the gate, a b a n d o n e d b y the sentries. T h e l o c k i n g bar was securely in place, a heavy w o o d e n b e a m c a p p e d w i t h b r o n z e a t e a c h e n d . A s h e reached the gate, C a t o p a u s e d to l o o k r o u n d , b u t there was still no sign of life at this e n d of the acropolis. H e d r o p p e d the w a x e d slate i n his s h o u l d e r b a g and slipped the strap over his h e a d b e f o r e l o w e r i n g the b a g to the g r o u n d . T h e n h e h u r r i e d t o the l o c k i n g bar a n d g r a s p e d the handle, h e a v i n g it to o n e side. T h e b e a m shifted a tiny distance a n d he relaxed his g r i p for a m o m e n t so that he c o u l d adjust his f o o t i n g and b r a c e his s h o u l d e r against the handle. T a k i n g a d e e p breath, he gritted his teeth a n d threw his w e i g h t b e h i n d the handle, g r u n t i n g as he strained his muscles to shift the b e a m . It slid a little further, this t i m e a c c o m p a n i e d by a dull grating as it b e g a n to m o v e . C a t o rested briefly and c o n t i n u e d , and the b e a m slowly eased towards the iron h o o p s t h r o u g h w h i c h it passed on either d o o r . At last it c a m e free of the left-hand d o o r and slid into the receiver channel. He eased it a little further, past the fine shaft of daylight that 135

separated the d o o r s , and t h e n let g o o f the b e a m , w h i c h settled b a c k into its brackets. G r a b b i n g the

empty hoop, C a t o leaned back, boots seeking

p u r c h a s e on the w o r n p a v i n g stones. W i t h a s q u e a k y g r o a n that s o u n d e d d e a f e n i n g to his ears, the d o o r b e g a n to s w i n g inwards. It h a d o p e n e d a b o u t a p a c e w h e n a leather curtain that f o r m e d the d o o r in a nearby latrine s h e d was flung to o n e side and a m a n e m e r g e d , pulling d o w n his tunic. A scabbard was t u c k e d u n d e r o n e a r m , the belt straps d a n g l i n g d o w n to his sandals. He g l a n c e d towards the gate and froze w h e n h e saw C a t o . ' W h a t in H a d e s . . . ?' C a t o threw his w e i g h t b a c k w i t h r e n e w e d effort. ' S t o p ! S t o p that!' the m a n yelled, releasing the h e m o f his tunic a n d d r a w i n g his s w o r d a n d discarding his scabbard in o n e fluid m o t i o n . ' G e t away f r o m the fucking d o o r , y o u ! ' C a t o d u c k e d t h r o u g h the gap a n d c u p p e d a h a n d to his m o u t h as he b e l l o w e d d o w n the r o a d l e a d i n g into the city. 'Tenth M a c e d o n i a n ! O n me!' T h e r e was a scraping s o u n d , a n d he t u r n e d to see that the m a n was h e a v i n g against the e d g e o f the d o o r . ' N o y o u don't!' C a t o snarled, f u m b l i n g t h r o u g h the slit i n his tunic and r i p p i n g o u t the d a g g e r that was tied there. H e c l e n c h e d his fist r o u n d the handle a n d threw his w e i g h t against the d o o r , s t o p p i n g it d e a d . T h e i m p a c t drove the m a n b a c k a step, a n d C a t o seized the advantage to thrust again at the d o o r , pressing it o p e n a n o t h e r c o u p l e of feet b e f o r e he s p r a n g t h r o u g h the gap. T h e g u a r d b a c k e d off a short distance, c r o u c h e d l o w and readied his sword. He g l a n c e d at C a t o ' s d a g g e r a n d sneered. ' R u n , boy! W h i l e y o u still have a chance.' C a t o felt a wave of rage flush t h r o u g h his body. T h e n he heard a s h o u t f r o m d o w n the s l o p e a s C e n t u r i o n Plotius o r d e r e d his m e n forward. U n l e s s C a t o s t o o d his g r o u n d , the d o o r w o u l d b e closed b e f o r e they reached the gate. H e swallowed n e r v o u s l y and s h o o k his head. ' N o , ' C a t o replied. ' Y o u run.' ' W h a t ? ' T h e guard l o o k e d s u r p r i s e d for a m o m e n t , then his teeth c l e n c h e d as he s t e p p e d forward to attack. As s o o n as he was in range, 136

he l u n g e d straight at C a t o ' s s t o m a c h . C a t o l e a p e d nimbly to the side, hissing a curse at the pain in his l e g as the blade cut t h r o u g h the air close by. As the guard snatched b a c k his sword, C a t o slashed at his a r m . It was a desperate attack, and the d a g g e r struck the s w o r d blade w i t h a sharp scraping ring. At o n c e the g u a r d d r e w his w e a p o n b a c k and n o w slashed at C a t o in a s w i n g i n g arc. C a t o had no c h o i c e but t o g o d o w n o n o n e k n e e a n d d u c k a s the glittering e d g e swished overhead. T h e g u a r d h a d p u t his full strength into the blow, a n d the m o m e n t u m o f the blade c a r r i e d his a r m r o u n d a n d m o m e n t a r i l y u n b a l a n c e d h i m . C a t o threw h i m s e l f forward, striking at the man's b o o t e d f o o t , a n d felt the d a g g e r p i e r c e the leather straps, then flesh a n d b o n e . T h e r e was a shriek of a g o n y as he y a n k e d the handle free a n d rolled t o o n e side, a n d over again b e f o r e s c r a m b l i n g b a c k o n t o his feet. B l o o d was g u s h i n g from the guard's foot as he rolled his eyes and roared w i t h rage a n d pain. Then his eyes flickered b a c k towards C a t o , w i d e a n d terrifying. W i t h a n o t h e r meaningless s h o u t h e staggered forward, s w i n g i n g his s w o r d wildly. C a t o k n e w that any b l o w that c o n n e c t e d w o u l d cripple h i m i f i t d i d n o t kill h i m o u t r i g h t . H e h e l d the d a g g e r o u t in front of h i m , ready to a t t e m p t to p a r r y the sword. T h e first b l o w m i s s e d its target, b u t the s e c o n d , a v i c i o u s b a c k h a n d e d slash, c o n n e c t e d w i t h the d a g g e r w i t h such force that it was w r e n c h e d from C a t o ' s h a n d a n d flew t h r o u g h the air, s p i n n i n g e n d over e n d , until it clattered across the flagstones s o m e distance away. 'Right, you

skinny bastard,' the

man growled, backing Cato

against the c l o s e d d o o r . ' T i m e to die.' T h e r e was a series of shouts f r o m the direction of the gate, and several of Glabius's m e n t u r n e d their heads at the s o u n d s . After a m o m e n t G l a b i u s p a u s e d and l o o k e d t o his left. U n t i l M a c r o p r o d d e d h i m i n the b u t t o c k . ' K e e p talking.' G l a b i u s let o u t a small yelp a n d l u r c h e d half a p a c e forward b e f o r e he recovered his wits. ' B e t t e r k e e p their attention,' S e m p r o n i u s u r g e d quietly. ' G e t o n w i t h it.' 137

G l a b i u s n o d d e d , d r e w a n o t h e r breath a n d did his best to i g n o r e a n o t h e r shout f r o m the gate a s h e c o n t i n u e d . ' M y friends, let m e j u s t say that, having c o n f e r r e d w i t h the

senator, I

have

a g r e e d to

relinquish the post of g o v e r n o r , for the sake of unity and the safety o f o u r p e o p l e . S o , I salute S e n a t o r G a i u s S e m p r o n i u s , acting g o v e r n o r o f the p r o v i n c e o f C r e t e ! ' H e thrust his f i s t into the a i r . T h e r e was n o response, j u s t s h o c k e d expressions from his friends and followers, s o m e o f w h o m w e r e e d g i n g forward s o a s t o see w h a t was c a u s i n g a disturbance a t the m a i n gate. T h e silence was b r o k e n w h e n o n e o f the b o d y g u a r d s t o o k a step forwards a n d s t a b b e d his finger at Glabius. ' W h o ' s g o i n g t o pay u s t h e n , e h ? ' 'He's right!' cried another. 'We'll be o u t of a b l o o d y j o b . ' T h e r e was a c h o r u s o f a n g r y shouts b e f o r e a v o i c e p i p e d up. W e don't n e e d that fat bastard! Let's c h o o s e ourselves a n o t h e r g o v e r n o r , boys! T i m e for a bit of d e m o c r a c y , like.' T h e r e was a roar of laughter and G l a b i u s raised b o t h hands to appeal to t h e m , calling for silence. 'You have to do as I say! I pay y o u ! ' ' N o t any l o n g e r ! ' a m a n called o u t , a n d then b e n t d o w n t o s c o o p up a p e b b l e a n d h u r l e d it at the tax collector, striking h i m on the shoulder. ' O w ! ' G l a b i u s flinched. M a c r o s p o k e quietly to the senator. W e ' r e l o s i n g it, sir. We stay here m u c h l o n g e r a n d that lot will have o u r b o l l o c k s for breakfast.' C a t o ' s eyes w e r e f o c u s e d on the tip of the blade as it a d v a n c e d towards h i m , g l e a m i n g a n d deadly. T h e g u a r d w o u l d m a k e n o mistake this time. In the distance he c o u l d hear the d r u m m i n g of b o o t s on the street as Plotius and his m e n raced towards the o p e n gate. T h e guard heard it too, and hesitated, glancing b a c k over his shoulder. T h e r e was n o t i m e for t h o u g h t . C a t o acted instinctively. H e l e a p e d forward, g o i n g low, u n d e r the blade, r e a c h i n g o u t t o g r a b the g u a r d a r o u n d the legs a n d use his w e i g h t to t h r o w the m a n off balance. T h e i m p a c t drove the g u a r d b a c k a p a c e , b u t he was solidly built a n d m a n a g e d to k e e p his balance as he glared d o w n at C a t o . H i s b l a d e was still p o i n t e d u p , s o h e s m a c k e d the p o m m e l d o w n o n t o Cato's head.

138

C a t o felt his teeth clash heavily as the b l o w l a n d e d w i t h b l i n d i n g i m p a c t . He felt his g r i p l o o s e n on the guard's legs, even as he willed his fingers to c l e n c h into the man's flesh. B u t for a m o m e n t his b o d y was n u m b e d , a n d h e collapsed o n t o the g r o u n d , l a n d i n g heavily o n his side. As his vision b e g a n to clear, he s q u i n t e d up into the light, and saw the silhouette of the g u a r d as he l e a n e d over C a t o , s w o r d raised as he s h o u t e d , ' Y o u are f u c k e d ! ' T h e r e was a c o n f u s i o n o f s o u n d s : b o o t s , the g r o a n o f the gate hinges a n d a s u d d e n g r u n t a n d g r o a n o f p a i n . C a t o blinked. T h e guard h a d g o n e a n d he was staring up into a clear sky, a n d t h e n a n o t h e r b l u r r y shape intervened. ' C e n t u r i o n C a t o ! Sir, are y o u all r i g h t ? ' ' W h a t ? ' C a t o c l e n c h e d his eyes shut for a m o m e n t , w i l l i n g the dizzy nausea to abate. He felt hands haul h i m to his feet a n d h o l d h i m there. 'Sir?' C a t o o p e n e d his eyes a n d the a n x i o u s expression o f C e n t u r i o n Plotius s w a m into focus. ' I ' m fine. B i t d a z e d , b u t I ' m f i n e . ' T h e auxiliaries w e r e pressing t h r o u g h the gate a n d spilling o n t o the o p e n g r o u n d inside the acropolis. C a t o thrust his a r m o u t towards the T e m p l e o f Jupiter, w h e r e h e c o u l d see M a c r o a n d the others b a c k i n g away in the face of a s h o u t i n g m o b . 'Plotius, get y o u r m e n over there at the d o u b l e ! ' Plotius n o d d e d a n d swept his d r a w n s w o r d up as he s h o u t e d to get his men's attention. C a t o saw a c r i m s o n r i b b o n a l o n g the e d g e of the blade, a n d g l a n c i n g d o w n he saw the g u a r d at his feet, the side of his face laid o p e n by a s w o r d cut. 'Tenth M a c e d o n i a n ! ' Plotius b e l l o w e d . ' F o l l o w m e ! ' H e c h a r g e d across the flagstones, towards the t e m p l e , a n d his m e n p o u n d e d after h i m , shields up a n d spears h e l d ready. C a t o ran after t h e m in an unsteady l o p e , as his sense of b a l a n c e h a d n o t yet recovered f r o m the b l o w to his h e a d . S t o n e s w e r e raining d o w n o n t h e m now, a n d M a c r o a n d the others h a d to raise their a r m s to protect their heads. G l a b i u s t u r n e d to r u n , b a c k towards the administration b u i l d i n g . T h e r e was a roar f r o m the m o b at the sight, and then they s u r g e d forwards. 139

'Sir!' M a c r o called t o S e m p r o n i u s . ' R u n for it!' T h e t w o R o m a n s t u r n e d a n d sprinted after G l a b i u s , p u r s u e d b y the tax collector's erstwhile e m p l o y e e s . At the b a c k of the c r o w d , his friends a n d cronies h u n g b a c k w i t h terrified expressions. G l a b i u s puffed into the entrance a n d ran o n , h e a d i n g towards his office, as if that m i g h t save h i m . M a c r o was close b e h i n d , a n d realised at o n c e that they w o u l d b e h o u n d e d a n d killed i f they c o n t i n u e d . T h e entrance was a natural c h o k e p o i n t . He d r e w up abruptly and t u r n e d r o u n d as S e m p r o n i u s s w e r v e d to o n e side to avoid h i m . ' G r a b that p o s t , sir!' M a c r o p o i n t e d at a b r o k e n l e n g t h of t i m b e r in the rubble. S e m p r o n i u s snatched it u p , hefting it quickly to find a g o o d h a n d h o l d , a n d the pair o f t h e m faced the m o b s u r g i n g towards the b u i l d i n g . M a c r o spread his feet a n d held o u t his dagger, his lips curled into a snarl. T h e r e was o n e m a n o u t in front of his c o m r a d e s , the o n e w h o h a d t h r o w n the f i r s t stone, a n d h e s l o w e d a s h e r e a c h e d the entrance, then s t o p p e d , staring at M a c r o a n d S e m p r o n i u s uncertainly. The

n e x t t w o m e n f o l l o w e d his

c u e a n d the m o b reined in,

m o m e n t a r i l y quiet as they faced the t w o R o m a n s . ' T h r o w d o w n y o u r w e a p o n s a n d b a c k away!' S e m p r o n i u s ordered. T h e r e was n o response, a n d the c r o w d glared a t h i m i n o p e n hostility. T h e senator risked a g l i m p s e to his left a n d saw the first of the auxiliaries r u n n i n g towards the t e m p l e . 'Let's kill ' e m ! ' a v o i c e s h o u t e d from the b a c k of the c r o w d . 'Kill 'em now!' 'Wait!' S e m p r o n i u s thrust o u t his h a n d . ' Y o u lay a finger on us a n d y o u die! It's all over for y o u n o w M y m e n are c o m i n g . L o o k ! ' H e s t a b b e d his finger towards Plotius and his m e n dashing towards the t e m p l e . ' D r o p y o u r w e a p o n s before it's t o o late. T h o s e m e n have orders to kill a n y o n e w h o resists! Do as I say, d r o p y o u r swords!' T h e c r o w d was still for a m o m e n t , u n c e r t a i n , a n d for a m o m e n t M a c r o feared that they m i g h t f i g h t , and b e g i n b y slaughtering h i m a n d the senator. T h e n there was a clatter as the first sword hit the g r o u n d . T h e n another, a n d then all the m e n w e r e d r o p p i n g their weapons. 'Now

back

off!'

Sempronius

called. ' O v e r

temple!'

140

there, beside

the

T h e r e was a ripple of m o v e m e n t as the m e n e d g e d away, g l a n c i n g a n x i o u s l y at the a p p r o a c h i n g auxiliaries. By the t i m e Plotius a n d his m e n r e a c h e d the entrance, the g r o u n d in front of it was clear. Plotius saw the scratches a n d cuts f r o m the stones o n M a c r o a n d S e m p r o n i u s ' s a r m s . 'You're injured.' S e m p r o n i u s s h o o k his h e a d . 'We're fine. N o t h i n g s e r i o u s . S e e t o the p r i s o n e r s . G e t t h e m off the acropolis as s o o n as y o u can. T a k e t h e m to the amphitheatre. L e t t h e m sweat it o u t t o n i g h t a n d t h e n set t h e m free in the m o r n i n g . E x c e p t G l a b i u s . F i n d h i m a nice q u i e t cell o f his o w n u p here a n d k e e p h i m isolated.' 'Yes, sir.' Plotius saluted. Cato

pushed

his

way

through

the

ranks

o f the

auxiliaries,

a n x i o u s l y l o o k i n g for M a c r o . He s m i l e d as s o o n as he saw his friend a n d c l a p p e d h i m o n the a r m . 'I saw t h e m go for y o u . F o r a m o m e n t there I feared the worst.' 'Feared the w o r s t ? ' M a c r o s n o r t e d w i t h derision. F o r a m o m e n t h e was t e m p t e d t o m a k e light o f it, b u t instead h e s h o o k his h e a d a n d puffed o u t his c h e e k s . ' F u c k , that was close.'

141

CHAPTER FOURTEEN

o

ver the f o l l o w i n g days, C a t o was c h a r g e d w i t h organising the feeding o f the

inhabitants

of Gortyna, and

those

refugees

c a m p e d in the ruins a n d o u t s i d e the walls. H a v i n g g o n e t h r o u g h the inventory of the f o o d supplies stockpiled on the acropolis, it was clear that the p o p u l a t i o n c o u l d be fed for at least a m o n t h . E a c h m o r n i n g w a g o n s left the acropolis for distribution points across the city to h a n d o u t rations t o the w a i t i n g q u e u e s . T h e w a g o n s w e r e e s c o r t e d b y sections o f auxiliaries, w h o p r o t e c t e d t h e m a n d ensured that all w a i t e d their turn to be g i v e n their allotted share of the f o o d . A t the s a m e t i m e , the stocks o f f o o d held privately b y Glabius's friends w e r e confiscated a n d the inedible grain a n d m e a t that they h a d b e e n selling was b u r n e d in a pit o u t s i d e the city. At first the m e r c h a n t s h a d protested, d e m a n d e d c o m p e n s a t i o n a n d threatened t o present their claims t o R o m e . C a t o c o o l l y invited t h e m t o p r o c e e d w i t h their threat, a n d a d d e d that h e w o u l d b e s e n d i n g his o w n report o n their c o r r u p t a p p r o p r i a t i o n o f i m p e r i a l funds, w i t h the collusion o f G l a b i u s . T h e m e r c h a n t s quickly b a c k e d d o w n , a n d s o m e , m o r e mindful than their c o m p a n i o n s o f the harsh j u s t i c e m e t e d o u t b y the e m p e r o r , even offered to repay the small fortunes they h a d m a d e f r o m the sale o f o v e r p r i c e d and spoiled f o o d supplies. In addition to the f o o d stocks of the m e r c h a n t s , C a t o sent strong patrols on to the f a r m l a n d that sprawled across the s o u t h e r n plain, searching for further supplies of f o o d to a d d to t h o s e held on the acropolis. W i t h the i n v e n t o r y fluctuating every day, he n e e d e d help i n k e e p i n g track o f the c o n s u m p t i o n a n d supply o f f o o d , a n d o n e evening, as S e m p r o n i u s d i n e d in his n e w h e a d q u a r t e r s on the acropolis, J u l i a v o l u n t e e r e d to take on the task. It was the usual affair o f the senator, his daughter, C a t o and M a c r o , e a c h o n e o n a c o u c h , in front of a l o w table. S e m p r o n i u s a n d his d a u g h t e r sat side by side

142

with M a c r o t o the senator's left a n d C a t o t o Julia's right. T h e meals w e r e simple, as the senator felt d u t y b o u n d to share the privations of the inhabitants o f G o r t y n a t o a n extent. T h e handful o f small dishes presented by those kitchen slaves that r e m a i n e d w e r e as artfully presented as a n y t h i n g served at a great b a n q u e t , a n d w e r e c o n s u m e d with great g u s t o b y M a c r o . ' L o v e l y ! ' He smiled, l i c k i n g a smear of sauce f r o m his lips as he set d o w n a small b o w l of s h r e d d e d p o r k in h o n e y e d g a r u m . 'I c o u l d eat that all night.' ' A n d s o c o u l d m o s t o f the p e o p l e o u t s i d e these walls,' S e m p r o n i u s o b s e r v e d as he c h e w e d slowly. ' B u t we have to lead by e x a m p l e , as any c e n t u r i o n o f y o u r e x p e r i e n c e s h o u l d k n o w ' 'Well.' M a c r o s u c k e d t h r o u g h his teeth. 'There's a t i m e a n d place.' 'This

is

it, alas.' S e m p r o n i u s

swallowed

and

considered

the

situation for a m o m e n t . 'We n e e d m o r e f o o d , a n d soon.' ' W h a t a b o u t E g y p t ? ' asked C a t o . 'Surely they have m o r e than e n o u g h grain t o spare?' S e m p r o n i u s n o d d e d . T h e crops that g r e w a l o n g the N i l e w e r e f a m o u s for their yield, a n d w e r e the largest s o u r c e of grain for the t e e m i n g m u l t i t u d e s o f R o m e w h o h a d c o m e t o d e p e n d o n regular, free h a n d o u t s p a i d for by the e m p e r o r . 'I k n o w the legate there well. G a i u s P e t r o n i u s . W e served t o g e t h e r o n the R h i n e . Petronius was o n e of the e q u e s t r i a n tribunes - a g o o d m a n . I c o u l d ask h i m , b u t the chances o f any e m e r g e n c y f o o d aid f r o m that quarter are slim. R o m e has the first, a n d only, call on E g y p t i a n grain. T h e truth of it is that w e have t o m a k e d o w i t h w h a t w e have for the present. T h a t m e a n s that y o u m u s t k e e p a close eye on o u r level of supplies.' ' T r u e . I c o u l d use s o m e help w i t h the b o o k s , sir. If y o u c o u l d spare s o m e o f y o u r clerks.' ' I ' m short-staffed as it is. B u t I'll see w h a t I can do.' J u l i a l o w e r e d her plate a n d shifted r o u n d o n her c o u c h . ' W h a t a b o u t m e , Father? I c o u l d help C a t o . ' ' Y o u ? ' S e m p r o n i u s raised his eyebrows. ' W h y n o t ? Y o u have paid s o m e o f the finest teachers i n R o m e t o e d u c a t e m e . I ' m sure I c o u l d m a n a g e to b o o k - k e e p easily e n o u g h . ' ' I ' m sure y o u c o u l d , b u t I didn't pay t h o s e fine teachers j u s t so that y o u c o u l d d o the w o r k o f a h u m b l e clerk.' 143

' I ' m sure.' J u l i a s m i l e d mischievously. ' B u t w h a t e v e r h a p p e n e d t o leading by e x a m p l e ? Surely that applies to all of us in this crisis? It w o u l d s h o w the locals that R o m a n s , n o matter h o w high b o r n , share their b u r d e n s . A s h r e w d political m o v e , if n o t h i n g else.' S e m p r o n i u s stared at her for a m o m e n t , and t h e n s h o o k his h e a d ruefully. ' G e n t l e m e n , if I have o n e w o r d of a d v i c e for y o u , don't have children. Or at least, if y o u m u s t , then never o v e r i n d u l g e t h e m , else they will be y o u r masters by a n d by.' 'I'll d r i n k to that!' M a c r o l a u g h e d , as he h e l p e d h i m s e l f to a g o b l e t o f w i n e and drank half o f i t d o w n i n o n e gulp. J u l i a frowned. ' H a v e I ever failed to s h o w y o u the respect that y o u are d u e , F a t h e r ? ' 'Well, n o w that y o u m e n t i o n it . . .' T h e y stared at each o t h e r for a b r i e f m o m e n t , b e f o r e b r e a k i n g into light laughter. J u l i a swatted his a r m a n d then reached for an apple. H e r father s m i l e d fondly at her for a m o m e n t b e f o r e he c o n tinued softly,'Sometimes you remind me so m u c h of your mother. By the g o d s , I miss her.' A b r u p t l y he l o w e r e d his eyes a n d c o u g h e d , t h e n swiftly p i c k e d up his c u p a n d held it o u t to M a c r o . 'Fill it u p , C e n t u r i o n . I'll j o i n y o u in that toast.' A s their cups clinked together, J u l i a t u r n e d t o C a t o a n d t o o k his h a n d , caressing the b a c k of it w i t h her t h u m b as she smiled. 'At least w e can s p e n d m o r e t i m e w i t h each other this w a y ' ' W e can, as l o n g as we m a k e sure that we do o u r duty first.' 'Call it w h a t y o u like,' she w h i s p e r e d , a n d t h e n l a u g h e d as C a t o shuffled w i t h e m b a r r a s s m e n t . S e m p r o n i u s l o o k e d r o u n d . 'What's u p w i t h y o u , m y girl?' 'It's n o t h i n g , Father. A private j o k e . ' 'I see.' S e m p r o n i u s g l a n c e d at C a t o . ' M a k e sure she w o r k s hard.' 'Yes, sir.' T h e r e was a lengthy silence, then the senator t u r n e d b a c k to M a c r o . ' H o w are the m e n c o m i n g o n ? ' As s o o n as he h a d taken c h a r g e of the forces r e m a i n i n g in G o r t y n a , M a c r o h a d b e g u n a r i g o r o u s training p r o g r a m m e for the auxiliaries. At first S e m p r o n i u s h a d n o t b e e n c o n v i n c e d that it was a g o o d use o f their t i m e . T h e y w e r e n e e d e d t o p o l i c e the streets and

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the refugee c a m p , a n d help w i t h the gangs o f volunteers a n d the r e m a i n i n g slaves as they cleared r u b b l e a n d m a d e repairs to buildings, the sewers a n d the small a q u e d u c t that s u p p l e m e n t e d the city's water supplies. B u t M a c r o recalled all t o o well the ferocity of the slaves he had f o u g h t i n d e f e n c e o f Matala's s u p p l y w a g o n s , a n d was a d a m a n t that the m e n be m a d e ready to fight as q u i c k l y as possible. T h e r e f o r e the soldiers o f the Tenth M a c e d o n i a n h a d b e e n d i v i d e d into t w o g r o u p s , a n d alternated b e t w e e n c a r r y i n g o u t their w o r k in the city a n d drilling o n the training g r o u n d o u t s i d e G o r t y n a . M a c r o p a u s e d a m o m e n t to think b e f o r e he replied. ' T r u t h to tell, the lads o f the T e n t h are willing e n o u g h , a n d m o r a l e i s g o o d , w h i c h is s u r p r i s i n g g i v e n the circumstances. T h e trouble is they have b e e n on a g a r r i s o n p o s t i n g for t o o l o n g a n d have g r o w n soft.There's hardly a m a n w h o w o u l d be able to m a r c h fifteen miles in full kit a n d m a k e a fortified c a m p at the e n d of the day. T h e y c h a n g e f o r m a t i o n t o o slowly a n d are sloppy w i t h it. Still, I ' m m a k i n g steady progress. A n o t h e r m o n t h or so a n d they'll be m o r e than a m a t c h for any b a n d of slaves.' ' S o I s h o u l d h o p e . F r o m the reports I receive from M a r c e l l u s , it s e e m s that the slaves don't present m u c h of a danger. H e ' s swept the plain a n d driven t h e m into the hills. N o w h e aims t o starve t h e m o u t , o r a t least w e a k e n t h e m e n o u g h t o a t t e m p t t o p u r s u e t h e m into the m o u n t a i n s , track t h e m d o w n a n d crush any resistance.' M a c r o n o d d e d approvingly. ' S e e m s the right way t o p r o c e e d . G o o d l u c k to h i m . T h o u g h I can't help thinking that the slaves s e e m to have lost their spirit. T h e y w e r e k e e n e n o u g h to fight w h e n I e n c o u n t e r e d them.' 'Perhaps y o u a n d y o u r m e n d i s c o u r a g e d t h e m . After all, y o u r report said y o u had inflicted heavy casualties on them.' ' T h a t w e did,' M a c r o said flatly. H e t o o k n o p r i d e i n the slaughter o f the p o o r l y a r m e d a n d untrained slaves. B u t i t was t h e m o r h i m , and there h a d b e e n no t i m e for pity. ' S o , w e have t h e m contained,' S e m p r o n i u s c o n c l u d e d . 'We have g o t r i d o f G l a b i u s a n d his cronies a n d w e have sufficient f o o d t o see the i m m e d i a t e crisis out. I have a feeling we are over the w o r s t of it. T h e e m p e r o r will b e h a p p y w i t h us, a n d o n c e the p r o v i n c e i s settled a n d a n e w g o v e r n o r sent o u t f r o m R o m e , w e can r e s u m e o u r 145

j o u r n e y h o m e . ' H e smiled contentedly a t M a c r o a n d C a t o . ' I think w e s h o u l d b e pleased w i t h ourselves, g e n t l e m e n . ' ' A n o t h e r toast?' M a c r o raised his cup. 'Indeed.' S e m p r o n i u s l a u g h e d . 'To success.' T h e i r cups clattered together a n d then the senator t u r n e d t o C a t o . ' W h a t ? N o t j o i n i n g in? R a i s e a c u p , Cato.' C a t o forced a smile. ' I f y o u say so, sir. To success.' H e drank, then l o w e r e d his c u p . Julia s q u e e z e d his h a n d . ' W h y the l o n g face?' ' I ' m n o t sure.' C a t o s h r u g g e d . ' F o r c e of habit, I s u p p o s e . I j u s t can't help feeling that w e ' v e n o t seen the b a c k o f o u r p r o b l e m s here.' J u l i a l o o k e d d i s a p p o i n t e d . ' A n d there I was, t a k i n g y o u for an optimist, full o f the j o y s o f youth.' ' I ' m y o u n g e n o u g h , ' C a t o c o n c e d e d . ' B u t I have seen m o r e o f this w o r l d than m o s t m e n m y age, a n d m a n y w h o are m u c h older. S o m e t h i n g tells m e we're n o t t h r o u g h this y e t . Y o u m a r k m y words.' 'It's a f u c k i n g javelin, n o t a b l o o d y c r u t c h ! ' M a c r o b a w l e d into the auxiliary's ear as he savagely k i c k e d the butt away. T h e javelin clattered d o w n , and w i t h a gasp of surprise the e x h a u s t e d soldier lost his b a l a n c e a n d crashed to the g r o u n d in a c l o u d of dust. ' W h a t n o w ? ' M a c r o b e n t over the m a n , hands o n hips, a s h e c o n t i n u e d t o shout. 'Asleep o n m y p a r a d e g r o u n d ! Y o u 'orrible little m a n . W h o d o y o u think I a m , y o u r b l e e d i n g m o t h e r c o m e t o w a k e y o u i n the m o r n i n g ? ' H e k i c k e d h i m i n the ribs. ' O n y o u r feet!' M a c r o s n a p p e d u p r i g h t a n d c o n t i n u e d d o w n the length o f the century, w h i c h had j u s t r e t u r n e d to the parade g r o u n d after he h a d taken t h e m for a r u n t w i c e r o u n d the city. H a v i n g w i t n e s s e d the fate of the first m a n in the line, t h e others h u r r i e d l y shuffled to attention, chests h e a v i n g as they held their javelins a n d shields tightly to their b o d i e s and stared straight a h e a d . M a c r o , in the chainmail vest, greaves and h e l m e t he had taken f r o m the stores of the Twelfth H i s p a n i a , was in far better shape than the m e n , a n d b r e a t h e d easily as he strode d o w n the first line, i n s p e c t i n g the M a c e d o n i a n s w i t h a c o n t e m p t u o u s expression. T h e only m a n a m o n g s t t h e m w i t h the k i n d o f spirit h e w a n t e d t o see was Atticus, w h o had t u r n e d o u t t o b e o n e o f the best recruits M a c r o h a d ever e n c o u n t e r e d : t o u g h , a n d w i t h a natural talent

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with

weapons.

Macro

had

already

earmarked

the

Greek

for

promotion to optio. 'I've seen a s e w i n g circle o f o l d w o m e n w h o l o o k e d m o r e warlike than y o u lot! Y o u are pathetic. H o w i n H a d e s can y o u l o o k s o c l a p p e d o u t after a nice little trot like that? R i g h t then, after javelin practice we'll do it again, a n d if any m a n falls o u t , or fails to stand properly to attention w h e n we get b a c k here, I will kick his arse so hard he'll be c o u g h i n g his balls up. So help me.' M a c r o r e a c h e d the e n d o f the line, p i v o t e d r o u n d a n d p o i n t e d o u t the ten straw figures fastened to stakes thirty paces away. 'There's y o u r target, o n e section to each. If y o u can't hit a still target like that on a nice neat p a r a d e g r o u n d then y o u are g o i n g t o b e n o f u c k i n g use t o me on a battlefield s o a k e d in b l o o d a n d covered in b o d i e s . Y o u will throw y o u r javelins until every m a n has s c o r e d five direct hits. I don't care h o w l o n g it takes, b e c a u s e I am a patient m a n and n o t h i n g m a k e s me h a p p i e r than the prospect of s p e n d i n g all e v e n i n g at javelin practice. F o r m section lines!' T h e m e n hurriedly shuffled into p o s i t i o n . M o s t sections h a d fewer than eight m e n , as s o m e h a d b e e n lost in the e a r t h q u a k e a n d others w e r e sick or injured. 'First m a n ! ' M a c r o b e l l o w e d . ' M a k e ready y o u r j a v e l i n ! ' T h e l e a d i n g m a n i n each line s t e p p e d forward, g r a s p i n g the javelin i n a n o v e r h e a d g r i p a n d s w i n g i n g the t h r o w i n g a r m b a c k . T h e y w e r e u s i n g light javelins, m o r e slender than the standard w e a p o n that s o m e t i m e s d o u b l e d as a spear. M a c r o w a i t e d until every m a n was ready a n d h a d h a d a b r i e f c h a n c e to take aim. ' L o o s e javelins!' W i t h a g r u n t each m a n s t e p p e d forward a n d hurled his javelin. T h e y arced t h r o u g h the air towards the targets. T h e r e was a b r i e f e x p l o s i o n o f straw o n t w o o f the d u m m i e s ; three w e n t w i d e a n d f i v e failed to m a k e it even as far as the targets. M a c r o f o l d e d his a r m s a n d glared a t the m e n w h o s t o o d e m p t y h a n d e d . H e t o o k a d e e p , c a l m i n g breath b e f o r e h e

called o u t ,

' T h a t was the m o s t miserable display I have ever seen! Y o u r best c h a n c e o f survival o n the battlefield w o u l d b e t o m a k e the e n e m y die l a u g h i n g at y o u r utterly shit efforts. To the b a c k of the line, ladies. N e x t rank!'

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A s the practice session w o r e o n , the m e n failed t o i m p r o v e t o anything close t o the standard that M a c r o r e q u i r e d o f t h e m , m u c h t o his exasperation. It was o n e thing to threaten to k e e p t h e m at it until they g o t it right; quite a n o t h e r to have to e n d u r e it alongside t h e m . S o m e o f the m e n w e r e adept w i t h the j a v e l i n , m o s t c o u l d hit the target half of the t i m e a n d a handful w e r e so hopeless that M a c r o feared they w o u l d have missed the d u m m i e s even if they s t o o d w i t h i n spitting distance. A t length h e saw C a t o m a k i n g his way o u t o f t h e nearest city gate and h e a d i n g towards the p a r a d e g r o u n d . T h e y e x c h a n g e d a salute as C a t o j o i n e d his friend. A s a n o t h e r wave o f missiles mostly m i s s e d their targets, C a t o clicked his t o n g u e . ' G l a d to see y o u haven't lost y o u r t o u c h as an instructor.' ' H a fucking ha,' M a c r o g r u m b l e d . ' W h a t are y o u here for? A s s u m e y o u didn't c o m e o u t here j u s t to take the piss.' 'As i f 'Anyway, you're no b l o o d y g o o d w i t h a javelin. S e e m to recall that y o u nearly skewered m e that t i m e i n G e r m a n y ' 'I was j u s t a raw recruit then,' C a t o r e s p o n d e d defensively. 'I've m a s t e r e d it now, of course.' ' R e a l l y ? ' M a c r o ' s eyes t w i n k l e d . H e t u r n e d towards his m e n . 'Ladies! I am d e l i g h t e d to a n n o u n c e that we have a p r o p e r soldier here w h o i s only t o o h a p p y t o s h o w y o u the art o f javelin throwing.' ' M a c r o . . .' C a t o g r o w l e d . ' Y o u there!' M a c r o p o i n t e d t o the nearest m a n . ' H a n d y o u r javelin to Centurion Cato!' ' M a c r o , I really haven't g o t time.' ' B o l l o c k s . Let's see w h o has lost their t o u c h , shall w e ? ' M a c r o w a v e d a h a n d invitingly towards the javelin the soldier was h o l d i n g o u t . ' B e m y guest.' C a t o ' s eyes n a r r o w e d furiously. H e s n a t c h e d t h e w e a p o n a n d strode to the front of the line. T u r n i n g to face the target, he f o c u s e d on it intently as he flipped the w e a p o n in his h a n d and c a u g h t it in an o v e r h e a d g r i p . He p l a c e d his leading f o o t carefully, eased b a c k his t h r o w i n g a r m a n d sighted the target a l o n g his left a r m , lining it up w i t h his m i d d l e finger. T h e n , taking a d e e p breath, he tensed his muscles and h u r l e d the javelin forward w i t h all his strength. T h e

148

w e a p o n arced u p , reached the a p e x o f its trajectory a n d then d i p p e d d o w n and p u n c h e d t h r o u g h the centre o f the d u m m y ' s b o d y C a t o s p u n r o u n d towards M a c r o , hands balled into fists as he hissed triumphantly, 'Yessss!' A t o n c e h e forced h i m s e l f t o recover his c o m p o s u r e a n d strolled b a c k towards his friend, trying hard to l o o k casual, as if hitting the target was all in a day's w o r k . M a c r o n o d d e d his h e a d in a d m i r a t i o n . 'Nice throw' 'Eat y o u r w o r d s , M a c r o . ' ' N o t b a d a t all, e x c e p t that y o u s o m e h o w m a n a g e d t o t h r o w the b l o o d y thing the w r o n g way round.' ' W h a t ? ' C a t o t u r n e d quickly t o l o o k a t the target. S u r e e n o u g h , the p o i n t o f the javelin was p r o t r u d i n g f r o m the chest w h i l e the butt s a g g e d on to the g r o u n d on the o t h e r side. 'Shit . . .' 'Well, never mind.' M a c r o patted his shoulder. 'It's a useful d e m o n s t r a t i o n in improvisation, if n o t h i n g else.' C a t o s c o w l e d . ' H a fucking ha.' M a c r o l a u g h e d . ' N o w then, w h a t b r i n g s y o u h e r e ? ' ' M e s s a g e f r o m S e m p r o n i u s . A section of the sewer has collapsed a n d n e e d s t o b e d u g o u t . H e wants y o u a n d y o u r m e n t o see t o it.' ' O h , thanks. J u s t w h a t I n e e d e d . ' C a t o s m i l e d a s h e saluted M a c r o again. ' W h a t g o e s r o u n d c o m e s r o u n d , eh? I'll see y o u later o n . R i g h t n o w I have to get b a c k to the acropolis, a n d the delights of r e c o r d - k e e p i n g . H a v e fun.' T h e sunlight was streaming t h r o u g h the w i n d o w s h i g h o n the wall i n the office n e x t d o o r t o the o n e recently vacated b y G l a b i u s . H e r e t o o there w e r e w i n d o w s o v e r l o o k i n g the city, a n d C a t o was staring o u t over t h e d a m a g e d buildings a n d ruins, n o w w a s h e d in a pale o r a n g e h u e . H i s m i n d gradually drifted b a c k t o the c o n c e r n that was c o n s u m i n g h i m . O v e r the

previous

days, Marcellus's

optimistic

reports o n his progress w e r e b e i n g c o u n t e r e d b y fragments o f n e w s and r u m o u r s a r r i v i n g at G o r t y n a that told of n u m e r o u s raids by the slaves on isolated farms a n d estates. T h e n , the p r e v i o u s day, a cavalry s q u a d r o n sent in search of a patrol that h a d n o t r e p o r t e d in r e t u r n e d t o i n f o r m C a t o that they h a d discovered the b o d i e s o f the missing m e n . T h e c a v a l r y m e n h a d also passed t h r o u g h a village w h e r e every

149

m a n , w o m a n a n d child h a d b e e n slaughtered a n d left in a pile of mutilated b o d i e s in the centre of the village, scarcely three miles from Gortyna. ' H e y ! ' J u l i a called o u t f r o m the other side o f the desk. ' W o u l d y o u m i n d k e e p i n g y o u r attention o n the j o b ? ' S h e t a p p e d the slate i n front of her w i t h a stylus. ' M y father wants the revised figures tonight, a n d we still have to a c c o u n t for the supplies on those w a g o n s that t u r n e d up at n o o n . ' 'Sorry.' C a t o flashed a smile. 'Just thinking.' H e p i c k e d u p the inventory o f the first w a g o n a n d prepared t o a d d up the ticks for each sack a n d a n n o u n c e the total to Julia to n o t e down. T h e r e was a s u d d e n sharp rap on the d o o r , a n d C a t o t u r n e d round. ' C o m e in!' T h e d o o r o p e n e d , a n d o n e o f S e m p r o n i u s ' s clerks entered. ' S o r r y to interrupt, sir, b u t the senator wants to see y o u at once.' 'At o n c e ? ' C a t o g l a n c e d at J u l i a and saw her frown. 'Very well, I'll come.' H e p u s h e d his chair b a c k a n d s t o o d up, p a u s i n g a m o m e n t . 'We'll c o n t i n u e later on.' J u l i a n o d d e d wearily. C a t o followed the clerk o u t o f the office. H e w o n d e r e d w h y S e m p r o n i u s h a d s u m m o n e d h i m s o peremptorily. T h e y w e r e n o t d u e t o m e e t until the e v e n i n g briefing. A t the e n d o f t h e c o r r i d o r , the d o o r to the senator's office was o p e n a n d the clerk s t o p p e d to k n o c k o n the frame. ' C e n t u r i o n C a t o , sir.' 'Very well, s h o w h i m in.' T h e clerk s t o o d t o o n e side a n d C a t o strode past h i m into the office. S e m p r o n i u s was sitting at his desk. To o n e side s t o o d an officer. C a t o r e c o g n i s e d h i m a s o n e o f Marcellus's c e n t u r i o n s . T h e m a n was in a r m o u r , and a b l o o d s t a i n e d rag was tied r o u n d his sword a r m . H i s face was covered w i t h stubble a n d h e l o o k e d e x h a u s t e d and strained. S e m p r o n i u s g l a n c e d at C a t o w i t h a drawn e x p r e s s i o n . 'I have sent for Macro.

He

should j o i n

us

shortly. M e a n w h i l e ,

Centurion Micon?'

150

do

you

know

S e m p r o n i u s indicated the o t h e r officer, a n d C a t o l o o k e d a t h i m briefly and n o d d e d as he crossed the r o o m and s t o o d in front of the desk. 'I take it y o u have a r e p o r t from Prefect M a r c e l l u s ? ' M i c o n l o o k e d t o the senator for g u i d a n c e . 'Just tell him,' S e m p r o n i u s said wearily. 'Tell h i m everything.' C a t o t u r n e d t o C e n t u r i o n M i c o n , a s the other m a n cleared his throat. 'Yes, sir. C e n t u r i o n Marcellus is dead.' 'Dead?' ' Y e s , sir.' M i c o n n o d d e d wearily. ' H i m a n d all his m e n . '

151

CHAPTER FIFTEEN

T

he Parthian g l a n c e d up as he held the n e e d l e a n d l a m b ' s - g u t thread p o i s e d over the w o u n d . A s w o r d cut h a d laid o p e n the

gladiator's thigh. F o r t u n a t e l y the w o u n d was shallow a n d clean a n d h a d b l e d nicely to k e e p it clear of dirt a n d grit. T h e m u s c l e was superficially t o r n and w o u l d m e n d w i t h o u t c a u s i n g any handicap. T h e gladiator was standing in front of h i m , s t r i p p e d d o w n to a loincloth. H i s torso b o r e several scars, s o m e o f w h i c h l o o k e d like they m i g h t have killed or c r i p p l e d a lesser m a n . A l t h o u g h he h a d b e e n strong a n d fit b e f o r e he h a d b e c o m e a slave, t w o years of hard training h a d left h i m w i t h a s u p e r b physique. T h e Parthian had never seen the like in all his days t e n d i n g the w a r r i o r s of his master's bodyguard. It had b e e n a g o o d life, he reflected briefly, b e f o r e the b o r d e r skirmish that h a d led to his capture a n d t h e n b e i n g sold on as a s u r g e o n to the family of a wealthy G r e e k m e r c h a n t . S i n c e then, it h a d b e e n an endless s u c c e s s i o n of slaves w i t h boils, sprained ankles a n d wrists, a n d venereal diseases a m o n g s t the girls of a brothel the m e r c h a n t o w n e d i n A t h e n s . T h e Parthian h a d b e e n travelling w i t h his master w h e n the e a r t h q u a k e h a d struck C r e t e . H e h a d b e e n o u t s i d e the inn w h e r e the G r e e k a n d his retinue h a d b e e n staying w h e n the earth roared a n d r u m b l e d b e n e a t h h i m , t h r o w i n g h i m t o the g r o u n d . W h e n the e a r t h q u a k e h a d passed a n d h e s t o o d u p , there was n o t h i n g left o f the inn, a n d n o t a s o u n d c a m e f r o m b e n e a t h the h e a p o f rubble. T h e Parthian h a d taken the c h a n c e to flee into the hills, w h e r e he w a n d e r e d for t w o days, g r o w i n g steadily h u n g r i e r , until he c a m e across the gladiator a n d his b a n d of slaves. At first he was c o n t e n t to a c c e p t the scraps of f o o d that w e r e freely given to h i m , and resolved to travel to the coast a n d find a ship h e a d i n g east on w h i c h he c o u l d 152

stow away. B u t then h e had c o m e t o k n o w the gladiator. T h e r e was s o m e t h i n g a b o u t h i m that r e m i n d e d the Parthian o f his master b a c k h o m e . A n inextinguishable aura o f a u t h o r i t y a n d d e t e r m i n a t i o n that w o u l d b r o o k n o obstacle. O n c e the gladiator had l e a r n e d o f his m e d i c a l expertise, the Parthian was asked to r e m a i n w i t h the slaves and t e n d to their n e e d s . F o r the first t i m e in his life he h a d b e e n offered a c h o i c e , a n d as he p o n d e r e d the novelty of d e c i d i n g his o w n fate, he saw the gladiator w a t c h i n g steadily, waiting for his reply. At that m o m e n t h e k n e w that his c h o i c e h a d b e e n m a d e . In the days that h a d followed, the gladiator's b a n d of followers h a d swelled as m o r e slaves flocked to his side, b e g g i n g to be given the c h a n c e t o take u p a r m s against their f o r m e r masters. T h e gladiator h a d taken t h e m all, selecting those w h o w e r e fit to be part of his g r o w i n g w a r b a n d . T h e rest w e r e sent to the large, f l a t - t o p p e d hill that served as their base. Already the a p p r o a c h e s to the s u m m i t h a d b e e n p r o t e c t e d b y e a r t h w o r k s a n d palisades, and t h o u s a n d s o f slaves lived on the hill in a variety of c r u d e shelters, or even in the o p e n air. D e s p i t e the hardships a n d the ever-present fear o f R o m a n soldiers and recapture, they w e r e h a p p y a n d savoured every day that they r e m a i n e d at liberty. T h e Parthian l e a n e d closer to the w o u n d a n d e x a m i n e d it briefly. T h r e e stitches w o u l d suffice to reattach the severed m u s c l e . A n o t h e r n i n e o r ten stitches w o u l d b e e n o u g h t o close the w o u n d , the Parthian d e c i d e d . H e g l a n c e d up. ' T h i s is g o i n g to hurt. A r e y o u ready, A j a x ? ' ' D o it n o w ' As the gladiator s t o o d still, the s u r g e o n l e a n e d forward a n d p r o b e d into the w o u n d , d r a w i n g the t w o ends o f the m u s c l e together. T h e n he p i e r c e d the tissue, pressed the n e e d l e t h r o u g h a n d s e w e d his stitches, b e f o r e cutting off the spare thread a n d k n o t t i n g it securely. H e g l a n c e d up. 'All r i g h t ? ' A j a x n o d d e d , k e e p i n g his steely g a z e o n the vista b e l o w h i m . H e s t o o d o n the cliff a b o v e the defile, b a t h e d i n the w a r m g l o w o f the m o r n i n g sun. The sun h a d risen an h o u r earlier, and the first shafts of light h a d s h o n e d o w n the l e n g t h o f the defile, illuminating the c o r p s e s o f R o m a n soldiers sprawled a n d h e a p e d a l o n g the n a r r o w path. I n a m o n g s t t h e m w e r e the b o d i e s o f horses and h u n d r e d s o f the 153

slaves w h o h a d closed in to finish off the R o m a n s c a u g h t in the a m b u s h . It had b e e n a b l o o d y fight, A j a x recalled vividly. T h e desperate c o u r a g e

o f his m e n against the training, a r m o u r and

w e a p o n s o f the R o m a n s . T h e last o f the e n e m y h a d b e e n h u n t e d d o w n a n d killed j u s t b e f o r e d a w n . N o w his m e n w e r e p i c k i n g the b o d i e s clean o f anything that w o u l d serve the n e e d s o f his g r o w i n g army. B e f o r e , they h a d a miscellany of swords, knives, scythes, spears, pitchforks and clubs. N o w they h a d p r o p e r kit, a n d A j a x k n e w h o w to u s e it. Several of his followers had o n c e b e e n gladiators themselves, a n d h a d already started to train the best of the slaves in the ways of c o m b a t . S o o n , they in t u r n w o u l d train o t h e r slaves, a n d b e f o r e the m o n t h was o u t , A j a x w o u l d have thousands o f m e n u n d e r a r m s , a n d n o t h i n g w o u l d stand in the w a y of his revolt. H e w i n c e d a s the s u r g e o n p i n c h e d the o p e n m o u t h o f the w o u n d t o g e t h e r a n d p u s h e d the n e e d l e t h r o u g h his skin, deftly pulling the thread tight before r e t u r n i n g the n e e d l e b a c k t h r o u g h the flesh in the o p p o s i t e direction. T h e p a i n was h o t a n d m a d e every n e r v e i n his leg shriek w i t h agony, b u t h e k e p t his j a w c l a m p e d shut and f o u g h t d o w n the t e m p t a t i o n to s h o w that he was suffering. Pain was p r o o f of life, his first trainer h a d told h i m at the gladiator s c h o o l outside B r i n d i s i u m . T h e b e a r i n g o f pain was also the m e a s u r e o f a m a n , the trainer h a d c o n t i n u e d a s h e h a d w a l k e d d o w n the line o f n e w recruits, striking every m a n in the face as he passed in each direction. T h o s e that flinched or w h i m p e r e d he struck again a n d again, until they collapsed o n the g r o u n d , b l o o d i e d and b r o k e n . T h e n e x t day h e repeated the exercise, a n d t h e n e x t , and b y the e n d o f the f i r s t ten days, they c o u l d all stand a n d take his b l o w s w i t h o u t any expression crossing their faces. So A j a x s t o o d steady as a rock as the Parthian s u r g e o n w o r k e d u n h u r r i e d l y o n his w o u n d a n d h e did n o t l o o k d o w n until a t length he heard the Parthian ease h i m s e l f b a c k a n d stand, b l o o d i e d fingers h o l d i n g the n e e d l e in o n e h a n d as he r e a c h e d for a cloth from his b a g w i t h the other. ' T h e r e , it is d o n e . I will c h e c k the w o u n d again tonight. T r y not to exert the l e g t o o m u c h today, or the stitches m a y tear.' T h e gladiator offered o n e of his rare smiles. ' T h e r e is no n e e d for e x e r t i o n today, K h a r i m . T h e slaves have w o n their v i c t o r y ; n o w let us

154

celebrate. O n c e w e have t e n d e d t o o u r w o u n d e d a n d b u r i e d o u r d e a d , we return to c a m p . We'll slaughter a n d roast a h e r d of goats, break o p e n the w i n e a n d have a b a n q u e t w o r t h y of the gods.' 'Which gods? M i n e or yours?' A j a x l a u g h e d a n d c l a p p e d his h a n d on the Parthian's shoulder. ' N e i t h e r , or b o t h . W h a t d o e s it matter? As l o n g as we are free m e n , w h o cares w h i c h g o d s w e w o r s h i p ? Life i s g o o d , m a d e sweeter still b y the defeat o f those bastard R o m a n s . ' 'Yes.' K h a r i m n o d d e d as he w i p e d his hands clean on the rag a n d p e e r e d d o w n at the b o d i e s below. He was silent for a m o m e n t . 'It was a s h a m e a b o u t the b o y ' Ajax's smile faded as he recalled the y o u t h w h o h a d l e d the R o m a n s i n t o the trap. ' H e k n e w w h a t his fate w o u l d b e . Pollio was as brave as they c o m e . ' A j a x slowly balled his h a n d into a fist. ' H e will n o t be f o r g o t t e n . He b o u g h t us this v i c t o r y w i t h his life. I shall h o n o u r Pollio b y killing m o r e R o m a n s . ' T h e Parthian g l a n c e d a t h i m uneasily. ' W h y d o y o u hate the R o m a n s so much?' ' S i m p l e . T h e y m a d e a slave of me.' ' T h e y are n o w o r s e than o t h e r slave o w n e r s . Yet y o u d o n o t hate others as y o u hate R o m e . ' ' Y o u are right.' A j a x s m i l e d faintly. 'In truth, I have my o w n reasons for hating the e m p i r e , a n d a handful of R o m a n s in particular. B u t it d o e s n o t matter. As l o n g as my hatred feeds my desire for f r e e d o m , y o u r s and that o f all the slaves w h o follow m e , t h e n let m e i n d u l g e it, e h ? ' T h e y shared a smile, a n d t h e n A j a x f r o w n e d as he c a u g h t sight of a small party of e s c o r t e d prisoners b e i n g led a l o n g the t o p of the cliff towards h i m . T h e leader o f the escorts was a y o u n g m a n , tall a n d b r o a d , a n d g r i n n i n g a s h e a p p r o a c h e d his c o m m a n d e r . A j a x m a i n tained a stern expression as he f o l d e d his a r m s a n d s t o o d , stiff-backed, as the p r i s o n e r s w e r e b r o u g h t to h i m . ' C h i l o , w h a t is this? I gave the o r d e r that there w e r e to be no prisoners.' Y e s , A j a x , I know. B u t this one,' C h i l o t u r n e d and g r a b b e d o n e o f his prisoners by the s h o u l d e r a n d r o u g h l y shoved h i m forward so that he s t u m b l e d a n d nearly lost his balance, 'is a c e n t u r i o n . I c a u g h t h i m , 155

w i t h these others, h i d i n g b e n e a t h a w a g o n at the rear of their c o l u m n . T h e y didn't p u t u p any f i g h t , and threw d o w n their swords. A n d there was m e t h i n k i n g that c e n t u r i o n s w e r e s u p p o s e d t o die rather than surrender.' A j a x stared at the R o m a n officer. 'Is this t r u e ? ' T h e c e n t u r i o n l o w e r e d his eyes a n d n o d d e d . ' W h y ? Tell m e w h y y o u d i s h o n o u r yourself, a n d these m e n y o u lead.' ' W h y ? ' T h e c e n t u r i o n l o o k e d u p nervously. ' W e w e r e b e a t e n . T h e r e was no p o i n t in further resistance.' ' C o w a r d ! ' A j a x s h o u t e d . ' C o w a r d ! T h e r e is always a p o i n t to resistance! Always. T h a t is w h y I stand here as y o u r victor. A n d y o u b o w i n d e f e a t . Y o u are h u m i l i a t e d , R o m a n , the m o r e s o b e c a u s e y o u c h o s e s h a m e rather than death. A slave lives a life of s h a m e , of o b e i s a n c e , always in fear. In this he has no c h o i c e , a n d death is merely a release from h u m i l i a t i o n a n d pain. That is the lesson I l e a r n e d w h e n Rome

made

me

a slave.' H e

p a u s e d a n d then

sneered a t the

c e n t u r i o n . ' T h a t i s w h y these slaves beat y o u , R o m a n . T h e y k n o w that liberty is the only t h i n g w o r t h d y i n g for. Yet y o u , a n d these other curs, y o u c h o s e to s u r r e n d e r y o u r liberty rather than die. A n d that is w h y w e defeated y o u . T h a t i s w h y w e will defeat every R o m a n soldier in C r e t e . B e c a u s e o u r will is stronger than yours.' T h e c e n t u r i o n stared b a c k , terrified b y the intensity o f Ajax's glare. T h e r e was a tense p a u s e before the gladiator t o o k a d e e p breath and continued. 'What is your name, Centurion?' 'Centurion

Micon,

sir.

Second

squadron,

Second

Batavian

Mounted Cohort.' 'Well, C e n t u r i o n M i c o n , it appears that there is no S e c o n d B a t a v i a n M o u n t e d C o h o r t any m o r e . T h e r e f o r e i t has n o n e e d o f a c e n t u r i o n . ' A j a x swiftly p u l l e d o u t a d a g g e r a n d g r a b b e d M i c o n by the harness that c o v e r e d his chainmail vest, a n d w h i c h m a r k e d h i m o u t as an officer. T h r e e m e d a l l i o n s w e r e attached to the harness: c a m p a i g n awards. A j a x s l i p p e d the blade u n d e r the leather s h o u l d e r strap of the harness, s m i l i n g as the R o m a n flinched, a n d cut the strap w i t h a q u i c k j e r k . He c u t the other s h o u l d e r strap, a n d then the tie that b o u n d the harness a r o u n d the centurion's waist, a n d w r e n c h e d the harness a n d its m e d a l l i o n s away from M i c o n . He held it up for

156

his m e n to see a n d then c o n t e m p t u o u s l y hurled it into the ravine. T h e r e was a roar of approval f r o m the slaves w h o h a d b e e n w a t c h i n g the little d r a m a . ' Y o u are n o l o n g e r a c e n t u r i o n , ' A j a x sneered. ' Y o u are n o t h i n g m o r e than the last scrap of y o u r p r e c i o u s cohort.' H e t u r n e d t o C h i l o . ' T a k e y o u r prisoners t o the e d g e o f the cliff a n d t h r o w t h e m off, o n e b y one.' C h i l o g r i n n e d . ' Y e s , G e n e r a l ! I t will b e m y pleasure.' ' N o ! ' o n e o f the B a t a v i a n auxiliaries s h o u t e d . Y o u can't! W e surrendered!' ' H o w foolish o f you,' A j a x replied coldly. ' I w o n d e r i f y o u w o u l d have spared me h a d I b e g g e d for m e r c y on the sands of the arena. C h i l o , get o n w i t h it.' C h i l o a n d t w o o f his m e n g r a b b e d the nearest auxiliary a n d d r a g g e d h i m r o u g h l y towards the e d g e o f the cliff that d r o p p e d into the ravine. T h e R o m a n s h o u t e d a n d s c r e a m e d for mercy, w r i t h i n g i n their grasp. T h e y s t r u g g l e d towards the e d g e , and s t o p p e d a safe distance b a c k , b e f o r e h o l d i n g the captive's wrists firmly. C h i l o s t o o d b e h i n d h i m , then, b r a c i n g his b o o t i n the small o f the auxiliary's b a c k , thrust h i m forwards as his m e n released their g r i p . W i t h a terrified s c r e a m the Batavian l u r c h e d over the e d g e of the cliff, a r m s flailing. T h e n he was falling in a lazy t u m b l e as he clawed at the air. H i s screams w e r e cut off a m o m e n t later as his h e a d struck an o u t c r o p o f r o c k and e x p l o d e d like a w a t e r m e l o n . H i s b o d y b o u n c e d off the cliff a n d fell w i t h a heavy c r u n c h on to the b o u l d e r s at its foot. O n e by o n e his c o m r a d e s suffered the s a m e fate, as the slaves c h e e r e d e a c h m a n , a n d j e e r e d t h o s e w h o s t r u g g l e d m o s t a s they w e r e led to the e d g e . A t last only M i c o n r e m a i n e d . H e h a d s l u m p e d t o his k n e e s a n d was t r e m b l i n g pitifully as his captors c a m e for h i m . C h i l o h a d h i m d r a g g e d towards the cliff, b u t j u s t b e f o r e they r e a c h e d the e d g e A j a x called o u t : 'Stop!' C h i l o a n d his m e n t u r n e d towards their leader w i t h q u e s t i o n i n g expressions. ' N o t him.' A j a x w a v e d t h e m b a c k f r o m the e d g e . ' T h a t o n e lives. B r i n g h i m here.' 157

T h e s h a k i n g R o m a n was

thrown t o

the g r o u n d b e f o r e the

gladiator a n d A j a x bit b a c k on his disgust as he stared d o w n at the m a n , pathetically m u m b l i n g his thanks. 'Silence, y o u d o g ! ' H e k i c k e d the R o m a n . ' H e a r m e o u t . I w a n t y o u to go b a c k to G o r t y n a , and tell y o u r s u p e r i o r s — tell everyo n e y o u m e e t — all that y o u have seen here. Y o u tell t h e m that the slaves will be free, a n d that we will destroy, w i t h s w o r d and fire, any w h o c o m e b e t w e e n us a n d f r e e d o m . . . N o w stand u p , y o u cowardly v e r m i n . O n y o u r feet! B e f o r e I c h a n g e m y m i n d . ' M i c o n scrambled up and stood trembling before Ajax. ' D o y o u u n d e r s t a n d w h a t y o u have t o d o , R o m a n ? ' 'Y-yes. A j a x t u r n e d to C h i l o . ' F i n d h i m a h o r s e , t h e n escort h i m away f r o m here, a safe distance so o u r p e o p l e w o n ' t be t e m p t e d to chase h i m d o w n and cut his throat. T h e n set h i m free. Is that u n d e r s t o o d ? ' C h i l o b o w e d his h e a d . 'Yes, G e n e r a l . A s y o u c o m m a n d . ' T h a t night fires flared into the starry sky to w a r m the slaves as they celebrated their victory. A t the heart o f t h e p a t c h w o r k o f m e a n shelters a n d tents that f o r m e d their c a m p was a large o p e n s p a c e in front o f the tent o f A j a x a n d his closest c o m p a n i o n s . S c o r e s o f f i r e pits h a d b e e n d u g , and as darkness fell, m u t t o n carcasses on spits roasted over heaps o f g l o w i n g e m b e r s , f i l l i n g the air w i t h the rich a r o m a o f c o o k i n g m e a t . For slaves, u s e d to an u n v a r i e d diet of g r u e l and w h a t e v e r small animals they m i g h t snare, this was the h e i g h t of luxury. T h e k i n d o f feast that their f o r m e r masters enjoyed, and w h i c h they had only ever d r e a m e d of. W i n e , b r e a d a n d fruit taken f r o m the kitchens of the estates that h a d b e e n sacked by the slaves w e r e freely distributed o n the orders o f A j a x . As his followers feasted, A j a x m a d e his w a y f r o m fire to fire, c o n g r a t u l a t i n g t h o s e w h o h a d f o u g h t i n the a m b u s h , a n d listening patiently as they b o a s t e d of their part in the battle. It did his heart g o o d t o see h o w the r a g g e d , c o w e d fugitives w h o h a d j o i n e d his struggle against R o m e w e r e n o w s o full o f f i g h t . W h e r e h e l e d i n battle, they w o u l d follow, u n q u e s t i o n i n g . H e h a d b e e n u s e d t o the a d u l a t i o n o f the m o b that c a m e t o spectate a t the g a m e s i n R o m e , b u t this was altogether different. T h e s e slaves, these p e o p l e , did n o t

158

follow h i m b e c a u s e h e w o n t h e m bets, n o r b e c a u s e h e e x c i t e d their bloodlust. T h e y

followed

him

because

they

shared

a

common

b u r d e n . A n d now, he m u s e d , they shared a c o m m o n destiny. H e h a d n u r s e d their a m b i t i o n w i t h small raids o n estates and villages, a n d then attacks o n R o m a n patrols. O n l y w h e n h e h a d b e e n sure that they w e r e ready did he plan the p r e v i o u s night's a m b u s h . H e h a d w a t c h e d the R o m a n c o l u m n ever since i t h a d set o u t from G o r t y n a . S k i r m i s h b y skirmish h e h a d lured the c o m m a n d e r towards the hills, a n d then, w h e n the trap was set, he h a d sent in the boy. T h e child h a d n o t hesitated for an instant w h e n A j a x h a d asked Pollio to carry o u t the task that w o u l d a l m o s t certainly lead to his d e a t h . T h e boy's father h a d b e e n killed by an overseer, a n d his m o t h e r sold to a brothel. All he lived for was revenge. He h a d g o n e to his death willingly a n d A j a x h a d b e e n glad for h i m t o g o , k n o w i n g h e w o u l d have d o n e precisely the s a m e i f their positions h a d b e e n reversed. H e h a d l o n g g r o w n u s e d to the c o n v i c t i o n that there was n o t h i n g he w o u l d n o t do if it a i d e d his desire to defy a n d destroy R o m e a n d all it s t o o d for. In time, his followers w o u l d c o m e to share his vision as fully as he did, as the b o y h a d , and R o m e w o u l d tremble as it b e h e l d a tide of t h o s e it h a d treated as little m o r e than things rise up to o v e r w h e l m the e m p i r e . A j a x a l l o w e d h i m s e l f a m o m e n t t o i n d u l g e i n the d r e a m o f R o m e b e i n g c r u s h e d b e n e a t h his heel. T h e n he reined in his i m a g i n a t i o n a n d f o c u s e d on the i m m e d i a t e future. A small battle h a d b e e n w o n . N o w was the t i m e t o exploit the victory, b e f o r e the R o m a n s c o u l d recover f r o m the s h o c k o f the defeat. As the fires died d o w n , the slaves finished the last scraps of their feast a n d d r a n k the last of the w i n e . S o m e b e g a n to sing, fragments o f songs r e m e m b e r e d f r o m the t i m e b e f o r e they o r their forebears h a d b e e n slaves. S o n g s f r o m every c o r n e r o f the e m p i r e , a n d the m e l o d i e s a n d rhythms, often strange to his ear, m o v e d A j a x deeply. Truly there was no c o r n e r of the earth that h a d n o t felt the s c o u r g e o f R o m e . O n c e m o r e his heart was filled w i t h c o l d , c o l d r a g e a n d a thirst for revenge. R e t u r n i n g t o the centre o f the c a m p , h e c l i m b e d o n t o a w a g o n piled h i g h w i t h captured e q u i p m e n t and s t o o d a t o p the driver's b e n c h , s w o r d i n o n e h a n d , the standard o f the B a t a v i a n c o h o r t i n the 159

other. He clattered the b l a d e against the silver disc b e a r i n g an i m a g e o f the e m p e r o r . T h e s u r r o u n d i n g c r o w d t u r n e d towards the s o u n d a n d b e g a n to fall silent, w a t c h i n g their leader expectantly. A j a x l o w e r e d his sword a n d stared o u t over the sea of faces, dimly lit by the w a v e r i n g g l o w of the d y i n g fires. Filling his lungs, he b e g a n . ' Y o u have feasted on the best m e a t , the best w i n e a n d the best delicacies that w e have taken f r o m t h o s e w h o w e r e o u r masters. Tell m e , w h a t is it that has the best taste t o n i g h t ? ' ' R o a s t m u t t o n ! ' a v o i c e c r i e d , a n d scores of others called o u t their agreement. ' G a r u m ! ' c r i e d another. 'Figs!' ' M y girl's c u n t ! ' s o m e o n e s h o u t e d , a n d there was a roar of laughter. A j a x clattered his s w o r d against the standard again to silence t h e m . ' Y o u are all w r o n g ! I'll tell y o u w h a t tastes best a n d sweetest to every o n e of us t o n i g h t . . . L i b e r t y ! L i b e r t y ! ' T h e c r o w d c h e e r e d , thrusting their fists into the air as they e c h o e d the cry. 'Liberty!' W h e n the c h e e r i n g h a d d i e d d o w n , A j a x c o n t i n u e d . ' M y friends, w e have w o n the first o f m a n y fights. B u t n o t w i t h o u t cost. W e f o u g h t w i t h clubs a n d f a r m i n g tools against m e n i n a r m o u r w i t h swords a n d spears. N o w their w e a p o n s are o u r s , a n d w h e n w e n e x t fight the R o m a n s i t will b e o n far m o r e even t e r m s . N o ! T h e n e x t fight will be on our t e r m s . T h e y have g r o w n fat a n d c o m p l a c e n t on the b a c k

o f o u r l a b o u r a n d suffering. T h e y

cannot match

the

d e t e r m i n a t i o n o f those w h o fight for their f r e e d o m . T h a t i s w h y they will lose. That is w h y we shall t r i u m p h ! ' M o r e c h e e r i n g g r e e t e d his w o r d s . A j a x i n d u l g e d t h e m a m o m e n t b e f o r e he raised his s w o r d a n d called for quiet. ' M y friends, w e have tasted liberty, a n d n o w victory, but o u r w o r k is only j u s t b e g i n n i n g . I have a plan. We will d e m a n d that o u r f r e e d o m b e r e c o g n i s e d . W e will d e m a n d that the R o m a n s give u s safe passage o u t of their e m p i r e . N o w , it is j u s t possible that they m a y be inclined to refuse s u c h a reasonable request . . .' The

crowd

laughed

and jeered

continued.

160

for

a

moment

before A j a x

' S o , m y friends, w e m u s t teach t h e m a lesson, t o p r o v e h o w serious o u r d e m a n d s are. T o m o r r o w I will lead an a r m y o f f this hill a n d o u t on to the plain. W i t h i n days I will s h o w the R o m a n s that their defeat last night was no a c c i d e n t . I will give t h e m a n o t h e r defeat that will shatter their a r r o g a n c e a n d h u m b l e t h e m . In a f e w days they will learn j u s t h o w terrible o u r r e v e n g e can be . . . T h e n they will be f o r c e d to m e e t o u r d e m a n d s . If they don't, t h e n I give y o u m y w o r d that w e shall slaughter every last R o m a n o n the island.' H e thrust his s w o r d into the heavens. ' D e a t h t o R o m e ! D e a t h to R o m e ! ' T h e c r o w d t o o k u p the chant, a n d i t t h u n d e r e d o u t into the night, strident a n d c h a l l e n g i n g , d a r i n g R o m e t o defy t h e m . A j a x c l i m b e d d o w n f r o m the w a g o n a n d strolled over t o C h i l o . ' T i m e to c o m p l e t e the night's e n t e r t a i n m e n t , I think. H a v e t h e m e n b r i n g o u t m y little pet.' ' M y pleasure.' C h i l o g r i n n e d . H e t u r n e d away, g e s t u r i n g t o a handful o f his m e n , w h o f o l l o w e d h i m inside Ajax's tent. T h e y e m e r g e d a m o m e n t later carrying an i r o n cage. As the c r o w d saw the c a g e they e d g e d forward, f o r m i n g a l o o s e circle a r o u n d it. As C h i l o a n d his m e n set i t d o w n i n the g l o w o f the c o o k i n g f i r e s , A j a x s t e p p e d u p t o the c a g e and l o o k e d t h r o u g h the bars. Inside h e c o u l d m a k e o u t a h u m a n f o r m , visible in the slats of o r a n g e light passing t h r o u g h the bars. T h e f i g u r e was n a k e d a n d b r u i s e d a n d sat w i t h her a r m s h u g g e d r o u n d her k n e e s a s strands o f m a t t e d hair h u n g d o w n over her fleshy body. ' M y lady A n t o n i a , thank y o u for j o i n i n g us,' A j a x m o c k e d . ' I a m s o r r y that y o u have m i s s e d t h e feast, b u t y o u have n o t m i s s e d all the e n t e r t a i n m e n t . I have saved t h e best until last, in y o u r h o n o u r . I k n o w y o u r pleasures well e n o u g h . All t h o s e m o n t h s I h a d to service y o u like s o m e rutting bull. Y o u have n o i d e a h o w m u c h the t h o u g h t o f y o u a n d y o u r soft, w e a k , fat b o d y has revolted m e . Y o u have w a s t e d m y seed, a n d soiled m e . N o w i t i s y o u r turn t o b e soiled.' H e clicked his fingers at C h i l o . ' G e t her o u t ! ' C h i l o cut the ties that fastened the d o o r to the c a g e a n d r e a c h e d in to drag the f o r m e r governor's w i f e o u t . S h e p u t up a pathetic struggle a n d t h e n collapsed on the g r o u n d at the feet of A j a x as s o m e o f the c r o w d wolf-whistled. 161

'I'll b e kind.' A j a x s m i l e d coldly. 'I'll let y o u c h o o s e . O n y o u r b a c k , or on all fours.' S h e stared up at h i m w i t h terrified eyes, h e r lips q u i v e r i n g . 'I b e g y o u , spare m e . Please.' 'No.' ' T h e n w h y did y o u save m e ? W h e n the e a r t h q u a k e struck, y o u c a m e for m e i n the garden. W h y ? ' ' F o r this m o m e n t , my lady. Yes, in a way I saved y o u . I saved y o u so I c o u l d have my revenge for the indignity of b e i n g y o u r toy. I saved y o u for these m e n . ' A j a x indicated C h i l o a n d his c o m p a n i o n s , w h o w e r e g r i n n i n g cruelly. ' T a k e her, use her in any w a y y o u w a n t , and w h e n you're d o n e , t h r o w her b o d y d o w n into the ravine w i t h the others.' A j a x t u r n e d away a n d strode b a c k towards his tent. B e h i n d h i m the c r o w d l o o k e d o n a s C h i l o h a d t w o o f his m e n h o l d the R o m a n w o m a n face d o w n o n the bare g r o u n d . A m o m e n t later the first o f her shrill screams of terror a n d a g o n y filled the night.

162

CHAPTER SIXTEEN

M

acro arrived at S e m p r o n i u s ' s office carrying w i t h h i m the faint o d o u r o f the w o r k h e h a d b e e n s u p e r v i s i n g i n the city's sewer.

H e n o d d e d a g r e e t i n g t o C a t o a n d saluted the senator, b e f o r e casting

a c u r i o u s eye over C e n t u r i o n M i c o n . ' N o w that we're all here, take a seat.' S e m p r o n i u s f o l d e d his hands together. ' T h e n C e n t u r i o n M i c o n can m a k e his report. I take it y o u k n o w n o t h i n g o f w h a t has h a p p e n e d yet, M a c r o ? ' M a c r o g l a n c e d a t C a t o a n d s h o o k his h e a d . ' I ' m n o t aware o f anything. A p a r t f r o m s o m e s h o u t i n g f r o m the f o r u m as I h e a d e d up here.' 'Shouting?' 'Yes. D i d n ' t s o u n d like they w e r e celebrating.' ' O u r friend C e n t u r i o n M i c o n was u n w i s e e n o u g h t o b r e a k his n e w s in the f o r u m before he c a m e to find m e . It'll be all over G o r t y n a b e f o r e nightfall.' ' N e w s ? ' M a c r o f r o w n e d . ' W h a t i n H a d e s i s g o i n g o n , sir?' 'There's b e e n a defeat. M a r c e l l u s a n d his c o l u m n have b e e n w i p e d o u t b y the rebel slaves. C e n t u r i o n M i c o n m a n a g e d t o escape. B u t y o u ' d better hear it f r o m M i c o n . ' ' I s h o u l d think so.' M a c r o eyed M i c o n coldly. ' T h e story o f h o w a b a n d of slaves c a r v e d up the best part of a t h o u s a n d m e n has g o t to b e w o r t h hearing.' S e m p r o n i u s l e a n e d forward. 'Just listen.' M a c r o raised his hands a n d l e a n e d b a c k as he n o d d e d at M i c o n . 'Please tell us.' Centurion

M i c o n was

unsettled b y the

critical

tone

o f his

superior and took a brief m o m e n t to c o m p o s e himself before he cleared his throat a n d b e g a n . 'It h a p p e n e d yesterday, at d u s k , thirty miles to the east of G o r t y n a . 163

A s y o u k n o w f r o m Prefect Marcellus's reports, w e w e r e tracking d o w n b a n d s o f slaves a n d d r i v i n g t h e m b e f o r e us. All the t i m e they w e r e pulling b a c k , away f r o m G o r t y n a a n d into the hills. We w e r e sure w e had t h e m o n the run. We'd cleared t h e m o u t o f the plain, a n d o n c e they were f o r c e d up towards the m o u n t a i n s , the plan was to trap t h e m a n d finish t h e m off o n c e a n d for all. Marcellus was confident that the c a m p a i g n w o u l d be over in less than a m o n t h . T h e n , three days a g o , o n e of o u r patrols c a p t u r e d a slave. A y o u n g lad, n o m o r e than twelve o r thirteen. H e was b r o u g h t i n a n d q u e s t i o n e d , a n d told us that the leader of the slaves was a great gladiator w h o had p l e d g e d to lead the slaves to f r e e d o m or die. O u r m e n scoffed at this, b u t then the b o y c l a i m e d to k n o w the gladiator, said that he was o n e o f the gladiator's servants. T h a t was w h e n h e realised he'd said t o o m u c h a n d c l a m m e d up. B u t i t was t o o late. T h e d e c u r i o n i n c o m m a n d o f the patrol t o o k the b o y t o M a r c e l l u s . A t f i r s t h e refused to talk, then the prefect called in the interrogators.' M i c o n p a u s e d a n d l o o k e d r o u n d a t the o t h e r officers. ' Y o u k n o w h o w g o o d they are at l o o s e n i n g t o n g u e s . Well, it t o o k t h e m the best part of an h o u r b e f o r e they b r o k e the boy. T h e y ' d b e a t e n h i m b a d l y and used h e a t e d irons, then they b r o u g h t o u t the g o u g e s . First sight of those did the trick. E v e n so, never s e e n guts like that in a youngster,' C e n t u r i o n M i c o n m u s e d . ' O r a slave.' 'Please continue,' S e m p r o n i u s cut in. 'Yes, sir. Anyway, the lad told us that he k n e w w h e r e the rebels w e r e c a m p e d , a n d he w o u l d take us there if M a r c e l l u s p r o m i s e d that he w o u l d be sent b a c k to his master w i t h o u t any further h a r m . Naturally, the prefect gave his w o r d . Marcellus sent for his officers. H e gave u s w i n e a n d said he'd lead u s b a c k i n t r i u m p h , h e r d i n g t h o u s a n d s of captive slaves, w h i l e their leader was d r a g g e d b e h i n d in chains. ' T h e n e x t m o r n i n g he gave orders for all patrols to be called in a n d the m e n p r e p a r e d for an attack on the slave c a m p the f o l l o w i n g night. C e n t u r i o n A l b i n u s s u g g e s t e d that a r e p o r t be sent b a c k to G o r t y n a , advising t h e m of the attack, but M a r c e l l u s said that it w o u l d b e better i f w e simply r e t u r n e d w i t h o u r captives o n c e the attack was over. N o t h i n g is as e l o q u e n t as success - t h o s e w e r e his w o r d s . So we set off into the hills, g u i d e d by the boy, w h o was tethered to

164

Marcellus's h o r s e . At first the g o i n g was easy, a l o n g a b r o a d p a t h , and even as d u s k settled a n d it b e c a m e dark there was e n o u g h m o o n l i g h t to see o u r w a y as the track n a r r o w e d a n d b e c a m e steeper. T h e n , after perhaps t w o or three h o u r s , we saw a faint g l o w a b o v e a hill a mile off. T h a t was the c a m p , the b o y assured us. We c o n t i n u e d forward m o r e carefully a n d Marcellus sent scouts on ahead. All was well for a w h i l e , until w e were w i t h i n half a m i l e o f the c a m p . T h e n o n e o f the scouts c a m e b a c k a n d r e p o r t e d that the track passed t h r o u g h a n a r r o w ravine b e f o r e rising steeply up towards the t o p of the hill. Marcellus was suspicious a n d o r d e r e d the c o l u m n to halt w h i l e he q u e s t i o n e d the b o y again. T h e lad was a d a m a n t that it was the only way u p t o the c a m p w i t h o u t taking a w i d e d e t o u r that w o u l d m e a n we w o u l d n ' t reach it before daybreak. Marcellus o r d e r e d us forward again. ' T h e ravine was barely twenty feet across, w i t h steep sides, t o o steep to climb, and we did o u r best to a d v a n c e quietly as the s o u n d s e c h o e d o f f the r o c k faces on either side. J u s t as the h e a d of the c o l u m n b e g a n to e m e r g e into the o p e n , there was a s u d d e n flaring u p o f light a l o n g the crests o n either side. T h e y h a d faggots d r e n c h e d in oil, w h i c h they lit up a n d threw d o w n on to us.' M i c o n p a u s e d again as he recalled the h o r r o r of the p r e v i o u s night. ' T h e r e was fire e v e r y w h e r e , a n d the faggots e x p l o d e d into blazing fragments all a r o u n d us. The horses p a n i c k e d a n d ran into each other a n d t r a m p l e d the infantry. By the light of the flames the e n e m y - the slaves, I m e a n - started to roll b o u l d e r s d o w n on to us. B o u l d e r s , a n d also logs into w h i c h they h a d driven iron spikes a n d h o o k s . It was c a r n a g e , sir. Marcellus was o n e o f the first t o b e struck d o w n , but n o t b e f o r e he'd d r a w n his s w o r d a n d cut the boy's throat. T h a t was the really terrible thing. T h e lad j u s t s t o o d there a n d l a u g h e d a s i t h a p p e n e d . H e spat into Marcellus's face b e f o r e he died. An instant later, the prefect was c r u s h e d b y o n e o f the logs. K i l l e d o u t r i g h t . T h e r e was n o o n e i n c o m m a n d , a n d s o m e m e n c h a r g e d forward t o get o u t o f the trap. O t h e r s t u r n e d b a c k , a n d s o m e j u s t h u d d l e d u n d e r w h a t e v e r shelter they c o u l d f i n d . ' ' A n d w h a t did y o u d o ? ' asked M a c r o . 'I t u r n e d back,' C e n t u r i o n M i c o n confessed. ' W h a t else c o u l d I d o ? I called w h a t was left o f m y m e n t o m e and w e r o d e b a c k 165

t h r o u g h the c o l u m n the way w e had c o m e . O n l y the slaves had closed that off, t h r o w i n g abatis across the track. S o m e o f o u r m e n tried to clear t h e m away, b u t they h a d slingers on either flank a n d o u r m e n w e n t d o w n like flies. B u t they o p e n e d a gap, a n d I c h a r g e d my m e n t h r o u g h it.' M i c o n g l a n c e d at the o t h e r officers furtively. 'We w e n t after the slingers, to give the others a c h a n c e to clear the rest of the b a r r i c a d e away and m a k e g o o d their escape. B u t that's w h e n the s p e a r m e n c a m e u p o u t o f the g r o u n d . T h e y ' d b e e n lying d o w n b e h i n d the slingers, a n d as s o o n as we c h a r g e d up, the slingers m e l t e d away and we r o d e straight on to their pikes. I t u r n e d away, after the last o f m y m e n was cut d o w n , and rode b a c k d o w n the track towards the plain, b r e a k i n g t h r o u g h a handful of slaves c o v e r i n g the track. I didn't stop until I h a d p u t the best part of a mile b e t w e e n us. T h e n w h e n I did rein in, I l o o k e d b a c k and saw the flames g l o w i n g in the ravine. I can still hear the cries a n d screams of o u r m e n e c h o i n g off the

rocks. T h e

slave

spearmen

formed up

a t the

edge

o f the

ravine, a n d slaughtered every o n e of o u r m e n c a u g h t in their trap.' C e n t u r i o n M i c o n l o w e r e d his h e a d . ' T h e c o l u m n didn't stand a c h a n c e , sir. I didn't k n o w w h a t to do . . . C h a r g e b a c k into the fight, o r d o m y duty a n d report b a c k t o you.' ' S o y o u d e c i d e d t o save y o u r skin,' M a c r o s n o r t e d . 'Instead o f g o i n g t o the aid o f y o u r c o m r a d e s . Typical b l o o d y auxiliary.' C a t o l e a n e d forward. ' T h e r e was n o t h i n g C e n t u r i o n M i c o n c o u l d do.' ' H e c o u l d have d i e d like a soldier, a n d n o t r u n like a b l o o d y w h i p p e d cur a n d a b a n d o n e d his mates.' ' T h e n w h o w o u l d have b e e n left t o m a k e his r e p o r t t o us?' M a c r o s u c k e d a breath in t h r o u g h his teeth. In the l e g i o n s , it was a d y e d - i n - t h e - w o o l tradition that c e n t u r i o n s never gave an inch in battle. Clearly a different standard applied in the auxiliary c o h o r t s . 'Well, surely h e c o u l d have f o u n d s o m e o n e t o r i d e b a c k and break the news.' S e m p r o n i u s r a p p e d his h a n d o n the desk. ' E n o u g h ! T h i s i s n o t g e t t i n g u s a n y w h e r e . T h e q u e s t i o n i s w h a t d o w e d o n o w ? T h i s defeat has c h a n g e d everything at a stroke. Marcellus h a d the best of o u r m e n , and n o w he's t h r o w n t h e m away. All we have left are a few small d e t a c h m e n t s o n the n o r t h o f the island, the T e n t h M a c e d o n i a n , and

166

the

c o h o r t at M a t a l a . What's that?

S i x h u n d r e d m e n at most.'

S e m p r o n i u s s h o o k his h e a d . ' H o w the hell c o u l d these w r e t c h e d slaves have d o n e this to us? H o w c o u l d they have defeated trained soldiers? I u n d e r e s t i m a t e d the slaves, a n d this gladiator w h o is leading them.' C a t o kept his m o u t h shut a n d f o u g h t b a c k a surge o f a n g e r a n d i n d i g n a t i o n . It was the senator's responsibility for not t a k i n g the slave threat seriously e n o u g h . C a t o , a n d M a c r o to a lesser extent, had b o t h b e e n aware o f the d a n g e r s , b u t their c o n c e r n s h a d b e e n dismissed. I t was t e m p t i n g t o exact s o m e r e c o g n i t i o n o f w h o s h o u l d bear the b l a m e , but n o w was n o t the t i m e . A n y bitter divisions a m o n g s t t h o s e left in c h a r g e of the p r o v i n c e w o u l d only m a k e their p e r i l o u s situation w o r s e . 'So,' S e m p r o n i u s c o n t i n u e d , l o o k i n g a t M a c r o a n d C a t o , 'you're the o n e s w i t h military e x p e r i e n c e . W h a t s h o u l d w e d o ? ' 'What

can w e

do?' Macro

answered

coldly. 'It s e e m s

we're

o u t n u m b e r e d , o u t w i t t e d and w e ' v e b e e n given a g o o d k i c k i n g . B e s t thing to do is send for help a n d h o l d o u t here until it arrives.' S e m p r o n i u s did n o t appear t o like w h a t h e h a d heard a n d t u r n e d to Cato. 'And what do you think?' ' M a c r o ' s right, sir. W i t h so few m e n , we have no c h o i c e . It w o u l d be m a d n e s s to send what's left against the slaves. G o r t y n a m u s t be defended.' ' D e f e n d e d ? ' S e m p r o n i u s raised his eyebrows. ' H o w ? T h e r e m u s t be twenty or thirty breaches in the walls w h e r e the e a r t h q u a k e s h o o k them down.' 'That's true e n o u g h , sir. B u t we have to repair t h e m b e f o r e the slaves take it into their heads to m a r c h on G o r t y n a . ' ' D o y o u really think they will?' 'I w o u l d , if I was in their place. N o w they have us at their mercy, they can m a k e their d e m a n d s , or threaten to w i p e us out.' ' T h e n we have to fix the walls, at once.' M a c r o s h o o k his h e a d . 'That's n o t possible, sir. T h e d a m a g e i s t o o great. E v e n i f w e set every m a n , w o m a n and child t o w o r k repairing the b r e a c h e s , it w o u l d take us t o o m a n y days to do it.' C a t o thought a moment. ' T h e n we must abandon Gortyna. We have t o b r i n g e v e r y o n e u p here o n t o the acropolis.' 167

'Is there r o o m for e v e r y o n e ? ' asked S e m p r o n i u s . ' T h e r e are over fifteen

thousand

people

out

there. T h e

conditions

would

be

appalling.' C a t o l o o k e d a t h i m directly. ' T h e y either c o m e u p here, o r take their chances w i t h the slaves.' ' W h a t a b o u t M a t a l a ? ' M a c r o i n t e r r u p t e d . 'We c o u l d send s o m e o f t h e m there. If they left now, they c o u l d reach the p o r t b e f o r e this slave a r m y m o v e s in f r o m the east.' ' N o . It's t o o risky. The slaves m i g h t already have patrols o u t in the s u r r o u n d i n g c o u n t r y s i d e . W e ' d n e e d to send a strong d e t a c h m e n t to p r o t e c t the

civilians. W e

n e e d every m a n here, t o

d e f e n d the

province's capital.' C a t o p a u s e d . ' H o w e v e r , we have to s e n d a w a r n i n g to

C e n t u r i o n Portillus a n d tell h i m w h a t has h a p p e n e d . H e ' l l

n e e d t o p r o t e c t the p e o p l e o f M a t a l a . I t w o u l d b e best i f h e was o r d e r e d to m o v e t h e m up inside the acropolis there as well.' S e m p r o n i u s s a g g e d b a c k in his chair. ' M y g o d s , these slaves have us on the run. They'll have us t r a p p e d like rats in a hole. When R o m e hears o f this, I ' m f i n i s h e d . ' C a t o cleared his throat a n d s p o k e softly. 'If w e don't d o w h a t w e can to save what's left, t h e n we risk losing the entire p r o v i n c e , sir. That's s o m e t h i n g the e m p e r o r w o u l d never forgive.' H e let his w o r d s sink i n a n d then c o n t i n u e d . ' T h e thing is, w e w e r e never s u p p o s e d t o be here in the first place. It was j u s t blind c h a n c e that o u r ship was passing w h e n the w a v e struck.' 'So?' ' S o I don't see h o w y o u can b e called t o a c c o u n t . T h e situation c o u l d hardly have b e e n w o r s e , a n d y o u ' v e d o n e all y o u can t o restore order.' ' K i n d w o r d s , C a t o , b u t I d o u b t the e m p e r o r will a g r e e w i t h y o u . R e g a r d l e s s o f w h a t w e m i g h t have achieved, w e are the ones h e will hold

responsible

i f these

slaves

succeed

in

humbling

Roman

interests.' M a c r o puffed his cheeks. ' T h e n you're g o i n g t o have t o b l o o d y d o s o m e t h i n g a b o u t it - sir.' ' D o ? ' S e m p r o n i u s said helplessly. ' W h a t can I d o ? ' ' G e t m o r e m e n . M o r e soldiers.' ' H o w ? I can't j u s t c o n j u r e t h e m o u t of thin air.'

168

' G e t t h e m from Egypt,' M a c r o said tersely. 'You said that y o u k n o w the emperor's legate there, right? G a i u s Petronius. He's a m e m b e r o f the equestrian class.' Sempronius nodded. ' A n d y o u ' r e a senator. S o y o u o u t r a n k h i m . O r d e r h i m t o send reinforcements.' S e m p r o n i u s c o n s i d e r e d this for a m o m e n t b e f o r e r e s p o n d i n g . 'And if he doesn't?' ' T h e n y o u m u s t tell h i m that if C r e t e falls to the slaves y o u will m a k e d a m n sure that R o m e k n o w s that y o u asked h i m for help a n d h e refused. Y o u w o n ' t b e

the

only one w h o

draws d o w n the

emperor's wrath.' M a c r o forced a smile. 'I can't see h i m t u r n i n g d o w n the c h a n c e to avoid b e i n g in Claudius's b a d b o o k s . ' ' M a c r o ' s right, sir,' said C a t o . ' Y o u have n o t h i n g to lose from pressing the E g y p t i a n legate for help. If y o u h e a d to the coast a n d take the first available ship, y o u c o u l d be in A l e x a n d r i a in a matter of days, a n d b a c k here w i t h the reinforcements inside a m o n t h . I f y o u can get e n o u g h m e n , I ' m sure w e can q u i c k l y crush the revolt.' ' Y o u think it's that easy?' M a c r o g l a n c e d at h i m in surprise. ' W h y n o t ? A s l o n g a s w e don't follow the e x a m p l e o f Marcellus.' S e m p r o n i u s cleared his throat. ' I ' m n o t leaving G o r t y n a . It's o u t o f the question.' ' W h y ? ' C a t o stared a t h i m . ' T h i n k a b o u t it, C a t o . T h e slaves have annihilated m o s t o f o u r forces a n d have the p r o v i n c e at their mercy. J u s t at that p o i n t the a c t i n g g o v e r n o r decides to quit C r e t e for the safety of E g y p t to fetch reinforcements, w h i l e his subordinates and thousands of civilians are left to face the rebels. It's n o t the m o s t edifying display of leadership, is it?' 'That's for others to say, sir. Y o u have to p u t that possibility aside for the m o m e n t . Y o u have t o g o t o E g y p t . Y o u k n o w the legate. O n l y someone

with

your

authority

can

persuade

Petronius

to

send

reinforcements.' 'That's true,' S e m p r o n i u s c o n c e d e d , a n d n o d d e d slowly a s h e c o n t e m p l a t e d the p r o b l e m . T h e n a smile f o r m e d on his lips a n d he l o o k e d up at his officers. ' O f c o u r s e , if I was to send s o m e o n e in my 169

place, a u t h o r i s e d t o act o n m y behalf, then w e m i g h t get o u r way. O b v i o u s l y , the p e r s o n i n q u e s t i o n w o u l d have t o b e u p t o the task o f talking the legate round.' A t the s a m e m o m e n t b o t h the senator a n d M a c r o f i x e d their eyes o n C a t o . W i t h a s u d d e n s u r g e o f a l a r m , C a t o sat b a c k and s h o o k his h e a d . ' N o . N o t me.' ' W h y n o t ? ' asked S e m p r o n i u s . ' I ' m t o o y o u n g , ' C a t o a d m i t t e d . ' T h e legate w o u l d take o n e l o o k at me a n d w o n d e r if he c o u l d take me seriously as a c e n t u r i o n , let a l o n e the envoy o f the g o v e r n o r o f C r e t e . S e n d M a c r o . ' ' W h a t ? ' M a c r o started, a n d then glared a t C a t o . ' T h a n k s . ' S e m p r o n i u s s m i l e d briefly. ' W i t h all d u e respect to his abilities as a politician, M a c r o ' s talents are best utilised in d e f e n c e of G o r t y n a . T h e m a n I n e e d in A l e x a n d r i a has to be a powerful a d v o c a t e for o u r request for reinforcements. I think y o u are that man.' 'Yes,' M a c r o a d d e d w i t h a smirk. 'I k n o w y o u , lad. You c o u l d a r g u e the h i n d l e g off a donkey, a n d then debate the m o r a l justification for d o i n g it. T h e senator's right, it has to be you.' C a t o felt the situation slipping o u t o f his control a n d m a d e o n e last a t t e m p t to protest. 'Sir, please reconsider. I ' m o n e of the m o s t junior

centurions

in

the

army.

Even

i f Petronius

accepts

my

a r g u m e n t s , he's hardly g o i n g to entrust me w i t h a force large e n o u g h to crush the slaves.' ' T h e n I will j u s t have to p r o m o t e you,' S e m p r o n i u s d e c i d e d . 'Temporarily, o f c o u r s e . F o r the duration o f the e m e r g e n c y ' ' P r o m o t e m e ? ' C a t o was s t u n n e d by the idea, until he realised it m a d e sense. Up to a p o i n t . 'If I go in as a prefect, t h e n it will l o o k even m o r e r i d i c u l o u s than m e h o l d i n g the rank o f c e n t u r i o n , sir. B e s i d e s , the L e g a t e of E g y p t w o u l d still have seniority.' ' W h o said anything a b o u t b e i n g a prefect? I ' m s e n d i n g y o u to E g y p t w i t h the civil rank o f tribune.' ' T r i b u n e ? ' N o w C a t o w a s truly s h o c k e d . T h e tribunate was largely a n h o n o r i f i c title i n R o m e , b u t was still occasionally c o n f e r r e d u p o n officials sent o u t to the provinces to act w i t h the authority of the e m p e r o r and his senate. C a t o gently c h e w e d his lip. ' C a n y o u d o that?' 'I

a m the acting g o v e r n o r o f this p r o v i n c e , h a v i n g a s s u m e d

170

authority in the emperor's n a m e . It's w o r k e d so far. A n d , as y o u said, w h a t have I g o t to lose? I'll d r a w up the d o c u m e n t , a n d seal it w i t h the governor's ring. In fact, y o u ' d better take my family r i n g w i t h y o u to prove that I sent y o u . T h a t , and y o u r q u i c k wits, will carry the argument.' ' T h e y ' l l have to,' M a c r o

a d d e d . ' O t h e r w i s e we're all in the

shit.' 'Quite,' said S e m p r o n i u s . 'If we w i n the day, then I'll j u s t have to h o p e the e m p e r o r overlooks the fact that I've o v e r s t e p p e d the m a r k i n c o n f e r r i n g the rank o n you.' C a t o s m i l e d bitterly. ' A n d if he doesn't, t h e n I'll be h a d up for acting w i t h o u t p r o p e r authority. M e n have b e e n c o n d e m n e d for treason for d o i n g s u c h things. I think I'd rather stay here and face the slaves.' ' T h e n y o u ' r e d e a d either w a y ' S e m p r o n i u s s h r u g g e d . ' W h a t have you got to lose?' C a t o ' s s h o u l d e r s d r o o p e d in resignation. 'All right, then. I'll go.' ' G o o d m a n ! ' M a c r o slapped h i m o n the b a c k . ' G e t t o A l e x a n d r i a , a n d find us t h o s e m e n . A n d don't go a n d fuck it up.' ' T h a n k s for the e n c o u r a g e m e n t . ' 'You're w e l c o m e . ' M a c r o g r i n n e d . 'Anyway, y o u ' v e g o t it easy. It's us w h o ' l l be h a v i n g to c o p e w i t h t h o s e slaves a n d that gladiator they've

got

leading

them. Which

reminds

me.' H e

turned

to

C e n t u r i o n M i c o n , w h o h a d b e e n k e e p i n g as still a n d as q u i e t as possible d u r i n g the p r e c e d i n g discussion, n o d o u b t h o p i n g that invisibility was his best h o p e in e s c a p i n g the s h a m e of fleeing the battlefield that h a d c l a i m e d the lives of his c o m m a n d e r a n d all b u t a handful o f his m e n . H e w i l t e d b e f o r e M a c r o ' s gaze. 'Sir?' ' T h i s gladiator. D i d that b o y y o u c a p t u r e d m e n t i o n his n a m e ? ' Y e s , yes, he did, sir.' M i c o n n o d d e d . ' H e said he was a T h r a c i a n , called Ajax.' ' A j a x ? ' M a c r o scratched his chin, a n d then his fingers froze as his eyes s u d d e n l y w i d e n e d . ' A j a x ! ' H e t u r n e d t o C a t o . ' W h a t d o y o u think? Is it possible?' ' D o e s the n a m e m e a n s o m e t h i n g t o y o u ? ' asked the senator. 'It d o e s . At least I think it does. The m a n I saw r e c o g n i s e d m e , I ' m 171

certain of it. B u t there's only o n e A j a x I can recall m e e t i n g , a n d it's hard to believe it can be the s a m e man.' C a t o t o o k a d e e p breath. 'If it is, and he k n o w s that we're on the island, then we're in even m o r e d a n g e r than I t h o u g h t . A j a x w o n ' t rest until he's h a d his full m e a s u r e of revenge.' ' R e v e n g e ? ' S e m p r o n i u s hissed w i t h frustration. ' W o u l d y o u m i n d telling m e what's g o i n g o n ? W h o i s this A j a x , a n d w h a t has h e g o t against y o u ? ' 'It's a l o n g story,' said M a c r o . ' B u t he has his reasons for hating us. H i s father u s e d to c o m m a n d a pirate fleet o p e r a t i n g o u t of the coast of Illyria. U n t i l C a t o a n d I p u t p a i d to his activities. We captured A j a x , his father a n d m o s t o f the pirates. W e h a d orders t o m a k e a n e x a m p l e o f them.' H e s h r u g g e d . ' C a t o a n d I w e r e the o n e s w h o crucified his father a n d h a d A j a x sold into slavery.'

172

-

CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

T

w o days after the n e w s o f the defeat r e a c h e d G o r t y n a , C a t o arrived at the small fishing village of C i p r a n a on the s o u t h coast.

T h e p o r t h a d b e e n r e c o m m e n d e d t o h i m a s b e i n g virtually cut off from the rest of the island by the sheer m o u n t a i n s that s u r r o u n d e d it. O n l y a little-used track linked C i p r a n a to the plain, p i c k i n g its way a l o n g steep slopes a n d ravines. It was unlikely that the slaves h a d even heard o f the place, let alone k n e w h o w t o find the p o r t . T h e r e s h o u l d b e s o m e craft there capable o f c a r r y i n g C a t o across the sea t o

Alexandria. H e travelled o n h o r s e b a c k w i t h a n escort o f four p i c k e d m e n , all w e a r i n g scarlet tunics a n d cloaks that m a r k e d t h e m o u t a s R o m a n soldiers. C a t o h a d b e e n p r o v i d e d w i t h a n expensively e m b r o i d e r e d tunic from w h a t was left o f t h e w a r d r o b e o f G o v e r n o r H i r t i u s . H e also w o r e the man's fine calfskin b o o t s , w h i c h w e r e a little on the large side, b u t c o m f o r t a b l e e n o u g h after years of w e a r i n g the heavy nailed b o o t s of the l e g i o n s . In a sealed leather t u b e that h u n g f r o m a t h o n g a r o u n d C a t o ' s n e c k w e r e t w o d o c u m e n t s a n d the senator's family ring. T h e f i r s t letter a p p o i n t e d h i m t o the t e m p o r a r y rank o f tribune, s i g n e d a n d sealed b y S e n a t o r S e m p r o n i u s i n the n a m e o f the Emperor Claudius. Both

Cato

and the senator h o p e d that the

d o c u m e n t w o u l d impress the legate i n E g y p t e n o u g h t o p e r s u a d e h i m to send aid. T h e s e c o n d was a detailed report of the situation in Crete, which

clearly o u t l i n e d the

dangers facing the p r o v i n c e .

S e m p r o n i u s c o n c l u d e d w i t h a request that L e g a t e Petronius s e n d a s q u a d r o n of warships a n d a military force powerful e n o u g h to p u t d o w n the slave revolt. I t was a n a m b i t i o u s d e m a n d , C a t o reflected. T h e r e was every c h a n c e that Petronius m i g h t refuse, or delay s e n d i n g the r e i n f o r c e m e n t s w h i l e h e sent a m e s s a g e t o R o m e asking for S e m p r o n i u s ' s 173

instructions to be a p p r o v e d . S u c h a delay w o u l d prove fatal to all c o n c e r n e d , and the senator h a d impressed u p o n C a t o the n e e d t o use all his persuasive skills to ensure that Petronius c o m p l i e d . He w o u l d b e a r m e d w i t h bluff a n d a r g u m e n t , C a t o m u s e d . H a r d l y a n inspiring thought. A s C a t o a n d his escort followed the s h e p h e r d w h o h a d b e e n sent a l o n g to g u i d e t h e m to the p o r t , his m i n d was fixed on the peril that J u l i a a n d M a c r o faced a t G o r t y n a . T h e p e o p l e h a d b e e n terrified b y the n e w s o f the a m b u s h , and s o m e h a d c h o s e n t o p a c k w h a t b e l o n g i n g s they c o u l d and flee to the n o r t h , over the high m o u n t a i n s that f o r m e d the spine o f the island. W i t h neither f o o d n o r p r o t e c t i o n , they w o u l d b e a t the m e r c y o f the w e a t h e r and the b a n d s o f b r i g a n d s that preyed o n travellers f r o m their s t r o n g h o l d s . T h e r e h a d b e e n n o r e a s o n i n g w i t h t h o s e w h o h a d c h o s e n this c o u r s e rather than face the prospect o f b e i n g massacred b y the rebel slaves. M a c r o h a d b e e n u n m o v e d a s h e w a t c h e d t h e m trickle o u t o f the city. 'Less m o u t h s for us to feed, at any rate.' 'That's true.' C a t o w a t c h e d the refugees a m o m e n t l o n g e r b e f o r e t u r n i n g t o his friend. ' D o y o u really think y o u can h o l d G o r t y n a i f the slaves attack?' W o r k had c o m m e n c e d o n repairing the walls a n d gates o f the city as s o o n as the r e m a i n i n g inhabitants c o u l d be o r g a n i s e d into l a b o u r g a n g s . G a p s w e r e f i l l e d w i t h rubble a n d t o p p e d w i t h c r u d e breastw o r k s . I t w o u l d n o t k e e p the e n e m y o u t for l o n g , M a c r o h a d i n f o r m e d the senator, b u t S e m p r o n i u s h a d quietly p o i n t e d o u t that it w o u l d b e best t o k e e p the p e o p l e o c c u p i e d a n d offer t h e m s o m e h o p e , rather than sitting a n d waiting in fear. 'We'll m a k e a s h o w of m a n n i n g the walls. I'll have all the spare kit distributed to a b l e - b o d i e d m e n , so at least we'll l o o k like we have the n u m b e r s to p u t up a g o o d fight. If A j a x calls o u r bluff and-attacks, t h e n we'll fall b a c k to the acropolis and h o l d o u t there. We s h o u l d be safe e n o u g h . ' 'I h o p e so.' M a c r o g l a n c e d at his friend and saw the y o u n g man's c o n c e r n e d expression. 'You're w o r r i e d a b o u t Julia.' ' O f c o u r s e I am.'

174

'I'll m a k e sure she's safe. If it l o o k s like the acropolis is g o i n g to fall, then I'll do my best to protect her a n d get her safely away' ' A n d i f y o u can't?' ' T h e n I will protect her until they cut me d o w n . ' C a t o was silent for a m o m e n t . 'I w o u l d n ' t w a n t t h e m to h a r m her. If there was any risk of the slaves t a k i n g her alive . . .' ' L o o k here, C a t o , ' M a c r o b e g a n awkwardly. ' I ' m n o t p r e p a r e d to prevent her falling into their h a n d s . If that's w h a t y o u m e a n . ' H e p a u s e d a n d cleared his throat. ' N o t unless y o u really w a n t m e to.' ' N o . I w o u l d n ' t ask that of y o u , or a n y o n e . That's her choice.' 'I

suppose.' M a c r o p o k e d his

vine

stick

at

a

crack in

the

s t o n e w o r k . 'She's a brave o n e , a n d p r o u d t o o . She'll do what's right, if the t i m e c o m e s . ' C a t o felt his s t o m a c h lurch. T h i s conversation did n o t feel real. T h e y w e r e talking i n the c a l m , m e a s u r e d tones o f m e n w h o m i g h t be

casually

discussing

problem. T h e image

the

solution

to

some

kind

o f technical

o f J u l i a , powerless a n d terrified b e f o r e the

faceless rage of the vengeful slaves, filled his heart w i t h a p a i n he h a d n o t k n o w n before. A t the s a m e t i m e , h e c o u l d n o t bear the t h o u g h t of her b e i n g p u t to death, even to spare her a w o r s e fate b e f o r e death eventually c a m e . H e felt sick a n d g r i p p e d the e d g e o f the parapet w i t h his fingers. It was t e m p t i n g to a b a n d o n his j o u r n e y to A l e x a n d r i a a n d r e m a i n in G o r t y n a to d e f e n d Julia. After all, the L e g a t e o f E g y p t w o u l d probably d e n y t h e m the forces n e e d e d t o p u t d o w n the revolt. It was a fool's errand. H e t o o k a d e e p breath t o c a l m his g r o w i n g anxiety a n d p u s h e d h i m s e l f away f r o m the wall, a n d straightened up. 'Well, let's h o p e that it doesn't c o m e to that. I'll return as s o o n as I can.' ' Y o u do that.' They

clasped

arms

and

then

Macro

nodded

towards

the

administration building. ' H a v e y o u said g o o d b y e t o J u l i a yet?' ' N o . I've b e e n p u t t i n g it off. I don't k n o w w h o she is m o r e a n g r y at, me for g o i n g or her father for s e n d i n g me.' M a c r o c h u c k l e d a n d slapped C a t o o n the shoulder. ' I w a r n e d y o u , o l d s o n . A soldier s h o u l d never let h i m s e l f get t o o involved w i t h the fairer sex. It u n m a n s h i m , a n d p r e o c c u p i e s his m i n d w h e n it s h o u l d b e f o c u s e d o n other things.' 175

' T o o true,' C a t o replied. ' T o o b l o o d y true. Anyway, here I go.' H e raised his h a n d i n m o c k salute. ' T h o s e w h o are a b o u t t o die salute y o u ! ' M a c r o l a u g h e d as he t u r n e d away and m a d e his way a l o n g the wall towards the g a t e h o u s e , w h e r e s o m e o f the auxiliaries w e r e s t r u g g l i n g to m o u n t an o l d ballista that h a d b e e n discovered in the acropolis's a r m o u r y . C a t o c l i m b e d d o w n f r o m the rampart a n d wearily m a d e his way across to the administration building. Julia was in the office, h e a d bent over a table of figures. S h e did n o t l o o k up as C a t o entered the r o o m . 'What do you want?' C a t o swallowed nervously. 'I've c o m e to say g o o d b y e . ' 'Is that all?' she replied quietly, still n o t l o o k i n g u p . 'Well, y o u ' v e said it, so y o u can go now.' C a t o s t o o d i n the doorway, t o r n b e t w e e n leaving the fraught a t m o s p h e r e , a n d never w a n t i n g to leave her p r e s e n c e ever again. T h e n he saw a falling t w i n k l e of light, c a u g h t by the sunshine p o u r i n g t h r o u g h the w i n d o w a n d realised it was a tear. At o n c e his heart was filled w i t h the w a r m a c h e o f c o m p a s s i o n , a n d h e swept across the r o o m a n d w r a p p e d his a r m a r o u n d her s h o u l d e r as he tenderly kissed the b a c k o f her h e a d . 'Julia, my love, don't cry.' ' I ' m n o t crying,' she m u m b l e d even as her slight frame trembled. ' I ' m not.' C a t o gently d r e w her up from her seat a n d p u t his a r m s a r o u n d her, h o l d i n g her close to his chest as she b u r i e d her face in the folds o f his cloak. 'It's n o t fair . . . W e s h o u l d never have e n d e d up here. We s h o u l d have b e e n i n R o m e b y now, p l a n n i n g o u r future. N o t here, i n these ruins.' 'We're here b e c a u s e we're here,' said C a t o . 'There's n o t h i n g we can do to c h a n g e that, Julia.' 'I k n o w that. I ' m n o t a fool.' S h e l o o k e d up, eyes r e d - r i m m e d a n d glassy. H e r lip t r e m b l e d as she c o n t i n u e d . ' B u t w h y do y o u have to leave m e ? ' ' B e c a u s e I must. Y o u r father has o r d e r e d it.' ' W h y didn't h e send M a c r o instead?'

176

' H e t h o u g h t I was best suited t o carry o u t the task. H e n e e d s m e t o d o it. H e ' s d e p e n d i n g o n m e , J u l i a . A n d s o are y o u , M a c r o and e v e r y o n e else here. If I s u c c e e d , there's a c h a n c e we m a y defeat the rebels a n d g o t o R o m e a s w e p l a n n e d . B u t i f I don't g o , w e will have n o chance.' S h e stared at h i m and then n o d d e d reluctantly. 'You m u s t be brave.' C a t o lifted her chin a n d kissed her. 'I will return.' ' S w e a r that y o u will be careful.' 'I will be careful, I swear by all the gods.' T h e y l o o k e d into each other's eyes a n d then kissed again, b e f o r e Julia abruptly b r o k e free o f his a r m s a n d eased C a t o b a c k . ' T h e n g o , m y darling. N o w ' C a t o a l m o s t felt a pain as she separated from h i m a n d nearly gave way t o the i m p u l s e t o h o l d her again. O n e last t i m e . B u t h e n o d d e d slowly, a n d then t u r n e d towards the d o o r a n d strode steadily o u t o f the r o o m , a l o n g the c o r r i d o r a n d d o w n into the courtyard w i t h o u t o n c e l o o k i n g b a c k . H e did n o t trust h i m s e l f to. T h e s h e p h e r d p a u s e d as he r e a c h e d a b e n d in the track a n d p o i n t e d towards the sea. As he drew level w i t h the m a n , C a t o reined in a n d l o o k e d d o w n on the fishing village. To call it a p o r t was a bit of an overstatement, C a t o reflected as he scrutinised the scattered handful of dwellings that fringed a n a r r o w c u r v e of grey sand b e t w e e n t w o r o c k y headlands. T h e water was clear all the way o u t past the headlands that p r o t e c t e d the bay. T h e wave that had destroyed the p o r t at M a t a l a h a d swept past C i p r a n a , c a u s i n g m u c h less d a m a g e . A few h o u s e s closest to the shore h a d b e e n destroyed, b u t t h o s e built o n the s l o p e well a b o v e the sand h a d survived intact. M o s t o f the fishing boats a n d the nets that h a d b e e n d r y i n g on frames by the shore h a d n o t b e e n s o fortunate. T h e y had b e e n w a s h e d away a n d s m a s h e d against the rocks o f the h e a d l a n d . S o m e o f the least d a m a g e d boats h a d b e e n salvaged a n d w e r e b e i n g repaired o n the b e a c h . O n l y o n e was d r a w n u p o n the sand ready for use. ' C o m e on.' C a t o w a v e d t o his escort a n d they c o n t i n u e d i n single file. A short distance further o n , the track b e g a n to w i n d its way d o w n the hill in a l o n g series of zigzags. As the small party b e g a n 177

its descent, a few of the villagers h a d e m e r g e d f r o m their h o m e s a n d w e r e w a t c h i n g the a p p r o a c h i n g strangers cautiously. C a t o saw o n e o f t h e m r u n towards the largest o f the buildings, and a short t i m e later a g r o u p o f m e n e m e r g e d a n d m a d e their way across t o the place w h e r e the track entered the village a n d w a i t e d for the Romans. C a t o raised a h a n d in g r e e t i n g as he a p p r o a c h e d the m e n . B e h i n d h i m , the g u i d e and C a t o ' s escort l o o k e d r o u n d warily. ' S t o p there!' o n e of the villagers called o u t in G r e e k as he s t e p p e d forward a n d p o i n t e d a t C a t o . ' W h o are y o u ? ' ' T r i b u n e Quintus Licinius C a t o , f r o m G o r t y n a . ' ' R e a l l y ? ' T h e villagers' leader was a b r o a d - s h o u l d e r e d m a n w i t h short, powerful legs a n d tightly curled grey hair. He c o c k e d his h e a d on o n e side a n d c o n t i n u e d in a suspicious t o n e . ' W h a t b r i n g s y o u here, R o m a n ? ' ' I a m o n i m p e r i a l business. U r g e n t i m p e r i a l business.' ' W h a t business?' C a t o reined in a short distance f r o m the m a n . 'I am c a r r y i n g a m e s s a g e from the g o v e r n o r o f the p r o v i n c e t o the L e g a t e o f E g y p t . I n e e d a b o a t t o take m e a n d m y m e n t o A l e x a n d r i a . ' ' W h y w o u l d such an i m p o r t a n t official c o m e here for a b o a t ? ' ' B e c a u s e C i p r a n a i s p r o b a b l y o n e o f the only p o r t s o n the s o u t h coast that has n o t b e e n c o m p l e t e l y destroyed by the wave, or the slaves. H a v e any of the rebels b e e n here?' T h e m a n s h o o k his h e a d . 'Very few p e o p l e b o t h e r t o

cross

the m o u n t a i n s to visit us. W h y s h o u l d the slaves be any different?' He

paused. ' H o w

do

I

know

that

you

are

not

part

o f the

rebellion?' ' D o I l o o k like a slave?' ' N o , ' the villager a d m i t t e d . ' B u t for all I k n o w y o u c o u l d have m u r d e r e d s o m e R o m a n s a n d taken their clothes, a n d are trying t o e s c a p e f r o m the island.' ' W h a t ? ' C a t o s h o o k his h e a d irritably. ' N o n s e n s e . I am w h o I say I a m , a n d we have c o m e here to seek passage to Alexandria.' 'Sorry, T r i b u n e . W e can't help y o u . Y o u ' d best try s o m e w h e r e else.' ' T h e r e isn't t i m e to try s o m e w h e r e else,' C a t o said firmly and

178

p o i n t e d towards the b e a c h . 'I n e e d that b o a t , a n d a crew at o n c e . We will pay o u r fare, and leave y o u these horses.' ' C a n ' t help y o u . We n e e d that b o a t for o u r catch. It's the only seaworthy

craft

that

we

have

left, the

only

means

of f e e d i n g

ourselves. You can't have it.' ' I can pay y o u e n o u g h t o b u y y o u r village s o m e n e w boats,' C a t o r e s p o n d e d . ' N a m e y o u r price.' 'We can't eat m o n e y , it is of no use to us now. T h a t b o a t is all that stands b e t w e e n us and starvation. I ' m sorry, T r i b u n e . It's n o t for sale.' C a t o leaned forward in his saddle a n d stared intensely at the m a n as he c o n t i n u e d . 'We n e e d that b o a t , and we will have it, a l o n g w i t h the best sailor in y o u r village. As I said, y o u will be a m p l y rewarded. If y o u are short of f o o d here, then I suggest y o u take any valuables y o u have and set off for G o r t y n a . If y o u still w a n t to protest, then y o u can m a k e y o u r case to the governor. N o w , I have no further t i m e to waste.' C a t o slid from the saddle a n d reached into his saddle b a g for a p o u c h of the silver coins that h a d b e e n issued to h i m from the provincial treasury on Sempronius's orders. He tossed it to the villager, w h o f u m b l e d the catch and nearly d r o p p e d the m o n e y . 'There's

three

hundred

denarians

in

there,'

Cato

explained.

' M o r e than e n o u g h for y o u t o b u y s o m e n e w boats for the village.' T h e villager hefted the b a g for a m o m e n t and s h o o k his h e a d . 'I told y o u . We have no u s e for it.' C a t o strode u p t o h i m w i t h a m e n a c i n g expression a n d g r o w l e d , 'I don't have t i m e for debate. F i n d me a m a n to sail that b o a t at o n c e . If I don't g e t to A l e x a n d r i a as s o o n as possible, then the slaves will take over the island. D o y o u w a n t that?' 'We k e e p to ourselves,' the villager persisted. ' W h y s h o u l d they b o t h e r us?' ' B e c a u s e they will n o t rest until they control C r e t e . N o m a t t e r h o w m a n y they have to kill. I can offer y o u p r o t e c t i o n if y o u lead your people to Gortyna.' ' P r o t e c t i o n ? ' T h e villager s m i l e d a s h e s t e p p e d away f r o m C a t o . T h e r e was a flicker o f p o l i s h e d metal, a n d C a t o g l a n c e d d o w n t o see that the m a n h a d drawn a small, delicately c u r v e d knife. At o n c e the others followed suit. 'We don't n e e d p r o t e c t i o n . B u t y o u m i g h t , Roman.' 179

C a t o g l a n c e d r o u n d quickly. T h e r e w e r e eight m e n i n front o f h i m , b u t half o f t h e m l o o k e d old and frail. Several m o r e m e n s t o o d a r o u n d the confrontation. S o m e carried clubs a n d o n e h a d a b a r b e d fishing spear. ' P u t those knives away,' C a t o ordered. ' D o n ' t b e a fool. M y m e n a n d I are professional soldiers. If y o u w a n t a fight, then y o u ' d better u n d e r s t a n d that even t h o u g h y o u o u t n u m b e r us, we w o u l d still kill m o s t o f y o u , b e f o r e even o n e o f u s fell.' T h e leader of the villagers was silent for a m o m e n t , and then spat to o n e side. 'That's quite a claim, R o m a n . ' C a t o flicked b a c k his c l o a k a n d g r a s p e d his s w o r d handle. 'Want to p u t it to the test?' B e h i n d h i m , there was a metallic rasp as the m e n of his escort d r e w their w e a p o n s . B e h i n d t h e m , the s h e p h e r d b a c k e d away a few steps then t u r n e d to r u n b a c k up the track away f r o m the village. As the s o u n d of his footsteps d i e d away, the t w o g r o u p s of m e n stared at each o t h e r in silence, w a i t i n g for the other to m a k e a m o v e . T h e n the fishermen's leader s m i l e d slowly. 'All right then. There's no n e e d for e v e r y o n e to get themselves killed. Let's k e e p this b e t w e e n y o u and m e , R o m a n . A straight fight. I f y o u w i n , y o u can take the b o a t a n d the best o f m y m e n t o sail her. If I w i n , then y o u r m e n leave the village a n d find themselves a b o a t s o m e w h e r e else.' C a t o t h o u g h t quickly. E v e n t h o u g h the leader o f the villagers was powerfully built, he was n o t a trained fighter a n d was m o r e likely to have u s e d his blade for g u t t i n g fish than for fighting. It w o u l d be a risk, b u t it w o u l d save a m u c h greater loss of life if a m o r e general f i g h t b r o k e o u t b e t w e e n the t w o sides. H e n o d d e d . ' Y o u have a deal. S w o r d s or d a g g e r s ? ' 'I'll stick w i t h this blade. ' T h e villager g r i n n e d . 'It's served me well e n o u g h in the past.' 'Very well then.' C a t o stretched his stiff legs for a m o m e n t . T h e n he u n c l a s p e d his c l o a k a n d slipped his s w o r d belt over his h e a d , a n d t u r n i n g to the nearest of his escort h a n d e d t h e m over. ' H e r e , take these.' He l e a n e d slightly closer a n d l o w e r e d his v o i c e . 'If anything h a p p e n s to m e , the governor's m e s s a g e is here.' C a t o patted the leather t u b e u n d e r his tunic. ' G r a b o n e o f their

180

m e n a n d m a k e for the b o a t . W h a t e v e r h a p p e n s , that m e s s a g e has t o get t h r o u g h to A l e x a n d r i a . W h a t e v e r the cost. U n d e r s t a n d ? ' 'Yes, sir.' C a t o t u r n e d b a c k t o face the leader o f the villagers. D r a w i n g his dagger, he p a c e d warily towards the m a n and s t o p p e d a safe distance away. 'We have a g r e e d the t e r m s . If y o u lose, then the b o a t will be m i n e , yes?' T h e fisherman n o d d e d . 'That's right. L a d s , m a k e sure h e has w h a t he wants, if he wins.' C a t o w e n t into a c r o u c h , blade h e l d o u t slightly to o n e side, as he h a d b e e n taught by M a c r o in the early days of his t i m e in the S e c o n d L e g i o n . O p p o s i t e h i m the villager did the s a m e , w h i l e his c o m p a n i o n s b a c k e d away a n d f o r m e d a l o o s e arc b e h i n d h i m . As he s t e p p e d closer, C a t o saw for the first t i m e a scar on the b r o w of his o p p o n e n t , a c r u d e sun m o t i f b u r n e d on to the skin. In a h o r r i b l e m o m e n t o f realisation, C a t o k n e w that this was n o m e r e fisherman after all. T h e r e was no t i m e for further t h o u g h t as the m a n s u d d e n l y l u n g e d forward, slashing a t C a t o ' s knife a r m . C a t o w h i p p e d it b a c k , t u r n e d slightly to his right to retain his b a l a n c e a n d thrust b a c k a t the o t h e r man's a r m . H e l e a p e d b a c k o u t o f range, w i t h a grin. ' G o o d reactions, Tribune,' he m u t t e r e d , in Latin, a n d for an instant C a t o froze. T h e r e was a n o t h e r blur o f m o t i o n a s the m a n l u n g e d again. C a t o m o v e d to p a r r y the blow, b u t q u i c k as lightning the man's blade c h a n g e d direction a n d cut i n a n d u p towards C a t o ' s throat. C a t o threw his h e a d to o n e side, a n d the tip of the blade sliced t h r o u g h the air and n i c k e d his ear, t h e n the m a n j u m p e d b a c k . T h e small cut b u r n e d a n d C a t o felt a w a r m trickle flow d o w n his n e c k . H e s h o o k his h e a d a n d c r o u c h e d , ready t o attack o r d e f e n d , a s he s p o k e quietly. 'A soldier, t h e n ? ' T h e villager smiled. ' O n c e . ' ' F r o m the b r a n d of Mithras, I'd say a legionary.' T h e villager said n o t h i n g . ' S o you're a deserter.' W h a t d o e s i t matter?' T h e m a n smiled. ' A n d don't think y o u can 181

g o a d m e . You're b l e e d i n g , T r i b u n e . H o w d o e s i t feel, rich b o y ? I ' m g o i n g to cut y o u d o w n to size a p i e c e at a time.' C a t o w a t c h e d h i m intently, his m i n d racing. T h e m a n had b e e n a professional soldier. T h e chances w e r e that he k n e w as m u c h , if n o t m o r e , a s C a t o did a b o u t knife f i g h t i n g . T h e r e was n o technical advantage t o b e h a d then. B u t there was s o m e h o p e . H i s o p p o n e n t t o o k h i m a s s o m e son o f a n aristocratic family a n d n o d o u b t t h o u g h t h i m soft a n d i n e x p e r i e n c e d . 'Try it, you' s c u m , ' C a t o sneered haughtily. I m m e d i a t e l y he sprang forward, slashing o u t w i l d l y w i t h his blade, all the t i m e k e e p i n g his a r m e x t e n d e d a n d his b o d y o u t o f r a n g e o f the o t h e r man's k n i f e . T h e villager easily d u c k e d the attacks or deflected t h e m w i t h swift parries that clinked a n d s c r a p e d as the t w o m e n duelled. C a t o s t u m b l e d b a c k , breathing heavily, as the b l o o d c o n t i n u e d to drip f r o m his ear. 'You're soft, Tribune,' the other m a n sniffed. 'Just like all y o u aristocratic mother's boys. Playing at soldiers. I ' m g o i n g to enjoy this.' H e s t e p p e d forward, feinting again a n d again, l a u g h i n g a s C a t o frantically tried to b l o c k each thrust as he gave g r o u n d . T h e n , w i t h a cry, C a t o s t u m b l e d a n d fell b a c k . A t o n c e the o t h e r m a n sprang forward, c r o u c h i n g as he c a m e o n , knife p o i s e d to strike into C a t o ' s chest. C a t o spun t o o n e side a n d lashed o u t w i t h his b o o t , c a t c h i n g the o t h e r m a n hard, b e h i n d the k n e e . H i s m o m e n t u m and the loss o f w e i g h t - b e a r i n g o n the l e g C a t o h a d struck, c a u s e d the m a n t o lose his balance, a n d he crashed heavily to the g r o u n d , face first. C a t o j u m p e d on to his b a c k , snatching a c l u m p of hair in o n e h a n d , w h i l e he pressed the tip of his knife into his o p p o n e n t ' s throat so that it j u s t cut the flesh. L e a n i n g forward, he hissed into the man's ear: 'You're right. A m a t e u r s s h o u l d never, ever try and fuck w i t h professionals.' He eased h i m s e l f up. ' G i v e in, or I'll cut y o u r throat w h e r e y o u lie.' 'Bastard C a t o pulled on the man's hair. 'Last c h a n c e . S u b m i t or die.' 'All right, y o u win,' g r u n t e d the m a n . ' L o u d e r . So e v e r y o n e can hear it.' 'I give in! I give in. The R o m a n w i n s ! ' 'That's better.' C a t o released his g r i p a n d let the man's h e a d s l u m p into the dirt. R i s i n g up warily, he b a c k e d away a n d sheathed his

182

dagger. H i s defeated o p p o n e n t rolled over and sat up, r u b b i n g the small cut in his n e c k . He stared at C a t o w i t h a p u z z l e d frown. 'You're n o t like any t r i b u n e I ever m e t . W h e r e w e r e y o u raised, in the slums o f the S u b u r a ? ' C a t o s h o o k his h e a d . ' N o , in the i m p e r i a l palace, as it happens.' 'What?' 'It doesn't matter. I n e e d that b o a t n o w ' He p a u s e d a n d thrust his finger at the m a n . ' A n d I w a n t y o u to sail it.' 'Me?' ' Y o u w e r e a soldier o n c e . You're a bit rusty now, b u t useful in a f i g h t . Y o u ' l l d o . W h a t i s y o u r n a m e , soldier?' ' Y a n n i s . That's w h a t I ' m called here.' 'Fair e n o u g h . ' C a t o held o u t his h a n d , a n d after a b r i e f hesitation the fisherman allowed h i m to help h i m b a c k to his feet. 'If you're the h e a d m a n here, y o u r p e o p l e will n e e d a r e p l a c e m e n t . Y o u ' d better a p p o i n t o n e . I f t a k i n g the b o a t m e a n s they m a y g o hungry, then their best c h a n c e is to m a k e for G o r t y n a . T h e y s h o u l d tell the m e n on the city gate that T r i b u n e C a t o sent t h e m there. W h a t e v e r h a p p e n s , y o u r p e o p l e n e e d t o stay clear o f any b a n d s o f slaves they see.' Yannis n o d d e d . 'All right then, T r i b u n e . As y o u say' H e t u r n e d away t o talk t o his followers, w h i l e C a t o w a t c h e d h i m closely for any sign of treachery. A short t i m e later Yannis e x c h a n g e d farewells w i t h his m e n a n d gestured to C a t o a n d his escort to follow h i m d o w n t o the b e a c h . ' H a v e y o u n o w i f e o r w o m a n here?' asked C a t o a s h e c a u g h t up. 'What's it to y o u ? ' asked Yannis curtly. T h e n he s h r u g g e d . ' S h e was killed by the wave.' ' I ' m sorry. So m a n y p e o p l e have suffered s u c h a loss. That's w h y I m u s t reach A l e x a n d r i a . T o get m o r e m e n t o help restore order.' 'To help defeat the slaves, y o u m e a n . ' 'It c o m e s to the s a m e thing.' T h e fishing b o a t was perhaps twenty-five feet l o n g , w i t h a mast s t e p p e d slightly forward of the centre of the craft. A steering p a d d l e was attached to the side and a pair of oars lay in the b o t t o m . It stank of fish. 'Will that g e t us to E g y p t ? ' o n e of C a t o ' s escort asked doubtfully. 183

'As well as any vessel,' Yannis replied, then t u r n e d as several m e n e m e r g e d f r o m the village c a r r y i n g water skins a n d strings o f d r i e d fish. T h e y p l a c e d the m e a g r e supplies in small lockers either side of the mast, and then Yannis t u r n e d to C a t o . ' G e t in.' T h e R o m a n s c l a m b e r e d a b o a r d and quickly sat d o w n a s Yannis b a r k e d a n order. T h e f i s h e r m e n heaved the b o a t into the c a l m waters of the bay a n d p u s h e d it o u t until they s t o o d chest deep. Yannis p u l l e d h i m s e l f over the side, a n d indicated the oars. ' O n e m a n o n e a c h o f t h o s e ; place t h e m i n b e t w e e n those p e g s there. That's it.' W i t h the oars in place, the soldiers clumsily p r o p e l l e d the craft o u t towards the entrance to the bay, w h i l e Yannis sat w i t h the handle of the steering oar i n his hands. L o o k i n g b a c k , C a t o saw that m a n y o f the villagers w e r e standing w a t c h i n g the last of their boats h e a d o u t to sea. T h e i r sense of resignation a n d despair was palpable. A s u d d e n lurch b e n e a t h the keel m a d e C a t o grasp the side. Yannis l a u g h e d . 'It's j u s t a swell, T r i b u n e . Wait until we reach the o p e n sea. T h e n you'll b e panicking.' C a t o f o r c e d h i m s e l f t o let g o o f the side a n d sat staring o u t b e y o n d the b o w s as his m e n stroked the fishing b o a t clear of the bay. As s o o n as they r e a c h e d o p e n water, the small craft b o b b e d up a n d d o w n o n the swell a n d C a t o swallowed n e r v o u s l y a s h e tried t o m a i n t a i n a n u n t r o u b l e d expression. W h e n they w e r e well clear o f the land, Yannis gave the o r d e r for the soldiers to stop r o w i n g a n d stow the oars i n the b o t t o m o f the b o a t . M e a n w h i l e h e u n d i d the ties fastening the sail to the spar and hoisted it up the mast. As s o o n as the sheets w e r e fastened securely a r o u n d the cleats, the sail filled and the b o a t s u r g e d forward, away f r o m the coast. ' H o w l o n g will i t take t o reach A l e x a n d r i a ? ' asked C a t o . Yannis f r o w n e d as he t h o u g h t for a m o m e n t . 'Perhaps three days to the African coast, a n d then a n o t h e r three a l o n g the shore if the w i n d remains fair.' ' S i x days,' C a t o m u s e d unhappily. S i x days c r a m m e d into this small b o a t w i t h j u s t t w o feet o f freeboard. T h e constant m o t i o n o f the w a t e r a r o u n d h i m was frightening. H e h a d t h o u g h t that the s h o r t lived voyage on the Horus was u n n e r v i n g , but b e i n g at sea in this

184

o p e n f i s h i n g b o a t was t e r r i f y i n g . Y e t there was n o a v o i d i n g it. M a c r o , J u l i a a n d all the others w e r e d e p e n d i n g o n h i m t o get t h r o u g h t o Alexandria. H e c o n t i n u e d t o g a z e b a c k a t the land for s o m e time, w o n d e r i n g if he w o u l d ever see his friends again.

185

CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

I

n the days that followed C a t o ' s departure, M a c r o kept the p e o p l e hard at w o r k repairing the city's defences. In a d d i t i o n to filling the

breaches in the walls, o n e

of the g a t e h o u s e s

h a d collapsed in

the e a r t h q u a k e a n d G o r t y n a ' s surviving s t o n e m a s o n s cannibalised the stones f r o m a nearby w r e c k e d t e m p l e in o r d e r to rebuild it. M a c r o ' s preparations e x t e n d e d o u t s i d e the walls, w h e r e w o r k gangs e q u i p p e d w i t h a r m y tools p i c k e d away at the hard, stony g r o u n d , d i g g i n g defensive ditches in front of the m o s t d a m a g e d sections of the wall. Given

the

difficulty

o f the

g r o u n d , there

was

no

question

of

excavating a ditch the entire c i r c u m f e r e n c e of the city. So M a c r o t u r n e d t o other m e t h o d s o f s l o w i n g d o w n any e n e m y attack. S u m m o n i n g s o m e o f the city's blacksmiths t o his headquarters o n the acropolis, h e i n t r o d u c e d t h e m t o o n e o f the l e g i o n s ' favourite defensive w e a p o n s . T h e r e h a d b e e n a small b o x o f caltrops b u r i e d away at the b a c k of the a r m o u r y , a n d M a c r o p i c k e d o n e o u t for his small a u d i e n c e t o see. H e held the f o u r - p r o n g e d p i e c e o f iron u p a n d then d r o p p e d it on the desk in front of h i m , w h e r e it l a n d e d w i t h an a l a r m i n g t h u d that m a d e the blacksmiths j u m p . ' T h e r e . ' M a c r o p o i n t e d . ' S e e h o w i t lands w i t h o n e p o i n t facing u p ? It'll do that every t i m e , and if y o u scatter t h o s e in grass the e n e m y will n o t see ' e m until they tread o n t h e m . T h e spike g o e s t h r o u g h the foot a n d cripples the v i c t i m . It'll break a charge almost every time.' M a c r o g a z e d at the caltrop fondly. ' L o v e l y p i e c e of kit. Saved my n e c k m o r e times than I care to m e n t i o n . ' He l o o k e d up. ' T h e q u e s t i o n is, can y o u m a k e these in quantity b e f o r e A j a x a n d his m o b turn u p ? ' O n e of the blacksmiths c a m e over to the desk to have a closer l o o k . H e p i c k e d i t up, felt the w e i g h t and n o d d e d . 'Easy e n o u g h t o m a k e , but can I suggest a r e f i n e m e n t ? '

186

' B e m y guest,' M a c r o invited, i n t r i g u e d t o k n o w h o w the G r e e k c o u l d h o p e t o i m p r o v e o n the R o m a n design. 'As it is, the points are fairly easy to r e m o v e . W h i l e y o u will have injured y o u r enemy, h e m i g h t n o t b e incapacitated.' ' R e a l l y ? ' M a c r o c o c k e d an eyebrow. 'I s h o u l d think that h a v i n g a f u c k i n g great spike shoved t h r o u g h the b o t t o m o f y o u r f o o t m i g h t j u s t take the smile off y o u r face. W o u l d n ' t y o u say?' ' O h yes,' the G r e e k a g r e e d . ' I ' m sure i t w o u l d . T h e thing is, the v i c t i m of this d e v i c e m i g h t yet be able to l i m p into a fight, or off the battlefield. B u t w h a t i f w e b a r b e d the ends? T h e n i t w o u l d b e almost i m p o s s i b l e t o d i s l o d g e a n d the e n e m y w o u l d have t o stop and cut it o u t , or wait to be c a r r i e d from the battlefield.' M a c r o s h o o k his h e a d . ' N o . If the b l o o d y thing is b a r b e d , then it's r e m o v e d f r o m play w i t h the casualty. What's the p o i n t in that? If it d o e s its j o b a n d is discarded, then it is still on the battlefield ready for the n e x t v i c t i m . S e e ? ' 'That's true,' a n o t h e r blacksmith i n t e r r u p t e d . ' B u t you're i g n o r i n g the fact that the removal of a casualty requires at least o n e o t h e r m a n . T h u s , a b a r b e d caltrop will rob an e n e m y of a m i n i m u m of t w o men.' T h e f i r s t G r e e k clicked his f i n g e r s . ' A n d w h a t i f t h o s e w h o w e r e h e l p i n g the m a n from the field w e r e also to tread on these things? Why, the increase in the casualty rate w o u l d be e x p o nential.' ' E x p o - w h a t ? ' M a c r o blinked, then held u p his hands. ' S t o p right there! L o o k here, I j u s t w a n t e d y o u t o tell m e i f y o u c o u l d m a k e s o m e m o r e o f these. That's all. C a n y o u d o it?' ' O f c o u r s e w e can d o it. T h e G r e e k l o o k e d offended. ' B u t w h y n o t i m p r o v e on it at the s a m e time? That's my point.' 'We

could

form

a

design

committee,'

someone

suggested

helpfully. ' N o ! ' M a c r o protested. 'If we tested a few designs I ' m sure we c o u l d p r o v i d e y o u w i t h a far m o r e efficient w e a p o n , C e n t u r i o n . ' 'There's n o time.' M a c r o was g e t t i n g exasperated. ' A n d the b l o o d y thing w o r k s well e n o u g h as it is. R i g h t ? ' T h e G r e e k p u r s e d his lips unhappily. ' W i t h i n limits, I suppose.' 187

M a c r o c l e n c h e d his eyes shut for a m o m e n t a n d then o p e n e d t h e m , stabbing his finger into the blacksmith's chest. 'Just m a k e t h e m . As m a n y of t h e m as y o u can. To this design and no other. Is. T h a t . Perfectly. C l e a r ? N o , don't talk, j u s t nod.' T h e blacksmiths assented meekly. ' T h a n k you.' M a c r o b r e a t h e d a sigh of relief. ' T h e n please get on w i t h it. S e n d w o r d the m o m e n t y o u have the first batch ready. N o w go.' M a c r o strode t o the d o o r a n d w r e n c h e d i t o p e n , u s h e r i n g t h e m o u t of his office. As s o o n as the last o n e had g o n e , he shut the d o o r , r e t u r n e d to his desk and sat d o w n , g a z i n g at the caltrop as his t e m p e r b e g a n t o subside. ' G r e e k s . . .' he m u t t e r e d . ' N e v e r use o n e w o r d w h e n a t h o u s a n d will do.' In a d d i t i o n to the i m p r o v e m e n t s to the city's defences, M a c r o t o o k c h a r g e o f recruiting m e n t o s u p p l e m e n t the fighting strength o f the auxiliaries. At first S e m p r o n i u s had a p p e a l e d for volunteers, b u t w h e n fewer than a h u n d r e d of the city's m e n f o l k t u r n e d up at the parade g r o u n d M a c r o h a d m a r k e d o u t a short distance b e y o n d the wall, sterner measures w e r e called for. Several sections of auxiliaries w e r e sent o u t to s c o u r the city for fit m e n a n d have t h e m m a r c h e d o u t to the p a r a d e g r o u n d . T h e r e , they w e r e b r o u g h t b e f o r e M a c r o , w h e r e h e m a d e his selection o f t h o s e h e w o u l d use t o bolster Gortyna's g a r r i s o n . Details

of each

man's

n a m e , family, h o m e

street

and

o c c u p a t i o n w e r e carefully n o t e d b e f o r e h e was p r e s e n t e d t o M a c r o , sitting at a c a m p a i g n table u n d e r an a w n i n g . It was dispiriting to see a succession of u n h a p p y or a n g r y m e n w h o w e r e capable o f b e a r i n g a r m s b u t resented the o p p o r t u n i t y t o d e f e n d their families a n d their city. O n e such was a tall, w e l l - m u s c l e d y o u n g m a n in an e x p e n s i v e tunic. H i s dark hair was neatly cut a n d a finely t r i m m e d b e a r d g r a c e d his j a w l i n e . At first M a c r o c o u l d n o t place h i m , t h e n in a s u d d e n flash he recalled that he h a d b e e n a m o n g s t Glabius's c o t e r i e up on the acropolis the day the tax collector h a d b e e n d e p o s e d . 'Name?' 'Pandarus, son o f Polocrites.'

188

M a c r o glared at h i m . ' F r o m n o w on y o u call me sir. Is that understood?' 'I see no n e e d to call y o u sir, R o m a n . ' ' A n d w h y is that?' M a c r o s m i l e d invitingly. ' B e c a u s e I am n o t a soldier, n o r will I ever b e . F u r t h e r m o r e , I will protest a b o u t m y treatment here t h r o u g h the highest channels. M y father has political contacts i n R o m e . O n c e they are i n f o r m e d that a lowly officer has dared to p l u c k a free m a n f r o m his h o m e a n d forcibly c o n s c r i p t h i m at the p o i n t of a s w o r d , there will be no limit to the r e t r i b u t i o n that is b r o u g h t d o w n on y o u r head.' P a n d a r u s was pleased w i t h his b r i e f m o n o l o g u e a n d offered a placating smile to M a c r o . 'It's n o t t o o late to p u t an e n d to this sad little d r a m a of y o u r s . C o m e d y , m o r e like.' H e t u r n e d a n d g e s t u r e d t o t h e line o f m e n s t a n d i n g i n the sun, w a i t i n g t o b e seen b y M a c r o . T h e r e was a m u t e d c h o r u s of s u p p o r t . ' L e t us all g o , a n d I will do y o u a favour, R o m a n , a n d n o t r e p o r t y o u r c r i m i n a l activities t o y o u r s u p e r i o r s i n Rome.' He drew h i m s e l f up and crossed his a r m s as he stared d o w n at M a c r o . T h e latter stared b a c k for a m o m e n t and then l o w e r e d his stylus on to the w a x slate w i t h a w e a r y sigh. ' H a v e y o u finished, P a n d a r u s ? ' ' F i n i s h e d ? ' Pandarus f r o w n e d , then b e c a m e angry. ' Y o u don't think I ' m s e r i o u s , d o y o u ? ' ' O h , I ' m sure you're serious; it's j u s t that I am n o t inclined to take y o u seriously' M a c r o replied. 'I m e a n , l o o k at y o u . D r e s s e d up like a cheap tart. Is that p e r f u m e I can s m e l l ? ' 'It is a m a l e scent. An e x t r e m e l y e x p e n s i v e scent.' ' S o y o u l o o k like a m a l e tart, and y o u smell like o n e . T h a t I can forgive . . . j u s t about. What I c a n n o t forgive is that p e o p l e like y o u think you're t o o g o o d to get y o u r hands dirty by t a k i n g up a s w o r d and d e f e n d i n g what's y o u r s : this city, y o u r family a n d y o u r friends a s s u m i n g y o u have any. W h a t m a k e s y o u so f u c k i n g special that y o u s h o u l d b e e x c u s e d f r o m taking y o u r place alongside the o t h e r m e n w h o are p r e p a r e d to fight?' ' M y father pays his taxes,' Pandarus protested. ' H e pays t h e m so that his family doesn't fight, a n d we can leave that to little p e o p l e like you.' H e c o u l d n o t resist the sneer, yet the m o m e n t the w o r d s w e r e 189

s p o k e n he realised he h a d m a d e a mistake. ' W h a t I m e a n t to say was—' ' S h u t y o u r m o u t h ! ' M a c r o s h o u t e d into his face. ' Y o u miserable little c o w a r d ! Y o u ' r e the little p e o p l e . Y o u a n d all t h o s e others w h o have so little heart, so little c o u r a g e , so little sense of h o n o u r a n d d u t y that they think that m o n e y can b u y t h e m e v e r y t h i n g . Well, m o n e y i s the least o f y o u r w o r r i e s now. T h e r e ' s a n a r m y o f slaves o u t there w h o are w a i t i n g for their m o m e n t t o l a u n c h a n attack o n this city. D o y o u really think they are n o t g o i n g t o b u t c h e r y o u and y o u r family b e c a u s e y o u have c o n n e c t i o n s i n R o m e ? F u c k i n g idiot.' M a c r o s h o o k his h e a d i n a n g e r a n d e x a s p e r a t i o n . ' T h e r e i s only o n e w a y w e are g o i n g t o survive this, a n d that's i f every m a n w h o can fight is up there on the wall, ready to kill or be killed. R i g h t n o w I c o u l d n o t give a toss w h e t h e r y o u are s o m e d a n d y p e r v e r t o r the s o n of the e m p e r o r himself. Y o u will take up a s w o r d w i t h the rest o f the m e n i n the line. Y o u will b e trained t o fight w i t h the auxiliaries. Y o u will fight like a lion to k e e p t h o s e rebel bastards o u t of the city, a n d if n e e d be y o u will die like a b l o o d y hero, s w o r d in h a n d , spitting curses i n t o y o u r enemy's face. D o I m a k e m y s e l f clear?' M a c r o thrust his face forward, i n c h e s from that of P a n d a r u s , a n d the latter nervously b a c k e d o f f a step. 'I m - m e a n t no offence.' P a n d a r u s flapped his hands. 'Sir!' M a c r o s h o u t e d , h o o k i n g his b o o t e d foot b e h i n d the y o u n g man's heel a n d then t h r u s t i n g h i m hard in the chest so that he s t u m b l e d b a c k a n d crashed t o the g r o u n d . M a c r o p o u n c e d o n h i m , k n e e on Pandarus's chest as he s n a t c h e d o u t his d a g g e r and thrust the b l a d e to w i t h i n an i n c h of t h e o t h e r man's eyes. 'Last t i m e I say it. Y o u call m e sir w h e n y o u address m e . G o t it?' 'Yes, yes, sir!' Pandarus w h i m p e r e d . 'Better!' M a c r o eased h i m s e l f up. ' N o w get y o u r kit, and report t o the c e n t u r i o n o n the drill g r o u n d w i t h the o t h e r recruits. G e t u p ! Get moving!' Pandarus s c r a m b l e d to his feet a n d s c u r r i e d off towards the w a g o n w h e r e a n o p t i o f r o m the auxiliary c o h o r t a n d four o f his m e n w e r e b u s y issuing sword, h e l m e t , a r m o u r a n d shield t o e a c h m a n sent their way. M a c r o t u r n e d b a c k t o t h e line o f w a i t i n g m e n . M o s t w e r e

190

ordinary t o w n s p e o p l e , b u t there w e r e s o m e better dressed a m o n g s t t h e m . H e w a l k e d d o w n the line i n s p e c t i n g t h e m , then r e t u r n e d t o the shade o f the a w n i n g . 'Is there a n y o n e else w h o takes e x c e p t i o n to fighting at my side, a n d the side o f o u r heroic friend Pandarus? Well?' T h e m e n refused t o m e e t his glare a n d s t o o d i n silence. M a c r o nodded. 'Good.' He t u r n e d a n d m a d e his way b a c k to his stool, then sat d o w n at the desk a n d p i c k e d up his stylus. 'Next man!' E i g h t days after C a t o h a d set off for A l e x a n d r i a , M a c r o j o i n e d S e n a t o r S e m p r o n i u s a n d his d a u g h t e r for dinner: a thin stew of p o r k a n d beans served w i t h b r e a d b y o n e o f the few r e m a i n i n g slaves o f Hirtius. The rest h a d r u n off to the hills, or to swell the ranks of Ajax's rebel army. T h e slave w a s a n elderly m a n , s t o o p e d a n d f r a i l - l o o k i n g . H e h a d l o n g b e e n c o n d i t i o n e d t o b e i n g silent a n d a v o i d i n g the eyes o f his masters. M a c r o w a t c h e d h i m for a m o m e n t , w o n d e r i n g w h a t i t m u s t be like to live as a slave. He h a d b e e n u s e d to s e e i n g t h e m on t h e streets of O s t i a a n d R o m e as a child, a n d so h a d never really c o n s i d e r e d w h a t i t m u s t m e a n t o b e o n e . S i n c e then, h e h a d spent l o n g years i n the army, w h e r e the slaves h e h a d e n c o u n t e r e d h a d m o s t l y b e e n w h e n h e was off duty. T h e r e h a d also b e e n a handful of occasions

when

he

had

seen

proud

enemy

warriors

taken

captive, c h a i n e d u p a n d m a r c h e d away into slavery. I n d e e d , h e h a d profited f r o m

his

share

of such

prisoners, and

the

money

he

h a d g a i n e d h a d rather o b s c u r e d the fates o f t h o s e w h o h a d thus enriched him. As the slave finished s e r v i n g a n d retired to stand still against the wall, M a c r o c o n t i n u e d to e x a m i n e h i m w h i l e he casually d i p p e d a c h u n k o f b r e a d into the s t e a m i n g b o w l b e f o r e h i m . I t was t e m p t i n g t o ask the m a n w h a t h e t h o u g h t o f A j a x . A n d w h a t h e t h o u g h t o f the R o m a n s a n d G r e e k s w h o w e r e d e t e r m i n e d t o defeat the rebel gladiator a n d his followers. I f i n d e e d h e t h o u g h t anything a b o u t them. M a c r o p a u s e d . H o w c o u l d a slave n o t think a b o u t the revolt, 191

w h e n there was little o t h e r topic o f conversation i n the city? C o u l d this slave, so taciturn, be h a r b o u r i n g d e e p hatred for his masters a n d a y e a r n i n g to be part of the uprising? M i g h t he be listening alertly to any conversation to w h i c h he was privy, a n d then wait for a c h a n c e to escape a n d reveal his i n f o r m a t i o n to A j a x ? W h a t if his plan was m o r e treacherous still? It w o u l d n o t take m u c h effort to p r o c u r e sufficient p o i s o n t o kill all three o f those t o w h o m h e h a d j u s t served their evening m e a l . M a c r o g l a n c e d d o w n a t his stew w i t h a l o o k o f suspicion. H e l o w e r e d his b r e a d , d r i p p i n g w i t h gravy f r o m the stew, on to his platter a n d t u r n e d towards the slave. ' Y o u there, step closer.' T h e slave started forward nervously, eyes flickering r o u n d the Romans

lying

on

their

couches

around

the

table. S e m p r o n i u s

g l a n c e d at his d a u g h t e r a n d J u l i a raised a quizzical eyebrow. M a c r o w i p e d the smears o f gravy f r o m his lips. 'Slave, y o u have heard the n e w s a b o u t Prefect Marcellus's defeat, I take it.' T h e slave n o d d e d quickly. ' D o y o u take c o m f o r t f r o m this n e w s ? ' 'Master?' 'I asked y o u if y o u t o o k c o m f o r t from t h e n e w s . You're a slave. So w h a t i s y o u r v i e w o f the rebels' victory? D o y o u r e j o i c e a t it?' T h e slave g l a n c e d d o w n a n d s h o o k his h e a d . ' L o o k at m e , ' M a c r o o r d e r e d , a n d the slave reluctantly raised his h e a d e n o u g h t o m e e t M a c r o ' s gaze. 'Surely y o u are o n the side o f t h o s e w h o w o u l d set y o u free? Well? S p e a k up, m a n . ' T h e slave's anxiety w a s clear as he s t r u g g l e d to m a k e a reply. M a c r o w a i t e d patiently, a n d at l e n g t h the slave s p o k e . 'Master, I w a n t f r e e d o m . So do m a n y slaves. B u t I have savings a n d I plan to b u y my f r e e d o m o n e day. It is the only w a y for m e . T h o s e slaves w h o j o i n A j a x m a y have their f r e e d o m now, b u t I think they m u s t live in dread of b e i n g r e t u r n e d to slavery. T h a t is n o t f r e e d o m . W h e n I eventually have my f r e e d o m , I shall w a n t to be free f r o m fear as I am free from slavery.' He p a u s e d , a n d l o o k e d r o u n d at his masters. 'I have m a d e my c h o i c e . T h o s e w h o follow the gladiator have m a d e theirs.' H e t u r n e d b a c k to M a c r o . 'Is that all, m a s t e r ? ' M a c r o t h o u g h t for a m o m e n t , t h e n n o d d e d . ' L e a v e us.'

192

T h e slave b o w e d his h e a d a n d b a c k e d away f r o m the table. 'He's lying,' M a c r o m u t t e r e d . 'Well, w h a t d i d y o u e x p e c t ? ' asked S e m p r o n i u s . ' A frank a d m i s s i o n that he sympathises w i t h A j a x ? It was unfair to p u t h i m on the spot like that.' 'Perhaps.' M a c r o p u s h e d his plate away. ' I w o n d e r h o w C a t o i s faring?' J u l i a intervened. ' H e m u s t have r e a c h e d A l e x a n d r i a b y now. W h a t d o y o u think, F a t h e r ? ' Sempronius

thought

a

moment

and

then

n o d d e d . 'I'd

have

t h o u g h t so, p r o v i d e d all has g o n e well. W h i c h I am sure it has,' he a d d e d hurriedly, b e f o r e d i p p i n g his s p o o n into the stew, fishing o u t a p i e c e o f m e a t a n d p o p p i n g i t into his m o u t h . A t o n c e , his face c o n t o r t e d i n agony. M a c r o j u m p e d t o his feet a n d s t e p p e d towards the senator, g l a n c i n g at the slave as he d i d so. 'Sir! What's the matter? A r e y o u all r i g h t ? ' S e m p r o n i u s held u p a h a n d t o stay M a c r o a n d n o d d e d . H e swallowed, t h e n reached for his w i n e to q u e n c h the p a i n in his m o u t h . ' D a m n , that stew's h o t ! ' M a c r o let o u t a sigh of relief a n d r e t u r n e d to his c o u c h . J u l i a was l o o k i n g at h i m c u r i o u s l y as she delicately b l e w across her spoon. 'What is up with you?' 'It's n o t h i n g . I j u s t t h o u g h t . . . N e v e r mind.' M a c r o quickly c h a n g e d the subject, w i t h a f o r c e d smile. 'I'd be willing to b e t that C a t o is even n o w sitting at a fine b a n q u e t w i t h the L e g a t e of E g y p t , b u s y talking h i m o u t o f his entire g a r r i s o n . Y o u k n o w w h a t he's like.' J u l i a smiled. Y e s , h e can b e m o s t persuasive.' S e m p r o n i u s f r o w n e d a n d M a c r o burst into laughter b e f o r e h e c o u l d stop himself. F o r a m o m e n t the senator c o n t i n u e d f r o w n i n g , then gave w a y to the i m p u l s e a n d j o i n e d in. W i t h all the strain of the p r e v i o u s days a n d the grave c o n c e r n s over the arrival of the slave a r m y b e f o r e the hastily repaired walls o f G o r t y n a , i t did b o t h m e n g o o d t o l a u g h . W h e n i t h a d d i e d away, M a c r o t o p p e d the o t h e r man's c u p up w i t h w i n e a n d raised his o w n in a toast. 'To C a t o . M a y h e prove b i g e n o u g h for a tribune's b o o t s , a n d return to us at the h e a d of a great a r m y ' 'I'll d r i n k to that.' 193

' A n d me.' J u l i a raised her cup. S h e t o o k a sip a n d then s p o k e softly. ' B y the g o d s , I miss h i m so m u c h . ' M a c r o n o d d e d . H e didn't w a n t t o say a n y t h i n g for fear o f s e e m i n g to miss a c o m r a d e m o r e than was properly acceptable. All the s a m e , he m u s e d , he w o u l d rather have C a t o at his side as he prepared the h o t c h - p o t c h of defences a n d defenders to face the enemy. S e m p r o n i u s drank f r o m his c u p a n d then set it d o w n . ' H o w are things c o m i n g a l o n g , M a c r o ? T h o s e n e w m e n p r o v i n g t o b e o f any use?' ' T h e y ' r e d o i n g well e n o u g h . M o s t have m a n a g e d t o w o r k o u t w h i c h e n d o f a s w o r d t o h o l d . T h e y ' l l never m a k e g o o d soldiers, o r even a d e q u a t e o n e s , in w h a t e v e r t i m e we have available to us b e f o r e the rebels d e c i d e to attack. I've a p p o i n t e d C e n t u r i o n M i c o n to c o m m a n d t h e m . It'll give h i m a c h a n c e to r e d e e m himself. All in all they w o n ' t a m o u n t t o m u c h , b u t they'll b e better e q u i p p e d than m o s t of the slaves they'll encounter.' ' A l t h o u g h y o u can be sure that this m a n A j a x will have distributed the kit he recovered f r o m the b o d i e s of Marcellus a n d his m e n . ' 'That's true,' M a c r o c o n c e d e d . 'In w h i c h case, I give C e n t u r i o n M i c o n ' s lads no better than an even c h a n c e w h e n it c o m e s to a fight.' S e m p r o n i u s sighed wearily. ' N o t a great help, then.' ' I can only h o p e they prove m e w r o n g . ' T h e conversation was i n t e r r u p t e d by three distant blasts on a t r u m p e t , the a l a r m signal that M a c r o h a d a r r a n g e d . H e rose q u i c k l y to his feet, followed by the others, a n d a b a n d o n e d the meal as they m a d e their way o u t o f the administration b u i l d i n g a n d across the acropolis t o the tower a b o v e the m a i n gate. M e n w e r e s t u m b l i n g o u t o f their barracks, kit i n h a n d , a n d racing t o their positions o n the wall. M a c r o ran u p the w o r n s t o n e stairs a n d e m e r g e d o n t o the p l a t f o r m , h u r r y i n g across to the parapet. B e l o w h i m the city sprawled across the plain. O n e o f the m e n w h o h a d b e e n o n w a t c h thrust his a r m o u t towards the west. ' O v e r there, sir.' M a c r o shaded his eyes as he stared into the setting sun. At first the glare c o n c e a l e d the a p p r o a c h i n g e n e m y f r o m sight. H e was s u r p r i s e d that the rebels w e r e c o m i n g f r o m the west. Marcellus's c o l u m n h a d been

massacred

away

to

the

east. W h e r e 194

had

they

been?

he

w o n d e r e d . T h e n he dismissed the c o n c e r n as his eyes b e g a n to p i c k o u t the details of the e n e m y m a r c h i n g across the plain towards the city. T h e r e w e r e t w o c o l u m n s , o n e m a k i n g directly for G o r t y n a a n d the o t h e r a n g l i n g to the s o u t h to m a r c h r o u n d the city a n d take up p o s i t i o n t o the west, M a c r o g u e s s e d . ' A j a x has finally d e c i d e d to take the bull by the horns.' 'Yes,' S e m p r o n i u s replied, p a n t i n g as he c a u g h t up. ' S o it s e e m s . An apposite m e t a p h o r , by the w a y ' ' R e a l l y ? ' M a c r o g l a n c e d at his superior. ' T h i s is the island w h e r e b u l l - l e a p i n g had its o r i g i n s , M a c r o . In the old times, that was the phrase u s e d t o d e s c r i b e the m o m e n t w h e n the acrobat was ready to face a c h a r g i n g bull a n d g r a b b e d its h o r n s at the last m o m e n t b e f o r e s o m e r s a u l t i n g over the bull's back.' M a c r o stared at the senator for a m o m e n t . C a t o was g o i n g to have a lot i n c o m m o n w i t h his prospective father-in-law. T h e t w o o f t h e m w e r e sure t o s p e n d m a n y l o n g w i n t e r s ' evenings together s w a p p i n g such useless n u g g e t s o f i n f o r m a t i o n . H e sighed. 'That's fascinating, sir.' Julia

glanced

sidelong

and

smiled

at

Macro

as

her

father

continued. ' T h e trouble is that the m e t a p h o r is the w r o n g way r o u n d . It is we w h o are f a c i n g the bull, n o t A j a x . A n d I fear that unless we are all as n i m b l e a n d d e t e r m i n e d as the proverbial acrobat, we are g o i n g to be g r o u n d into the dust by the first charge.' M a c r o s h o o k his h e a d . ' N o , sir. I ain't g o i n g d o w n that easy. T h e rebels are j u s t slaves. T h e y lack training a n d there's n o q u e s t i o n o f t h e m h a v i n g any siege e q u i p m e n t . F o r the m o m e n t , w e have the advantage.' 'I h o p e y o u are right.' T h e y c o n t i n u e d to w a t c h as the slave a r m y d e p l o y e d a r o u n d the city. T h e c l o u d s o f dust k i c k e d u p b y their feet a n d the h o o v e s a n d w h e e l s of the sprawling b a g g a g e train filled the air w i t h a w a r m o r a n g e haze. S e m p r o n i u s told his d a u g h t e r to remain on the acropolis w h i l e h e a n d M a c r o m a d e their way d o w n t o the city gate t o inspect their o p p o n e n t s m o r e closely. M a c r o m a d e a hasty calculation of the size o f the e n e m y force b e f o r e the light m a d e estimation t o o difficult. T h e slaves m a r c h e d i n l o o s e b a n d s o f v a r y i n g size, a n d here a n d there 195

a m o n g s t t h e m the rays o f the setting sun g l e a m e d off b u r n i s h e d helmets, armour and weapons. ' T h e r e m u s t b e over twenty t h o u s a n d o f t h e m , sir.' M a c r o s p o k e quietly so that his w o r d s w o u l d n o t be overheard by the nearest sentry. ' M a y b e as m a n y as thirty thousand.' S e m p r o n i u s puffed his c h e e k s o u t as he b e h e l d the m u l t i t u d e settling a r o u n d the city's walls. ' T h e y w o u l d never believe this in R o m e . A n a r m y o f slaves? T h e idea i s preposterous.' 'Yet there it is, sir.' 'Quite.' As they w a t c h e d the slaves fall o u t of their c o l u m n s and b e g i n to m a k e c a m p , a s u d d e n m o v e m e n t c a u g h t M a c r o ' s eye. H e t u r n e d his h e a d slightly to see a party of h o r s e m e n e m e r g e f r o m the slave host, trotting casually towards the city. S e m p r o n i u s saw t h e m a m o m e n t later a n d m u t t e r e d , ' A j a x ? ' ' W h o else?' T h e y w a t c h e d a s the party o f riders r e i n e d i n s o m e distance b e y o n d the range of any archers on the wall. A single m a n c a m e forward. T h i n a n d sinewy, h e w o r e the scale a r m o u r vest o f a R o m a n officer over a light b l u e tunic. O n e of the garrison's handful of archers casually s t r u n g an a r r o w a n d b e g a n to take a i m . ' L o w e r that b o w ! ' M a c r o b e l l o w e d a t h i m . ' N o o n e i s t o s h o o t without orders!' T h e rider slowed his h o r s e to a walk a short distance away a n d t u r n e d it to m a k e his way a l o n g the wall, o n e h a n d resting on his hip as he surveyed the faces of the defenders w i t h h a u g h t y disdain. M a c r o silently gave thanks that he h a d n o t yet g i v e n the order for the caltrops to be s o w n in the grass a r o u n d the city. T h a t was o n e surprise h e m o s t definitely w a n t e d t o save for the right m o m e n t . ' G e n e r a l A j a x sends his greetings to his f o r m e r masters!' the rider called o u t in a clear, pleasant v o i c e . S e m p r o n i u s t u r n e d to M a c r o w i t h an a m u s e d expression. 'General A j a x ? It seems the gladiator has aspirations.' T h e slave called o u t t o the defenders again. ' T h e general wishes t o s p e a k w i t h the m a n w h o calls h i m s e l f the g o v e r n o r o f the province, Senator Sempronius.' S e m p r o n i u s sniffed w i t h irritation. 196

M a c r o smiled. ' A n d he's well i n f o r m e d . I w o n d e r w h a t he wants to discuss?' T h e r e was a m o m e n t of silence b e f o r e S e m p r o n i u s gave a resigned shrug. 'There's only way to find out.' He t u r n e d away from the parapet a n d m a d e for the stairs that led d o w n to the gates.

197

CHAPTER NINETEEN

A

j a x , i n the c o m p a n y o f K h a r i m , w a t c h e d the progress o f his .envoy carefully. C h i l o h a d p r o v e d h i m s e l f brave e n o u g h since

h e h a d j o i n e d the small b a n d o f fugitives that h a d attached t h e m selves to A j a x since the first days of the revolt. B u t there was a certain carelessness to his bravery that A j a x had n o t e d d u r i n g the very first skirmish they had f o u g h t w i t h a R o m a n patrol. It was almost as if C h i l o had no fear of death, even as he loved his n e w life, free f r o m the terrible constraints of slavery. In the ranks of Ajax's closest lieutenants, C h i l o was clearly the m o s t p o p u l a r w i t h the rest o f the army. C h i l o h a d b e e n b o r n free, the s o n o f a n A t h e n i a n m e r c h a n t . W h e n his father's business partner disappeared w i t h every last p i e c e of silver j u s t b e f o r e the annual taxes w e r e d u e to be paid, it h a d r u i n e d the family. T h e tax collector, as was his right, had duly c o m p e l l e d the m e r c h a n t to sell h i m s e l f a n d his family into slavery. C h i l o h a d b e e n five at the t i m e , a n d was separated f r o m his family at the slave m a r k e t w h e n he was b o u g h t by a R o m a n official a n d sent to serve as a h o u s e h o l d slave on his estate in Crete. All this A j a x had l e a r n e d over the c a m p fire as he led his g r o w i n g b a n d o f runaway slaves across the r u i n e d p r o v i n c e . B u t o f his years o f servitude C h i l o had said little, and w h e n h e did s p e a k o f t h e m his eyes b u r n e d w i t h an intense hatred — a s e n t i m e n t that A j a x c o u l d readily understand. H e h a d l o n g since c o m e t o u n d e r s t a n d the difference b e t w e e n m e n w h o were b o r n slaves and t h o s e w h o had b e c o m e slaves. T h e r e was a d e g r e e o f a c c e p t a n c e o f their c o n d i t i o n in the former. T h e y h a d j o i n e d his a r m y to be sure, a n d f o u g h t well e n o u g h , b u t the m a j o r i t y lacked the fanaticism o f C h i l o and the others w h o had b o r n e slavery as a m a r k of s h a m e . E v e r y slight and injustice that they e n d u r e d h a d b u r n e d its way into their souls. It was

198

like a slow p o i s o n , A j a x had realised o n c e , w h e n reflecting on his own experience. H i s father h a d c o m m a n d e d a small fleet of pirate ships that had defied the R o m a n navy for m a n y years b e f o r e they h a d f i n a l l y b e e n trapped a n d destroyed in a bay on the Illyrian coast. H i s father had paid the p r i c e for defying R o m e b y b e i n g crucified. A j a x and the others w h o h a d b e e n c a p t u r e d w e r e sold into slavery. It was ironic that he h a d b e e n b o u g h t by the o w n e r of a gladiator s c h o o l a n d trained as a fighter, a n d n o w he was repaying his f o r m e r masters for the skills he h a d l e a r n e d in the arena by c a u s i n g t h e m as m u c h suffering as possible. E v e r y R o m a n he killed, every estate he s a c k e d and every breath of free air that he d r e w slowly drained away the p o i s o n o f slavery. T h e only c o n c e r n that troubled his m i n d was the u n c e r t a i n t y o f the future. He had n o t r e m o t e l y c o n s i d e r e d a t t e m p t i n g to l a u n c h a revolt w h e n he h a d m a d e his e s c a p e from the governor's palace f o l l o w i n g the e a r t h q u a k e . T h e r e h a d b e e n only the innate desire t o r u n , to be free, to e s c a p e f r o m C r e t e a n d find his way to s o m e quiet c o r n e r o f the w o r l d w h e r e the stain o f slavery c o u l d gradually b e erased. H e h a d b e e n w i t h the governor's wife w h e n the b u i l d i n g b e g a n to t r e m b l e , a m i d the g r u m b l i n g roar as P o s e i d o n b r o u g h t d o w n his w r a t h o n the island. T h e y w e r e i n o n e o f the s t o r e r o o m s off the b a c k o f the kitchens, w h e r e she had s u m m o n e d h i m . A n t o n i a had b e e n l e a n i n g against the wall, w i t h h i m inside her, w h i l e her l o n g nails a n d b e j e w e l l e d rings h a d raked the flesh of his b a c k . As the walls s h o o k , she s c r e a m e d and thrust h i m away, a n d in that m o m e n t A j a x had resolved t o b e free. Free o f her, free o f the indignity o f b e i n g her sexual play thing a n d free o f slavery. O n e b l o w t o her h e a d had k n o c k e d her cold. Lifting her fleshy b o d y into his a r m s , A j a x h a d left the collapsing palace, fleeing f r o m the governor's c o m p o u n d into the streets, no o n e p a y i n g any attention to a m a n h e l p i n g a stricken w o m a n to safety. O n c e h e h a d e s c a p e d f r o m the city, A j a x h a d b e e n t e m p t e d t o finish A n t o n i a off. To strangle her, or crush her skull w i t h a r o c k . T h e n , as he c o n s i d e r e d his revenge, it o c c u r r e d to h i m that she s h o u l d suffer a s h e h a d suffered. S h e w o u l d c o m e t o k n o w the s h a m e of b e i n g a slave before she was allowed to die. S o , hands b o u n d , and 199

a leather collar and lead fixed a b o u t her n e c k , the fat patrician w o m a n h a d b e e n d r a g g e d a l o n g w i t h her c a p t o r a s h e s o u g h t refuge in the hills b e h i n d G o r t y n a . A j a x was far f r o m the only slave s e e k i n g refuge. O n the first night o f his n e w - f o u n d f r e e d o m , h e c a m e across several r a g g e d m e n a n d w o m e n w h o h a d e s c a p e d f r o m o n e o f the estates. T h e y w e l c o m e d h i m t o their f i r e , shared their f o o d a n d w i t h i n a day l o o k e d to h i m as their leader. T h e y t o o h a d w a n t e d to kill A n t o n i a , and A j a x h a d b e e n t e m p t e d t o let t h e m , b u t i n the e n d d e c i d e d that she h a d n o t suffered e n o u g h j u s t yet. O t h e r slaves, singly a n d in g r o u p s and larger b a n d s , swelled his ranks, b r i n g i n g w i t h t h e m a handful o f other m e n w i t h gladiatorial e x p e r i e n c e , even a few e x - s o l d i e r s w h o h a d fallen on b a d times or b e e n c o n d e m n e d to slavery. T h e s e he set to w o r k training the slaves to

fight.

Initially

there

had

been

few w e a p o n s , but

they

had

i m p r o v i s e d by tying knives to staves, u s i n g pitchforks a n d scythes, and eagerly snatching up any swords a n d spears that they c a m e by in the estates and villages they h a d started to raid. At first A j a x was c o n t e n t to lead the slaves o n l y until he h a d satisfied his n e e d for r e v e n g e , a n d then he w o u l d carry o u t his o r i g i n a l plan to leave the island and find a h o m e far f r o m the eyes of his f o r m e r masters. B u t the m o r e the e s c a p e d slaves l o o k e d t o h i m t o lead t h e m , a n d the m o r e it b e c a m e clear that they w e r e d e v o t e d to h i m , the less inclined he w a s to desert t h e m . T h e r e was a b o n d of loyalty b e t w e e n t h e m , he realised a n d a c c e p t e d . A quality that he h a d n o t e x p e r i e n c e d in the years he h a d b e e n a slave. If he c o u l d n o t leave t h e m , then it was his d u t y to see that they w e r e saved from b e i n g r e t u r n e d t o the living death o f their f o r m e r c o n d i t i o n . G a t h e r i n g the best m e n a r o u n d h i m , A j a x m a d e each the c o m m a n d e r o f a b a n d o f slaves. T h e y w e r e t o b e responsible for s h o w i n g their m e n h o w t o use w e a p o n s , h o w t o take u p p o s i t i o n i n s i m p l e f o r m a t i o n s a n d also for organising the distribution of rations a n d spoils. F r o m the outset A j a x h a d m a d e it clear that any f o o d that was c a p t u r e d was the p r o p e r t y o f all. H e addressed the ragtag m o b f r o m the top of a b r o k e n wall and told t h e m that he w o u l d lead any w h o a c c e p t e d his rules. H e p r o m i s e d t h e m that they w o u l d have revenge on their masters, a n d that he w o u l d lead t h e m to f r e e d o m . O n l y a handful of bitter or t i m i d spirits h a d refused his c o n d i t i o n s

200

a n d left the rebel c a m p . T h e c r o w d that r e m a i n e d c l a m o u r e d t o f i g h t their f o r m e r masters to the death. T h e f i r s t o f their fights h a d b e e n against a small R o m a n f o r a g i n g c o l u m n that h a d ventured o u t f r o m M a t a l a . D e s p i t e the heavy losses, A j a x h a d b e e n impressed by the fearlessness w i t h w h i c h his rebels had c h a r g e d the spears a n d shields o f the R o m a n t r o o p s . Later their c o u r a g e h a d b e e n repaid w i t h the d e s t r u c t i o n o f the c o l u m n that h a d arrogantly allowed itself t o b e led i n t o a n a m b u s h . A n d then, only three days a g o , they h a d achieved an even greater success. A j a x smiled. O n e w h i c h h e w o u l d relish telling these R o m a n s a b o u t , p r o v i d e d they h a d the guts to e m e r g e f r o m their defences a n d speak with him. ' L o o k there!' K h a r i m n o d d e d towards the city. 'It s e e m s that the R o m a n s are falling for C h i l o ' s charms.' A j a x stared towards G o r t y n a , a n d saw o n e o f the d o o r s i n the g a t e h o u s e b e g i n t o o p e n . Several f i g u r e s e m e r g e d , auxiliaries. T h e y trotted o u t a n d f o r m e d a skirmish line a short distance in front of the g a t e h o u s e . A m o m e n t later t w o m o r e m e n e m e r g e d , a n d t o o k u p p o s i t i o n b e h i n d the soldiers. C h i l o , alerted to their a p p e a r a n c e , t u r n e d his h o r s e a n d trotted towards t h e m , reining in right in front of the nearest e n e m y soldier, w h o n e r v o u s l y b a c k e d off a few p a c e s . T h e r e was a b r i e f e x c h a n g e o f w o r d s before C h i l o w h e e l e d his m o u n t a n d g a l l o p e d b a c k towards A j a x and his c o m p a n i o n s . D u s k w a s settling over the plain as he d r e w up, scattering dust a n d stones. 'General,' he g r i n n e d . 'It s e e m s they're w i l l i n g to talk.' 'Talk?' A j a x r e s p o n d e d disdainfully. ' O h yes, they'll talk all right. B u t will they listen?' 'If they w a n t to live then they'll listen,' K h a r i m said q u i e t l y ' D o y o u w a n t m e t o b r i n g the w a g o n forward?' A j a x n o d d e d . ' K e e p the cover o n , a n d k e e p i t b a c k f i f t y paces.' 'Yes, General.' K h a r i m w h e e l e d his m o u n t away a n d g a l l o p e d b a c k towards the b a g g a g e train. A j a x t o o k a d e e p breath a n d w a v e d at C h i l o to ride w i t h him. The six m e n , all e x - g l a d i a t o r s , w h o m he had c h o s e n for his b o d y g u a r d , eased their m o u n t s into a trot a n d followed their leader, warily w a t c h i n g the waiting R o m a n s for any sign o f treachery. A j a x 201

was u n d e r n o illusions a b o u t the possibility that the e n e m y m i g h t n o t a b i d e b y the usual rules o f parley. H e reined i n b e y o n d javelin range o f the R o m a n skirmishers a n d halted his m e n . ' C h i l o , y o u a n d the others stay here. If they play any tricks, then c o m e for me.' ' G e n e r a l , y o u can't trust t h e m . M a k e t h e m c o m e t o us.' ' N o , I w a n t t h e m to see I am n o t afraid.' A j a x clicked his t o n g u e a n d e d g e d his h o r s e forwards. 'You stay p u t , C h i l o . T h a t is an order. W h e n K h a r i m brings the w a g o n up, I w a n t y o u to have it halted behind my bodyguards.' 'Yes, General.' A j a x w a l k e d his h o r s e across the o p e n g r o u n d at an easy pace. The m e n a h e a d o f h i m w e r e clearly visible i n the rays o f the setting sun, w a s h e d in the s a m e red h u e that b u r n i s h e d the scrub grass and stones o u t s i d e the city. T h e auxiliaries w e r e s q u i n t i n g into the light, s o m e h a v i n g g r o u n d e d their spears t o shade their eyes. H e k n e w that h e w o u l d appear as a dark silhouette to t h e m , s e e m i n g l y larger than life a n d threatening as he a p p r o a c h e d . It m i g h t m a k e h i m a clearer target, b u t any R o m a n a t t e m p t i n g to hurl a javelin, or even a spear, w o u l d b e f o r c e d t o squint, a n d their a i m was sure t o b e spoiled. H e s t o p p e d twenty paces f r o m the nearest o f the auxiliaries. T h e h o r s e s n o r t e d a n d p a w e d the dusty g r o u n d w i t h its h o o v e s . ' W h o are y o u ? ' A m a n called o u t f r o m b e h i n d the R o m a n line. 'Ajax, general o f the a r m y o f free m e n . ' H e swept his a r m b a c k towards the host m a k i n g c a m p for the night. 'I am here to state o u r d e m a n d s . T o the g o v e r n o r i n p e r s o n . T o his m i n i o n , i f the g o v e r n o r is t o o fearful to speak w i t h me.' ' I a m n o t afraid,' the m a n r e s p o n d e d haughtily. ' N o t o f y o u , n o r y o u r b a n d o f rebels.' ' T h e n prove it! C o m e forward a n d face m e . ' A j a x thrust his a r m d o w n , p o i n t i n g a t the g r o u n d . ' H e r e , b e y o n d the p r o t e c t i o n , o f y o u r men.' T h e t w o f i g u r e s standing b e h i n d the skirmishers strode b o l d l y towards h i m , passing t h r o u g h their m e n a n d d r a w i n g u p ten feet a w a y O n e w o r e a r m o u r , a scarlet cloak a n d a h e l m e t , a n d he hefted his centurion's v i n e c a n e as he scrutinised the c o m m a n d e r of the slave army. A j a x felt a c o l d chill tickle his n e c k . He r e c o g n i s e d the 202

face. T h i s was the officer w h o h a d l e d the f o r a g i n g c o l u m n . B u t h e h a d seen h i m before, s o m e w h e r e else, he was certain of it, yet for the present c o u l d n o t place h i m . H e t u r n e d his attention t o the other R o m a n , w h o was taller a n d w o r e a w h i t e tunic w i t h a b r o a d red stripe. He crossed his a r m s as he d r e w h i m s e l f up to his full height to confront A j a x . 'Say y o u r p i e c e , slave.' A j a x bit b a c k on his irritation. 'I no l o n g e r c o u n t m y s e l f a slave, n o r d o any o f the m e n and w o m e n i n m y a r m y ' ' A r m y ? T h a t is no army. M e r e l y a rabble.' A j a x c o u l d n o t help smiling. ' T h a t rabble slaughtered a t h o u s a n d o f y o u r best m e n , S e m p r o n i u s . ' T h e R o m a n c l a m p e d his lips together. 'Besides,' A j a x

continued, 'my

army

now

controls

most

of

s o u t h e r n C r e t e . W e g o w h e r e w e will, w h i l e y o u R o m a n s h i d e b e h i n d y o u r defences a n d pray for deliverance. B u t y o u r g o d s have deserted y o u . T h e r e i s n o t h i n g that stands b e t w e e n y o u a n d certain death, e x c e p t me.' 'I see, y o u ' v e c o m e to save us,' S e m p r o n i u s sneered. 'I have c o m e to offer y o u a c h a n c e to save y o u r lives a n d the lives o f every m a n , w o m a n a n d child inside the walls o f G o r t y n a . ' ' A n d h o w can I save t h e m ? ' ' B y g i v i n g u s o u r f r e e d o m a n d b y e n s u r i n g that w e are g i v e n free passage f r o m this island to the eastern frontier of the empire.' S e m p r o n i u s c h u c k l e d bitterly. 'Is that all?' 'It is a fair e x c h a n g e for y o u r lives, w o u l d n ' t y o u say?' ' N o . It is o u t of the q u e s t i o n . I don't have the authority to do that.' ' B u t y o u are the g o v e r n o r . Y o u act i n the n a m e o f the e m p e r o r and the senate. You c o u l d g r a n t us freedom.' 'What's the p o i n t ? ' S e m p r o n i u s sneered. ' I t h o u g h t y o u said y o u w e r e n o l o n g e r slaves.' 'I w a n t it in w r i t i n g , ' A j a x said firmly. 'I w a n t it g u a r a n t e e d in the name of Rome.' ' W h y ? ' S e m p r o n i u s insisted. ' W h a t difference d o e s i t m a k e ? ' A j a x s m i l e d . ' I k n o w w h a t sticklers y o u p e o p l e are for p a p e r w o r k . I w a n t o u r f r e e d o m to be official.' 203

S e m p r o n i u s was silent for a m o m e n t . ' Y o u w a n t to r u b o u r noses in it, y o u m e a n . T h i s is a b o u t revenge.' 'Yes . . .' T h e i m a g e of his father nailed to a c r o s s b e a m a n d left to die a p p e a r e d in Ajax's m i n d - raw a n d painful. 'I d e s e r v e revenge for the suffering I have e n d u r e d at the hands of y o u r p e o p l e . So do all t h o s e w h o n o w follow m e . Y o u r e m p e r o r s h o u l d c o u n t h i m s e l f l u c k y that my d e m a n d s are so m o d e s t . ' ' B u t y o u m u s t k n o w that C l a u d i u s c o u l d n o t possibly c o n c e d e t o t h i s . T h e senate w o u l d n o t stand for it. N o r w o u l d the m o b . I f h e gave i n t o the d e m a n d s o f a c o m m o n slave the m o b w o u l d tear h i m t o pieces.' 'I think y o u will find that I was a m o s t u n c o m m o n slave, G o v e r n o r , ' A j a x said tersely. ' O t h e r w i s e w e w o u l d n o t b e here.' 'All right, then. Let's say, for the sake of a r g u m e n t , that I a g r e e to y o u r d e m a n d . W h a t m a k e s y o u think that any o t h e r R o m a n official will h o n o u r it? In any case, y o u have no m e a n s of finding sufficient ships t o carry y o u r p e o p l e away f r o m C r e t e . H o w d o y o u think y o u will b e able t o c o m p e l R o m e t o k e e p t o her side o f t h e b a r g a i n ? ' 'It's simple. I will take y o u , a n d every R o m a n , a n d the city's l e a d i n g families as hostages. Y o u will c o m e w i t h us every step of the way. W h e n w e reach the frontier, a n d n o t before, w e will release y o u . If the e m p e r o r , or any of his subordinates, attempts to h i n d e r us, then I will start killing my p r i s o n e r s , b e g i n n i n g w i t h you.' S e m p r o n i u s t o o k a sharp breath. ' T h a t w o n ' t w o r k . I've told y o u , R o m e c a n n o t a g r e e t o y o u r demands.' ' T h e n it is up to y o u to p e r s u a d e the e m p e r o r . I take it y o u w e r e trained i n rhetoric a s a y o u t h . N o d o u b t b y s o m e expensive G r e e k slave. N o w ' s the c h a n c e to p u t y o u r skills to g o o d use. Y o u r life d e p e n d s on it.' ' T h i s is absurd. I c a n n o t a c c e p t y o u r d e m a n d s . Y o u k n o w it.' S e m p r o n i u s p a u s e d a n d d r e w a d e e p breath. ' N o w , let me tell y o u w h a t m y d e m a n d s are. O n e : y o u lay d o w n y o u r a r m s a n d surrender. T w o : y o u identify all the ringleaders to me. Three: all o t h e r slaves are to return to their o w n e r s at o n c e . In return, I will s e n d y o u a n d the other ringleaders t o R o m e t o b e s e n t e n c e d b e f o r e the e m p e r o r a n d the senate. F u r t h e r m o r e I will do all that is w i t h i n my legal p o w e r to limit the p u n i s h m e n t of the slaves w h o freely return to their masters.'

204

A j a x stared a t the

R o m a n with

a

cold

expression. H e

had

e x p e c t e d s u c h disdain from S e m p r o n i u s , a n d a refusal of his d e m a n d s . It was t i m e to d e m o n s t r a t e to these R o m a n s that their d a n g e r was very real. 'Senator, y o u r d e m a n d s are n o m o r e acceptable than m i n e . Y e t the difference b e t w e e n us is that y o u are in no p o s i t i o n to m a k e d e m a n d s . ' A j a x t u r n e d in the saddle a n d called b a c k towards his m e n . ' C h i l o ! B r i n g the w a g o n h e r e ! ' T h e line o f h o r s e m e n p a r t e d a n d four o x e n t r u d g e d forward, d r a w i n g a h e a v y covered w a g o n b e h i n d t h e m . A driver sat on the b e n c h , w i t h a n o t h e r m a n w h o was covered i n filth. H i s tunic was i n tatters, e x p o s i n g skin that w a s streaked w i t h g r i m e a n d b l o o d , a n d m a r k e d w i t h cuts a n d bruises. H e was c h a i n e d t o the w a g o n b y his hands a n d ankles a n d his h e a d was b o w e d . 'What's this?' asked S e m p r o n i u s . A j a x t u r n e d b a c k . ' I suspect y o u have b e e n w o n d e r i n g w h y w e did n o t a d v a n c e o n G o r t y n a i m m e d i a t e l y after the a m b u s h . T h e answer i s i n the w a g o n . Y o u see, m y a r m y bypassed G o r t y n a d u r i n g the night eight days a g o . W e m a d e for M a t a l a instead. T h e c o m m a n d e r of the g a r r i s o n there p r o v e d every bit as arrogant as y o u , S e m p r o n i u s . H e m a n a g e d t o h e r d m o s t o f his p e o p l e o n t o the acropolis. T h o s e that r e m a i n e d i n t h e refugee c a m p w e p u t t o the sword. I sent a m e s s e n g e r to the gate to d e m a n d the surrender of the acropolis. I told y o u r C e n t u r i o n Portillus that I w a n t e d the f o o d o n the acropolis, n o t h i m a n d his p e o p l e . W h e n h e s u r r e n d e r e d , they c o u l d all go free. If he did n o t s u b m i t w i t h i n t w o days, t h e n I w o u l d take the acropolis and slaughter every p e r s o n inside its walls. I am glad to say that Portillus saw reason, a n d s u r r e n d e r e d the very n e x t day.' A j a x p a u s e d a s the w a g o n r u m b l e d u p , t u r n e d t o o n e side a n d halted b e h i n d h i m . H e c a u g h t a waft o f death a n d decay a n d heard the b u z z i n g d r o n e of flies as he c o n t i n u e d . 'Sadly, as far as the p e o p l e o f M a t a l a are c o n c e r n e d , i t was necessary for m e t o m a k e a n e x a m p l e o f t h e m i n order that y o u w o u l d believe m e w h e n I c a m e here t o m a k e m y d e m a n d s t o you.' ' W h a t have y o u d o n e ? ' asked the c e n t u r i o n b e h i n d S e m p r o n i u s . 'I did w h a t was necessary. I h a d the g a r r i s o n a n d t o w n s p e o p l e m a r c h e d o u t of the city and t h e n I told my m e n to kill them.' 205

S e m p r o n i u s s h o o k his h e a d . 'You're lying.' 'Yes, I t h o u g h t that w o u l d be the reaction. So I b r o u g h t proof. C h i l o , r e m o v e the cover.' W r i n k l i n g his n o s e in disgust, C h i l o e d g e d his h o r s e towards the side o f the w a g o n a n d g r a s p e d o n e c o r n e r o f the cover. W i t h a savage heave, he w r e n c h e d it away a n d let it fall to the g r o u n d . A swirling mass of insects rose into the e v e n i n g air. S e m p r o n i u s c o v e r e d his m o u t h w i t h a h a n d and s t e p p e d b a c k . T h e nearest o f the auxiliaries s q u i n t e d a t the contents o f the w a g o n a n d then t u r n e d t o o n e side t o v o m i t . A j a x w a t c h e d their reactions w i t h quiet satisfaction as they g a z e d u p o n the severed heads h e a p e d on the b e d o f the w a g o n . ' T h a t is w h a t is left of the soldiers of the Twelfth Hispania. T h e rest we left o u t for the c a r r i o n a n d the dogs.' A j a x t u r n e d to the driver o f the w a g o n a n d p o i n t e d a t the m a n c h a i n e d b e s i d e h i m . ' R e l e a s e h i m ! T h e n leave the w a g o n a n d get b a c k t o the camp.' 'Yes, General,' the driver replied a n d then d u c k e d d o w n to release the pins that fastened the shackles to the w a g o n . As s o o n as he had d o n e that, h e r o u g h l y p u s h e d the m a n off the b e n c h a n d h e t u m b l e d on to the g r o u n d b e s i d e the w a g o n w i t h a t h u d a n d lay there groaning. ' G e t u p ! ' A j a x o r d e r e d . C h i l o l e a n e d d o w n f r o m his saddle a n d g r a s p e d the prisoner's hair a n d hauled h i m to his feet. W i t h a thrust f r o m Chilo's b o o t , the m a n s t u m b l e d towards A j a x and the t w o Romans. ' Y o u m a y n o t r e c o g n i s e h i m now,' A j a x stared at the m e n in c o n t e m p t , 'but I believe y o u k n o w C e n t u r i o n Portillus, lately the c o m m a n d e r of the g a r r i s o n of M a t a l a . I t h o u g h t I m i g h t spare h i m so that he c o u l d c o n f i r m w h a t I have told y o u . H e r e , Senator, the p r i s o n e r is yours.' C h i l o g o a d e d Portillus towards S e m p r o n i u s , w h o c o u l d n o t help recoiling at the soiled, stinking creature that c o n f r o n t e d h i m . T h e senator swallowed a n d forced h i m s e l f to control his v o i c e as he addressed Portillus. 'Is it t r u e ? ' 'Yes, sir,' Portillus m u m b l e d , barely able to m e e t his superior's eye. 'Are they all d e a d ? ' 206

'Yes, sir.' T h e centurion's v o i c e quavered. 'I saw t h e m die. All my m e n . All the civilians, every last o n e of t h e m , even the infants.' 'I see.' S e m p r o n i u s glared at h i m . ' A n d is it true that y o u s u r r e n d e r e d w i t h o u t a fight?' 'We h a d n o choice,' Portillus protested. ' T h e y threatened t o p u t u s to the sword. Y o u heard.' 'It s e e m s they did it anyway.' S e m p r o n i u s ' s expression b e c a m e severe. ' Y o u have d i s g r a c e d yourself.' ' D o n ' t b e t o o hard o n him,' A j a x i n t e r v e n e d . ' I betrayed h i m i n t u r n . H e wasn't t o k n o w ' 'Wasn't t o k n o w w h a t ? ' S e m p r o n i u s spat b a c k . ' T h a t y o u s h o u l d never trust the w o r d of a slave?' ' W h a t d o e s m y w o r d matter? O r y o u r s ? ' A j a x p a u s e d a m o m e n t . 'All that matters is that y o u k n o w w h a t the c o n s e q u e n c e s are if y o u refuse to m e e t my d e m a n d s . F o r the last t i m e , Senator. Y o u will surrender G o r t y n a t o m e . I f y o u d o n o t , t h e n y o u a n d e v e r y o n e else will share the fate o f the p e o p l e o f M a t a l a . Y o u have until n o o n t o m o r r o w t o decide.' H e t u r n e d his h o r s e towards the c a m p , then p a u s e d a n d t u r n e d b a c k , g e s t u r i n g at Portillus. 'I return this m a n to y o u . I have no further n e e d o f him.' Sempronius

looked

briefly

at

Centurion

Portillus

and

then

cleared his throat. 'I don't w a n t h i m . N e i t h e r I n o r my m e n will be c o n t a m i n a t e d by his cowardice.' A j a x s h r u g g e d . ' S o b e it. C h i l o ! ' 'Yes, G e n e r a l ? ' 'Finish him.' Chilo n o d d e d and dismounted. He pulled out a broad-bladed d a g g e r f r o m his belt a n d a d v a n c e d on Portillus w i t h a cruel smile. The

latter's

eyes

widened

in

terror

and

he

lurched

towards

S e m p r o n i u s , the chains c a u s i n g h i m to t u m b l e to his k n e e s . 'Spare m e ! F o r pity's sake, don't let h i m ! ' S e m p r o n i u s s t e p p e d b a c k nimbly. ' D o n ' t y o u dare b e g m e , y o u cur!' C h i l o s t o o d b e h i n d Portillus a n d g r a s p e d h i m u n d e r the chin w i t h o n e h a n d , a n d b e f o r e Portillus c o u l d m a k e m o r e than a strangled w h i m p e r , the blade slashed across his throat. A great rush of b l o o d 207

s p u r t e d o u t a n d splashed o n the g r o u n d . C h i l o released his g r i p and s t e p p e d b a c k . F o r a m o m e n t Portillus frantically clasped his hands to his throat, then he s l u m p e d b a c k a n d rolled on to his side, his b o d y t r e m b l i n g as he b l e d o u t . C h i l o w i p e d the blade o n his tunic. 'Bastard,'

the

centurion

who

had

accompanied

Sempronius

g r o w l e d . H e d r e w his s w o r d a n d s t e p p e d forward. ' P u t that sword away!' S e m p r o n i u s s h o u t e d . T h e c e n t u r i o n i g n o r e d h i m and a d v a n c e d towards C h i l o . 'Let's see h o w g o o d y o u are against a m a n w h o can fight b a c k ! ' 'Leave h i m ! ' S e m p r o n i u s g r a b b e d the officer's shoulder. 'I gave y o u a n order, C e n t u r i o n M a c r o ! L e a v e him.' A j a x froze. He was still for an instant, then twisted r o u n d in his saddle a n d stared a t the R o m a n officer. ' M a c r o ? C e n t u r i o n M a c r o ? ' H i s heart was filled w i t h a rush of e m o t i o n s . B i t t e r hatred, rage a n d a strange j o y f u l exultation. H i s limbs t r e m b l e d w i t h e x c i t e m e n t a n d there was an almost i n h u m a n desire to t h r o w h i m s e l f on M a c r o a n d tear the R o m a n t o pieces. B l o o d p o u n d e d t h r o u g h his veins as he raised his hands, fingers clawed, as if he w o u l d w r i n g the other

man's

neck. T h e n

the

moment

passed,

and

self-control

s t r u g g l e d t o control his t h o u g h t s . N o t now. N o t w h i l e there w e r e h i g h e r stakes. 'Ajax, the pirate's son.' M a c r o n o d d e d slowly, s w o r d raised a n d b r a c e d to d e f e n d h i m s e l f against any s u d d e n attack. 'You r e m e m b e r m e , then?' T h e r e was a k e e n i n g g r o a n in Ajax's throat as he f o u g h t to restrain his rage. 'I r e m e m b e r y o u well e n o u g h , lad,' M a c r o c o n t i n u e d . ' A n d I r e m e m b e r y o u r father. W h e n this is over, you'll share his fate. By the g o d s , I swear it . . . U n l e s s y o u w a n t to fight me now. C o m e o n ! ' He raised his sword. ' M a n to man.' A j a x was b r e a t h i n g deeply. H i s senses w e r e h e i g h t e n e d to a feverish pitch of s o u n d , sight and smell, j u s t as they always w e r e in the arena w h e n the signal to fight was given. Slowly, slowly he forced h i m s e l f to c a l m his desire to hurl h i m s e l f at M a c r o . Instead he eased his sword h a n d to his side, a n d sat erect, still staring fixedly at the Roman.

208

'We will have o u r f i g h t , C e n t u r i o n . N o t here, n o t now. B u t the t i m e will c o m e . N o g o d , n o fate, n o p e r s o n w o u l d d e n y m e the right t o kill y o u w i t h m y o w n hands.' A j a x abruptly t u r n e d his h o r s e away a n d k i c k e d his heels in, galloping

back

towards

his

army.

His

heart

was

filled

with

o v e r w h e l m i n g resolve. W h e n M a c r o was defeated, h e w o u l d learn w h a t it m e a n t to die in the m o s t h u m i l i a t i n g , a g o n i s i n g m a n n e r , j u s t as Ajax's father h a d d o n e .

209

CHAPTER TWENTY J

ust w h a t did y o u think y o u w e r e d o i n g b a c k there?' S e m p r o n i u s s n a p p e d the

moment

they

reached his

headquarters

in

the

acropolis. ' Y o u w e r e g o a d i n g h i m . Y o u saw his expression at the e n d there. He was insane. F o r a m o m e n t I t h o u g h t he'd go for y o u w i t h his bare hands.' ' M i g h t have b e e n better for us if he had, sir,' M a c r o replied coolly. ' T h e n I c o u l d have h a d h i m . W i t h A j a x g o n e , h o w l o n g d o y o u think that r a g b a g a r m y o f his w o u l d h o l d t o g e t h e r ? ' S e m p r o n i u s gave h i m a calculating l o o k . ' W h a t m a k e s y o u think y o u c o u l d have b e a t e n h i m ? T h e m a n l o o k e d a s t o u g h a s any f i g h t e r I have ever seen in the arena, a n d he's b e e n trained to kill.' ' S o have I. A n d I've h a d rather m o r e e x p e r i e n c e at it. B e s i d e s , w h a t g o o d w o u l d all that gladiatorial training have b e e n if he h a d lost his h e a d and t h r o w n h i m s e l f into a fight?' S e m p r o n i u s n o d d e d . ' I see. That's w h a t y o u w e r e c o u n t i n g o n . That's w h y y o u p r o v o k e d him.' ' O f c o u r s e , sir. First rule of w a r - always try a n d g e t the e n e m y to f i g h t o n y o u r terms.' 'Well then, I o w e y o u an apology. F o r a m o m e n t I t h o u g h t y o u h a d lost control of yourself.' ' M e ? ' M a c r o l o o k e d p a i n e d . ' L o s e control o f myself?' 'In any case, thanks to y o u r intervention, I d o u b t that A j a x is g o i n g to be p r e d i s p o s e d towards sparing a n y o n e if he d o e s take G o r t y n a . ' S e m p r o n i u s sat d o w n b e h i n d his desk a n d t u r n e d to gaze over the city. M a c r o h a d given orders for torches a n d braziers to be lit a l o n g the wall, in case the rebels m a d e any a t t e m p t to attack u n d e r cover o f darkness. T h e usual w a t c h h a d b e e n d o u b l e d and the rest o f the m e n w e r e q u a r t e r e d i n h o u s e s close t o the walls. S o m e half-mile o u t s i d e the city w e r e clusters of c a m p fires, a r r a n g e d in a great arc

210

that e n c l o s e d the hills to the rear of it. As s o o n as night h a d fallen, several sections o f m e n h a d b e e n sent o u t f r o m G o r t y n a t o start s o w i n g the caltrops a l o n g the a p p r o a c h e s t o the weakest lengths o f the wall. N o w there was a tense stillness as the defenders b e h e l d the e n e m y host a n d waited. S e m p r o n i u s t u r n e d away f r o m the w i n d o w . 'If the city falls, he will take his hostages a n d kill the rest. I am sure of it.' ' T h e n w e m u s t m a k e sure that w e h o l d G o r t y n a . ' 'Easily said, M a c r o . We have to think t h r o u g h all the c h o i c e s o p e n to us.' Macro's

eyes

widened.

'You're

not

seriously

considering

surrender?' ' N o , ' S e m p r o n i u s replied. ' B u t it is an o p t i o n , n o n e the less. We'll have to p u t the situation to the ruling c o u n c i l . T h e y have to be told.' M a c r o s h o o k his h e a d . 'Sir, if we let a b u n c h of civilians have their say, well, it's o b v i o u s they'll take the offer to save their skins.' ' T h e n w e m u s t p e r s u a d e t h e m that A j a x i s n o t t o b e trusted.' W h y ask t h e m i n the first place? J u s t tell t h e m w e ain't g i v i n g in, and we'll fight the rebels until the last m a n , or until C a t o returns w i t h reinforcements.' 'We have to k e e p t h e m on o u r side even t h o u g h I d o u b t that the idea of fighting to the last m a n is g o i n g to w i n m u c h s u p p o r t . We'll have t o play u p t h e i d e a o f the city b e i n g relieved.' S e m p r o n i u s y a w n e d a n d ran a h a n d t h r o u g h his grey-streaked hair. 'Either way, we m u s t assemble the c o u n c i l a n d explain the situation. I'll have t h e m b r o u g h t here w i t h i n t h e hour. I w a n t y o u w i t h me.' M a c r o ' s shoulders s l u m p e d for an instant. 'It'd be better if I r e m a i n e d on the wall, sir. In case the e n e m y try anything on.' ' N o . You'll be here. That's an order. If this city can be d e f e n d e d , then they'll n e e d to hear that f r o m a professional soldier. We have to talk t h e m o u t o f c o n s i d e r i n g surrender, s o y o u ' d better b e persuasive, M a c r o . T h e last thing we n e e d is a d i v i d e d city at o u r b a c k w h e n we face the rebels.' T h e city's councillors entered the office w i t h a n x i o u s expressions and t o o k their places o n the b e n c h e s that S e m p r o n i u s h a d o r d e r e d for t h e m . H e h a d c o n s i d e r e d m a k i n g t h e m stand, b u t h a d d e c i d e d 211

that it w o u l d be better if he s t o o d and they sat. It was an old t e c h n i q u e for establishing authority that he h a d l e a r n e d from his G r e e k tutor o f rhetoric. A s the last o f t h e m entered a n d settled o n t o the b e n c h e s , S e m p r o n i u s g l a n c e d at M a c r o sitting on a chair in the c o r n e r o f the office. T h e c e n t u r i o n was l e a n i n g forwards, e l b o w s o n k n e e s a n d fist s u p p o r t i n g his chin as he stared d o w n at the floor w i t h a resigned air. S e m p r o n i u s f r o w n e d briefly, then t u r n e d b a c k to his a u d i e n c e , w h o w e r e talking i n m u t e d tones. ' T h a n k y o u for c o m i n g , g e n t l e m e n . . .' He w a i t e d for t h e m all to fall silent a n d focus their attention on h i m . 'As y o u are no d o u b t aware, the rebels have arrived t o lay siege t o G o r t y n a . S o m e o f y o u will have heard that my s e n i o r military officer a n d I m e t their leader, A j a x the gladiator, at dusk. He gave us his d e m a n d s , n a m e l y f r e e d o m , a n d free passage o u t of the e m p i r e for h i m a n d his followers.' ' T h e n w h y don't y o u a g r e e t o his t e r m s ? ' O n e o f the councillors, a fat m e r c h a n t , l e a n e d forward. ' G i v e h i m w h a t he wants a n d get h i m away f r o m us.' Several o f his c o m p a n i o n s n o d d e d a n d m u t t e r e d their a g r e e m e n t . S e m p r o n i u s fixed his g a z e on the m a n . 'Polocrites, isn't it? O l i v e oil exporter.' T h e m a n n o d d e d , a n d f o l d e d his a r m s , a s M a c r o m u t t e r e d t o himself, 'Like father like s o n . No s t o m a c h for a fight.' 'It isn't as simple as that, Polocrites. E v e n if I a g r e e to his d e m a n d s , A j a x wants t o take hostages t o ensure that w e k e e p o u r side o f the deal. To that e n d he wants us to surrender the city a n d h a n d ourselves over to h i m . It is his i n t e n t i o n to k e e p his hostages until he has m a d e g o o d his escape from R o m a n territory' A s the i m p o r t o f his w o r d s sank in, a n o t h e r o f the councillors s p o k e up. 'That's p r e p o s t e r o u s . He can't h o p e to take the entire city w i t h h i m . H o w w o u l d h e f e e d such a m u l t i t u d e ? H o w c o u l d the rebels stop t h e m e s c a p i n g ? ' 'Ajax

does

not

intend

to

take

everyone

hostage. Just

the

R o m a n s . . .' Polocrites n o d d e d . 'That's fair.' ' A n d the richest families o f G o r t y n a , ' S e m p r o n i u s c o n t i n u e d . Polocrites glared. 'That's an o u t r a g e ! T h i s gladiator's fight is b e t w e e n h i m a n d R o m e . W e have n o t h i n g t o d o w i t h it.'

212

' W h y d o n ' t y o u g o a n d tell h i m that?' asked S e m p r o n i u s . ' N o w b e quiet a n d hear m e o u t . A j a x wants h i g h - v a l u e hostages. H e h o p e s that the e m p e r o r will think t w i c e b e f o r e r e n e g i n g on any deal I m a y m a k e r e g a r d i n g freeing these slaves if it m e a n s p u t t i n g o u r lives at risk. I have to tell y o u that I do n o t think for a m o m e n t that C l a u d i u s w o u l d p e r m i t a mass revolt of slaves to s u c c e e d . I n d e e d , I think he will do everything in his p o w e r to have A j a x a n d his followers tracked d o w n a n d destroyed. If that m e a n s we are killed, t h e n that's a p r i c e h e will b e p r e p a r e d t o pay' H e p a u s e d , steeling h i m s e l f t o c o n t i n u e . ' A n d there's w o r s e n e w s . It is my b e l i e f - my c o n v i c t i o n that if G o r t y n a is s u r r e n d e r e d to the rebels, they will take their hostages a n d p u t the rest of the p o p u l a t i o n to the sword.' ' H o w can y o u possibly k n o w that?' Polocrites scoffed. 'It's quite simple. S o m e days a g o the g a r r i s o n a n d p e o p l e o f M a t a l a s u r r e n d e r e d to the rebels a n d n o w they are all dead.' F o r a m o m e n t there was c o m p l e t e stillness a n d silence in the r o o m , b e f o r e o n e o f the councillors asked, ' D e a d ? All d e a d ? H o w d o you know?' ' A j a x told us.' S e m p r o n i u s indicated M a c r o . ' H e b r o u g h t u s the heads o f the m e n o f the Twelfth H i s p a n i a , a n d h a d their c o m m a n d e r c o n f i r m the details b e f o r e b e i n g m u r d e r e d i n front o f o u r eyes. I f y o u don't believe me t h e n y o u can see for y o u r s e l f at first light. A j a x left the heads i n front o f the m a i n gate. H e said h e w a n t e d t o p r o v i d e us, a n d t h o s e b a c k i n R o m e , w i t h p r o o f o f his ruthlessness. It's possible that he also n e e d e d to b u r n his b r i d g e s to m a k e sure that his followers realised there was n o g o i n g b a c k . N o t after they h a d massacred an entire t o w n . F o r the slaves there is, f r o m n o w o n , only f r e e d o m or death.' 'If he has p r o v e d his p o i n t , then he d o e s n o t n e e d to kill o u r people,' said Polocrites. 'I disagree. After M a t a l a , he is no l o n g e r restrained by fear of the c o n s e q u e n c e s . ' S e m p r o n i u s recalled the w i l d rage and hatred he h a d seen in the gladiator's eyes, a n d his cruel pleasure at the death of Portillus. 'I'd go further. He has a taste for death a n d an insatiable thirst to get revenge on those w h o w e r e his masters. It w o u l d be m a d n e s s to trust h i m , a n d little short of suicide to place ourselves in his hands.' 213

' W h a t are y o u s u g g e s t i n g w e d o t h e n ? ' P o l o c r i t e s o p e n e d his hands helplessly. 'We m u s t d e f e n d G o r t y n a . We m u s t n o t s u b m i t to his demands.' 'How

can

we

defend

Gortyna

against that h o s t ? ' Polocrites

r o u n d e d o n M a c r o . 'You're the soldier h e r e . W h a t c h a n c e have w e g o t o f h o l d i n g the city?' M a c r o l o o k e d up. ' A b o u t as m u c h c h a n c e as s u r v i v i n g if the rebels take us hostage.' T h e councillor's j a w slackened, then h e t u r n e d t o his c o m p a n i o n s . ' D i d y o u hear? T h e situation i s hopeless.' 'It's n o t hopeless,' M a c r o c o u n t e r e d sharply. 'I didn't say that. It d e p e n d s o n a n u m b e r o f things. T h e e n e m y have m o r e m e n , b u t they haven't g o t m u c h g o o d kit, a n d they're n o t trained soldiers. T h e y don't have any siege e q u i p m e n t , a n d they're g o i n g to have to learn h o w to attack a city f r o m scratch. On the o t h e r h a n d , given the l e n g t h of the wall we have to defend, a n d the fact that sections of it are w e a k w h e r e w e ' v e h a d t o rush the repairs, n u m b e r s m a y well w i n the day. H o w e v e r , i f w e can h o l d t h e m off l o n g e n o u g h for C a t o t o return w i t h reinforcements, then the day is ours.' ' A n d h o w likely is it that y o u r friend has s u c c e e d e d in r e a c h i n g Egypt?' M a c r o h a d his d o u b t s . T h e r e w o u l d have b e e n dangers o n the r o a d to the fishing p o r t , t h e n C a t o w o u l d have h a d to cross the sea to

the African coast, w h e r e there m i g h t b e pirates p i c k i n g off

l o n e m e r c h a n t ships. E v e n i f h e r e a c h e d A l e x a n d r i a h e w o u l d have t o face the sea again on the return j o u r n e y . M a c r o ' s breath e s c a p e d w i t h a frustrated hiss. ' C e n t u r i o n C a t o . . .' he p a u s e d a n d g l a n c e d a t S e m p r o n i u s , ' I m e a n T r i b u n e C a t o , i s o n e o f the m o s t resourceful officers

in

the

Roman

army.

I f any m a n

can

get t h r o u g h

to

A l e x a n d r i a a n d get us the m e n we n e e d to e n d this rebellion, it is him.' ' I see. A n d h o w l o n g d o y o u think i t will b e b e f o r e h e can return w i t h an a r m y powerful e n o u g h to destroy the gladiator a n d his followers?' ' H a r d to say' M a c r o p u r s e d his lips. ' A n o t h e r ten days at the earliest, b u t m o r e likely to be nearer twenty.' Polocrites stared at h i m for a m o m e n t b e f o r e shaking his h e a d 214

w i t h a c h u c k l e . ' F o r s o m e reason I am n o t e n c o u r a g e d by this news.' He rose to his feet a n d t u r n e d to the other councillors. ' T h e r e is another w a y to save G o r t y n a . To save o u r people.' ' T h e n tell us,' said S e m p r o n i u s . ' I ' m sure we w o u l d all be d e l i g h t e d to discover the m e a n s to o u r salvation.' Polocrites i g n o r e d h i m steadfastly as he addressed his c o m p a n i o n s . ' A j a x m u s t k n o w that h e will lose m a n y h u n d r e d s o f his m e n , perhaps t h o u s a n d s , if he is f o r c e d to assault G o r t y n a . It m a y also take several days. All of w h i c h will dispirit his followers. E v e r y day they are forced to fight us will f e e d their b l o o d l u s t . T h e r e will be no m e r c y i f they take the city. W e will b e p u t t o the sword. O u r w o m e n will b e r a p e d a n d t o r t u r e d a n d o u r children butchered.' M a c r o n o d d e d . 'All the m o r e reason to fight to the last man.' ' N o , ' P o l o c r i t e s r e s p o n d e d sharply. 'All the m o r e reason to find a n o t h e r w a y o u t o f the peril w e are p l a c e d in.' H e c o n t i n u e d i n a crafty t o n e . ' W h a t i f w e w e r e t o offer t o h a n d over the R o m a n s t o A j a x ? If we w e r e to c o - o p e r a t e in p r o v i d i n g his hostages, t h e n surely h e w o u l d b e grateful t o the p e o p l e o f G o r t y n a for s p a r i n g his m e n the n e e d to assault t h e city, a n d saving the rebels the t i m e a n d effort of m o u n t i n g a siege.' P o l o c r i t e s p a u s e d briefly, then c o n c l u d e d , 'I think we c a n m a k e a separate p e a c e w i t h the rebels.' T h e r e was a n u n c o m f o r t a b l e silence b e f o r e M a c r o l a u g h e d . ' Y o u c h e e k y G r e e k bastard! F o r a m o m e n t there I t h o u g h t y o u w e r e serious.' P o l o c r i t e s t u r n e d to h i m w i t h a d e a d p a n expression. 'I am serious.' ' N o you're not.' M a c r o smiled. ' B e c a u s e i f y o u w e r e , that w o u l d m a k e y o u a dirty little b a c k - s t a b b i n g traitor. A n d if that was the case, then I'd have no c h o i c e b u t to cut y o u r throat a n d hurl y o u r worthless carcass over the city wall a n d into the ditch for the d o g s to feed on.' ' Y o u w o u l d n ' t dare,' P o l o c r i t e s said quietly. ' S o r r y ' M a c r o s h r u g g e d . 'Like I said, I'd have no c h o i c e . It'd be regrettable b u t necessary. I ' m sure y o u w o u l d u n d e r s t a n d . . . B u t since you're h a v i n g a j o k e w i t h us, a n d y o u really w o u l d n ' t even contemplate

d i s h o n o u r i n g y o u r s e l f in such

a

cowardly m a n n e r ,

there's n o h a r m d o n e . N o w , y o u ' v e h a d y o u r f u n . T h e r e ' s n o q u e s t i o n o f surrender, a n d n o q u e s t i o n o f n e g o t i a t i n g w i t h Ajax.' H e p a u s e d 215

and casually pulled o u t his dagger, and carefully e d g e d the p o i n t u n d e r a fingernail to dislodge s o m e dirt. 'I do have that right, don't I?' T h e councillors w a t c h e d Polocrites closely as the m a n stared at M a c r o a n d g a u g e d his chances o f e s c a p i n g the fate M a c r o h a d mentioned. ' I ' m sorry.' M a c r o l o o k e d u p f r o m his m a n i c u r e . ' D i d y o u say something?' 'No.' M a c r o f r o w n e d and slowly rose from his chair. 'I m e a n t yes.' P o l o c r i t e s b a c k e d off a step. 'Yes?' 'Yes,' Polocrites said hurriedly. 'I was j o k i n g . ' ' G o o d . ' M a c r o n o d d e d a n d carefully r e p l a c e d his dagger. 'That's that then.' 'Well,' S e m p r o n i u s cleared his throat uneasily, 'it s e e m s that we are a g r e e d on w h e r e we stand, g e n t l e m e n . It is i m p o r t a n t that we present a u n i t e d front to the defenders a n d p e o p l e of G o r t y n a . T h e r e will be no talk of n e g o t i a t i n g w i t h the enemy. It is o u r j o i n t resolve to d e f e n d the city, to the e n d if that is necessary. I trust that is u n d e r s t o o d by y o u all. N o w , on that n o t e of a g r e e m e n t , I am calling this m e e t i n g t o a n e n d . T h a n k y o u for y o u r attention, a n d y o u r c o n t i n u e d support.' H e b o w e d his h e a d a n d then indicated the door. Polocrites was the first to leave, s w e e p i n g past the others as he strode swiftly o u t o f the r o o m . T h e rest followed his lead, s o m e s h o o t i n g n e r v o u s glances in M a c r o ' s direction as they d e p a r t e d . W h e n the last of t h e m h a d g o n e , S e m p r o n i u s s i g h e d a n d s l u m p e d b a c k d o w n o n t o his chair. ' H a r d l y an inspiring display of unity.' ' N o , sir.' M a c r o c h e w e d his lip. ' B u t I think they'll k e e p their m o u t h s shut for a little while.' 'I h o p e so.' S e m p r o n i u s r u b b e d his t e m p l e a n d shut his eyes. 'It all c o m e s d o w n t o C a t o i n the e n d , doesn't it?' 'Yes, you're right.' M a c r o w e n t over to the w i n d o w a n d rested his hands on the frame as he stared o u t towards the m a i n c a m p of the rebels. 'I m e a n t w h a t I said a b o u t h i m b e i n g the best m a n for the j o b . T h e trouble is, b e i n g the best i s n o t e n o u g h s o m e t i m e s . He's p u s h e d his l u c k in the past a n d it w o n ' t last for ever.'

216

' D o n ' t w r i t e h i m off t o o quickly.' Julia's v o i c e c a r r i e d across the room. B o t h o f the m e n t u r n e d a n d saw h e r a t the d o o r . S h e stared a t M a c r o for a m o m e n t a n d then m a d e her way d o w n the gap b e t w e e n the b e n c h e s a n d sat on the o n e nearest her father's desk. ' I wasn't w r i t i n g h i m off,' M a c r o e x p l a i n e d . ' I ' m j u s t c o n c e r n e d for him.' 'We all are,' S e m p r o n i u s a d d e d . ' W i t h g o o d cause. I h o p e he w o n ' t let us d o w n . ' ' H e won't,' M a c r o said firmly. S e m p r o n i u s t u r n e d t o his daughter. ' W h a t b r i n g s y o u h e r e ? ' 'I c a m e to report on the day's f o o d consumption. Your guards said there was a m e e t i n g . I w a i t e d o u t s i d e until it was over.' 'I take it y o u heard everything.' ' M o s t o f it.' J u l i a n o d d e d . ' C a n ' t say I ' m very i m p r e s s e d w i t h the locals. W h a t d o y o u i n t e n d t o d o a b o u t t h e m , F a t h e r ? ' ' D o ? N o t h i n g . N o t unless they start m a k i n g trouble for us. I f that h a p p e n s , they can j o i n Glabius in the acropolis cells.' 'I'd have that m a n P o l o c r i t e s closely w a t c h e d if I w e r e you.' 'She's right,' said M a c r o . ' T h e man's trouble. M i g h t b e better t o l o c k h i m u p now, b e f o r e h e can spread any m o r e o f his p o i s o n . ' S e m p r o n i u s c o n s i d e r e d the s u g g e s t i o n for a m o m e n t b e f o r e he s h o o k his h e a d . 'We'll leave h i m be for now. I can't afford to be m a k i n g e n e m i e s inside the city w h e n we have a far greater d a n g e r to deal w i t h . We're already in e n o u g h peril. W h i c h is w h y I've c o m e to a decision.' He l e a n e d forward a n d l o o k e d steadily at his daughter. 'I w a n t y o u t o leave G o r t y n a . ' ' L e a v e ? ' J u l i a s h o o k her h e a d i n surprise. ' W h a t are y o u talking a b o u t ? I ' m staying here. W i t h you.' 'That's i m p o s s i b l e . It's t o o m u c h of a risk. T h e r e is a g o o d c h a n c e that A j a x a n d his a r m y will take G o r t y n a . If the city falls, I c o u l d n o t bear the t h o u g h t o f w h a t m i g h t h a p p e n t o you.' 'Father, it's n o t as if this is t h e first t i m e w e ' v e b e e n u n d e r siege.' ' N o , b u t last t i m e I h a d no o p t i o n . We were t r a p p e d in Palmyra. T h e r e is still t i m e for y o u to leave G o r t y n a a n d m a k e it to the n o r t h of the island. Y o u can wait there for news.' 'I will n o t go,' J u l i a replied firmly. 'I will stay by y o u r side. I will 217

wait for C a t o . A n d if the city falls, then I will die by my o w n h a n d b e f o r e any of the rebels can t o u c h m e . I swear it, Father.' S e m p r o n i u s l o o k e d p a i n e d a t her s u g g e s t i o n . H e stared a t h e r w h i l e he f o u g h t w i t h his fear for her safety. 'Julia. Y o u are my only child. Y o u are the m o s t i m p o r t a n t thing in my life. I c a n n o t let y o u r e m a i n here w h e r e y o u r life is in danger.' ' E r . . .' M a c r o shuffled awkwardly. ' W o u l d y o u like me to, ah, leave the r o o m ? ' ' N o , ' S e m p r o n i u s replied. 'Stay' J u l i a smiled fondly a n d r e a c h e d forward to take his hands. 'Father, I k n o w w h a t I m e a n to you.' ' N o y o u don't. N o child d o e s , n o t until they have children o f their own.' S h e r e t u r n e d his g a z e for a m o m e n t a n d s h o o k her h e a d sadly. 'I c a n n o t g o . I do n o t w a n t to leave y o u , a n d I m u s t be here w h e n C a t o returns.' H e l e a n e d wearily b a c k i n his chair. ' I have m a d e m y d e c i s i o n . Y o u will leave G o r t y n a . ' J u l i a glared at h i m , t h e n l o w e r e d her h e a d a n d stared at her hands. W h e n she s p o k e , there was n o h i d i n g the strain i n her v o i c e . W h e n d o y o u w i s h m e t o leave?' ' T o n i g h t . I suspect that A j a x will w a n t to cut the city off the m o m e n t h e realises that w e will n o t b e a g r e e i n g t o his d e m a n d s . I f y o u leave u n d e r cover o f darkness, y o u can p u t s o m e miles b e t w e e n y o u a n d G o r t y n a b e f o r e d a w n . I'll send a small escort w i t h you. The rebel scouts will miss y o u i f y o u g o quietly a n d h e a d n o r t h into the hills. M a k e for C n o s s o s . ' H e t u r n e d t o M a c r o . ' I w a n t y o u t o p i c k s o m e g o o d m e n t o escort m y d a u g h t e r f r o m the city.' 'Sir?' ' Y o u are to go w i t h t h e m until they have r e a c h e d a safe distance from

Gortyna. T h e n

you

can

return

here.' A

brief look

of

e m b a r r a s s m e n t crossed the senator's face. 'I k n o w there's a c h a n c e that y o u m i g h t have s o m e trouble getting b a c k , so I w o n ' t order y o u to do this. I ask it as a favour, to a friend.' ' D o n ' t worry, sir,' M a c r o replied firmly. ' I ' m h a p p y to do it. F o r y o u , and for Cato.' ' T h a n k you.' S e m p r o n i u s s t o o d u p a n d crossed the r o o m t o the

218

w i n d o w , w h e r e h e clasped M a c r o ' s a r m . 'You're a g o o d m a n . O n e o f the best.' 'I said I'd do it, sir. You don't have to go on a b o u t it.' S e m p r o n i u s l a u g h e d . 'Very well. G o now. T a k e y o u r p i c k o f the m e n , the best o f the horses a n d e n o u g h rations for the j o u r n e y . R e p o r t b a c k t o m e a s s o o n a s y o u return.' 'Yes, sir.' M a c r o n o d d e d , a n d S e m p r o n i u s released his a r m . As M a c r o m a d e for the d o o r , J u l i a s t e p p e d forward t o e m b r a c e her father. S e m p r o n i u s kissed the t o p o f her h e a d . H e held her tight for an instant a n d then let her g o . S h e t u r n e d away a n d h u r r i e d f r o m the r o o m without looking back. S e m p r o n i u s listened to the light patter of her sandals, s o o n lost u n d e r the harsh clatter o f M a c r o ' s nailed b o o t s , t h e n b o t h d i e d away as they left the b u i l d i n g . He t o o k a d e e p breath to c a l m the p a i n in his heart a n d g a z e d o u t towards the t w i n k l i n g sprawl of fires that m a r k e d the rebel c a m p s . ' C a t o , my boy,' he m u t t e r e d to himself, 'for pity's sake don't fail me now.'

219

CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE

A

s d a w n b r o k e , Yannis w o k e C a t o to p o i n t o u t a trailing c o l u m n o f s m o k e rising into the sky above the h o r i z o n . T o their right,

the E g y p t i a n coast was t w o miles off, l o w - l y i n g a n d almost feature-

less, apart f r o m the o c c a s i o n a l cluster of small huts a n d fishing boats. T h e y h a d b e e n sailing a l o n g the coast since p u t t i n g in briefly at D a r n i s t o take o n water. T h e r e w e r e n o roads a l o n g the coast a n d C a t o h a d b e e n advised t o c o n t i n u e the j o u r n e y b y sea. O n c e h e h a d l e a r n e d the r u d i m e n t s of sailing, C a t o a n d Yannis h a d taken it in turns to steer the fishing b o a t w h i l e the o t h e r R o m a n s did their best t o k e e p o u t o f the w a y i n t h e small, c r a m p e d a n d stinking craft. T h e w e a t h e r h a d b e e n fine a n d a westerly b r e e z e m e a n t that they m a d e g o o d t i m e . T h e r e h a d b e e n n o n e e d t o put i n t o l a n d each night after leaving D a r n i s since the m o o n h a d lit their way, sparkling dully off the sea. E v e n t h o u g h they h a d m a d e g o o d progress, C a t o was fretful, his m i n d constantly o c c u p i e d w i t h c o n c e r n for his friends b a c k in G o r t y n a . I n d e e d , h e h a d b e e n d o z i n g , t h i n k i n g o f J u l i a , w h e n Yannis h a d shaken his s h o u l d e r gently, and n o w the fisherman l o o k e d a m u s e d a s C a t o stirred, w o n d e r i n g w h a t h e h a d j u s t m u t t e r e d . 'Yes, w h a t is it?' 'We're in sight of the l i g h t h o u s e . I t h o u g h t y o u ' d w a n t to know.' C a t o s c r a m b l e d stiffly u p f r o m the side o f the b o a t a n d b a l a n c e d his feet against its m o t i o n as he s t o o d b e s i d e Yannis. He saw the c o l u m n of s m o k e at o n c e , a n d the faint g l e a m of a p o l i s h e d surface at its base. ' H o w far away are w e ? ' 'I've heard that it's possible to see the t o p of the l i g h t h o u s e f r o m twenty or thirty miles away. I've b e e n to A l e x a n d r i a a few times, w h e n I was a soldier. S e e that sparkle? That's a h u g e c u r v e d p i e c e of brass, regularly p o l i s h e d . By day it reflects the light of the sun, and at night the flames of the fire that b u r n s at the t o p of the tower.'

220

C a t o h a d read of the great l i g h t h o u s e at A l e x a n d r i a a n d felt a tingle o f e x c i t e m e n t a t the t h o u g h t o f s e e i n g s u c h a n architectural marvel. F r o m w h a t h e recalled, the l i g h t h o u s e was o n l y o n e o f the l a n d m a r k s of the city f o u n d e d by the greatest general in history. A l e x a n d r i a w a s also filled w i t h the m o s t brilliant m i n d s in the w o r l d , drawn to the vast collection of b o o k s in the G r e a t Library. If there was t i m e , C a t o firmly resolved to see s o m e t h i n g of the city. W i t h a full sail b u l g i n g u n d e r the pressure of a stiff b r e e z e , the fishing b o a t s u r g e d across the swell, a n d as the sun c l i m b e d into the sky, the o t h e r R o m a n s stirred a n d w a t c h e d the distant structure slowly crawl a b o v e the c u r v e o f the h o r i z o n . T h e h o u r s passed a n d C a t o p u l l e d on his felt cap a n d t i p p e d the fringe d o w n to shield his eyes f r o m t h e glare o f the sun. B y n o o n the p o r t itself was clearly visible, a n d b e y o n d , the vast e x p a n s e of the city. At the heart of A l e x a n d r i a w e r e the various c o m p l e x e s o f t e m p l e s , markets, palaces and the G r e a t Library, h u g e edifices w o r t h y of a city that h a d a p o p u l a t i o n almost a s great a s that o f R o m e . Yannis p o i n t e d o u t the t w o h a r b o u r s , the nearest o f w h i c h h a d t o b e a p p r o a c h e d cautiously d u e to the d a n g e r o u s shoals a n d rocks that lined its entrance. S c o r e s of ships lay at anchor, or m o o r e d to the quay, w h e r e a m u l t i t u d e of tiny figures l a d e n w i t h c a r g o toiled b e t w e e n the ships a n d the l o n g r o w o f w a r e h o u s e s that f a c e d the wharf. Yannis steered the b o a t a r o u n d P h a r o s island towards the s e c o n d , smaller harbour. It was only as they a p p r o a c h e d the l i g h t h o u s e built o n t o the e n d o f the island that C a t o fully appreciated the scale o f the structure, built on the orders of the s e c o n d Ptolemy. A vast square base w i t h walls a n d l o w towers served as the p l a t f o r m for the m a i n tower, w h i c h soared into the sky, over four h u n d r e d feet in height. T h e f i r s t level was square, p i e r c e d w i t h rows o f w i n d o w s . A b o v e i t was an e i g h t - s i d e d section l e a d i n g up to the final, smallest level, w h i c h was r o u n d . T h e f i r e was h o u s e d i n the u p p e r floors o f the highest level, a n d a b o v e that g l e a m e d the h u g e brass reflector. T h e r e was a tiny flurry of w h i t e specks swirling a b o u t the t o p of the l i g h t h o u s e as o n e of its k e e p e r s h u r l e d scraps of f o o d to the gulls. C a t o a n d the other R o m a n s w e r e s t u n n e d b y the b u i l d i n g . I n all their lives they h a d seen n o t h i n g to c o m p a r e to it, n o t even in R o m e , w i t h all its g r a n d buildings. Yannis l a u g h e d at their a w e d expressions.

221

' S o m e w h a t h u m b l i n g , isn't it? N o t so sure that R o m e is the centre o f the w o r l d any m o r e ? ' 'I h a d no idea it was as magnificent as this,' C a t o a d m i t t e d . ' H o w on earth c o u l d they have built it?' H e h a d b e e n raised w i t h the idea o f R o m a n o m n i p o t e n c e . R o m e was the greatest city, its p e o p l e the greatest race, a n d its g o d s w e r e the m o s t powerful. H e h a d n o t b e e n fool e n o u g h t o take this s m u g n e s s at face value, b u t he h a d travelled the e m p i r e f r o m B r i t a i n to Palmyra a n d seen n o t h i n g t o c o m p e t e w i t h the m a g n i f i c e n c e o f R o m e . U n t i l now. T h e b o a t passed the e n d of Pharos island a n d a short w h i l e later Yannis altered c o u r s e a n d h e a d e d into the p o r t that o p e n e d o u t b e y o n d the l i g h t h o u s e . T h e w i n d was n o w a b e a m the f i s h i n g b o a t , a n d it h e e l e d as Yannis a d j u s t e d his m a i n s h e e t s . T h e m a i n c o n c e n tration of s h i p p i n g was over to the right, a n d C a t o saw a fleet of large vessels h e a d i n g directly for them. Yannis altered c o u r s e to avoid them. ' T h e grain fleet,' h e e x p l a i n e d . C a t o n o d d e d a s h e e x a m i n e d the vessels m o r e closely. T h e y w e r e built like the Horus, b u t on a larger scale, w i t h h i g h sides that b u l g e d o u t w a r d s . A p u r p l e p e n n a n t r i p p l e d f r o m the t o p o f each mast. H e w a t c h e d t h e m as they sailed past w i t h a l m o s t stately g r a c e , as the faint swell h a d almost no effect on t h e m . E a c h vessel was filled w i t h grain destined for R o m e , w h e r e i t w o u l d feed the c o m m o n p e o p l e for the n e x t four m o n t h s w h i l e the fleet r e t u r n e d to A l e x a n d r i a for the n e x t c o n s i g n m e n t . E v e r since the E m p e r o r A u g u s t u s h a d finally a n n e x e d E g y p t a n d m a d e i t into a R o m a n p r o v i n c e , the fertile f i e l d s w a t e r e d b y the great river N i l e h a d b e c o m e t h e breadbasket o f R o m e . U n f o r t u n a t e l y the m o b h a d c o m e t o rely o n the free h a n d o u t , a n d successive e m p e r o r s h a d n o t dared t o p u t a n e n d t o the d o l e , n o m a t t e r h o w m u c h g o l d i t cost t h e m . T h e courses o f the fleet and the f i s h i n g b o a t diverged a s Yannis steered the craft towards a small p o r t at the base of the peninsula that p r o t e c t e d the harbour. A fleet of R o m a n warships lay at a n c h o r in the sheltered waters, a n d b e y o n d t h e m steps a n d r a m p s rose u p f r o m the sea towards a large palace c o m p l e x . 'That's the o l d royal port,' said Yannis. A n d the palaces built by the

222

P t o l e m i e s . E x c e p t for that b u i l d i n g to the right. That's the G r e a t Library.' C a t o l o o k e d towards the b u i l d i n g Yannis h a d m e n t i o n e d . H e had a s s u m e d that it was yet a n o t h e r palace, b u t n o w that he l o o k e d m o r e closely he c o u l d see a steady stream of p e o p l e m o v i n g in and o u t o f the vaulted entrance. M o r e w e r e visible o n the b a l c o n i e s on the u p p e r floors, s c a n n i n g racks of scrolls or talking in small groups. A s the f i s h i n g b o a t a p p r o a c h e d o n e o f the r a m p s that e m e r g e d from the sea, Yannis u n c l e a t e d the mainsheets a n d thrust t h e m into the hands o f t w o o f C a t o ' s m e n . 'Let t h e m g o the m o m e n t I say' H e j u d g e d the a p p r o a c h carefully, a n d w h e n the b o a t was n o m o r e than f i f t y feet f r o m the shore h e called o u t , ' N o w ' T h e sail flapped up and b i l l o w e d freely in the w i n d , a n d the fishing b o a t

rapidly lost w a y

through

the

water. J u s t b e f o r e

it

g r o u n d e d , Yannis h e a v e d on the s t e e r i n g oar a n d the craft s u r g e d r o u n d a n d b u m p e d gently o n the s t o n e r a m p a short distance b e l o w the surface. T h e i r arrival h a d b e e n n o t i c e d b y s o m e o f the sentries g u a r d i n g the steps up to the palace, a n d a section of l e g i o n a r i e s led b y a n o p t i o c a m e m a r c h i n g d o w n the r a m p . 'What's all this t h e n ? ' the o p t i o called o u t . ' Y o u g y p o s k n o w y o u ain't a l l o w e d to land here. O f f limits. M i l i t a r y only, so piss off.' C a t o felt his t e m p e r rise. After eight m o s t l y sleepless days of b e i n g c o n f i n e d to the small fishing b o a t , he was desperate to be on dry land again. He was a b o u t to tear a strip o f f the o p t i o for i n s u b o r d i n a t i o n w h e n he realised that he was so tired he was n o t t h i n k i n g clearly. H i s clothes, a n d t h o s e o f his m e n , w e r e grimy, a n d they h a d n o t shaved since leaving G o r t y n a . I t w a s n o w o n d e r the o p t i o h a d m i s t a k e n t h e m for c o m m o n f i s h e r m e n . ' W h a t are y o u w a i t i n g for?' T h e o p t i o f o l d e d his a r m s . ' G e t lost before I have the lads give y o u a g o o d hiding.' C a t o cleared his throat. ' A w o r d t o t h e wise, O p t i o . B e s t t o c h e c k the lie of the land b e f o r e y o u b l u n d e r into it. I ' m T r i b u n e Q u i n t u s Licinius C a t o , a n d these m e n are m y escort.' T h e optio's eyes n a r r o w e d a s h e scrutinised the b e d r a g g l e d m e n standing i n the b o a t . H e s h o o k his h e a d . ' B o l l o c k s y o u are.' C a t o r e a c h e d d o w n for his leather t u b e , p u l l e d the lid off and t o o k 223

o u t his letter o f c o m m i s s i o n , s i g n e d a n d sealed b y S e m p r o n i u s . ' H e r e . R e a d it.' T h e o p t i o g l a n c e d at the sea l a p p i n g a short distance from his b o o t s a n d s h o o k his h e a d . ' N o , y o u b r i n g i t here. J u s t y o u m i n d . T h o s e others stay in the b o a t for now.' C a t o eased h i m s e l f over the side and splashed d o w n into the k n e e - d e e p water. He s u r g e d ashore a n d thrust the letter at the o p t i o . T h e o t h e r m a n t o o k the d o c u m e n t , unrolled i t a n d s c a n n e d the contents for a m o m e n t b e f o r e he l o o k e d warily at C a t o . ' T r i b u n e Cato?' 'That's w h a t it says. I have to see L e g a t e Petronius i m m e d i a t e l y ' ' N o w j u s t wait a m i n u t e , sir. W h a t is g o i n g o n ? ' C a t o fixed h i m w i t h a firm stare a n d there was iron in his t o n e w h e n he replied. ' O p t i o , do I really have to explain m y s e l f to y o u ? ' T h e o p t i o c h e w e d his lip a m o m e n t a n d t h e n saluted. 'Sorry, sir. I am at your command.' 'That's better. N o w , I w a n t m y m e n fed a n d rested. H a v e y o u r section l o o k after them. You will take me to the legate.' T h e o p t i o n o d d e d , then detailed his c o m p a n i o n s t o help secure the b o a t and escort the arrivals to the garrison's barracks. He t u r n e d b a c k t o C a t o a n d b o w e d his h e a d . 'If y o u ' d follow m e , sir.' H e led C a t o u p the r a m p and t h r o u g h a t o w e r i n g arch d e c o r a t e d w i t h a frieze of E g y p t i a n deities. On the far side was a large courtyard w i t h a n elegant c o l o n n a d e r u n n i n g a r o u n d three sides. O p p o s i t e the arch, a h u n d r e d p a c e s away, a w i d e flight of steps rose up to the entrance o f the m a i n palace. A section o f l e g i o n a r i e s s t o o d outside, shields a n d javelins g r o u n d e d as they t o o k their w a t c h in the blazing sunshine. A n o t h e r arch to the right o p e n e d o u t on to a b u s y t h o r o u g h f a r e o f c o n s i d e r a b l e breadth that was t h r o n g e d w i t h p e o p l e a n d p a c k animals. T h e din o f the street was partly m u t e d b y the c o l o n n a d e , but

even

so, the

hubbub

of a

teeming population

reminded Cato of R o m e . T h e optio t u r n e d to h i m as they strode across the courtyard, smiling at the w o b b l y gait of the tribune. ' B e e n at sea a few days then, sir?' Cato nodded. ' M i n d telling m e w h a t y o u and y o u r lads w e r e d o i n g i n a f i s h i n g boat?'

224

'Yes.' ' O h ? ' T h e o p t i o was p u z z l e d for a n instant b e f o r e h e g o t the p o i n t . H e c l a m p e d his m o u t h shut a n d they c o n t i n u e d i n silence, c l i m b i n g the dazzling w h i t e steps towards the palace entrance. T h e sentries a d v a n c e d their javelins in salute as the o p t i o passed, a n d tried to l o o k straight a h e a d and n o t pay any attention to the b e d r a g g l e d m a n , r e e k i n g o f fish, w h o a c c o m p a n i e d h i m . Inside the e n t r a n c e was a large hall, filled w i t h petitioners w a i t i n g for their c h a n c e to p u t their g r i e v a n c e s to the legate or o n e of his officials. At the e n d of the hall was a large doorway, flanked by eight m o r e l e g i o n a r i e s . A table s t o o d in front of the d o o r s , seated at w h i c h was a c e n t u r i o n in a light tunic. H i s v i n e cane lay i n front o f h i m . H e was r e a d i n g t h r o u g h o n e o f the petitions w h e n the o p t i o a n d C a t o a p p r o a c h e d the desk. 'Yes?' h e said w i t h o u t l o o k i n g up. T h e o p t i o s t o o d t o attention. ' B e g t o r e p o r t the arrival o f T r i b u n e Quintus L i c i n i u s C a t o , sir.' 'Yes, j u s t wait a m o m e n t , ' the c e n t u r i o n m u t t e r e d automatically, b e f o r e h e realised w h a t h a d b e e n said. H e l o o k e d up, g l a n c e d a t the o p t i o a n d t h e n s w i t c h e d his g a z e to C a t o . ' H i m - a t r i b u n e ? W h a t n o n s e n s e is this?' 'It's true, sir. H e s h o w e d m e his letter o f a p p o i n t m e n t . ' ' D i d he? L e t m e see.' C a t o impatiently p r o d u c e d the d o c u m e n t again. T h e c e n t u r i o n read carefully t h r o u g h it, then e x a m i n e d the seal closely b e f o r e he puffed his c h e e k s o u t a n d finally r e t u r n e d it to C a t o . ' S e e m s g e n u i n e . W h a t b r i n g s y o u here, T r i b u n e ? S h i p w r e c k a n d rescue by a fishing b o a t f r o m the smell of it.' 'I am here to see the legate, on a m a t t e r of the gravest i m p o r t a n c e . I have b e e n sent by S e n a t o r S e m p r o n i u s , acting g o v e r n o r of Crete.' ' Y o u w a n t t o see the l e g a t e ? ' 'At once.' 'That's tricky, sir. H e ' s in his private bath suite. Left orders that he was n o t t o b e disturbed.' 'That's t o o b a d . I have to speak w i t h h i m n o w ' T h e c e n t u r i o n w e i g h e d u p his orders against C a t o ' s o b v i o u s i m p a t i e n c e , a n d n o d d e d . 'Very well, sir. O p t i o , take h i m up to the r o o f g a r d e n . Legate's private baths.' 225

'Yes, sir.' T h e o p t i o saluted and gestured to C a t o to follow h i m as the c e n t u r i o n returned to his petitions, w o r k i n g o u t w h i c h ones m i g h t provide h i m w i t h the best chance of e a r n i n g a hefty b r i b e . T h e sentries o p e n e d the d o o r s t o admit C a t o and the optio, and o n the far side they entered an inner hall. C o r r i d o r s stretched away to the right and left, and directly a h e a d a staircase led up into the sunlight. C a t o followed the o p t i o a s h e m o u n t e d the steps. T h e y e m e r g e d o n to a w i d e - o p e n space flanked by tall walls. T h e s o u n d s of the city were muffled and c o m p e t e d w i t h the light splash of fountains. Palms g r e w in geometrically a r r a n g e d flower beds and p r o v i d e d occasional shade over the paved walkways that bisected the r o o f garden. Against the far wall C a t o c o u l d see a suite of buildings a n d the s h i m m e r of a p l u n g e p o o l . S m o k e wafted up f r o m the furnace that p r o v i d e d the heat for the steam and h o t r o o m s of the legate's private bath suite. As they a p p r o a c h e d the p o o l , C a t o saw that a small party of m e n was sitting in the water chatting idly. T w o m o r e lay on c u s h i o n e d b e n c h e s as slave masseurs w o r k e d on their b a c k s , g l e a m i n g w i t h s c e n t e d oil. 'What's this?' o n e o f the m e n called o u t a s h e saw C a t o a n d the o p t i o striding towards the p o o l . 'We have visitors! L e g a t e , o n e o f the m e n has f o u n d h i m s e l f a tramp.' T h e r e was s o m e laughter a n d the officers l o o k e d r o u n d c u r i o u s l y a s the o p t i o halted a n d s t o o d t o attention, saluting o n e o f the m e n b e i n g m a s s a g e d . 'Sir, b e g t o report that T r i b u n e C a t o wishes t o speak to you.' T h e legate rolled his h e a d r o u n d towards the o p t i o , and a b r i e f flicker of anxiety flitted over his face as he l o o k e d at C a t o . ' T r i b u n e C a t o ? N e v e r heard o f h i m . A r e y o u his slave? Tell y o u r master t o m a k e a n a p p o i n t m e n t t o see m e t h r o u g h the usual channels. T h a t is, via m y clerks' office. N o w go.' C a t o s t o o d his g r o u n d w i t h a d e t e r m i n e d expression. 'I am T r i b u n e Cato.' ' Y o u , a tribune? I don't believe it.' ' I have already p r e s e n t e d m y written a u t h o r i t y t o t w o o f y o u r officers. I can p r o d u c e it again, if y o u wish.' 'Later. First, tell me w h a t a t r i b u n e is d o i n g in A l e x a n d r i a . W h o sent y o u ? N a r c i s s u s ? ' 226

C a t o c o u l d not help smiling a t m e n t i o n o f the emperor's private secretary. A s i d e f r o m b e i n g Claudius's personal adviser, Narcissus also ran a f o r m i d a b l e n e t w o r k of spies a n d assassins to p r o t e c t his master. 'I haven't c o m e f r o m R o m e , sir. I sailed here f r o m Crete.' Petronius's n o s e w r i n k l e d . ' Y o u stink of rotting fish.' ' A f i s h i n g b o a t was all that c o u l d b e f o u n d t o b r i n g m e here. N o w send these p e o p l e away, L e g a t e Petronius. We m u s t talk.' ' S e n d t h e m away? H o w dare y o u ? ' 'I m u s t speak w i t h y o u a l o n e , on a vital matter. I have b e e n sent here o n the orders o f the acting g o v e r n o r o f Crete.' ' A c t i n g g o v e r n o r ? H a s that fool Hirtius b e e n replaced?' 'Hirtius is d e a d , a l o n g w i t h the m a j o r i t y of the senior officials of the province.' ' D e a d ? ' T h e legate p u s h e d the m a s s e u r away a n d rolled r o u n d t o sit o n the b e n c h facing C a t o . ' H o w ? ' ' T h e r e was a n e a r t h q u a k e o n the island. H e was entertaining his officials a n d local dignitaries w h e n i t struck. M u c h o f the palace collapsed, b u r y i n g Hirtius a n d his guests.' ' E a r t h q u a k e ? ' T h e legate raised his eyebrows. ' T h e r e have b e e n r u m o u r s in the city a b o u t C r e t e b e i n g destroyed by a giant wave.' ' T h e island's still there. B u t there was a wave, a n d b e t w e e n it a n d the e a r t h q u a k e nearly every city a n d t o w n has b e e n r e d u c e d to ruins.' 'So who's in charge n o w ? ' ' S e n a t o r L u c i u s S e m p r o n i u s . W e w e r e travelling t o g e t h e r w h e n the wave struck. T h e ship was forced to h e a d for the nearest p o r t , a n d that's w h e n w e l e a r n e d that the disaster h a d struck the island. H e t o o k c h a r g e o f the situation.' ' S e m p r o n i u s ? ' the legate m u s e d . ' I k n e w h i m o n c e . A fine officer. S o he's taken charge i n C r e t e ? Well, g o o d for h i m . B u t forgive m e , h o w can I be certain that y o u speak the truth? Y o u ' v e j u s t w a s h e d up f r o m the sea w i t h s o m e fanciful tale of disaster. W h y s h o u l d I believe you?' C a t o t o o k the r i n g from the leather t u b e a r o u n d his n e c k a n d h a n d e d it to Petronius. ' T h e r e , r e c o g n i s e the crest?' Petronius held it up a n d e x a m i n e d the design, a wolf's h e a d over 227

crossed forks o f lightning. H e n o d d e d . 'It b e l o n g s t o S e m p r o n i u s . All right then, w h y has he sent y o u h e r e ? ' C a t o l o o k e d meaningfully a t the other guests, all o f w h o m had b e e n listening to the p r e c e d i n g conversation in avid silence. 'Sir, I really m u s t insist on s p e a k i n g to y o u alone.' ' A l o n e , e h ? ' Petronius stared at C a t o for a m o m e n t b e f o r e he c l a p p e d his hands. ' O u t ! L e a v e us! At once.' H i s officers a n d other guests hurriedly c l i m b e d o u t o f the p o o l and, p i c k i n g

up

their

robes

from

the

benches

and

seats

that

s u r r o u n d e d it, m a d e off towards the far c o r n e r o f the g a r d e n , w h e r e a terrace o v e r l o o k e d the harbour. O n c e the last o f t h e m was o u t o f earshot, the legate w a v e d the o p t i o away. ' S t a n d over there, at the e n d of the p o o l . If I call for y o u , c o m e running.' 'Yes, sir.' T h e o p t i o saluted a n d strode away. C a t o c o u l d n o t help a small smile at the legate's p r e c a u t i o n . 'I h a d no idea that b e i n g the L e g a t e of E g y p t was such a d a n g e r o u s job.' 'A m a n in my p o s i t i o n m u s t always be cautious,' Petronius sighed. ' E g y p t is an i m p e r i a l p r o v i n c e . T h e legate is a p p o i n t e d by the e m p e r o r in p e r s o n . T h e r e f o r e he is always the target of envious senators, a n d at the s a m e t i m e he is in grave d a n g e r of d i s a p p o i n t i n g the e m p e r o r , a n d y o u k n o w h o w that ends.' 'Indeed.' 'So,' Petronius t o o k his linen tunic f r o m the e n d o f the m a s s a g e c o u c h a n d p u l l e d it over his h e a d , 'what d o e s S e n a t o r S e m p r o n i u s w a n t o f m e ? E m e r g e n c y supplies, s o m e e n g i n e e r s t o help w i t h the clear-up?' ' T h o s e w o u l d be w e l c o m e , sir, b u t the situation is rather m o r e serious than that. T h e r e is a full-scale slave rebellion in C r e t e . F o r the m o m e n t it is c o n f i n e d to the s o u t h e r n half of the island, b u t w e ' v e lost control of things. T h e slaves have w i p e d o u t the force sent to deal w i t h t h e m , a n d the r e m a i n i n g soldiers and officials are b o t t l e d up in a handful of cities a n d towns.' ' S o u n d s bad.' Petronius stroked his chin a n d l o o k e d at C a t o shrewdly. 'I i m a g i n e y o u are a b o u t to ask me for s o m e m e n to help p u t these rebels d o w n . ' C a t o nodded. The t i m e to deploy his persuasive skills was on h i m ,

228

yet his b o d y was still c o p i n g w i t h the g i d d y effect of so m a n y days at sea a n d his m i n d was dull w i t h fatigue. H e o p e n e d the t o p o f the leather t u b e a n d extracted the s e c o n d scroll f r o m inside. ' T h i s is f r o m the governor.' H e h a n d e d the letter t o Petronius, w h o b r o k e the seal a n d o p e n e d it. B e f o r e he b e g a n to read he g l a n c e d at C a t o . 'I e x p e c t y o u c o u l d use a d r i n k ? S o m e t h i n g to eat?' 'Yes, sir.' Petronius indicated the tables vacated by his officers. Several platters of fruit and delicacies lay half eaten, together w i t h silver j u g s of w i n e . 'Sit over there a n d help y o u r s e l f w h i l e I read this.' ' T h a n k you.' C a t o w a l k e d over a n d h e l p e d h i m s e l f t o

some

grapes a n d o r a n g e s , relishing the taste after days of c h e w i n g d r i e d fish a n d hard b a k e d bread. He sat d o w n on a c u s h i o n e d stool a n d p o u r e d h i m s e l f a c u p of the w a t e r e d w i n e , sipping it as Petronius read t h r o u g h the b r i e f report o n the situation i n C r e t e . A t l e n g t h the legate rolled the papyrus u p a n d strode over t o j o i n C a t o , sitting d o w n o p p o s i t e h i m a n d p o u r i n g a c u p o f w i n e for himself. 'I always find that a m a s s a g e leaves me feeling thirsty.' He smiled. 'In fact a l m o s t anything o n e d o e s in E g y p t m a k e s a p e r s o n thirsty. At least the climate is bearable here in A l e x a n d r i a . B u t further d o w n the N i l e it gets unbearably h o t , a n d almost n o t h i n g lives in the deserts on either side. Y o u have i t g o o d i n Crete.' H e s t o p p e d a n d t a p p e d the scroll. 'At least y o u did.' ' C a n ' t say I've b e e n there l o n g e n o u g h t o notice,' C a t o replied. 'It was o u r b a d l u c k to be sailing past t h e island w h e n the e a r t h q u a k e struck.' ' U n l u c k y for y o u m a y b e . L u c k y for C r e t e that such h i g h - r a n k i n g officials j u s t h a p p e n e d to be on the s c e n e to take charge.' 'I

suppose,'

Cato

said

carefully

So

far

the

legate

had

not

q u e s t i o n e d his rank, and it was necessary to c o n v i n c e h i m to c o m e to S e m p r o n i u s ' s aid b e f o r e his m i n d was c l o u d e d over the q u e s t i o n able status of C a t o ' s elevation to the rank of tribune. ' S e m p r o n i u s m e n t i o n s the n e e d for military s u p p o r t b u t d o e s n o t say h o w m a n y m e n h e requires. D o y o u k n o w w h a t h e has in mind?' 'Yes, sir.' C a t o t o o k a d e e p breath. T h e senator a n d his t w o senior 229

officers h a d carefully c o n s i d e r e d the forces r e q u i r e d to guarantee v i c t o r y over the rebels. ' O n e l e g i o n , t w o c o h o r t s o f auxiliary infantry a n d t w o c o h o r t s of cavalry, as well as a s q u a d r o n of warships to p r o v i d e transport a n d s u p p o r t any coastal operations.' Petronius stared at h i m , then l a u g h e d . 'You can't be serious. That's nearly half the g a r r i s o n of this p r o v i n c e . We're thinly stretched as it is.' ' B u t you're n o t e n g a g e d in any c a m p a i g n s at the m o m e n t ? ' ' N o , ' Petronius a d m i t t e d . ' A n d are there any uprisings to c o n t a i n ? ' ' N o . B u t that's b e c a u s e I have e n o u g h m e n to k e e p the locals in their place, a n d the desert Arabs at bay' 'I u n d e r s t a n d that, sir, b u t S e m p r o n i u s will only n e e d the u s e of y o u r forces w h i l e h e puts d o w n the slave revolt. A s s o o n a s A j a x — ' 'Ajax?' ' T h e leader of the slaves, sir. A gladiator. As s o o n as he is crushed, the forces can return to E g y p t at o n c e . T h e g o v e r n o r gives his w o r d on that.' 'That's reassuring.' Petronius t o o k a n e x a s p e r a t e d breath. ' L o o k here, T r i b u n e , I ' m h a p p y to do w h a t I can to help o u t in a n o t h e r p r o v i n c e , b u t w h a t S e m p r o n i u s asks is i m p o s s i b l e . I have t w o l e g i o n s here. The T w e n t y - S e c o n d is d o w n at Heliopolis. The T h i r d C y r e n a i c a is dispersed a l o n g the coast, a n d my auxiliaries are g a r r i s o n i n g t o w n s across the delta. It w o u l d take s o m e days, m o n t h s even, b e f o r e I c o u l d c o n c e n t r a t e such a n a r m y a s S e m p r o n i u s requires. B y t h e n y o u r revolt will probably have fizzled out.' 'I d o u b t that,' C a t o r e s p o n d e d . 'It is g r o w i n g in strength every day. Sir, I can see y o u don't grasp h o w critical the situation is. T h e slaves slaughtered o n e t h o u s a n d o f o u r m e n i n a single attack. S o m e h o w A j a x has m a n a g e d to fashion an a r m y o u t of t h e m , a n d I fear he has a m b i t i o n s to free every slave on the island.' ' T h e n let R o m e deal w i t h it. If the situation is that critical, then the e m p e r o r will n e e d to assemble an a r m y to p u t the rebellion down.' ' B u t h e w o n ' t have t o i f w e act n o w ' C a t o p a u s e d and d e c i d e d t o try a n e w tack. 'Sir, if y o u fail to send help to S e m p r o n i u s , then C r e t e will be lost. As y o u say, it will require a large army, a n d perhaps years

230

to recover t h e island a n d s t a m p o u t every last nest of rebels. T h e cost to the e m p e r o r will be vast. B u t w h a t if he realises that the revolt c o u l d have b e e n c r u s h e d if forces h a d b e e n available to intervene earlier? Y o u said it yourself: b e i n g the emperor's m a n in E g y p t is a tricky business. If y o u fail to act now, y o u are sure to disappoint the e m p e r o r , a n d , as y o u say, we k n o w h o w that ends.' Petronius glared b a c k . 'Are y o u threatening t o blackmail m e ? ' ' N o , sir. N e i t h e r

I

nor

S e m p r o n i u s will

have

to. T h e

lost

o p p o r t u n i t y will b e apparent t o everyone, a n d sadly the m o b d o e s like to have s o m e o n e to b l a m e w h e n e v e r there is b a d news.' C a t o p a u s e d a m o m e n t . ' A c t n o w a n d y o u c o u l d e m e r g e a s the m a n w h o saved Crete.' T h e legate sat b a c k and f o l d e d his a r m s . ' A n d w h a t if I so d e n u d e E g y p t of forces that a rebellion breaks o u t here in my a b s e n c e a n d w e lose this province? H o w d o y o u think the m o b will react t o that, Tribune?' ' T h a t i s a r e m o t e possibility,' C a t o c o n c e d e d . ' B u t y o u have g o o d order here at the m o m e n t . It's n o t likely to happen.' ' B u t if it d i d ? ' ' T h e n y o u are d e a d either way, sir. T h e best thing to do is save C r e t e , a n d save it quickly, then have y o u r m e n return to Alexandria.' ' Y o u m a k e i t s o u n d s o easy' 'I am m e r e l y stating y o u r o p t i o n s as I see t h e m , sir.' Petronius s t o o d u p a n d w a l k e d slowly a r o u n d the p o o l , h e a d b e n t i n t h o u g h t , hands clasped b e h i n d his b a c k . B y the t i m e h e r e t u r n e d to the table, his m i n d was clearly m a d e up. 'I can't leave E g y p t . If anything h a p p e n e d i n m y a b s e n c e , the e m p e r o r w o u l d have m y balls for breakfast. A n d I ' m n o t p r e p a r e d to give y o u all the forces y o u ask for. So let's c o m p r o m i s e , T r i b u n e . I have eight c o h o r t s of the T h i r d L e g i o n here, w i t h an auxiliary a n d cavalry c o h o r t in a c a m p twenty miles f r o m the city. If I k e e p t w o of the l e g i o n a r y c o h o r t s in A l e x a n d r i a I s h o u l d be able to m a i n t a i n order. As for the o t h e r units, I will have to shift m e n a r o u n d the delta r e g i o n , b u t it s h o u l d be possible t o m a n a g e . That's m y offer then. S i x c o h o r t s o f l e g i o n a r i e s , and o n e e a c h of cavalry and auxiliaries. In a d d i t i o n to the naval s q u a d r o n . T a k e it or leave it.' C a t o c o n s i d e r e d . W o u l d t w o a n d a half t h o u s a n d l e g i o n a r i e s a n d 231

a t h o u s a n d auxiliaries be sufficient to destroy A j a x and his a r m y of slaves? T h e r e was no q u e s t i o n that quantity was no substitute for quality and the heavily a r m e d legionaries c o u l d carve a path t h r o u g h the p o o r l y e q u i p p e d ranks o f the slaves. E v e n so, they w o u l d b e massively o u t n u m b e r e d . T h e r e was little p o i n t in c o m m i t t i n g a force that lacked the strength to see the task t h r o u g h . On the other hand, if S e m p r o n i u s c o u l d strike quickly e n o u g h , he m i g h t inflict a v i c t o r y on the rebels b e f o r e they g r e w t o o established. C a t o cleared his throat. ' T h a t is a g e n e r o u s offer, sir. I am sure S e n a t o r S e m p r o n i u s will be eternally grateful to you.' ' B o l l o c k s to S e m p r o n i u s . I j u s t w a n t Narcissus kept off my b a c k . N o w , if that's a g r e e d , I s u g g e s t y o u get s o m e rest. M a k e sure y o u have a l o n g bath a n d a g o o d shave w h i l e y o u are at it. I'll give the orders for my forces to c o n c e n t r a t e in A l e x a n d r i a . I suspect my staff officers are g o i n g to be kept b u s y over the n e x t few days. That's no b a d thing. D o t h e m g o o d t o get b a c k t o s o m e s o l d i e r i n g for a change.' 'Yes, sir.' C a t o felt as if a great b u r d e n h a d b e e n lifted from his shoulders. ' T h a n k you.' ' D o n ' t thank m e . N o t yet. I don't think any of us can rest easy until that gladiator is c a p t u r e d and nailed to a cross.'

232

CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO

T

he first attack on G o r t y n a t o o k place only a few h o u r s after A j a x r e t u r n e d to his c a m p . H i s closest c o m r a d e s had never seen h i m

so a n g r y as he swept past his b o d y g u a r d s and into the half-ruined f a r m h o u s e that he h a d c h o s e n for his h e a d q u a r t e r s . He tore o f f his cloak, a n d h u r l e d i t t o o n e side a s h e m a d e for the j u g o f w i n e and hunks of b r e a d a n d cheese that h a d b e e n left o u t for his supper. T h e r e were s o m e o f his m e n w h o m a d e every effort t o enjoy the finest foods that they h a d b e e n able to l o o t f r o m the wealthy villas that the slave

army

had

sacked.

Ajax

did

not

begrudge

them

such

i n d u l g e n c e s . After a life of servitude, they had every right to taste f r e e d o m in all its f o r m s . He preferred a s i m p l e diet, o n e that w o u l d feed his b o d y a n d n o t spoil it, a n d he m a d e no secret of his plain fare, k n o w i n g that it w o u l d b i n d his followers closer to h i m . N o w h e f o r c e d h i m s e l f t o sit d o w n a t the table and p o u r h i m s e l f a c u p of w i n e . He drank it deliberately a n d then p o u r e d a n o t h e r a n d d i p p e d his b r e a d in b e f o r e c h e w i n g it methodically, staring at the cracked wall i n front o f h i m . T h e o w n e r o f the f a r m h a d o b v i o u s l y b e e n a m a n of s o m e wealth, b u t l i m i t e d taste. T h e walls of this, his d i n i n g r o o m , h a d b e e n c o v e r e d w i t h murals d e p i c t i n g a bacchanal orgy. D i r e c t l y in front of A j a x was an i m a g e of a pair of gladiators, a secutor like A j a x himself, in a w a r y c r o u c h as he faced a n e t - w i e l d i n g retiarius. A r r a n g e d a r o u n d t h e m w e r e the guests, d r i n k i n g a n d g o r g i n g a n d l a u g h i n g a s they u r g e d the gladiators o n . O n e o f the w o m e n , heavily m a d e up, was h o l d i n g the penis of a m a n as she w a t c h e d the fight w i t h an e x c i t e d expression. In the centre of the party sat the host, a fat, j o l l y bald m a n w e a r i n g a leaf c r o w n a w r y on his shining pate as he raised a c u p in the air, filled to overflowing. 'Bastards!' A j a x roared, snatching up the j u g and hurling it against the wall w i t h all his m i g h t . T h e j u g e x p l o d e d , s e n d i n g shards o f 233

p o t t e r y and j e t s o f w i n e i n all directions. T h e m u r a l was instantly covered in dark liquid that ran d o w n the wall so that the i m a g e s w e r e distorted by a red film. Ajax's heart was p o u n d i n g as he stared at the wall w i t h w i d e , terrifying eyes. B e h i n d h i m there was a creak as the d o o r s w u n g on its h i n g e s . ' G e n e r a l ? A r e y o u all r i g h t ? ' C h i l o asked anxiously. T h e r e was a p a u s e as he saw the r e m a i n s of the j u g a n d the w i n e on the wall. 'General?' F o r a m o m e n t A j a x r e m a i n e d still, fighting b a c k the r a g e that b u r n e d in his heart. T h e m e m o r y of his slavery was still like an o p e n w o u n d , and above all t h o u g h t o f the indignities a n d p a i n that h e h a d suffered was the i m a g e o f C e n t u r i o n M a c r o , o n e o f those responsible for the crucifixion o f his father, a n d the cause o f A j a x b e i n g sold into slavery. M a c r o , and that o t h e r o n e , the tall, thin officer his o w n a g e , a n d the legate w h o h a d c o m m a n d e d t h e m , Vespasian. E v e n i f the others w e r e b e y o n d his reach, serving elsewhere in the a c c u r s e d e m p i r e o f R o m e , M a c r o w a s a t h a n d , and a t his mercy. A j a x m u t t e r e d an o a t h to every g o d he h e l d sacred that he w o u l d avenge his father, h e w o u l d avenge h i m s e l f a n d h e w o u l d m a k e sure that M a c r o was m a d e t o suffer every t o r m e n t that c o u l d b e c o n c e i v e d b e f o r e h e was allowed to die. C h i l o c o u g h e d . ' G e n e r a l ? Is there anything I can d o ? ' Ajax

sucked

in

a

deep

breath

and

turned

round.

Chilo

c o m m a n d e d the best m e n o f the slave army. T h e y h a d b e e n e q u i p p e d w i t h the p i c k o f the c a p t u r e d a r m o u r a n d w e a p o n s . 'Yes. S u m m o n y o u r m e n . H a v e t h e m f o r m e d up. W e have s o m e ladders, I recall.' 'Yes, G e n e r a l , s o m e , b u t they are in sections a n d will n e e d to be securely lashed t o g e t h e r b e f o r e w e can use t h e m o n the walls o f Gortyna.' ' T h e n see to it. At o n c e . We will attack as s o o n as they are ready' ' A t t a c k ? ' C h i l o c o u l d n o t h i d e his a s t o n i s h m e n t . T h e o p e n n e s s o f his character was o n e o f the reasons A j a x h a d c h o s e n h i m t o b e o n e o f his closest c o m r a d e s . H e c o u l d n o t h i d e anything from his general, especially any sign of d o u b t or treachery. ' B u t G e n e r a l , the m e n have m a r c h e d m o s t o f t h e day. T h e y will be settling in for the night.' 'That's t o o b a d . B e s i d e s , the R o m a n s will have seen u s m a k e

234

c a m p . T h e y w o n ' t b e e x p e c t i n g any attack s o s o o n after w e have arrived. That's w h y w e m u s t d o it. T o catch t h e m unawares.' A j a x t h o u g h t a m o m e n t . 'We'll m a k e for that section close to the m a i n gate. It's b e e n repaired, b u t it l o o k s w e a k , a n d they haven't b e e n able to raise it b a c k up to the level of the rest of the wall.' He n o d d e d to himself. 'Yes. We'll attack there, o u t of the darkness.' T h e g l e a m i n g helmets o f the sentries w e r e clearly visible b y the light of the flames flickering a l o n g the wall as A j a x thrust his h a n d up to halt the c o l u m n b e h i n d h i m . C h i l o r e p e a t e d the gesture a n d the m e n drew up, still a n d silent as s h a d o w s . A j a x h a d o r d e r e d t h e m to leave all u n n e c e s s a r y kit b a c k at the c a m p , a n d anything that m i g h t m a k e a noise that w o u l d give t h e m away. H a l f a mile b a c k , the m u c h larger war b a n d of K h a r i m s t o o d ready to c h a r g e in if a b r e a c h was s e c u r e d , o r the g a t e h o u s e seized. H i s m e n w e r e a r m e d w i t h a n a s s o r t m e n t o f w e a p o n s a n d c a r r i e d little o r n o p r o t e c t i o n . B u t their hearts w e r e filled w i t h d e t e r m i n a t i o n to t h r o w themselves at their e n e m y if the chance came. Chilo's m e n w e r e barefoot a n d w o r e scale a r m o u r a n d helmets. T h e y c a r r i e d shields a n d spears w i t h d a g g e r s thrust into their s w o r d belts. A j a x w a v e d his h a n d a n d the m e n gently eased their shields d o w n a n d c r o u c h e d beside t h e m . A j a x l o w e r e d his o w n shield and spear to the g r o u n d and r e m o v e d his h e l m e t , softly o r d e r i n g C h i l o to do the s a m e . H e g e s t u r e d t o C h i l o t o a c c o m p a n y h i m a n d they crept towards the walls, no m o r e than a h u n d r e d p a c e s away. T h e y k e p t l o w a n d m o v e d slowly, e d g i n g towards the g l o w cast b y the light o f the torches u p o n the w a l l . T h e g a t e h o u s e was j u s t t o their right, a n d the flames of a brazier m o u n t e d on the squat tower over the gate flared into the night, occasionally s e n d i n g up small swirls of b r i g h t sparks that q u i c k l y flickered and died. A j a x was k e e n to get as close to the wall as he c o u l d to see w h e r e the repaired section l o o k e d weakest. If they c o u l d r u s h the wall a n d b r e a k i n t o the city, then the g a t e h o u s e c o u l d b e q u i c k l y taken a n d the gates o p e n e d for K h a r i m a n d his m e n to finish the j o b . He was a b o u t to creep further forward for a closer inspection o f the defences w h e n C h i l o suddenly seized his a r m and held h i m b a c k .

235

' W h a t ? ' A j a x hissed fiercely as he g l a n c e d r o u n d . ' L o o k there.' C h i l o released his g r i p a n d p o i n t e d into the grass t w o feet a h e a d o f t h e m . A t f i r s t A j a x c o u l d see n o t h i n g o u t o f the ordinary, and then he s p o t t e d it, a dark spike, unnaturally straight a n d unlike

the blades

o f grass

s u r r o u n d i n g it. H e

r e a c h e d forward

cautiously and felt the o b j e c t . C o l d metal. H e p i c k e d i t u p and d r e w it b a c k for a closer l o o k . He was h o l d i n g the o b j e c t by o n e of four p r o n g s , each the l e n g t h of his finger a n d e n d i n g in a sharp spike. 'Very clever, o u r R o m a n friends,' h e w h i s p e r e d . ' T h e y ' v e s o w n the a p p r o a c h e s w i t h these . . . things. T h e y ' d b r e a k a c h a r g e beautifully' He stared at it a m o m e n t and then tossed it to o n e side. 'We have to clear a path b e f o r e we b r i n g the m e n forward.' C h i l o n o d d e d , then s u d d e n l y froze, straining his ears. H e t u r n e d his h e a d to the right a n d p o i n t e d . ' T h e r e . ' A j a x squinted in the direction indicated a n d saw a dark figure b a c k i n g away f r o m t h e m , h u n c h e d over a w i c k e r basket, w h i c h he d i p p e d into, tossing s o m e t h i n g t o o n e side. ' S h o u l d w e wait until he's g o n e , G e n e r a l ? ' ' N o . H e m i g h t see us, o r c o m e b a c k this way. Wait here,' h e o r d e r e d , and pulling o u t his d a g g e r he half rose a n d slowly circled r o u n d t o his right. T h e e n e m y soldier c o n t i n u e d w i t h his task, occasionally p a u s i n g a n d raising his h e a d to glance towards the rebel c a m p , a t w h i c h A j a x froze until the R o m a n r e t u r n e d t o his w o r k , a n d then m o v e d o n again. O n c e h e h a d crept r o u n d b e h i n d the m a n , h e c l o s e d in, step by step; t h e n , c l e n c h i n g his fist a r o u n d the handle of the dagger, he sprang forwards, sprinting the last few feet. T h e R o m a n heard the rustle o f grass a n d g l a n c e d b a c k j u s t a s A j a x s l a m m e d into h i m , k n o c k i n g h i m d o w n . H e c l a m p e d his h a n d over the man's m o u t h a n d thrust his h e a d d o w n against the g r o u n d as he s m o t h e r e d the R o m a n ' s lighter frame a n d b r o u g h t the tip o f the d a g g e r u p u n d e r the soldier's chin. B y the faint g l o w o f t h e torches he saw that his e n e m y was a g e d a n d scrawny, a veteran auxiliary close to the e n d of his enlistment. ' O n e m o v e , o n e s o u n d , a n d you're dead.' H e pressed the blade s o the m a n w o u l d realise his peril. ' U n d e r s t a n d ? ' T h e m a n n o d d e d slightly, eyes w i d e w i t h terror. H e w i n c e d a s the p o i n t bit into his skin.

236

' G o o d , ' A j a x w h i s p e r e d , then slowly lifted his h a n d f r o m the man's m o u t h . 'Are y o u o u t here a l o n e ? ' ' N - n o . D o n ' t kill me.' 'You'll live if y o u answer me truthfully' A j a x i n c h e d his knife b a c k . ' N o w then, h o w m a n y m o r e o f y o u are there?' 'Four. T h e r e are four o f u s . T w o o n the o t h e r side o f the g a t e h o u s e and o n e g o i n g i n the other direction.' 'Will h e c o m e b a c k this w a y ? ' T h e R o m a n t h o u g h t briefly a n d s h o o k his h e a d . ' N o t for a w h i l e . H e h a d m o r e g r o u n d t o cover.' A j a x n o d d e d towards the basket the m a n h a d b e e n d r a g g i n g . ' T h o s e things you're s o w i n g o n the g r o u n d . ' ' T h e caltrops?' A j a x half s m i l e d - so that was w h a t they w e r e called. 'Yes, the caltrops. H o w d e e p l y have y o u laid t h e m ? ' ' O v e r ten, fifteen feet.' 'I see.' A j a x suddenly c l a m p e d his h a n d d o w n a n d thrust the d a g g e r up t h r o u g h the R o m a n ' s throat and into his skull, twisting the blade left a n d right, s c r a m b l i n g the man's brains. T h e soldier s p a s m e d violently, b u t he m a d e no s o u n d apart f r o m a light gasp, then h e w e n t limp. A j a x lifted his h a n d f r o m the man's m o u t h a n d p u l l e d the d a g g e r o u t , feeling a w a r m rush of b l o o d spurt over his f i s t . H e eased h i m s e l f off the body, a n d w i p e d his blade o n the man's tunic b e f o r e sliding it b a c k into his belt a n d m a k i n g his w a y b a c k to Chilo. 'There's a n o t h e r o f t h e m over t o t h e left.' H e s p o k e softly a s h e knelt d o w n . ' S e n d o n e o f y o u r m e n t o deal w i t h h i m . T h e n y o u a n d I have to clear a path t h r o u g h to the wall.' A j a x crept b a c k a n d t o o k spears f r o m four o f his m e n b e f o r e returning t o t h e f i r s t caltrop. H e thrust t w o o f the spears into the g r o u n d , t w e n t y feet apart, a n d t h e n w e n t d o w n o n his h a n d s and knees a n d g r o p e d t h r o u g h the grass until he f o u n d the n e x t caltrop. H e tossed i t t o o n e side a n d e d g e d forward until h e f o u n d and d i s p o s e d o f the next. C h i l o j o i n e d h i m t o the left, t o g e t h e r w i t h a n o t h e r m a n , a n d w o r k e d t h r o u g h the grass towards the wall. T h e y w e r e a b o u t halfway t h r o u g h the task w h e n there was a strangled cry from their left a n d they froze for an instant, staring towards the city

237

t o see i f there was any sign o f alarm. A j a x w a t c h e d the nearest sentries, b u t they s e e m e d n o t to have heard the n o i s e a n d c o n t i n u e d the patrols a l o n g their allotted stretch of the wall. ' B a c k t o work,' A j a x w h i s p e r e d a n d e d g e d h i m s e l f forward i n the grass, cautiously e x t e n d i n g his h a n d to feel for the n e x t spike. He b r e a t h e d a sigh of relief that the a l a r m h a d n o t b e e n raised. At that m o m e n t there was a s h o u t from further a l o n g the wall, relayed f r o m sentry to sentry, a n d then the shrill blare of a h o r n cut t h r o u g h the c o o l night air. A j a x j u m p e d to his feet a n d ran b a c k to retrieve his shield a n d spear. H e s w u n g the p o i n t towards the wall a n d b e l l o w e d t o C h i l o ' s m e n , ' C h a r g e ! C h a r g e ' e m and s h o w the bastards h o w well a slave dies!' C h i l o sprang towards h i m . 'We haven't finished r e m o v i n g the caltrops! G e n e r a l , y o u m u s t stop the m e n ! ' I t was t o o late. T h e ladder parties c a m e r u n n i n g forward o u t o f the darkness. A j a x i n d i c a t e d the spears. ' B e t w e e n those. M a k e straight for the wall!' T h e y ran past, c a r r y i n g the hastily a s s e m b l e d ladders u n d e r their a r m s , a n d crossed over the belt o f the R o m a n defences. All m a d e i t safely t h r o u g h , e x c e p t o n e o f the m e n f r o m the last t e a m , w h o s u d d e n l y s c r e a m e d in agony, released his g r i p on the ladder a n d collapsed on to the g r o u n d , h o w l i n g as he p u l l e d the spike o u t of his c r i p p l e d foot. A j a x i g n o r e d h i m as he s t o r m e d after the ladder parties a n d raced o n towards the wall. B e h i n d h i m c a m e the rest o f the m e n , u r g e d on by C h i l o , as he b e l l o w e d at t h e m to get forward a n d pass b e t w e e n the spears. A h e a d o f the rebels the defenders w e r e p o i n t i n g t h e m o u t a n d s h o u t i n g their cries o f w a r n i n g . M o r e R o m a n s spilled o u t o n t o the battlements above the g a t e h o u s e , a n d a m o m e n t later there was a flare of g l e a m i n g flames a n d a b u n d l e of o i l - s o a k e d rags arced over the parapet a n d roared as it t u m b l e d d o w n the wall a n d rolled away from the base towards the ditch. In the light of the b r i g h t flames the ladder parties w e r e easily o b s e r v e d and sentries b e g a n to heft their javelins, ready t o hurl t h e m into the figures streaming o u t o f the night. T h e shrill notes o f the t r u m p e t had b e e n taken u p b y others across the city a n d up on the acropolis, a n d A j a x k n e w that t i m e was against h i m now.

238

H e r e a c h e d the ditch and p a u s e d near the e d g e t o w a v e the ladder parties o n . ' G e t over! Fast as y o u c a n ! ' T h e f i r s t four m e n c a r r y i n g their ladder s t u m b l e d a n d slid d o w n the slope into the ditch, crossed the b o t t o m and b e g a n to scale the far side, e a c h u s i n g his spare h a n d to scrabble for p u r c h a s e on any tufts of grass or e x p o s e d roots. T h e h e a d of a javelin b u r i e d itself in the soil by A j a x a n d he instinctively raised his shield a n d h u n c h e d d o w n , w a t c h i n g for danger. T h e r e w e r e m o r e m e n a p p e a r i n g a l o n g the t o p of the wall all the t i m e , a n d he felt the first c o l d stab of anxiety in his guts over the fate of the attack. S h o u l d he have taken this risk? Was this m o r e a b o u t finding a n d killing that c e n t u r i o n than a t t e m p t i n g to take the e n e m y by surprise? T h e o t h e r ladder parties r u s h e d past h i m , s c r a m b l i n g across the ditch a n d up the other side b e f o r e m a k i n g straight for the base of the wall to set their ladders in place. M o r e b u r n i n g faggots flared d o w n from a b o v e , clearly revealing the ladders a n d the m e n in the lurid o r a n g e h u e o f their flames. T h e rebels m a d e easy targets now, a n d A j a x saw the first m a n fall, s k e w e r e d by a javelin that passed t h r o u g h his b a c k a n d o n d o w n d e e p into his leg. T h e m a n released his g r i p and d r o p p e d to the side in terrible agony. H i s hands g r o p e d r o u n d to the shaft of the javelin a n d feebly tried to pull it free, o n l y to cause fresh a g o n i e s that m a d e h i m scream. A s e c o n d m a n was killed u n d e r the first l a d d e r as a large s t o n e c r u s h e d his h e a d . There

was

a sudden rush

of m e n past A j a x

Chilo's w a r b a n d s u r g e d across the

as

ditch a n d up

the

rest

of

the far side

before m a k i n g for the ladders held in place by their c o m r a d e s . N o w , m a n y m o r e missiles w e r e b e i n g t h r o w n d o w n f r o m a b o v e a n d c o u l d hardly fail to find a target in the w a v e of rebels racing towards the wall. ' K e e p g o i n g ! ' A j a x b e l l o w e d . ' U p the ladders!' S p r i n g i n g forward, A j a x j o i n e d the rush struggling across the ditch. He k e p t his shield u p , a n d it s l a m m e d b a c k into h i m as a b o d y fell against the front. He t h r e w his w e i g h t to o n e side, over his steady foot, in o r d e r to k e e p his balance, then thrust hard to m a k e sure the b o d y fell away. He c o n t i n u e d , g r i t t i n g his teeth o n c e as a s t o n e cracked o f f the c o r n e r o f his shield. T h e n h e was a t the base o f the ladder, heart p o u n d i n g .

239

' M o v e aside!' h e s h o u t e d into the face o f the m a n a b o u t t o c l i m b the f i r s t r u n g . O n e m o r e was a h e a d o f h i m , halfway u p already. O n either side m o r e m e n h a d r e a c h e d the ladders a n d w e r e starting t o a s c e n d the wall. A j a x transferred his spear to his shield h a n d , g r a s p e d the side of the ladder a n d b e g a n to scale the r u n g s o n e at a t i m e . In front o f h i m h e c o u l d see that the stones h a d b e e n crudely laid w i t h o u t m o r t a r a n d he c u r s e d the fact that his a r m y h a d no siege w e a p o n s of any k i n d . He i m a g i n e d a catapult or a covered r a m w o u l d m a k e short w o r k o f the hastily repaired wall. T h e r e w e r e shouts f r o m a b o v e a s the R o m a n s b e c a m e aware o f t h e d a n g e r o f the m e n c l i m b i n g u p towards t h e m . G l a n c i n g up, h e saw the d i m shapes o f heads leaning over the parapet and there was a t h u d as a n o t h e r stone g l a n c e d o f f his shield. 'Target t h o s e m e n o n the wall!' C h i l o called o u t . ' U s e stones! R o c k s ! A n y t h i n g they t h r o w a t u s ! ' S o m e o f the rebels s t o o p e d t o p i c k u p w h a t e v e r c a m e t o h a n d and h u r l e d i t u p a t the enemy, d r i v i n g s o m e o f t h e m b a c k . S o m e missiles clattered b a c k d o w n , falling o n the m e n below, b u t did little h a r m a s they b o u n c e d off the a r m o u r that h a d b e e n taken f r o m the b o d i e s o f Marcellus's m e n . T h e m a n a h e a d o f A j a x r e a c h e d the last r u n g a s the ladder gave o u t close t o the parapet. H e s w u n g his l e g u p a n d over a n d disappeared f r o m v i e w as A j a x c l i m b e d up into his place. H i s heart was b e a t i n g wildly a n d he felt a h e i g h t e n e d sense of v u l n e r ability a n d fear that w e n t b e y o n d the n o r m a l tense anxiety of the arena, o r any battle h e h a d ever f o u g h t in. H i s right h a n d g r o p e d u p the r o u g h s t o n e w o r k until his fingers r e a c h e d the e d g e . Sliding his h a n d over the parapet, he g r a s p e d the inside of the wall a n d heaved h i m s e l f u p , s w i n g i n g his f o o t up as he w e n t . E v e n t h o u g h he h a d a firm p u r c h a s e w i t h his h a n d a n d foot, it still t o o k s o m e effort to lift his w e i g h t , b u r d e n e d by a r m o u r a n d the spear, over the parapet and on to the wall. A j a x l a n d e d lightly on his feet, a n d quickly transferred his spear b a c k into his right h a n d as he sheltered b e h i n d his shield. He rose u p , g l a n c i n g t o b o t h sides. T h e m a n w h o had c l i m b e d the wall a h e a d o f h i m was battling to the right, desperately d e f e n d i n g the f o o t h o l d he h a d g a i n e d a t the t o p o f the ladder. A j a x t u r n e d the other w a y a n d saw a section of R o m a n s struggling to d i s l o d g e the ladders further

240

a l o n g as they stabbed d o w n w i t h their javelins a n d tried to lever the ladders away f r o m the wall. L u c k i l y they h a d b e e n p r e o c c u p i e d w i t h the threat i m m e d i a t e l y i n front o f t h e m a n d h a d n o t seen h i m . D o w n in the city he saw scores of t h e e n e m y piling o u t of side streets into the base of the g a t e h o u s e a n d m a k i n g for the stairs to reinforce their c o m r a d e s f a c i n g the rebels. A j a x lifted his spear a n d s w i t c h e d to an o v e r h a n d g r i p , resting the h e a d of the shaft on the shield r i m as he m o v e d towards the defenders. H e t o o k a q u i c k g l a n c e b a c k a n d saw that a n o t h e r m a n had r e a c h e d the wall. 'Follow

m e , ' he

ordered

as

he

advanced

a l o n g the

narrow

walkway. H e c l o s e d t o w i t h i n ten feet o f the nearest R o m a n b e f o r e h e was n o t i c e d . T h e m a n barely h a d t i m e t o turn before the gladiator was u p o n h i m , thrusting w i t h his spear. T h e iron h e a d p u n c h e d into the h a n d t h r o w n up in a vain effort to w a r d the b l o w off. T h e p o i n t passed t h r o u g h it a n d on into the man's throat, cutting t h r o u g h w i n d p i p e a n d spine b e f o r e b u r s t i n g o u t the b a c k o f his n e c k . A j a x thrust his shield o u t , k n o c k i n g the b o d y to o n e side as he w r e n c h e d the spear b a c k , r i p p i n g it free b e f o r e c o n c e n t r a t i n g on his n e x t o p p o n e n t . A burly o p t i o h a d s u c c e e d e d in t i p p i n g o n e of the ladders b a c k a n d n o w t u r n e d to face A j a x , snatching o u t his s w o r d as he raised his shield. F o r an instant the t w o m e n sized e a c h other up. A j a x c o u l d tell at o n c e that the o p t i o was an e x p e r i e n c e d and able fighter. H i s b a l a n c e was g o o d a n d h e h a d l o w e r e d h i m s e l f into a c r o u c h , f r o m w h i c h p o s i t i o n he c o u l d s p r i n g into a powerful attack the m o m e n t he saw his c h a n c e . Lifting his spear slightly, A j a x feinted towards the optio's face. T h e m a n p a r r i e d it easily a n d r e s u m e d his p o s t u r e . T h e n , w i t h a s u d d e n snarl, he l u n g e d forward, his p o i n t s t a b b i n g towards Ajax's g r o i n . A j a x s w u n g his shield r o u n d a n d deflected the blow, a n d instantly thrust again w i t h his spear b e f o r e the o p t i o c o u l d recover. B u t the m a n was surprisingly n i m b l e for o n e his size a n d he d u c k e d u n d e r the strike. A j a x b a c k e d o f f a p a c e , a n d risked a q u i c k glance to see h o w the fight was g o i n g . B e y o n d the section a h e a d o f h i m , m o r e m e n w e r e spreading a l o n g the wall. B e l o w , in the streets, the e n e m y s t r e a m e d towards the steps l e a d i n g u p o n t o the wall. T h e r e was n o t m u c h

241

t i m e , A j a x realised. I f the rebels c o u l d n o t g e t e n o u g h m e n o n t o the wall to m a k e their n u m b e r s tell, then the assault was d o o m e d . T h e o p t i o clattered his s w o r d against t h e e d g e o f his shield a n d sneered. ' H a d e n o u g h , t h e n ? ' A j a x c o u l d n o t help l a u g h i n g . S u c h a n o b v i o u s taunt was b e n e a t h even the greenest o f gladiators. H e m o v e d forward again, d e t e r m i n e d to cut the m a n d o w n a n d clear a path for C h i l o a n d his m e n . T h e optio's shield c a m e u p , ready to take the n e x t spear thrust. A j a x feinted high, forcing the R o m a n to raise his shield still further, then the gladiator w e n t d o w n o n o n e k n e e , angling the e d g e o f his shield forward a n d s m a s h i n g it against the other man's l e a d i n g shin. T h e r e was a sharp crack at the i m p a c t a n d the o p t i o b e l l o w e d in pain a n d r a g e as he collapsed. A j a x recovered, rising over his v i c t i m , and struck h o m e , taking the m a n u n d e r the a r m p i t , d r i v i n g t h r o u g h his side into his chest. H e s t a m p e d his f o o t d o w n o n the R o m a n , then y a n k e d the spearhead free a n d s t e p p e d over the body. W i t h the death of the o p t i o , the

other R o m a n s

b a c k e d away, c r o w d i n g b a c k towards

the first of their c o m r a d e s w h o h a d c l i m b e d the wall to aid t h e m . T h e gladiator g l a n c e d over his shoulder. T e n o r m o r e o f his m e n w e r e o n the wall now, t o g e t h e r w i t h C h i l o . A s three o f t h e m c a m e r u n n i n g a l o n g the walkway, A j a x s t e p p e d i n t o the parapet t o let t h e m pass. ' K e e p ' e m b u s y ! ' h e o r d e r e d . ' D o n ' t let t h e m press y o u back.' H e retreated a few p a c e s b e f o r e t u r n i n g a n d h u r r y i n g towards C h i l o , a n d thrust his a r m o u t towards the g a t e h o u s e . ' T h a t way! K e e p the m e n g o i n g that way. We m u s t take the gate, q u i c k l y ! ' C h i l o n o d d e d , calling t o his m e n , ' F o l l o w m e ! ' T o g e t h e r w i t h several o f his c o m p a n i o n s , C h i l o ran a l o n g the wall towards the o p e n d o o r l e a d i n g f r o m the w a l k w a y into the g a t e h o u s e . He was no m o r e than a spear's l e n g t h f r o m the o p e n i n g w h e n a R o m a n s t e p p e d o u t , t h e n s t o p p e d i n surprise a s h e saw the rebels p o u n d i n g towards h i m . T h e n e x t m o m e n t C h i l o s l a m m e d into h i m a n d they crashed b a c k t h r o u g h the d o o r w a y into the g a t e h o u s e . H i s m e n c r o w d e d i n b e h i n d h i m a n d the s o u n d s o f shouts a n d the clash o f shields

a n d blades

carried

outside

to Ajax. He

had

already

transferred his b l o o d i e d spear to his shield h a n d a n d was h e l p i n g a m a n over the r a m p a r t a n d thrusting h i m towards the g a t e h o u s e . ' G o ! '

242

A s h e w a i t e d for the n e x t m a n , A j a x l o o k e d b a c k a l o n g the wall and saw that only t w o ladders w e r e still standing. In the streets, the s o u n d o f nailed b o o t s was d e a f e n i n g a s m o r e and m o r e R o m a n s r u s h e d towards the e n d a n g e r e d s e c t i o n o f their defences, a n d h e k n e w that the rebels c o u l d n o t get e n o u g h m e n o n t o the wall t o h o l d i t for m u c h longer. Already o n e o f the three m e n tasked w i t h h o l d i n g the w a l k w a y further a l o n g was d o w n , d o u b l e d over as he curled r o u n d a w o u n d to his g r o i n . H i s c o m r a d e s w e r e f o r c e d b a c k and a m o m e n t later the m a n was d e a d , killed by the first R o m a n to step over h i m . A n o t h e r m a n c a m e over the r a m p a r t and A j a x g r a b b e d his a r m . 'With m e ! ' H e h u r r i e d forward t o help the t w o m e n f a c e d b y i m p o s s i b l e o d d s . F o u r m i g h t s t e m the e n e m y tide l o n g e n o u g h for C h i l o t o take the g a t e h o u s e . T h e y s t o o d , shields p r e s e n t e d t o the R o m a n s , stabbing o v e r h e a d w i t h their spears. A n o t h e r o f the defenders w e n t d o w n , c l u t c h i n g his throat as he t o p p l e d off the wall. T h e n the e n e m y w e r e up close, shield to shield, g r u n t i n g w i t h the effort of pressing the rebels b a c k . S t e p by step, A j a x a n d the others were f o r c e d to give g r o u n d , falling b a c k past the t o p o f the o t h e r r e m a i n i n g ladder. T h e n o n e o f his m e n collapsed, c a u g h t b y the blade o f a short s w o r d r a m m e d t h r o u g h a g a p in their shields. B e h i n d h i m he heard r e n e w e d s o u n d s o f fighting f r o m the g a t e h o u s e a n d t h e n C h i l o o r d e r i n g his m e n to fall b a c k . ' N o ! ' A j a x s h o u t e d a t the t o p o f his v o i c e . ' C h i l o ! H o l d fast!' B u t his v o i c e was d r o w n e d o u t b y another, c u t t i n g t h r o u g h the night a s a R o m a n officer b e l l o w e d , ' K i l l the bastards! C u t ' e m d o w n ! C o m e o n , lads, o n m e ! ' A j a x felt a n u d g e at his s h o u l d e r as a n o t h e r m a n w h o h a d c l i m b e d the ladder j o i n e d the desperate struggle. H e let the m a n b y t o take his p l a c e a n d t u r n e d to see h o w C h i l o was faring. T h e r e was a sick feeling in his g u t as he saw that a fresh wave of R o m a n s h a d already p u s h e d t h e rebels o u t o f the g a t e h o u s e and was forcing t h e m b a c k towards t h e r e m a i n i n g ladder. T h e fight was lost, A j a x realised at o n c e , a n d instantly k n e w h e m u s t d o w h a t h e c o u l d t o save his m e n . H e l e a n e d over the wall. ' B a c k ! Fall b a c k ! ' T h e u p t u r n e d faces b e l o w h i m w e r e dimly visible b y the f a d i n g 243

g l o w o f the b u r n i n g f a g g o t s , and their l o o k s o f despair cut into his heart like knives, b u t there was n o t h i n g else he c o u l d do. 'Fall b a c k , I said! N o w ! ' T h e first o f t h e m t u r n e d a n d retreated towards the ditch. ' G e n e r a l ! ' C h i l o c a m e u p t o h i m , p a n t i n g a n d face spattered w i t h b l o o d . H e n o d d e d towards the r e m a i n i n g ladder. ' Y o u first.' F o r an instant A j a x was t e m p t e d to refuse, b e f o r e his reason t o o k over. T h e attack h a d failed a n d his m e n w o u l d n e e d h i m alive. 'All right. B u t y o u a n d the rest get d o w n as fast as y o u can.' 'Yes, General.' A j a x s w u n g h i m s e l f b a c k over the parapet a n d felt for the t o p r u n g w i t h his bare feet. He let his spear d r o p to the g r o u n d b e l o w and c l a m b e r e d b a c k d o w n . A s h e reached the b o t t o m , the first o f C h i l o ' s m e n c a m e after h i m . ' D o n ' t let t h e m get away!' the R o m a n officer s h o u t e d above the din of the fight on the wall, a n d A j a x felt his guts tighten at the

sound. He looked up

a n d snarled t h r o u g h c l e n c h e d teeth,

' M a c r o . . .' O n e b y o n e his m e n c a m e d o w n the ladder a n d fled b a c k across the ditch. F r o m the other side there w e r e cries o f s h o c k and pain, a n d A j a x realised that s o m e o f t h e m m u s t have r u n over the belt o f caltrops in their haste to get away f r o m the wall. C h i l o l a n d e d heavily beside him. ' Y o u the last?' ' T w o still up there.' T h e r e was n o t h i n g that c o u l d b e d o n e for t h e m . A j a x c l a p p e d C h i l o on the shoulder. 'Let's go.' T h e y t u r n e d a n d ran towards the ditch as there was a brief, final clash o f w e a p o n s o n the wall. T h e n a v o i c e b o o m e d o u t : 'AJAX!' He hesitated a n d l o o k e d b a c k . In the light of a torch blazing a short distance a l o n g the wall, h e saw the R o m a n c e n t u r i o n . H e had a javelin d r a w n b a c k in his right h a n d as he t o o k a i m at the rebel leader. T h e n , w i t h a g r u n t , h e hurled the w e a p o n d o w n . H i s a i m was true a n d the dark shaft swept towards A j a x . B e f o r e he c o u l d react, a b o d y s l a m m e d into h i m , k n o c k i n g h i m t o o n e side. T h e javelin struck w i t h a s o u n d like a p i c k driven into w e t sand a n d there was

244

an explosive g r u n t of air. Ajax's gladiator's reflexes served h i m well as he rolled b a c k into a c r o u c h . At his feet lay C h i l o , staring up and gasping as his fingers felt the shaft that p i n n e d h i m to the g r o u n d t h r o u g h his s t o m a c h . ' G e n e r a l , go,' h e m a n a g e d t o g r o a n . A j a x g r a s p e d the shaft a n d w r e n c h e d i t o u t . T h e n h e g r a b b e d C h i l o , lifted h i m o n t o his b a c k and s c r a m b l e d d o w n the ditch, across the b o t t o m a n d u p the other side. T h e r e was a n o t h e r s h o u t f r o m the wall. ' D o n ' t j u s t stand there, y o u d o z y bastards! G e t h i m ! ' A n o t h e r javelin struck the earth close by as A j a x s t r u g g l e d over the e d g e o f the ditch. Several m o r e f o l l o w e d a s h e staggered o n , w a t c h i n g the g r o u n d as carefully as he c o u l d to m a k e sure he did n o t step o n o n e o f the caltrops. O n c e h e was sure that h e h a d passed t h r o u g h t h e m a n d w a s o u t o f r a n g e o f the javelins, h e s a g g e d d o w n and l o w e r e d C h i l o to the grass. C h i l o rolled on to his b a c k w i t h a sharp cry of p a i n a n d c l u t c h e d a h a n d to the w o u n d . ' O h . . . fuck, fuck, it hurts,' he m u t t e r e d . A j a x saw s o m e m o r e o f his m e n a short distance off. ' O v e r here, now!' E v e n t h o u g h they r e c o g n i s e d the s o u n d o f their general, they hesitated briefly b e f o r e they d i d as he ordered. A j a x i n d i c a t e d the stricken C h i l o . ' G e t h i m b a c k t o m y headquarters a n d s e n d for Kharim. Understand? Then go, now!' T h e y p i c k e d C h i l o u p a n d m a d e o f f into the night. Ajax's heart was still p o u n d i n g f r o m his exertions a n d he s t o o d b r e a t h i n g hard as h e stared b a c k towards the wall. T h e crest o f the c e n t u r i o n was plainly visible a m o n g s t the o t h e r m e n b e h i n d the rampart. T h e r e was a derisive whistle, then j e e r i n g f r o m the enemy, a n d A j a x spat to clear his throat. ' M a c r o ! ' H e c u p p e d a h a n d t o his m o u t h a n d called again. ' M a c r o ! W h e n I take the city, I will cut y o u r heart o u t w i t h my o w n h a n d ! T h i s I swear!'

245

CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE

B

u g g e r it!' M a c r o t h u m p e d his fist d o w n on the parapet, and w i n c e d as

the pain shot up his a r m . H i s javelin w o u l d surely have killed or c r i p p l e d A j a x had i t n o t b e e n for that o t h e r m a n , d a m n h i m . W i t h A j a x o u t o f action, M a c r o h a d little d o u b t that the m o r a l e o f the rebels w o u l d have b e e n stricken, and even if a n e w leader e m e r g e d to save the revolt, the loss of A j a x w o u l d have w o n a few days' reprieve for the defenders. He t u r n e d away f r o m the retreating rebels a n d e x a m i n e d the s c e n e a r o u n d h i m . B o d i e s lay sprawled a l o n g the w a l k w a y a n d s o m e o f the parapet h a d b e e n p u l l e d away b y the e n e m y as they c a m e over. It h a d b e e n a close thing. T h e m e n on w a t c h h a d b e e n o n e o f the units raised f r o m the city's p o p u l a t i o n . T h e y w e r e u n d e r the c o m m a n d o f optios a n d c e n t u r i o n s a p p o i n t e d f r o m the ranks o f the auxiliary c o h o r t . H a d i t n o t b e e n for t h e m , the rank a n d file m i g h t have fled. M a c r o p o i n t e d t o the nearest c e n t u r i o n . ' F l a c c u s ! ' 'Sir?' ' C l e a r the walkway. H a v e o u r d e a d taken to the burial pit.' 'Yes, sir.' Flaccus p a u s e d . ' A n d the other b o d i e s ? ' M a c r o j e r k e d his t h u m b over the wall. ' M i g h t as well leave t h e m in full sight of the rebels. M i g h t help to p u t t h e m o f f their stride.' 'Yes, sir.' L e a v i n g Flaccus a n d his m e n t o carry o u t the w o r k , M a c r o d e s c e n d e d to the street a n d m a d e his way a l o n g the inside of the wall to the n e x t tower. It was fortunate that he h a d taken the decision for troops to be quartered near the wall as s o o n as the rebel a r m y set up c a m p o u t s i d e the city o t h e r w i s e the surprise attack w o u l d have s u c c e e d e d . M a c r o had c h o s e n the m e n for Julia's escort earlier in the e v e n i n g and o r d e r e d t h e m to have their m o u n t s ready to leave at the

246

fourth h o u r o f the night. H e h a d j u s t retired t o a n inn for a n hour's rest w h e n the a l a r m s o u n d e d . As it was, he h a d snatched up his a r m o u r a n d s w o r d as he raced towards the g a t e h o u s e , a n d arrived j u s t in t i m e to steady the m e n a t t e m p t i n g to fight their way up the stairs o n t o the wall. E v e n t h o u g h the rebels h a d b e e n lightly p r o t e c t e d a n d o u t m a t c h e d b y the defenders, their f i e r c e d e t e r m i n a t i o n h a d almost w o n the day. M a c r o h a d thrust his m e n b a c k into the g a t e h o u s e , s h o u t i n g e n c o u r a g e m e n t as he f o r c e d his way t h r o u g h their ranks to lead f r o m the front. By the t i m e he h a d reached the wall, the rebels were in retreat. O n l y a few r e m a i n e d to d e f e n d the t o p of the ladder a s their c o m r a d e s d e s c e n d e d , a n d they w e r e quickly cut d o w n . T h e n he h a d seen a handful of figures r u n n i n g f r o m the wall a n d s n a t c h e d a javelin f r o m the nearest m a n b e f o r e he called o u t the gladiator's name. There h a d to be a c h a n c e that A j a x w o u l d be there, l e a d i n g the attack. In t h e thin red light cast by the faggots, M a c r o h a d r e c o g n i s e d him at once w h e n Ajax looked back. It h a d b e e n a g o o d throw, he m u s e d bitterly. A fine o n e , in fact. A j a x should be dead. For s o m e reason the g o d s had spared h i m for now. B u t next time, g o d s or no gods, M a c r o resolved to kill the gladiator a n d p u t an e n d to his butchery. M u t t e r i n g a q u i c k prayer of a p o l o g y to J u p i t e r and F o r t u n a for his b r i e f impiety, he w e n t to c h e c k on the other sections of the wall before he reported to S e m p r o n i u s . T h e senator was sitting in his office w h e n M a c r o arrived. A single oil l a m p p r o v i d e d the o n l y illumination, barely e n o u g h to see the walls o f the r o o m by. ' W h e r e have y o u b e e n ? ' S e m p r o n i u s asked coldly. ' T h e attack e n d e d over t w o h o u r s a g o . Y o u s h o u l d already b e o n the road w i t h m y daughter.' ' I ' m sorry, sir. I h a d to m a k e sure the o t h e r sectors of the wall w e r e p r e p a r e d to fight in case the rebels m a d e a n o t h e r attack.' 'That's as m a y b e , b u t we have lost t o o m u c h t i m e . I still w a n t y o u to take J u l i a o u t of G o r t y n a as s o o n as possible tonight.' M a c r o felt a w e a r y w e i g h t d e s c e n d u p o n his shoulders. 'Sir, it will be light w i t h i n a c o u p l e of h o u r s . I don't think it's safe to try a n d get y o u r d a u g h t e r o u t o f the city any longer. S h e m i g h t b e safer i f she stayed.' 247

' R e a l l y ? F r o m the first reports it s e e m s that the e n e m y nearly t o o k o n e o f the gates a t the f i r s t attempt.' 'We saw t h e m off easily e n o u g h , sir.' 'Perhaps. B u t w h a t i f t h e n e x t attack succeeds? T h e n w e will b e t r a p p e d u p here o n the acropolis. T h o u s a n d s p a c k e d i n together. W e w o n ' t e n d u r e that for l o n g b e f o r e s o m e o n e betrays us, o r the p e o p l e d e c i d e t o t u r n the R o m a n s over t o A j a x . I will n o t subject m y d a u g h t e r to that. S h e m u s t leave the city now, w h i l e there is still time.' 'Sir.' M a c r o s p o k e gently. 'I u n d e r s t a n d y o u r c o n c e r n for J u l i a , but I think it is already t o o late to try to get h e r away f r o m G o r t y n a . ' 'Why?' ' T h e rebels are d e t e r m i n e d to close the net a r o u n d the city as s o o n as they can. Tonight's attack p r o v e d that. E v e n t h o u g h they are c a m p e d o u t on the plain, there is a g o o d c h a n c e they will have patrols o u t on all sides of t h e city b e f o r e long.' ' A l l the m o r e reason t o get m y d a u g h t e r o u t o f here now. B e f o r e these patrols o f y o u r s b e g i n . G o now, w h i l e the r o u t e t h r o u g h the hills to the n o r t h is still o p e n . ' M a c r o stared at the o t h e r m a n , exasperated. 'Sir, I tell y o u , this is n o t a w i s e c o u r s e o f action. Trust m y j u d g e m e n t o n this.' ' I ' m sorry, M a c r o . I think y o u are w r o n g . I d o u b t that the slaves will be o r g a n i s e d e n o u g h to already have patrols in the hill. E v e n if they did, there are so m a n y routes t h r o u g h the hills that they c o u l d n o t cover m o r e than a fraction of t h e m . T h e r e is a risk, I'll n o t deny it. B u t in my j u d g e m e n t , the risk to Julia is far greater if she remains here. B e s i d e s , I c a n n o t c o n c e n t r a t e o n d e f e n d i n g G o r t y n a w h i l e m y daughter's life is at stake. Please u n d e r s t a n d me.' M a c r o s h r u g g e d . 'As y o u w i s h , then, Senator.' ' G o o d . I a m grateful t o y o u , M a c r o . M o r e than y o u can k n o w N o w , m y d a u g h t e r i s w a i t i n g for y o u w i t h her escort. G e t her o u t o f the city a n d away to a safe distance before y o u return.' 'Yes, sir.' M a c r o rose wearily to his feet, saluted a n d t u r n e d to leave S e m p r o n i u s ' s office. H e m a d e his w a y d o w n t o the stables b e s i d e the governor's palace. T h e ten m e n h e had c h o s e n s t o o d u p a t his a p p r o a c h . E a c h m a n w o r e chainmail u n d e r his c l o a k , and carried a s w o r d at his side. A few days' provisions a n d a w a t e r skin w e r e slung f r o m their shoulders. T h e horses w e r e saddled, a n d held b y t w o

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handlers, w i t h spare m o u n t s for M a c r o a n d Julia. S h e e m e r g e d f r o m the s h a d o w s a n d l o o k e d q u e s t i o n i n g l y at M a c r o . 'Your father hasn't c h a n g e d his m i n d . T i m e t o go,' h e o r d e r e d . ' T o the n o r t h gate. We'll lead the horses t h r o u g h the streets until we reach the wall. N o sense i n h a v i n g o n e fall o n any l o o s e rubble.' A s the small c o l u m n passed t h r o u g h the d a r k e n e d streets o f G o r t y n a , J u l i a asked softly, ' D o y o u think they will attack again tonight?' 'I d o u b t it. It's my bet that they t o o k a c h a n c e that we w o u l d e x p e c t a n attack a t d a w n , o r o n the m o r r o w . T h e y t h o u g h t they'd catch us n a p p i n g . To be fair, they almost did. B u t we gave t h e m a hiding, miss. T h e y lost a g o o d n u m b e r o f m e n a n d will n o d o u b t b e licking their w o u n d s . I d o u b t they'll be in a h u r r y to try a n y t h i n g whilst it's still dark. N o t w h i l e they can't see the caltrops.' He s m i l e d w i t h satisfaction over his order to see that the iron spikes h a d b e e n m a d e a n d s o w n in t i m e for the attack. 'As l o n g as they direct their attacks towards specific points on the wall, we s h o u l d be able to handle t h e m . T h e p r o b l e m will c o m e w h e n they realise w e have t o o few m e n to d e f e n d the w h o l e p e r i m e t e r . If they l a u n c h a general attack a r o u n d the city, then they will take the wall.' 'And then?' 'If I see s u c h an attack c o m i n g , I'll get the p e o p l e up on to the acropolis a n d we'll h o l d o u t there as l o n g as we can.' J u l i a g l a n c e d up at the g l o o m y mass of the hill that d o m i n a t e d G o r t y n a . ' H o w l o n g can y o u h o l d the acropolis?' ' F o r several days. We'll be safe e n o u g h f r o m rebel attacks up there. T h e p r o b l e m will b e the water supply a n d sanitation. O n c e the water runs l o w there will be thirst, a n d t h e n sickness, a n d then we'll have t o surrender.' M a c r o f o r c e d h i m s e l f t o smile a n d lighten his t o n e . ' B u t that's n o t g o i n g t o h a p p e n , miss. C a t o will have arrived o n t h e scene l o n g b e f o r e then.' 'Yes, I h o p e so.' S h e t o o k his h a n d a n d gently s q u e e z e d it. ' L o o k after my father for me.' ' L o o k after h i m ? ' M a c r o ' s eyebrows rose. T h e idea that S e n a t o r S e m p r o n i u s n e e d e d any l o o k i n g after was surprising. B u t h e c o u l d sense h e r anxiety well e n o u g h a n d n o d d e d . 'I'll k e e p an eye on him.' T h e y r e a c h e d the n o r t h e r n gate, a small single-arched structure 249

w i t h a d o o r that w o u l d only a d m i t a small cart, or riders in single file. M a c r o halted the escort a n d c l i m b e d up the stairs to the p l a t f o r m above the gate. T h e d u t y o p t i o saluted as he saw his s u p e r i o r e m e r g e f r o m the staircase. He h a d b e e n alerted earlier that a party w o u l d be leaving the gate d u r i n g the night. 'All q u i e t ? ' asked M a c r o . 'Yes, sir. N o sign o f any m o v e m e n t . ' 'Good.' ' S o u n d e d like quite a fight over towards the east gate.' ' N o t h i n g t o w o r r y about,' M a c r o said calmly. 'Just s o m e half-arsed a t t e m p t t o r u s h the wall. S o o n sent ' e m packing.' T h e o p t i o was relieved a n d M a c r o c l a p p e d h i m o n the b a c k . ' Y o u j u s t k e e p y o u r attention o n the g r o u n d i n front o f y o u a n d let the others do their j o b s . ' 'Yes, sir.' M a c r o g l a n c e d over the parapet. B e l o w the g a t e h o u s e a n a r r o w track rose up towards the hills b e h i n d the city. T h e dark g r o u n d was d o t t e d w i t h o c c a s i o n a l black shapes of trees a n d bushes, b u t all s e e m e d still. H e t u r n e d b a c k t o the o p t i o . ' R i g h t then, I w a n t y o u t o r e m e m b e r that I'll be c o m i n g b a c k this way. H o p e f u l l y w h i l e it's still dark. M a k e sure y o u r sentries know. I don't fancy b e i n g skewered by s o m e d o z y s o d t a k i n g me for a rebel.' ' N o , sir. I'll see to it.' ' D o . ' M a c r o n o d d e d a n d r e t u r n e d d o w n the stairs t o J u l i a a n d the escort. He t o o k the reins of his h o r s e and cleared his throat to address the t w o m e n o n the d o o r . ' O p e n i t up.' T h e y d r e w b a c k the l o c k i n g bar a n d h a u l e d o n the brass r i n g , a n d w i t h a light grating s o u n d the d o o r s w u n g inwards. M a c r o led his h o r s e t h r o u g h the arch into the night. J u l i a a n d the others f o l l o w e d h i m o u t o f the city. A s s o o n a s the last o f t h e m h a d passed t h r o u g h , the soldiers shut the d o o r a n d r a m m e d the l o c k i n g bar h o m e . M a c r o l o o k e d b a c k at the escorts a n d s p o k e the order. ' M o u n t . ' A s the soldiers h a u l e d themselves u p into the saddles, M a c r o w e n t t o help Julia. H e c u p p e d his hands together. 'Step u p o n that, miss.' O n c e she was i n the saddle a n d h a d t u c k e d the e n d o f her l o n g tunic b e n e a t h each leg, she t o o k the reins. ' H a d m u c h r i d i n g e x p e r i e n c e ? ' asked M a c r o .

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S h e n o d d e d . 'I u s e d to r i d e w h e n I was y o u n g e r . I ' m sure it will all c o m e b a c k t o m e o n c e w e get g o i n g . ' M a c r o n o d d e d a n d then t u r n e d t o m o u n t his o w n h o r s e . W h e n he was settled in the saddle, he t o o k a firm g r i p of the reins a n d raised his a r m t o attract the attention o f his m e n . 'Forward.' T h e small c o l u m n trotted off a l o n g the n a r r o w road. A h u n d r e d paces f r o m the gate, the r o u t e b e g a n to climb towards the hills and b e c a m e a w e l l - w o r n track w h e r e countless m u l e trains h a d passed b y before. W h e n they r e a c h e d the crest o f the f i r s t hill, M a c r o t u r n e d i n his saddle a n d l o o k e d b a c k . T h e city was o u t l i n e d b y the r i n g o f torches a n d braziers flickering a l o n g the wall. M o r e torches a n d lamps t w i n k l e d a m i d the h o u s e s a n d ruins and u p o n the acropolis. O n either side o f the city sprawled the c a m p f i r e s o f the rebel army, and as M a c r o cast his e x p e r i e n c e d eye over the size of the e n e m y c a m p s a n d q u i c k l y estimated their strength, h e w o n d e r e d i f C a t o ' s relief c o l u m n w o u l d b e strong e n o u g h t o f i g h t its w a y t h r o u g h t o G o r t y n a , let a l o n e l a u n c h a c a m p a i g n to crush the rebels. W h e n the real contest c a m e , i t w o u l d p i t c h the training and e q u i p m e n t o f R o m a n l e g i o n a r i e s a n d auxiliaries against o v e r w h e l m i n g n u m b e r s and fanatical desperation. M a c r o c o u l d n o t guess a t the o u t c o m e o f such a conflict; it was quite unlike any o t h e r he h a d e x p e r i e n c e d . T h e y c o n t i n u e d into the hills, a n d Macro's senses were finely strained as he kept glancing ahead and from side to side, all the t i m e listening for any s o u n d that m i g h t alert his suspicion. T h e y had travelled perhaps five miles w h e n he detected the first hint of d a w n to the east; a faint luminosity in the night sky that outlined the m o u n t a i n s m o r e clearly. T h e track h a d m e r g e d w i t h a d r i e d - o u t river b e d . Steep rocky slopes rose on either side. M a c r o raised his hand. 'Halt.' T h e others reined i n a s M a c r o t u r n e d his h o r s e r o u n d a n d n o d d e d to Julia. ' W e ' v e c o m e a fair distance f r o m the city. I d o u b t there will be any rebel patrols this far into the hills. There's n o t h i n g for t h e m to scavenge u p here. G o o d l u c k , miss.' ' T h a n k y o u , M a c r o , ' she replied quietly a n d g l a n c e d towards the h o r i z o n . ' Y o u s h o u l d have t u r n e d b a c k b e f o r e now. It'll b e light l o n g b e f o r e y o u return t o G o r t y n a . ' 'I'll be all right. It'll take t h e m a w h i l e to get over the k i c k i n g we gave t h e m earlier.' 251

'I h o p e so.' T h e r e was a b r i e f silence as they l o o k e d at each other, t h e n J u l i a l e a n e d across t o kiss h i m o n the c h e e k . ' T a k e care, M a c r o . G i v e m y love t o C a t o w h e n h e reaches G o r t y n a . ' 'I will.' M a c r o was still flushing f r o m the e m b a r r a s s m e n t of b e i n g kissed in front of the escorts. ' H e ' l l be glad that y o u ' r e s o m e w h e r e safe. As s o o n as it's all over, he'll c o m e a n d find you.' S h e n o d d e d , a n d t h e n M a c r o n u d g e d his heels i n and m o v e d o n towards the o p t i o l e a d i n g the escort. ' Y o u clear a b o u t y o u r orders?' 'Yes, sir.' T h e o p t i o w e n t o n t o i n t o n e his instructions. 'We m a k e for C n o s s o s , a n d if the rebels c o m e n o r t h we take a ship to A t h e n s , w h e r e the senator's d a u g h t e r is to be p l a c e d in the care of the governor.' 'Very g o o d . N o w y o u ' d better get m o v i n g . ' T h e y e x c h a n g e d a salute, a n d M a c r o s p u r r e d his h o r s e into a trot a s h e r o d e d o w n the c o l u m n . T h e o p t i o gave the o r d e r t o a d v a n c e a n d M a c r o heard the h o r s e s ' h o o v e s clop forward again, but h e did n o t l o o k b a c k . J u l i a was safe, and h e was n e e d e d b a c k i n G o r t y n a . I n truth he s h o u l d have r e m a i n e d there, b u t the senator h a d insisted on his s e e i n g his d a u g h t e r on her way. E v e n t h o u g h he resented the order, M a c r o realised that it w o u l d help p u t S e m p r o n i u s at his ease, a n d the senator c o u l d ill afford any distractions n o w that A j a x a n d his rebel h o r d e w e r e c a m p e d b e f o r e the walls of the province's capital. H e c o n t i n u e d b a c k d o w n the river b e d a n d u p o n t o the track a s it t u r n e d sharply r o u n d a large r o c k , passed t h r o u g h a small forest a n d b e g a n to d e s c e n d . T h e air was c o l d a n d he b r e a t h e d in the sharp scent of the p i n e trees as he calmly c o n t e m p l a t e d the d a n g e r he was r i d i n g b a c k into. As s o o n as A j a x h a d g o t over the failure of his initial assault, he w o u l d be q u i c k to realise that his best c h a n c e lay in stretching the d e f e n d e r s ' resources. A c o - o r d i n a t e d series of attacks on the m o s t d a m a g e d sections of the wall was b o u n d to be rewarded, w i t h a b r e a k t h r o u g h s o m e w h e r e . O n e b r e a c h was all that the rebels w o u l d n e e d ; then they w o u l d f l o o d into the city a n d massacre a n y o n e w h o failed to reach the acropolis in t i m e . M a c r o was s o intent o n his t h o u g h t s o f the c o m i n g siege that h e heard the e n e m y scouts b e f o r e he saw t h e m . T h e r e was a s u d d e n s h o u t a n d he reined in abruptly and stared a b o u t in a m o m e n t of

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panic. T h e p a t h was traversing the side of a hill a n d the trees fell away sharply to his left. A short distance a h e a d , the track b e n t r o u n d and z i g z a g g e d d o w n the hillside. T w o h u n d r e d paces below, M a c r o saw a large party of h o r s e m e n , p e r h a p s as m a n y as fifty of t h e m , r i d i n g a l o n g the track, dressed in dull b r o w n a n d grey tunics a n d cloaks. O n e o f t h e m h a d seen h i m a n d was p o i n t i n g directly u p a s h e called o u t t o the others. T h e y s t o p p e d a n d l o o k e d up, a n d l o c a t e d M a c r o ' s red c a p e in an instant. T h e leader s h o u t e d a c o m m a n d , a n d at o n c e his m e n s p u r r e d into a gallop a n d raced up the track. ' O h , shit,' M a c r o m u t t e r e d . It was as he h a d feared, a n d for an instant a spark of a n g e r flared in his breast. ' D a m n S e m p r o n i u s . . .' F o r a n instant h e t h o u g h t o f l e a d i n g t h e m away f r o m J u l i a a n d her escort. B u t there was n o w h e r e t o g o . T h e slope o n either side was t o o steep t o r i d e o n . H e c o u l d only c o n t i n u e forwards, o r t u r n b a c k i n the direction h e h a d j u s t c o m e f r o m . I t t o o k o n l y a b r i e f m o m e n t ' s t h o u g h t for M a c r o t o realise there was only o n e c o u r s e o f action. H e had t o r i d e b a c k a n d w a r n the others, w h o w o u l d then have t o spur their horses on and try to o u t r u n their p u r s u e r s . P u l l i n g savagely on his reins, he w h e e l e d his h o r s e r o u n d , and d u g his heels in a n d g a l l o p e d b a c k u p the track. B e h i n d h i m h e c o u l d hear the p o u n d i n g o f h o o v e s a n d the cries o f his p u r s u e r s . H e l e a n e d forward, w h i p p i n g the l o o s e ends o f the reins r o u n d the

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shouted

harsh

encouragement

and

g r i p p e d h a r d w i t h his thighs. R e a c h i n g the t o p o f the s l o p e , h e r o u n d e d the r o c k again, d r o p p e d i n t o the river b e d a n d g a l l o p e d a l o n g , spraying p e b b l e s a n d l o o s e stones into the air. H e c o u l d see the w a y a h e a d o f h i m for a n o t h e r f e w h u n d r e d p a c e s b e f o r e the r o u t e c u r v e d r o u n d a s l o p e , a n d there w a s n o sign o f the escorts. H e e s t i m a t e d that he h a d less than a q u a r t e r of a mile's start on t h e m e n b e h i n d h i m , a n d a s h e a p p r o a c h e d t h e b e n d their cries a n d the p o u n d i n g o f h o o v e s e c h o e d o f f the r o c k y slopes o n either side. A s the h o r s e s c r a b b l e d r o u n d t h e b e n d , he saw J u l i a a n d the others a short distance a h e a d . T h e r e a r m o s t auxiliary t u r n e d i n the saddle a n d l o o k e d b a c k . A s s o o n a s h e saw M a c r o , h e called o u t a n d the escorts halted. J u l i a h a d t u r n e d her h o r s e a n d was s u r p r i s e d a n d a n x i o u s t o see M a c r o h u r t l i n g towards t h e m . ' M a c r o ! What's the m a t t e r ? ' 253

'We've g o t c o m p a n y ! ' he s h o u t e d as he r o d e up, reining in harshly. 'We m u s t g o , n o w ! F o l l o w m e ! ' H e s p u r r e d his h o r s e o n again, r i d i n g at the h e a d of the line, f o l l o w i n g the river b e d as it b e g a n to twist a n d t u r n m o r e frequently as it l e d up into the m o u n t a i n s . H e kept g l a n c i n g b a c k t o m a k e sure that J u l i a was k e e p i n g up, a n d saw her l e a n i n g forward as she r o d e a l o n g w i t h the rest o f the m e n , her e x p r e s s i o n o n e o f d e t e r m i n e d c o n c e n t r a t i o n . T h e s o u n d o f h o o v e s a n d the occasional shouts o f the pursuers f i l l e d the still air. A b o v e , the c r a g g y skyline was i l l u m i n a t e d by the first rays of t h e rising sun, b u t d o w n in the river b e d it was still g l o o m y a n d chilly. As they t u r n e d yet a n o t h e r corner, the r o u t e split into t w o paths, b o t h s e e m i n g t o c o n t i n u e u p i n the direction o f the r i d g e ahead. M a c r o halted the c o l u m n , desperately sizing u p the c h o i c e . T h e path t o the right was n a r r o w a n d s l o p e d g e n t l y . T h e o t h e r r o u t e was w i d e r a n d the incline m o r e p r o n o u n c e d . M a c r o h o p e d that i t m i g h t reach the crest m o r e quickly a n d raised his a r m . ' T h a t way!' T h e y c h a r g e d into the left fork and u r g e d the horses up the slope, the l e a d i n g m o u n t s spraying dust a n d pebbles into the faces o f t h o s e b e h i n d . M a c r o stayed a t the h e a d o f the c o l u m n , k e e p i n g j u s t i n front o f Julia. O n either side the slopes b e c a m e steeper until they w e r e i n a ravine. T h e n , as they g a l l o p e d r o u n d a n o t h e r b e n d , the path e n d e d in a sheer cliff, forcing t h e m to c o m e to an a b r u p t stop. T h e s n o r t i n g o f the horses a n d the scraping o f their h o o v e s f i l l e d the air. M a c r o stared at the cliff, heart p o u n d i n g . ' F u c k ! ' H i s spare h a n d balled into a fist a n d he struck his thigh. 'Fuck!' 'Macro.' J u l i a l o o k e d a t h i m , afraid. ' W h a t d o w e d o ? ' M a c r o t u r n e d r o u n d t o face the escorts. ' S w o r d s out! We're g o i n g t o have t o cut o u r w a y t h r o u g h ! ' S o m e o f the m e n briefly stared a t h i m i n surprise until the o p t i o called o u t , ' Y o u heard the prefect! S w o r d s o u t ! A b o u t face!' M a c r o p o i n t e d to the nearest of the auxiliaries. 'Stay w i t h the lady. If y o u see a c h a n c e to get her away d u r i n g the fight, do it. H e a d for Cnossos.' 'Yes, sir.'

254

M a c r o e d g e d his h o r s e t h r o u g h to t h e front a n d raised his sword. 'Let's g o ! ' T h e y s p u r r e d their m o u n t s , t h u n d e r i n g b a c k d o w n t h e ravine. A h e a d o f t h e m the s o u n d s o f the p u r s u e r s w e r e clearly a u d i b l e , harsh a n d d i s t o r t e d a s they e c h o e d o f f t h e r o c k face. T h e t w o sides were s u d d e n l y u p o n each o t h e r a s they m e t o n a b e n d . H o r s e t h u d d e d into h o r s e a n d the riders desperately held o n b e f o r e they h a c k e d a t their o p p o n e n t s . M a c r o a n d his m e n w e r e e q u i p p e d w i t h the standard short swords, w h i l e the e n e m y c a r r i e d a m i x t u r e of w e a p o n s : s h o r t swords as well as l o n g e r blades, the lethal c r o o k e d falcatas a n d s o m e spears that w e r e little use in the tight press of horseflesh a n d m e n in the c o n f i n e d space. The air was filled w i t h the scrape o f blades, w i l d snorts a n d w h i n n i e s , g r u n t s a s m e n s t r u c k b l o w s , a n d cries o f p a i n a s they l a n d e d . T h e dust o n the floor o f the ravine swirled i n c l o u d s a b o u t the m e n l o c k e d i n conflict. M a c r o h a c k e d a s w o r d thrust to o n e side a n d o p e n e d up the face o f the m a n a s h e w i t h d r e w his w e a p o n for the n e x t blow. F r o m the c o r n e r o f his eye h e saw the first o f the escort g o d o w n , r u n t h r o u g h with a b a t t e r e d - l o o k i n g cavalry sword. T h e auxiliary d o u b l e d over, then rolled o f f to o n e side as his e n e m y y a n k e d the blade free. A b r i e f glance was all M a c r o c o u l d spare h i m as he t u r n e d to p a r r y a n o t h e r b l o w a n d stab a t the face o f his n e x t foe. T h e m a n threw h i m s e l f b a c k t o avoid the thrust a n d t u m b l e d off t h e b a c k o f his h o r s e . M a c r o c o u l d see that the escort was hopelessly o u t n u m b e r e d a n d b e i n g steadily f o r c e d b a c k . A n o t h e r of his m e n was cut d o w n w i t h a savage b l o w to the h e a d that shattered his skull in an e x p l o s i o n of b l o o d and brains. A s u d d e n surge of horses pressing forward into the m e l e e f o u n d M a c r o s q u e e z e d b a c k b e t w e e n his m e n s o that h e was close t o Julia again. S h e m e t his eyes w i t h a q u e s t i o n i n g l o o k . He p u r s e d his lips a n d s h o o k his h e a d . T h e r e was n o c h a n c e for t h e m now. M a c r o t u r n e d his

horse

round. There

was

one

last

course

of action

to

be

c o n t e m p l a t e d . H e n e e d e d a m o m e n t t o prepare h i m s e l f for the d e e d . ' C o m e w i t h me.' 'Where?' M a c r o did n o t answer. H e n o d d e d t o the m a n h e h a d assigned t o protect her. ' G e t stuck in, lad. M a k e every b l o w count.' 255

T h e n he led the way b a c k up the ravine at a gallop, until they c a m e t o the e n d . T h e r e h e d i s m o u n t e d a n d offered Julia his h a n d . W h e n she was d o w n b e s i d e h i m , she g l a n c e d r o u n d a t the high r o c k surrounding them. 'There's no w a y out.' S h e l o o k e d up at h i m , lips trembling. 'Is there?' ' N o , miss.' M a c r o l o o k e d at her sadly. J u l i a g l a n c e d b a c k towards the ravine, as the s o u n d s of the fighting d r e w closer. ' W h a t will they d o i f they capture m e ? ' M a c r o k n e w well e n o u g h . A l m o s t certainly there w o u l d b e n o mercy, a n d plenty of suffering before they h a d finished w i t h her. 'Best n o t to think a b o u t that.' ' W h a t ? ' S h e stared at h i m and r e s p o n d e d plaintively:'I don't w a n t to die. I don't w a n t to suffer.' 'I know.' M a c r o p u t his a r m r o u n d her s h o u l d e r awkwardly. 'This way' He led her to the cliff a n d they t u r n e d to face t h e ravine. W i t h a last savage clatter of blades a n d a final cry of p a i n the noise of the fighting died away. T h e n there was the s o u n d o f horses c o m i n g their way. J u l i a pressed into M a c r o . ' I ' m afraid. I don't w a n t to die.' ' O f c o u r s e n o t , miss,' M a c r o replied gently. 'It's only natural.' 'And you?' M a c r o smiled. 'It's b e e n a l o n g t i m e c o m i n g . I've g r o w n u s e d to the idea. I k n o w o n e thing. T h e y ' r e n o t g o i n g to forget me in a hurry.' T h e first o f the e n e m y appeared, then another, a n d m o r e o f t h e m e m e r g e d f r o m the g l o o m . T h e y c a m e o n a t a steady walk, w e a p o n s held ready. S o m e b l e d f r o m w o u n d s a n d all o f t h e m stared at M a c r o and J u l i a fixedly. M a c r o s t e p p e d in front of J u l i a a n d raised his sword. ' C o m e o n then, y o u bastards! S e e h o w a R o m a n dies!' T h e r e was no response, j u s t a deathly c o l d in their eyes as the h o r s e m e n c l o p p e d towards t h e m . J u l i a t o o k M a c r o ' s e l b o w and h e felt her tremble as she s p o k e . ' M a c r o , don't let t h e m take m e . Please.' He felt an icy sense of dread clench r o u n d his heart at her w o r d s .

256

T h e r e was n o a v o i d i n g w h a t h e m u s t do. M a c r o felt sick. H e swallowed b a c k the bile a n d t u r n e d towards her. ' I ' m so sorry, miss.' S h e g l a n c e d past h i m t o the a p p r o a c h i n g m e n , then g r a s p e d his shoulders a n d stared into his eyes. ' D o it quickly!' Macro's

features

twisted

into

an

expression

of

agonised

helplessness, t h e n h e n o d d e d a n d l o w e r e d the b l o o d i e d tip o f his sword t o rest against her s t o m a c h , j u s t u n d e r her rib cage. H e r b o d y was w a r m t o the t o u c h even t h o u g h she was shivering. S h e c l e n c h e d her eyes shut a n d t o o k a last g a s p i n g breath as o n e of the m e n s h o u t e d a w a r n i n g a n d they r u s h e d forward. ' T h e g o d s save y o u , C a t o m y love,' she w h i s p e r e d . ' M a c r o , I ' m ready. D o it.'

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CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR

I

t was taking far t o o l o n g for the force to assemble, C a t o fretted irritably as he m a d e his way a l o n g the b r e a k w a t e r e x t e n d i n g from

the old royal quarter into the great harbour. To his left there was a mass of c o m m e r c i a l s h i p p i n g r i d i n g at a n c h o r w a i t i n g for a b e r t h , a n d b e y o n d lay the H e p t a s t a d i o n - the l o n g causeway stretching f r o m the m a i n l a n d to the island of Pharos. As he g l a n c e d at it, C a t o c o u l d n o t help a d m i r i n g the a m b i t i o n o f the A l e x a n d r i n e s o n c e again. T h e city was full of w o n d e r s , as he h a d discovered w h i l e w a i t i n g for Petronius to assemble the relief force to be sent to C r e t e . T h e library h a d o v e r a w e d h i m . N e v e r b e f o r e h a d he seen such a c o n c e n t r a t i o n o f learning. I n a d d i t i o n t o the vast n u m b e r o f b o o k s on every c o n c e i v a b l e subject, the place was filled w i t h scholars quietly discussing shared interests, or l o c k e d in v e h e m e n t dispute over s o m e p o i n t . H e sat d o w n o n the steps o f the T e m p l e o f T i m o n a t the e n d o f the breakwater. F r o m there he h a d a g o o d v i e w of the fleet a s s e m b ling in the royal harbour. In a d d i t i o n to a s q u a d r o n of warships, Petronius h a d p r o v i d e d four light s c o u t i n g ships of the s a m e class that C a t o a n d M a c r o h a d served a b o a r d w h e n they h a d b e e n s e c o n d e d t o the fleet at R a v e n n a s o m e years earlier. B e s i d e s these, there w e r e eight large c a r g o ships to carry the horses a n d e q u i p m e n t allocated to the force. C o u n t i n g the m a r i n e c o n t i n g e n t s a b o a r d the warships, the legate h a d assigned nearly f i v e t h o u s a n d m e n t o the force b e i n g sent to the aid of his o l d friend S e n a t o r S e m p r o n i u s . T h e d e c i s i o n o f w h o t o a p p o i n t a s c o m m a n d e r o f the force h a d p r o v e d to be a delicate matter. In addition to the e x p e r i e n c e d officers c o m m a n d i n g the l e g i o n a r y c o h o r t s , as well as the auxiliary units, Petronius h a d a n u m b e r of military tribunes on his staff w h o c l a i m e d the c o m m a n d for themselves. C a t o h a d r e m i n d e d the legate that

258

S e m p r o n i u s w o u l d b e m a k i n g his o w n decision w i t h respect t o a p p o i n t i n g a c o m m a n d e r of the relief force w h e n it r e a c h e d C r e t e . M o r e o v e r , h e h a d asked that C a t o h i m s e l f b e the c o m m a n d e r o f the forces w h i l e they w e r e en r o u t e to the p r o v i n c e . In the e n d Petronius had a p p o i n t e d the senior c e n t u r i o n o f the T w e n t y - S e c o n d t o the post, until they arrived at G o r t y n a . D e c i u s Fulvius was a scarred, bald veteran w i t h the build of a boxer, w h o c o u l d b e l l o w like a bull. C a t o was i m p r e s s e d by his c o m p e t e n c e a n d aura of authority, and a c c e p t e d the legate's d e c i s i o n . E v e n t h o u g h the c o m m a n d e r h a d b e e n a p p o i n t e d a n d the ships were ready, the auxiliary units w e r e still on the m a r c h a n d w o u l d n o t reach the city for a n o t h e r day, C a t o h a d b e e n informed. The prefects, l o n g u s e d t o the c o m f o r t a b l e g a r r i s o n duties o f E g y p t , h a d p r o v e d reluctant t o b e sent o n c a m p a i g n a n d h a d m a d e every e x c u s e t o delay their d e p a r t u r e , until the legate h a d threatened to replace t h e m on his o w n a u t h o r i t y a n d report the m a t t e r t o the e m p e r o r . T h a t h a d d o n e the trick a n d the t w o c o h o r t s h a d set off at o n c e . It had b e e n several days since he h a d arrived in A l e x a n d r i a , C a t o reflected in a depressed m o o d as he f o u n d s o m e shade on the steps o f the t e m p l e a n d g a z e d o u t t o sea. S o m e w h e r e o u t there lay the island o f C r e t e , w h e r e his friends w e r e i n danger. T h e y n e e d e d h i m and he was stuck here in A l e x a n d r i a , d r a g g i n g his heels until the relief force was ready t o set sail. H e t h o u g h t l o n g i n g l y o f J u l i a , a n d for a m o m e n t he closed his eyes and lifted his face to the sea breeze, letting it caress his skin as she was w o n t to do so lightly w i t h her fingertips that it m a d e his b o d y t r e m b l e at the sensation. He c o u l d n o t wait to be in her a r m s again, to h o l d her b o d y against his a n d kiss her. A b r u p t l y h e s t o p p e d h i m s e l f p u r s u i n g that line o f t h o u g h t . T h e c o n s e q u e n c e s w o u l d be e m b a r r a s s i n g in such a public space, a n d the a g o n y o f her a b s e n c e w o u l d only depress h i m further a n d m a k e h i m m o r e a n x i o u s over having to wait for the fleet to set sail f r o m A l e x a n d r i a . As he o p e n e d his eyes, he felt the w i n d strengthen, a n d the a w n i n g over a nearby fish stall b i l l o w e d up a n d s n a p p e d taut. T h e stallkeeper was already l o o k i n g a n x i o u s l y to the west as he b e g a n to p a c k his g o o d s away into baskets to carry b a c k d o w n the b r e a k w a t e r into the city. C a t o rose from the steps and w a l k e d r o u n d to the far

259

side o f the t e m p l e . T h e sky b e y o n d the H e p t a s t a d i o n was dark and c l o u d y a n d the swell in the h a r b o u r was m o r e noticeable. A s t o r m was c o m i n g , b l o w i n g in f r o m the west. F o r a m o m e n t C a t o w a t c h e d the h o r i z o n , w o n d e r i n g i f h e s h o u l d return to the quarters the legate h a d p r o v i d e d for h i m in the palace that h a d o n c e b e e n the h o m e o f the P t o l e m a i c p h a r a o h s . T h e r e h e w o u l d b e forced t o e n d u r e the e m p t y c o n v e r s a t i o n a n d mindless entertainments of Petronius's b o r e d staff officers as the s t o r m b r o k e outside. T h e t h o u g h t s o u r e d h i m , and h e resolved t o stay and w a t c h . A fresh blast of w i n d buffeted h i m and he t u r n e d to see that the s t o r m was almost u p o n h i m . G r e a t waves w e r e crashing against the f o o t of the l i g h t h o u s e across the bay a n d b u r s t i n g in massive c l o u d s of spray swept on by the rising w i n d . O u t to sea, a grey curtain of rain was s w e e p i n g towards

the

coast b e n e a t h dark c l o u d s that

s m e a r e d the sky a l o n g the h o r i z o n . T h e rain b e g a n i n earnest, stinging his face, a n d C a t o c o u l d n o t help shivering slightly in the c o l d w i n d m o a n i n g a r o u n d the t e m p l e . All at o n c e there was a dazzling flash of light a n d a m o m e n t later the muffled metallic crash of thunder, as the s t o r m struck the p o r t . A c a r g o ship, a m i l e o u t , was battling to reach the harbour, almost all the sail reefed in as her b o w s burst t h r o u g h o n e w a v e after another. S u d d e n l y the distant sail collapsed; C a t o saw that the mast h a d s n a p p e d , a n d sail, spar, a n d r i g g i n g t u m b l e d over the side. As the tangled w r e c k a g e hit the water, it acted as a brake, savagely d r a g g i n g the ship over to o n e side as it t u r n e d its b e a m towards the great waves rolling in from the heart of the sea. F o r an instant C a t o c o u l d m a k e o u t the m e n c r o u c h i n g o n the d e c k . T h e n a h u g e g r e y wall crashed over the ship, engulfing it. T h e keel b r o k e the surface, like the spine of a w h a l e , and settled in the water; then the n e x t w a v e w a s h e d over it a n d the ship was g o n e . C a t o stared at the spot, w i l l i n g there to be s o m e sign o f survivors, b u t there was n o t h i n g , a n d the curiosity o f b e f o r e t u r n e d to h o r r o r at the s u d d e n e x t i n c t i o n of the ship a n d its entire crew. ' P o o r bastards,' he m u t t e r e d , then t u r n e d away a n d walked slowly towards the shelter of the t e m p l e , as the w i n d - f a n n e d flames in the c u p o l a at the t o p of the l i g h t h o u s e flared brilliantly against the dark s t o r m c l o u d s s c u d d i n g o v e r h e a d . O n c e h e was i n the shelter o f the

260

tower, C a t o t o o k a last l o o k towards the sea, his heart filled w i t h pity for any ships o u t there in such a t e m p e s t . T w o days later, early in the m o r n i n g , the fleet was ready to sail. Petronius c a m e d o w n to the d o c k in the royal h a r b o u r to b i d farewell t o C a t o a n d First S p e a r C e n t u r i o n D e c i u s Fulvius. T h e s t o r m h a d passed the day after it had struck a n d several ships h a d f o u n d e r e d in the c o m m e r c i a l harbour. Fortunately the fleet h a d lost o n l y o n e trireme, w h i c h had d r a g g e d its a n c h o r s a n d b e e n h o l e d w h e n it struck the breakwater. 'Take g o o d care o f m y m e n . ' Petronius s m i l e d faintly a t C a t o . ' I want ' e m b a c k i n g o o d c o n d i t i o n o n c e y o u have p u t d o w n the slave rebellion. T h e g o d s k n o w I'm taking a b i g risk in stripping so m a n y m e n from the g a r r i s o n o f E g y p t t o help S e m p r o n i u s o u t . M a k e sure he understands that.' 'I will be sure to pass the m e s s a g e on to the senator, sir.' ' G o o d , a n d tell m y old friend that i f h e s h o u l d ever n e e d m y help again in the future, then please hesitate to call on me.' C a t o s m i l e d at the quip, b u t Fulvius j u s t f r o w n e d for a m o m e n t and then s h r u g g e d b e f o r e he saluted his c o m m a n d e r . 'I'll l o o k after the lads, sir. S h o u l d n ' t think a m o b of r e n e g a d e slaves will give me m u c h trouble. E v e n so, I'll n o t take any unnecessary risks.' 'Good.' C a t o f o l l o w e d Fulvius across the g a n g w a y and o n t o the d e c k o f the flagship, an a g e i n g q u a d r e m e n a m e d the Triton. As s o o n as they were a b o a r d , the m a r i n e s h a u l e d the g a n g w a y in a n d the m e n at the oars f e n d e d the vessel away f r o m the d o c k . As s o o n as a sufficient gap had o p e n e d u p , the navarch c o m m a n d i n g the fleet gave the o r d e r for the ship to get u n d e r way, a n d the oars w e r e u n s h i p p e d a n d the blades l o w e r e d into the sea. T h e officer in charge of the rowers set an easy p a c e a n d the Triton glided across the still waters of the royal h a r b o u r a n d h e a d e d o u t t o sea. T h e rest o f the s q u a d r o n t o o k u p station astern, as the troopships set sail a n d f o l l o w e d b e h i n d the warships. It was a fine spectacle, C a t o reflected as he saw that h u n d r e d s o f the local p e o p l e h a d c o m e o u t o n t o the H e p t a s t a d i o n t o w a t c h the f l e e t depart. T h e f o r m a t i o n h e a d e d o u t past the lighthouse, a n d the Tritons b o w s lifted as they e m e r g e d into the swell

261

o f the o p e n sea. T h e s u d d e n m o t i o n caused C a t o t o grasp the side rail, a n d the i m a g e of the stricken ship he h a d seen d u r i n g the s t o r m j u m p e d u n b i d d e n into his mind. The navarch c h u c k l e d as he glanced at h i m . ' N o t m u c h o f a sailor, t h e n ? ' ' N o t m u c h , ' C a t o a d m i t t e d . 'I've h a d m o r e than m y share o f sea travel recently' 'Well, n o t t o worry. T h e s t o r m has b l o w n itself o u t nicely' T h e navarch s c a n n e d the h o r i z o n a n d sniffed the air. 'We're in for a fine spell, and will m a k e C r e t e w i t h i n three days at the most.' ' Y o u can smell the w e a t h e r t o c o m e ? ' C a t o asked i n surprise. ' N o . B u t it helps c a l m my passengers if they think I can.' T h e navarch w i n k e d . C a t o m a d e his w a y t o the stern a n d stared b a c k a t A l e x a n d r i a . B y n o o n the city and the coastline h a d disappeared over the h o r i z o n , b u t the l i g h t h o u s e was still clearly visible, a n d in the gentle b r e e z e the s m o k e from its signal fire rose at an angle into the heavens. In the fine w e a t h e r the fleet m a d e steady progress across the sea a n d sighted the coast o f C r e t e o n the e v e n i n g o f the third day. After carefully e x a m i n i n g the coastline, the navarch was c o n t e n t that he k n e w w h e r e they had m a d e landfall a n d gave the o r d e r to t u r n to the west a n d follow the coast towards Matala. 'We s h o u l d reach the p o r t tomorrow,' h e a n n o u n c e d t o C a t o a n d Fulvius as they shared a m e a l in his tiny cabin that night. He n o d d e d at C a t o . ' Y o u say the p o r t was hit hard by that w a v e . H o w b a d was the d a m a g e , exactly?' C a t o f i n i s h e d c h e w i n g a h u n k o f b r e a d a n d swallowed. 'There's n o t m u c h still standing,' he recalled. ' T h e w a r e h o u s e s w e r e flattened a n d m u c h o f the quayside was swept away. T h e r e ' s plenty o f w r e c k e d s h i p p i n g a l o n g the shore a n d in the bay, but the b e a c h e s a little further o u t are clear e n o u g h . We c o u l d land o u r forces there.' 'Very well,' Fulvius a g r e e d . 'As far as you're aware, we shouldn't be facing any o p p o s i t i o n w h e n w e land.' ' N o . N o t unless s o m e t h i n g ' s h a p p e n e d t o Matala.' 'Is that likely?' C a t o s h o o k his h e a d . 'I d o u b t it. If the rebels have paid a visit, the g a r r i s o n h a d orders to take the p e o p l e up into the acropolis. It's a fine

262

defensive p o s i t i o n . W i t h o u t siege w e a p o n s the rebels w o u l d have had little c h a n c e o f taking the place. N o , w e shouldn't have any p r o b l e m s p u t t i n g ashore at Matala.' ' G l a d to h e a r it,' said Fulvius. ' A n d o n c e the c o l u m n ' s ashore, we'll put paid to this gladiator of y o u r s in d o u b l e - q u i c k time. You see if we don't!' T h e sun was h i g h in the sky as the Triton led the fleet into the bay. T h e navarch was t a k i n g n o risks a n d h a d t w o m e n i n the b o w s w a t c h i n g the water a h e a d of the warship for any obstacles c a u s e d by the

wave

or

the

earthquake. T h e

marines

and

the

additional

legionaries f r o m the T w e n t y - S e c o n d p a c k e d the sides o f the ship a n d stared in curiosity a n d s h o c k at the r u i n e d p o r t . F o r the first t i m e since they h a d set off from A l e x a n d r i a , C a t o n o t i c e d that Fulvius l o o k e d a little shaken. ' N e v e r seen anything like it,' the veteran m u t t e r e d . 'It's like the p o r t has b e e n pulverised.' H e t u r n e d t o C a t o . ' S e e m s y o u weren't e x a g g e r a t i n g w h a t y o u said a b o u t that wave.' ' N o . A n d that's only the b e g i n n i n g . ' C a t o p o i n t e d inland. 'What's left of the city is up there, a n d o n c e y o u see that, you'll have s o m e idea o f what's h a p p e n e d t o the w h o l e island.' Fulvius s h o o k his h e a d slowly as he c o n t i n u e d to survey the devastation. As the warship eased its w a y further into the bay, C a t o called to the navarch a n d indicated the Horus, still b e a c h e d s o m e distance a l o n g the shore. ' H e a d over there. T h e b o t t o m ' s sandy a n d shelves gently' T h e navarch n o d d e d a n d o r d e r e d the steersman t o alter c o u r s e , and the Triton s w u n g gracefully r o u n d , oars d i p p i n g into the clear water in u n i s o n . Fulvius was still staring towards the ruins. ' O d d , ' he said quietly. 'There's no sign of life at all. Y o u ' d think s o m e o n e w o u l d have s p o t t e d us a n d called attention to the g a r r i s o n c o m m a n d e r . Or the other t o w n s p e o p l e at least.' C a t o l o o k e d again at the p o r t . 'You're right. I can't see a soul.' ' B e s t p r o c e e d cautiously

w h e n we

get

ashore

then,' Fulvius

d e c i d e d . 'Just in case.' T h e y w e r e i n t e r r u p t e d by a b e l l o w e d c o m m a n d f r o m the navarch 263

as he o r d e r e d all the idle hands, m a r i n e s a n d l e g i o n a r i e s to m o v e aft o f the mast. A s the m e n shuffled towards the stern, the r a m slowly rose clear of the water, a n d after a few m o r e strokes of the oars the navarch c u p p e d his hands to his m o u t h . ' S h i p the oars! Prepare to beach!' T h e blades rose clear of the water a n d w e r e r u n in as the warship c o n t i n u e d forward. T h e d e c k s h u d d e r e d slightly a s the keel t o u c h e d the sandy b o t t o m , and c a r r i e d on a little way b e f o r e the friction killed the last of the ship's m o m e n t u m . ' M a r i n e s forward! L o w e r the g a n g w a y s ! ' W h i l e the m a r i n e s h e a v e d the n a r r o w r a m p s d o w n from the gaps in the w o o d e n side rails at the bow, the o t h e r warships b e g a n to b e a c h o n either side. L o o k i n g b a c k towards the entrance o f the bay, C a t o saw the c a r g o ships cautiously a p p r o a c h i n g u n d e r m i n i m a l sail. T h e y h a d t o o great a d r a u g h t to b e a c h and w o u l d have to a n c h o r a short distance o u t a n d wait for the smaller vessels to ferry the m e n , horses a n d e q u i p m e n t ashore. C e n t u r i o n Fulvius h a d p u t o n his h e l m e t a n d was fastening the straps. H e n o d d e d t o C a t o . 'Best get y o u r kit o n . I'll have m y lads ready to recce the city the m o m e n t we get on dry land.' C a t o s t r u g g l e d into a chainmail vest, strapped on his s w o r d a n d put

on

his

helmet

before joining

Fulvius

and

the

legionaries

assembling by the g a n g w a y s . In a d d i t i o n to their usual c o m p l e m e n t , e a c h o f the warships was c a r r y i n g t w o centuries o f l e g i o n a r i e s a n d the m e n w e r e j o s t l i n g to get ashore as quickly as possible after h a v i n g spent the past few days c r o w d e d o n t o the o p e n d e c k s . T h e m a r i n e s h a d already d i s e m b a r k e d a n d r u n up the sand to f o r m a skirmish line. W h e n h e was h a p p y that his m e n w e r e ready, Fulvius called o u t the order. ' R i g h t then, b o y s , get ashore. O n e m a n o n e a c h g a n g w a y a t a t i m e , unless y o u w a n t to l a n d in the drink.' S o m e o f the m e n l a u g h e d o r s m i l e d a t the w a r n i n g a s t h e first o f t h e m carefully m a d e their way d o w n the n a r r o w g a n g w a y s and o n t o the sand. Fulvius l o o k e d towards the p o r t again. 'Still n o t h i n g . It's l o o k i n g a bit w o r r y i n g , I'd say' C a t o did n o t reply, b u t inside he felt the familiar tightening of his guts as he let his m i n d c o n t e m p l a t e the possible reasons for the stillness a n d silence of the p o r t . He s t o o d a n d w a i t e d his t u r n as the

264

m e n d i s e m b a r k e d , a n d then followed Fulvius d o w n o n t o the b e a c h . T h e o p t i o s w e r e already f o r m i n g the m e n u p a s they d i s e m b a r k e d from the warships. O n c e the first c o h o r t was ready, Fulvius gave the order t o a d v a n c e , a n d they b e g a n t o m a r c h warily d o w n the b e a c h towards the p o r t , f o l l o w i n g the s a m e r o u t e C a t o h a d taken w h e n the Horus had l i m p e d into the bay after b e i n g s w a m p e d by the wave. The c o h o r t h a d t o break ranks t o n e g o t i a t e the r u b b l e a n d debris w h e n the m e n r e a c h e d the e d g e o f the p o r t area. D e s p i t e the o c c a s i o n a l s h o u t e d orders a n d the clatter of kit as nearly five h u n d r e d m e n p i c k e d their way forwards, n o o n e c a m e t o investigate. T h e sense o f f o r e b o d i n g was greater than ever, and C a t o g r i p p e d the handle o f his sword as he a c c o m p a n i e d Fulvius up the shallow ravine towards the main town. T h e streets w e r e still a n d silent a n d C a t o l o o k e d up as the acropolis c a m e into view, but the walls w e r e e m p t y ; n o t a single m a n visible o n w a t c h , o r g u a r d i n g the gates, w h i c h w e r e w i d e o p e n . T h e only sign of any life was a small swirl of dark birds over the acropolis. ' W h e r e i s e v e r y o n e ? ' asked Fulvius. H e t u r n e d t o C a t o . ' C o u l d they have left? H a s S e m p r o n i u s o r d e r e d t h e m to h e a d for G o r t y n a maybe?' 'I don't k n o w . I can't see w h y he w o u l d . ' T h e y c o n t i n u e d t h r o u g h the streets, towards the acropolis, a n d b e g a n to a s c e n d the r a m p . A faint b r e e z e wafted d o w n the slope, c a r r y i n g w i t h it a sickly stench. Fulvius, C a t o a n d the l e a d i n g section o f the c o h o r t s t o p p e d abruptly. Fulvius w e n t t o d r a w his s w o r d , a n d then stilled his h a n d and swallowed hard instead. ' K e e p m o v i n g , ' he g r o w l e d at his m e n , and they c a r r i e d on up the r a m p towards the o p e n gateway. As they passed t h r o u g h the arch, the foul smell was o v e r p o w e r i n g . A handful of startled c a r r i o n birds s q u a w k e d a n d flapped into the air as the first m e n into the acropolis drew up a n d stared at the ghastly s c e n e b e f o r e t h e m . T h e entire space within the walls was covered w i t h b o d i e s , m o t t l e d and b l o a t e d w i t h decay. T h e p a v i n g stones w e r e dark w i t h d r i e d b l o o d , a n d further away from C a t o a n d the others, the c a r r i o n c o n t i n u e d to w o r r y at the c o r p s e s w i t h their b e a k s a n d claws. N o b o d y h a d b e e n spared. N o t the o l d a n d infirm, not the w o m e n , n o r the children. All had b e e n h a c k e d t o death.

265

C a t o covered his m o u t h and n o s e a s h e l o o k e d a b o u t . ' W h a t the hell h a p p e n e d here?' Fulvius m u t t e r e d . ' T h e rebels m u s t have attacked and f o u n d a way in,' C a t o g u e s s e d . 'That's w h y they're all in the acropolis, a n d n o t at the refugee c a m p o u t s i d e the city.' 'I t h o u g h t y o u said they w o u l d be safe up here.' ' T h e y s h o u l d have b e e n . It doesn't m a k e sense.' B o t h m e n w e r e silent for a m o m e n t as they g a z e d at the scene of the massacre. T h e n Fulvius scratched his chin nervously. 'If the rebels c o u l d take M a t a l a , then we have to a s s u m e that G o r t y n a is also in danger.' C a t o felt an icy s p a s m in his n e c k . G o r t y n a

. . . Julia and

M a c r o . . . He felt sick w i t h despair and uncertainty. He swallowed the bile rising in his throat a n d t u r n e d to Fulvius. 'We have to get the rest of the c o l u m n ashore at o n c e a n d m a k e for G o r t y n a b e f o r e it's t o o late.' 'It m a y already be t o o late.' C a t o was s t u n g b y the i m p l i c a t i o n o f the o t h e r man's w o r d s . 'In that case,' he r e s p o n d e d w i t h chilling intensity, ' w e still m a r c h on G o r t y n a . We will n o t rest until every last o n e of the rebels has p a i d for this w i t h their lives.'

266

CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE

I

s there n o t h i n g that can be d o n e to save h i m ? ' asked A j a x as they e m e r g e d f r o m the f a r m h o u s e . K h a r i m w i p e d the traces o f b l o o d

and p u s f r o m his hands w i t h a linen rag, and t h e n s h o o k his h e a d . ' I ' m sorry, it's in the hands of the g o d s now. Y o u m i g h t w a n t to m a k e a sacrifice to Asclepius a n d pray for his help. I have d o n e all that I can for C h i l o , b u t his w o u n d has b e c o m e c o r r u p t e d . I've seen it before, as have y o u . It will fester a n d p o i s o n his b l o o d a n d he will die. I ' m sorry.' 'I see.' A j a x n o d d e d w i t h a w e a r y air of resignation. It p a i n e d K h a r i m to see the gladiator b r o u g h t l o w by this, a m o n g s t all the o t h e r b u r d e n s

of c o m m a n d that rested on his

powerful s h o u l d e r s . It had b e e n five days since the rebel a r m y h a d arrived b e f o r e the walls o f G o r t y n a a n d A j a x h a d l a u n c h e d his surprise attack. It h a d cost the rebels dearly. O v e r t w o h u n d r e d of Chilo's b a n d h a d b e e n killed o r w o u n d e d , a n d m a n y o f the survivors h a d b e e n c r i p p l e d by r u n n i n g on to the caltrops as they retreated into the night. T h e m o o d i n the rebel c a m p h a d s o u r e d , a n d t h o u g h A j a x was d e t e r m i n e d to m a k e a n o t h e r attempt to take the city by force, he was aware that his followers h a d b e e n shaken by the failure o f the f i r s t night. I t h a d b e e n their f i r s t m a j o r setback since the o u t b r e a k o f the rebellion, a n d A j a x was forced to realise that there w e r e limits to w h a t c o u l d b e asked o f m e n a n d w o m e n w h o h a d h a d n o e x p e r i e n c e o f the hardships o f conflict. T h e y h a d b e e n intoxicated b y f r e e d o m a n d fanatical i n their d e f e n c e o f it. B u t fanaticism was n o t e n o u g h w h e n w h a t A j a x really n e e d e d was m e n trained i n the art o f siege warfare a n d disciplined e n o u g h to carry an assault t h r o u g h in spite of the dangers. B e s i d e s , fanaticism was a fickle thing, he h a d discovered. The initial fearlessness a n d ferocity of the early days of the revolt h a d

267

b e g u n to give w a y to a s i m p l e desire to live well a n d enjoy the l u x u r i e s they h a d l o o t e d f r o m their f o r m e r masters. A j a x clasped K h a r i m ' s shoulder. ' I thank y o u for d o i n g w h a t y o u c o u l d for C h i l o . ' ' Y o u don't have t o thank m e , General.' K h a r i m s m i l e d sadly. ' C h i l o is as a brother to m e , as he is to y o u . H i s m e n love h i m . T h i s has hit t h e m hard. I w i s h I h a d the skills to save him.' 'I thank y o u anyway.' A j a x stared at his c o m p a n i o n for a m o m e n t . 'I n e e d a n e w m a n to take over f r o m Chilo.' It was the first m e n t i o n of such a thing, a n d K h a r i m realised that his leader n o w a c c e p t e d that C h i l o w o u l d n o t recover. ' W h o d o y o u have i n m i n d ? ' K h a r i m asked. ' I a m n o t sure yet. M y f i r s t t h o u g h t was you.' 'Me?' ' W h y not? Y o u fight as well as y o u practise y o u r healing skills. A n d y o u are loyal t o m e , are y o u n o t ? ' ' D o y o u have to ask?' K h a r i m r e s p o n d e d w i t h a p a i n e d expression. ' N o . I am sorry, my friend. I did n o t m e a n to slight y o u . S o m e t i m e s I slip b a c k into the blunt frame of m i n d of a c o m m o n gladiator.' ' T h e r e i s n o t h i n g c o m m o n a b o u t you,' K h a r i m replied, a n d g e s t u r e d t o the c a m p s u r r o u n d i n g t h e m . 'Ask a n y o n e . D o y o u k n o w , I have even heard s o m e o f the w o m e n praying t o y o u ? A s i f y o u w e r e s o m e k i n d of a g o d , or a king.' A j a x f r o w n e d . ' T h a t is foolishness. We are free now, we are n o t b e h o l d e n t o a n y o n e b u t ourselves.' K h a r i m l o o k e d at h i m . ' Y o u believe that, a n d that is w h y they love y o u a n d will follow w h e r e y o u will lead.' T h e gladiator d r e w h i m s e l f u p a n d briefly surveyed the nearest cluster of tents a n d shelters w h e r e the f o r m e r slaves sat at their ease. S o m e talked, s o m e simply sat a n d l o o k e d a t the w o r l d a r o u n d t h e m as if s e e i n g it anew. A handful of children w e r e playing a r o u n d a c a g e to o n e side of the f a r m h o u s e , g o a d i n g the p r i s o n e r s w i t h sticks. It was a peaceful scene of c o n t e n t m e n t , yet A j a x k n e w it c o u l d n o t last. He turned back to Kharim. 'Pass the w o r d . I w a n t the leaders of all the w a r b a n d s to m e e t in the g a r d e n at dusk. We m u s t talk. T h e r e are c h o i c e s that m u s t be made. C o m m i t m e n t s to be renewed. You understand?'

268

'Yes, G e n e r a l . I will tell them.' K h a r i m t u r n e d a n d strode away, towards the area o f the c a m p w h e r e his w a r b a n d h a d set up their shelters. A j a x w a t c h e d h i m a m o m e n t a n d then t u r n e d t o g o b a c k inside the f a r m h o u s e . H e passed t h r o u g h the c o l o n n a d e d hall w i t h the shallow p o n d at its centre. Once

that

h a d b e e n fed by rainwater f r o m

the

roof, b u t

the

e a r t h q u a k e h a d left a large crack in the b o t t o m , and n o w it was dry and filled w i t h cracked plaster, dust a n d a handful of s m a s h e d tiles that h a d fallen in f r o m the roof. He m a d e his way towards the best b e d r o o m in the h o u s e , w h e r e C h i l o lay on a soft bedroll. D e s p i t e h a v i n g the w i n d o w s o p e n o n b o t h sides o f the r o o m , the air was w a r m , a n d as A j a x a p p r o a c h e d , a sickening tang assaulted his nostrils. He h i d his distaste as he knelt d o w n b e s i d e C h i l o . Chilo's skin was w a x y a n d glistened w i t h perspiration. H e lay w i t h a fine r o b e c o v e r i n g his b o d y as far as his chest, h i d i n g his w o u n d . S e n s i n g the gladiator's presence, he o p e n e d his eyes, s t r u g g l e d to focus a n d f o r c e d a smile. ' G e n e r a l , I w o n d e r e d w h e n y o u ' d c o m e t o see me.' H e s p o k e softly, a slight rasp to his w o r d s . 'I was here j u s t a m o m e n t ago.' 'Were y o u ? ' C h i l o f r o w n e d . 'I can't r e m e m b e r . ' 'It's the p o i s o n in y o u r b l o o d , ' A j a x e x p l a i n e d . 'It's playing tricks with your mind.' 'Ah.' C h i l o r e a c h e d o u t his h a n d a n d t o o k that o f A j a x . H i s t o u c h was h o t a n d feverish, a n d A j a x f o r c e d h i m s e l f n o t t o recoil. C h i l o smiled. 'Well y o u are here now, at the end.' 'Yes.' 'It's b e e n t o o short a t i m e to have k n o w n y o u , my general.' ' A n d y o u , m y friend.' 'Friend?'

Chilo

smiled

contentedly. ' T h a n k

you.'

His

eyes

m o i s t e n e d a n d h e l o o k e d away. 'There's n o s h a m e i n tears, C h i l o . W e have s e e n e n o u g h suffering in o u r t i m e to justify a river of tears.' C h i l o n o d d e d . 'Suffering, a n d joy.' Joy?' ' I f o u n d y o u , m y general. Y o u gave m e f r e e d o m , a n d revenge.' A j a x felt his throat constrict w i t h a slight b u r n i n g sensation. He 269

s w a l l o w e d before h e c o u l d trust h i m s e l f t o speak. H e l e a n e d forward slightly and stroked the lank hair plastered to Chilo's scalp. C h i l o suddenly c l e n c h e d his eyes tightly shut a n d g r i m a c e d , a n d his b o d y w e n t r i g i d . H i s fingers c l a m p e d tightly r o u n d Ajax's h a n d as he f o u g h t the wave of a g o n y b u r n i n g t h r o u g h his body. S l o w l y it passed a n d he w e n t limp. T h e pulse in his n e c k t h r o b b e d as sweat trickled f r o m his brow. At length his breathing b e c a m e calm a n d his gaze flickered b a c k to A j a x . ' I ' m sorry.' ' Y o u have n o t h i n g to be s o r r y for.' 'I c a n n o t fight at y o u r side any m o r e . ' 'I k n o w . I will n o t forget you.' A j a x p a u s e d . ' Y o u saved my life. Why?' ' W h y ? ' C h i l o f r o w n e d . ' B e c a u s e y o u are as a b r o t h e r to me.' A j a x n o d d e d slowly. 'I m u s t go now. I'll c o m e b a c k later a n d we can talk again.' ' T h a n k you.' C h i l o g l a n c e d across the r o o m t o w h e r e his a r m o u r a n d w e a p o n s still lay against the wall. ' B e f o r e y o u g o , c o u l d y o u b r i n g t h o s e over here, beside the bed.' A j a x g l a n c e d at the w e a p o n s . ' W h y ? ' ' M y s w o r d still has R o m a n b l o o d on it. If I feel strong e n o u g h , I m i g h t w a n t to clean the blade.' A j a x stared at h i m a m o m e n t a n d then n o d d e d slowly. 'Very well.' H e collected the w e a p o n s , a n d Chilo's mail vest, a n d laid t h e m gently o n the floor b e s i d e h i m . ' T h e r e . ' ' T h a n k you,' C h i l o replied softly, as he stared fixedly at the ceiling. W i t h a heavy heart A j a x h e a d e d towards the d o o r , p a u s i n g on the threshold. 'I will see y o u again, my brother.' 'Yes,' C h i l o replied, a n d then w h i s p e r e d . 'In this life . . . o r the next.' O u t s i d e , A j a x s t o o d still for a m o m e n t , w o n d e r i n g if he s h o u l d go b a c k to C h i l o . It t o o k all his strength of will to resist the n o t i o n . C h i l o was in great pain a n d he was d y i n g . If he c h o s e to e n d his life then so it was. He was free to decide. That was w h a t he h a d given his life for. E v e n so, there was a great heaviness in the gladiator's heart, w h i c h s o o n t u r n e d t o bitterness a n d hatred. H e l o o k e d towards the

270

cage, w h e r e the children h a d given u p p o k i n g the p r i s o n e r s w i t h sticks a n d n o w squatted d o w n a t arm's l e n g t h t o w a t c h the R o m a n s and l a u g h at their w r e t c h e d c o n d i t i o n . ' G e t away f r o m there!' H e started towards t h e m a n d the children h u r r i e d l y rose t o their feet a n d s c a m p e r e d o f f into the c a m p . A j a x c o n t i n u e d o n towards the cage, an iron c o n s t r u c t i o n six feet l o n g by four feet in h e i g h t a n d d e p t h . T h e r e was n o t m u c h r o o m for the o c c u p a n t s , a n d there was no shelter f r o m the e l e m e n t s . At night they shivered in the c o l d air, and b y day they w e r e t o r m e n t e d b y the sun. T h e i r clothes h a d b e e n taken f r o m t h e m s o that they n o w sat i n their o w n f i l t h . A j a x h a d o r d e r e d that they n o t b e h a r m e d , a n d they w e r e fed a n d w a t e r e d j u s t e n o u g h t o k e e p t h e m alive. H i s n o s e w r i n k l e d a t the stink o f their shit a n d piss as he rested a h a n d on t o p of the c a g e a n d l e a n e d towards it so that he c o u l d w a t c h the t w o prisoners, a m a n a n d a w o m a n , sitting o n o p p o s i t e sides. ' H o w are m y guests feeling t o d a y ? ' T h e m a n l o o k e d u p a t h i m w i t h o u t replying a n d the w o m a n drew up her k n e e s as she stared fixedly at the g r o u n d . A j a x s m i l e d at them. ' O h c o m e now, surely the a c c o m m o d a t i o n can't b e that b a d ? Y o u know, w h e n I was first sold into slavery I spent the first m o n t h of it in a c a g e smaller than this, w i t h t w o o t h e r m e n . By n o w I think y o u can i m a g i n e w h a t that m u s t have b e e n like. B u t i m a g i n i n g a t h i n g is n o t the s a m e as e n d u r i n g it, as y o u are discovering.' N e i t h e r of the prisoners stirred a n d A j a x stared at t h e m for a m o m e n t , until the w o m a n shuffled r o u n d a n d t u r n e d her b a c k o n h i m . A j a x l a u g h e d a n d then squatted d o w n s o h e c o u l d stare across the c a g e into t h e man's face. H i s hair was dark and m a t t e d w i t h a crust of d r i e d b l o o d f r o m the b l o w to the skull he h a d received at the t i m e of his capture. ' H o w is y o u r h e a d today, C e n t u r i o n ? Or s h o u l d I call y o u prefect these days?' M a c r o did n o t reply. 'You've o b v i o u s l y d o n e well since w e f i r s t m e t . A c e n t u r i o n o f m a r i n e s y o u w e r e then, a n d n o w l o o k a t y o u . T h e c o m m a n d e r o f the g a r r i s o n o f G o r t y n a . O f c o u r s e , y o u r rise t h r o u g h the ranks has b e e n 271

rather eclipsed by my o w n . F r o m slave to general in a matter of days.' ' S o m e general.' M a c r o spat o n the g r o u n d b e s i d e h i m . 'You're n o t h i n g m o r e than a b r i g a n d . A n d y o u call this rabble an a r m y ? ' He n o d d e d t o the c a m p o u t s i d e the c a g e . ' O h , we haven't d o n e so badly. It's n o t as if y o u R o m a n s have c o v e r e d y o u r s e l f in glory since the rebellion b e g a n . W o u l d n ' t y o u agree?' M a c r o stared b a c k a t h i m . ' Y o u m u s t k n o w this can only e n d o n e way. A n a r m y will c o m e t o C r e t e and crush y o u a n d y o u r followers. S o far y o u have only f a c e d m e n from the auxiliary c o h o r t s , s e c o n d rate troops at that. You c a n n o t h o p e to defeat the legions.' ' W e shall see,' A j a x replied. ' M e a n w h i l e , I am the master of C r e t e . O r will b e , o n c e G o r t y n a i s taken and the g o v e r n o r j o i n s y o u i n this cage.' ' W h a t d o y o u i n t e n d t o d o w i t h us?' M a c r o asked quietly. ' Y o u m u s t k n o w that we are no u s e to y o u as hostages. S e m p r o n i u s will n o t surrender if y o u p r o m i s e to spare us.' 'I k n o w that. I m a d e the offer yesterday a n d he t u r n e d me d o w n . ' A j a x t u r n e d towards J u l i a . ' N o t straight away, you'll be glad to hear. I c o u l d see h i m struggle over the decision. It's n o t an easy thing to lose a d a u g h t e r . . . or a father.' He glanced b a c k at the f a r m h o u s e . ' O r a friend.' M a c r o followed the direction o f his gaze. ' T h e m a n w h o saved y o u r life. H o w is h e ? ' A j a x t o o k a sharp breath and glared at M a c r o . ' D y i n g , or d e a d . W h a t d o e s it m a t t e r to y o u ? ' 'It's n o t personal, w h o I kill on the battlefield,' M a c r o e x p l a i n e d . ' B u t we are n o t on the battlefield any longer. It was a brave thing he did. A d m i r a b l e . I w o u l d be sorry to hear that he h a d died.' ' O f c o u r s e , the professional respect o f o n e soldier for another. . B u t aren't y o u forgetting s o m e t h i n g ? My friend was a slave, n o t a soldier.' 'Slave or soldier, w h a t d o e s it m a t t e r ? ' M a c r o r e s p o n d e d wearily. ' W h e n a m a n picks up a w e a p o n a n d faces y o u in a fair fight, w h a t else

matters?

Surely

you

of all

people

must

understand

that,

Gladiator.' ' D o n ' t call me that!' A j a x said fiercely. 'I am no l o n g e r a gladiator,

272

R o m a n . I fight for m y s e l f a n d I fight for my p e o p l e . I w o u l d rather die than fight to entertain the m o b again.' T h e r e was a b r i e f silence as A j a x f o u g h t to control his rage. T h e t e m p t a t i o n t o smash o p e n the l o c k t o the cage a n d d r a g the R o m a n o u t o f his f i l t h a n d slaughter h i m tested h i m sorely. H e c l e n c h e d his fists a n d shut his eyes a n d b r e a t h e d d e e p l y for a m o m e n t until the rage h a d passed. T h e n he s t o o d up a n d t u r n e d to walk away. 'Wait!' M a c r o called o u t . 'Tell m e , w h a t are y o u r plans for us? M e and the lady' A j a x half t u r n e d a n d s m i l e d coldly. ' T o let y o u suffer for as l o n g as possible. W h e n b e i n g c o n f i n e d i n that c a g e has driven y o u half m a d , then I will have y o u killed, C e n t u r i o n . As slowly as I possibly c a n . I w a n t y o u to die by inches, and I w a n t y o u to feel the a g o n y of every m o m e n t o f that death. A s for the w o m a n , since she i s o f n o u s e t o me n o w that her father has a b a n d o n e d her, she can suffer here w i t h y o u , a n d then m y m e n can have h e r . T h e y have d e v e l o p e d s o m e t h i n g o f a taste for the flesh o f w e l l - b r e d R o m a n w o m e n . ' A j a x l o o k e d a t her a n d s m a c k e d his lips. ' O f c o u r s e , if I am fortunate e n o u g h to capture G o r t y n a first, then I will m a k e sure that y o u r father, the g o o d senator, is there to witness the s h a m i n g of his daughter.' 'Bastard!' M a c r o k i c k e d o u t w i t h his feet, crashing against the bars of the c a g e . ' Y o u fucking c o w a r d ! I swear to all the g o d s that if y o u t o u c h o n e hair o f her head, t h e n — ' ' W h a t ? T h e n w h a t ? ' A j a x l a u g h e d . 'You'll c o m e a n d h a u n t m e ? Perhaps I s h o u l d m a k e y o u w a t c h as well, b e f o r e I have y o u killed.' M a c r o c l e n c h e d his teeth a n d a l o w k e e n i n g s o u n d e d in his throat. H e g r a s p e d the bars o f the c a g e and s h o o k t h e m w i t h all his strength. ' M a c r o ! ' J u l i a suddenly s n a p p e d . ' M a c r o ! L o o k a t m e ! ' M a c r o tore his g a z e away f r o m the gladiator a n d fixed his eyes on hers. 'He's b a i t i n g y o u , M a c r o . D o n ' t let h i m . D o n ' t give h i m the satisfaction. We m u s t be better than h i m . Stronger.' A j a x smiled. ' Y o u can play the brave aristocrat now, my fine lady, but we'll see h o w l o n g y o u last o n c e m y m e n get their hands o n y o u . N o w I m u s t g o . I've e n j o y e d o u r little chat. R e a l l y I have. I ' m sure we will speak again soon.' 273

He w a v e d at t h e m in m o c k farewell, a n d w a l k e d off to find a h o r s e and b e g i n his daily i n s p e c t i o n o f the defences o f G o r t y n a . W h e n h e r e t u r n e d t o the f a r m h o u s e i n the m i d d l e o f the a f t e r n o o n , K h a r i m was w a i t i n g for h i m . ' C h i l o is dead,' the Parthian r e p o r t e d plainly. A j a x l o w e r e d his h e a d a n d n o d d e d . ' D i d h e die b y his o w n h a n d ? ' 'Yes.' ' T h a t is w h a t he w a n t e d . W h e r e is h e ? ' 'Inside. I have given orders for his b o d y to be w r a p p e d in linen for burial, but I t h o u g h t y o u m i g h t w a n t to see h i m first.' A j a x was still for a m o m e n t a n d then s h o o k his h e a d . ' H e is d e a d , a n d I will r e m e m b e r h i m . T h a t is e n o u g h . G i v e the orders for his burial. F i n d h i m a grave s o m e w h e r e quiet, w h e r e his b o d y w o n ' t be discovered b y the R o m a n s . ' K h a r i m stared at h i m , delicate b r o w s slightly raised in surprise. ' Y o u think they m i g h t beat us, t h e n ? ' ' T h e y m i g h t . N o t h i n g in this life is certain, my friend. If the rebellion fails, I will n o t have his b o d y treated as a trophy. N o r m i n e . O r yours.' 'I understand.' ' G o o d . N o w , I n e e d to eat. I'll be in t h e g a r d e n if a n y o n e n e e d s me.' K h a r i m b o w e d his h e a d . 'Yes, General.' A j a x spent the rest of the a f t e r n o o n there, sitting on a b e n c h , l e a n i n g forward, e l b o w s resting on his k n e e s , hands clasped a n d s u p p o r t i n g his chin. He stared at a small shrine to a h o u s e h o l d g o d in the c o r n e r of the g a r d e n as he reflected on the progress of the rebellion. T h e idea o f l e a d i n g a rebellion h a d never o c c u r r e d t o h i m w h e n he h a d taken the c h a n c e to regain his f r e e d o m after the governor's palace h a d collapsed. In truth he c o u l d have e s c a p e d at any t i m e since his arrival in C r e t e , b u t the p r o s p e c t of b e i n g on the r u n for the rest of his life, a n d of a terrible p u n i s h m e n t if he was c a u g h t , h a d dissuaded h i m from s u c h a c o u r s e o f action. T h e e a r t h q u a k e h a d c h a n g e d everything. At first he h a d t h o u g h t it w o u l d be the perfect c h a n c e to disappear, to be t h o u g h t lost a m o n g s t the ruins w i t h so m a n y others. H e had p l a n n e d t o c h a n g e his a p p e a r a n c e , b i d e his

274

time, a n d find a b e r t h on a ship leaving the island. Instead he h a d s t e p p e d into the role as leader of a small b a n d of r u n a w a y slaves and almost w i t h o u t any k i n d o f plan h a d b e c o m e the leader o f a n a r m y o f rebels. W i t h this responsibility h a d c o m e the o p p o r t u n i t y t o avenge h i m s e l f o n R o m e , a n d A j a x n o w a d m i t t e d h e h a d b e e n s e d u c e d b y s u c h a prospect. T h e q u e s t i o n was, w h a t c o u l d the rebellion realistically h o p e to achieve? T h a t arrogant aristocrat in G o r t y n a h a d refused to n e g o t i a t e any a g r e e m e n t that resulted in the f r e e d o m of the rebels. If that c o u l d n o t be

guaranteed,

then

what

was

the

purpose

o f the

rebellion?

C e n t u r i o n M a c r o was right. I n t i m e , R o m e w o u l d send a powerful a r m y t o c r u s h the slaves, and the c o n s e q u e n t retribution w o u l d b e terrible i n d e e d . W i t h a heavy heart A j a x realised that he m u s t lay the matter b e f o r e his closest followers. If the rebellion was to achieve anything, t h e n h e h a d t o b e certain that those w h o l o o k e d t o h i m for leadership clearly u n d e r s t o o d a n d shared his aims. When

the

commanders

of the

war

bands

arrived

at

the

f a r m h o u s e , their m o o d was s u b d u e d . W o r d o f Chilo's death h a d swiftly g o n e r o u n d the rebel c a m p s a n d m a n y o p e n l y g r i e v e d for h i m . T h e y f i l e d into the g a r d e n a n d sat o n the spare b e n c h e s , o r squatted on the g r o u n d in a l o o s e semicircle in front of A j a x . K h a r i m and s o m e others h a d b r o u g h t a small brazier o u t f r o m o n e o f the farm's store sheds a n d lit a fire in the m i d d l e of the g a r d e n . A j a x e x a m i n e d the faces o f his closest m e n b y the g l o w o f the f l a m e s . T h e y were all hard m e n , f r o m w i d e l y differing b a c k g r o u n d s . S o m e w e r e e x - g l a d i a t o r s , like h i m , w h i l e others h a d b e e n g a n g leaders o n estate farms or on the chain gangs that l o a d e d ships, or h a d w o r k e d the quarries a n d m i n e s o f the island. O n e h a d b e e n a s t o n e m a s o n , c o n d e m n e d t o fashion the t o m b s o f the wealthy w h i l e l o o k i n g forward to the c o m m o n grave of a slave pit w h e n his o w n t i m e c a m e . Another had been delighting wealthy

the

strong m a n

Romans

with

of an

displays

entertainment of his

party,

strength, little

k n o w i n g that h e w o u l d o n e day crack the skulls o f their c o m p a t r i o t s as freely as he c r u s h e d walnuts in his bare hands. D e s p i t e the variety o f their f o r m e r lives, they w e r e n o w u n i t e d i n a c o m m o n cause, a n d all l o o k e d to A j a x to lead t h e m to a better life. He cleared his throat as he rose to his feet a n d ran a h a n d t h r o u g h 275

his curly black hair. ' M y friends, today we lost a m a n w h o was as a brother to us all. F o r g i v e m e , but my heart is heavy w i t h grief, else I w o u l d w e l c o m e y o u here w i t h w i n e a n d m e a t , a n d perhaps C h i l o w o u l d have a s o n g for us.' H e saw that s o m e o f the m e n s m i l e d fondly at the m e m o r y . ' B u t C h i l o is g o n e a n d I am in no m o o d for pleasantries. My heart is m a d e heavier still by the n e e d to face up to certain truths. Truths that I m u s t share w i t h y o u this night.' H e p a u s e d briefly a n d sighed before h e s p o k e again. ' T h e R o m a n s will never give us f r e e d o m . N o r will they ever leave us in p e a c e . T h a t is certain.' ' T h e n we

shall

take

o u r freedom,' the

stonemason, Fuscus,

g r o w l e d . ' A n d if they o b j e c t , why, then we shall j u s t have to take their lives instead.' T h e r e was a c h o r u s of approval at these w o r d s a n d A j a x n o d d e d . 'A fine sentiment, a n d o n e that has served us well so far, Fuscus. B u t I fear that we have already achieved as m u c h as we c o u l d h o p e to. We have defeated the R o m a n s i n battle, w e have s a c k e d o n e o f their cities, and the r e m a i n i n g R o m a n s are b o t t l e d u p b e h i n d their fortifications. W e are the masters o f this island. F o r the present. N o w w e m u s t ask ourselves w h a t i s the true p u r p o s e o f o u r rebellion.' 'You s o u n d like a philosopher,' a v o i c e called o u t , and s o m e of the m e n chuckled. A j a x forced a smile. 'I am no philosopher. I w o u l d rather act than think. Yet n o w is the t i m e w h e n we m u s t think. We c a n n o t avoid it any longer.' S o m e o f t h e m w e r e w e a r i n g p u z z l e d expressions a s A j a x f o l d e d his a r m s across his chest a n d c o n t i n u e d , ' W h a t do y o u w a n t to achieve?' T h e r e was a b r i e f silence, t h e n a v o i c e called o u t . ' F r e e d o m , G e n e r a l . T h a t is all we have ever wanted.' A j a x n o d d e d . 'We have that, at the m o m e n t . B u t it will n o t last. T h e R o m a n s will n o t rest until the rebellion is c r u s h e d , n o - m a t t e r h o w m a n y soldiers it takes, or h o w l o n g it takes. T h e y are relentless. T h a t is their way. I h a d h o p e d that we m i g h t e s c a p e this island, by u s i n g hostages, but the g o v e r n o r will not s u r r e n d e r G o r t y n a . N o r will we find sufficient ships to transport o u r p e o p l e to other shores. So we m u s t find a solution here on C r e t e , a n d we m u s t find it b e f o r e

276

the R o m a n s send an a r m y to d e c i d e the issue. We have a limited time in w h i c h to negotiate from strength. In that t i m e we m u s t m a k e the R o m a n s think w e present the gravest d a n g e r t o t h e m . T h a t i s w h y w e m u s t take G o r t y n a a s s o o n a s w e can. W e n e e d a s m a n y R o m a n hostages a s possible t o bargain w i t h . M y brothers, w e m u s t k e e p o n the attack.' H i s w o r d s were m e t w i t h silent disapproval. F u s c u s cleared his throat. ' G e n e r a l , w e lost t o o m a n y g o o d m e n i n the f i r s t assault. A n d that was only against o n e gateway. If we are to take the city, we will have to attack in far greater strength. N e x t t i m e we w o u l d lose thousands o f m e n , n o t hundreds.' ' T h a t is true. I w o n ' t d e n y it. B u t if we fail to take G o r t y n a a n d R o m e w o n ' t n e g o t i a t e w i t h us, then we are all d e a d in the end.' ' B u t there is no n e e d to attack the city,' Fuscus c o n t i n u e d . ' W e can starve t h e m out.' ' A n d h o w l o n g will that take? D o y o u i m a g i n e they w e r e idle w h e n w e w e r e dealing w i t h Matala? M y guess i s that they t o o k the o p p o r t u n i t y to stock up w i t h all the f o o d supplies .they c o u l d find. T h e y m i g h t h o l d o u t for m o n t h s . L o n g e n o u g h for a n a r m y t o land i n C r e t e a n d break the siege. B e s i d e s , h o w are w e e x p e c t e d t o feed o u r p e o p l e for that l o n g ? W i t h i n a few days we will have e x h a u s t e d the i m m e d i a t e area, a n d will have to s e n d parties further a n d further afield to find f o o d . We m u s t take the city as s o o n as possible, w h a t e v e r the cost.' T h i s t i m e several o f the m e n s h o o k their heads and there w e r e m u t t e r e d protests. A n o t h e r m a n s p o k e up. ' G e n e r a l , it is t o o m u c h to ask o f o u r m e n . T h e y are brave a n d they have achieved great things so far. B u t it w o u l d take a trained a r m y to capture G o r t y n a . I c a n n o t ask my m e n to risk their lives in a reckless attack. E v e n if I a g r e e d to it, I d o u b t they w o u l d follow my orders.' S o m e o f his c o m r a d e s a d d e d their a g r e e m e n t t o his v i e w a n d A j a x glared at t h e m in frustration. ' T h e n we m i g h t as well cut o u r losses totally and prepare for surrender now. If we are l u c k y we m i g h t get the g o v e r n o r to a g r e e to g e n e r o u s t e r m s if we offer to lay d o w n o u r a r m s and e n d the rebellion. I ' m sure that h e w o u l d b e w i l l i n g t o c o n c e d e t o j u s t e x e c u t i n g the ringleaders, and any others w h o c o u l d be identified as having raised their hands against their masters. It

277

w o u l d n o t e n d there. Y o u k n o w the law. If any slave of a h o u s e h o l d is f o u n d guilty of killing his master, then all the slaves of the h o u s e h o l d are c o n d e m n e d t o death. T h o s e w h o survived w o u l d b e l u c k y to e s c a p e w i t h a

flogging

b e f o r e b e i n g r e t u r n e d to their

owners.' A j a x l o o k e d r o u n d the r o o m defiantly. 'Shall w e g o d o w n that road, my b r o t h e r s ? ' T h e r e was a tense silence before F u s c u s dared to reply. He swallowed nervously as he addressed the gladiator. ' G e n e r a l , it s e e m s that y o u are offering us a c h o i c e of death now, or death later. O u r p e o p l e are living for the m o m e n t . E v e r y day of f r e e d o m is a gift to t h e m . C a n y o u w o n d e r that they believe that life is t o o p r e c i o u s to be risked in an attack on G o r t y n a ? ' A j a x felt his guts tighten into a k n o t . He w a n t e d to scream at these fools. H a d they n o t taken great risks a n d m a d e great sacrifices already? N o w was n o t the t i m e t o let their c o u r a g e fail t h e m . H e f o r c e d his v o i c e to r e m a i n c a l m . 'I am sure that C h i l o t h o u g h t his life was precious. Yet he gave it u p for the rebellion, a n d d i e d w i t h n o regrets.' Fuscus l o o k e d d o w n as he replied. 'I am n o t Chilo.' 'Evidently. A n d w h a t a b o u t the rest o f y o u ? W o u l d y o u betray his legacy?' N o o n e replied, a n d A j a x refused t o b r e a k the guilty silence that t o r m e n t e d t h e m . H e was uncertain w h a t t o d o , o r w h a t t o say, a n d had to c l e n c h his fists b e h i n d his b a c k a n d fight the u r g e to b e l l o w his rage at t h e m , to s h a m e t h e m . F o r a m o m e n t he resolved to attack the city by himself. He w o u l d stride towards the walls sword in h a n d a n d see h o w m a n y o f his p e o p l e had the guts t o follow h i m a n d see t h r o u g h the c o m m i t m e n t they h a d m a d e t o each o t h e r b y j o i n i n g i n rebellion against R o m e . B u t then a figure e m e r g e d from the d o o r l e a d i n g b a c k into the f a r m , o n e o f the leaders o f the patrols that A j a x h a d sent t o s c o u r the island. He was breathing hard a n d sweat glistened on his skin. ' W h a t is it?' A j a x d e m a n d e d . T h e s c o u t g l a n c e d r o u n d a t the assembled c o m m a n d e r s o f the war b a n d s , a n d then b a c k at A j a x . 'Speak,' h e o r d e r e d . ' M a k e y o u r report.' T h e s c o u t n o d d e d , then licked his dry lips a n d b e g a n . 'We've

278

f o u n d s o m e ships, G e n e r a l . A w h o l e fleet of t h e m . They're in

b

three days' r i d e from here.' 'Ships? A fleet?' A j a x raised an eyebrow. 'Warships?' ' N o , G e n e r a l . C a r g o ships. H u g e c a r g o ships, f i l l e d with grain W e captured o n e o f their c r e w a n d q u e s t i o n e d h i m . T h e s e ships are the grain fleet, sailing for R o m e . T h e y w e r e c a u g h t in a great s t o r m . T w o o f t h e m sank. T h e rest w e r e d a m a g e d a n d have p u t into the bay t o m a k e repairs. That's w h e r e w e f o u n d t h e m , b e a c h e d w h i l e they wait for spars, c o r d a g e a n d sails to arrive so they can be repaired and c o n t i n u e sailing for R o m e . ' A j a x t h o u g h t quickly. ' H o w s o o n b e f o r e the repairs are c o m p l e t e ? ' 'A w h i l e yet, sir. O u r m a n r e c k o n e d that it w o u l d take several days to organise the spare parts a n d send t h e m to the bay' ' W h e r e is this c r e w m a n ? ' T h e s c o u t n i c k e d his throat w i t h his finger. 'Sorry, G e n e r a l . I t h o u g h t it was for the best.' A j a x n o d d e d . Already his m i n d was g r a s p i n g the significance o f this n e w s . He s m i l e d to h i m s e l f a n d m u t t e r e d , ' T h e grain fleet . . .' Fuscus's eyes w e r e w i d e w i t h e x c i t e m e n t . ' B y the g o d s , w e c o u l d feed o u r p e o p l e for the best part of a year if we t o o k their cargo.' A j a x c h u c k l e d . 'You're m i s s i n g the p o i n t , F u s c u s . It's n o t o u r p e o p l e w h o n e e d the grain. It's the p e o p l e o f R o m e . W i t h o u t the grain fleet they will starve. T h e r e are over a million m o u t h s to feed i n R o m e . H o w l o n g d o y o u think the e m p e r o r will b e able t o defy a starving m o b ? ' A j a x n o d d e d gently to himself. 'At last we have a w e a p o n that w e can h o l d a t the throat o f o u r enemy.'

279

CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX

T

he crews of the warships w e r e left w i t h the task of b u r y i n g the dead of Matala, while

Fulvius m a r c h e d his

column

on

to

G o r t y n a . C a t o r o d e a h e a d w i t h a s q u a d r o n from the m o u n t e d

c o h o r t , c o n s u m e d w i t h anxiety for the fate o f his friends. H e led the h o r s e m e n on at a gallop, t h u n d e r i n g a l o n g the dusty road to the provincial capital, all the w h i l e terrified of w h a t he m i g h t see w h e n he finally arrived in sight of the city. T h e horses a n d m e n w e r e only allowed t o stop a n d rest w h e n they were o n the v e r g e o f e x h a u s t i o n , and then C a t o o r d e r e d t h e m t o walk o n until h e j u d g e d that the m o u n t s h a d recovered e n o u g h t o c o n t i n u e b e i n g r i d d e n . All the t i m e his m i n d was a r a g i n g t u r m o i l of i m a g e s . In his mind's eye he saw G o r t y n a in s m o u l d e r i n g ruins, streets littered w i t h b u t c h e r e d b o d i e s , l e a d i n g all the way up to the acropolis, w h e r e . . . He c l a m p e d his eyes shut for an instant to force the i m a g e from his m i n d a n d t u r n e d instead to prayer, silently b e g g i n g the g o d s to spare J u l i a , M a c r o a n d all the others. If they w e r e safe, then C a t o swore to be the servant of the g o d s - their slave - a n d live only to please t h e m . If the p r i c e of his friends' lives was his o w n , then so be it. A n inner v o i c e c h i d e d h i m for b e i n g a h y p o c r i t e . S i n c e w h e n h a d he ever p l a c e d so m u c h faith in divine intervention? He felt torn b e t w e e n the t w o impulses, a n d then t u r n e d instead t o t h o u g h t s o f revenge. If A j a x h a d killed t h e m , C a t o resolved never to rest until the gladiator was h u n t e d d o w n and killed, w h a t e v e r the cost. H i s heart filled w i t h hatred that spilled into his veins and he was c o n s u m e d w i t h a b u r n i n g intensity of p u r p o s e to destroy A j a x , to obliterate every fragment of his b e i n g . U n t i l now, he h a d never tasted such a desire for revenge, a n d for a b r i e f m o m e n t s o m e part of his m i n d , still capable of rational t h o u g h t , r e m i n d e d h i m that this was the self-same revenge that fuelled the fire b u r n i n g in the heart of A j a x .

280

' F u c k Ajax,' C a t o m u t t e r e d t o h i m s e l f t h r o u g h c l e n c h e d teeth. T h e d e c u r i o n w h o was w a l k i n g his h o r s e beside h i m g l a n c e d a t C a t o . 'Sir?' ' W h a t ? ' C a t o glared a t h i m . 'I t h o u g h t y o u said s o m e t h i n g . An order, like.' ' N o . I t was n o t h i n g . N o t h i n g . ' C a t o m o v e d r o u n d t o the side o f the h o r s e . ' M o u n t u p ! ' T h e h o r s e s ' flanks w e r e still h e a v i n g like bellows and the d e c u r i o n l o o k e d at C a t o ready to protest, then bit his lip. T h e rest of the squadron wearily pulled themselves b a c k into the saddle and t o o k up their reins. ' G e t a m o v e o n ! ' C a t o b a r k e d at the slowest of t h e m . 'If we're t o o late, then the g o d s help you.' 'Sir,' the d e c u r i o n e d g e d his m o u n t closer to C a t o a n d l o w e r e d his voice, 'the lads are exhausted.' 'I don't b l o o d y care. We have to reach G o r t y n a as s o o n as possible. D'you hear?' 'Sir, it will n o t m a k e any difference h o w quickly we reach Gortyna.' H e gestured t o his m e n . 'There's only thirty o f us. I f the slaves are there, then we're n o t g o i n g to be able to do anything. If they've already dealt w i t h the city, t h e n . . .' He s h r u g g e d . ' W e w o n ' t be able to c h a n g e w h a t has h a p p e n e d . ' 'I don't give a damn,' C a t o g r o w l e d . ' I ' m in c o m m a n d , a n d if we have to r i d e the horses into the g r o u n d to reach G o r t y n a b e f o r e dark, we'll do it. U n d e r s t a n d ? ' T h e d e c u r i o n t o o k a d e e p breath a n d n o d d e d . ' T h e n let's go.' C a t o thrust his a r m in the air, a n d swept it forwards as he s p u r r e d his h o r s e into a trot. ' A d v a n c e ! ' H e increased the p a c e into a gallop a n d they p o u n d e d o n d o w n the road. L a t e in the a f t e r n o o n , as the s h a d o w s were l e n g t h e n i n g , the milestones i n d i c a t e d that the city was close. T h e crops on either side had b e e n harvested, and the trees in the orchards a n d olive groves that they passed w e r e stripped bare, as if a host of locusts h a d swept t h r o u g h the land. T h e r e w e r e b o d i e s t o o , sprawled b e s i d e carts and w a g o n s that h a d b e e n unable to o u t r u n the slaves. C a t o felt his guts k n o t in a g o n y as he saw the e v i d e n c e that A j a x and his a r m y had g o n e b e f o r e h i m . H e was b e i n g driven t o the e d g e o f sanity b y the

281

dread o f the sight that w o u l d greet t h e m w h e n they finally r e a c h e d the city. T h e n they passed the last m i l e s t o n e , as the road c l i m b e d over a slight rise, a n d the city was there b e f o r e t h e m . C a t o reined in. 'Halt!' As the horses s n o r t e d a n d the riders breathed heavily, C a t o s q u i n t e d a s h e s c a n n e d the landscape. T h e g r o u n d s u r r o u n d i n g G o r t y n a b o r e the unmistakable signs o f b e i n g the site o f a h u g e c a m p . T h e remains of h u n d r e d s of fires h a d s c o r c h e d the g r o u n d a n d left l o w piles of ash at their centre. E v e r y tree, shrub and small b u i l d i n g h a d b e e n stripped for f i r e w o o d and kindling. H e r e a n d there lay piles of animal b o n e s p i c k e d clean b y t h o s e w h o h a d fed o n t h e m a n d w e r e n o w attracting small c l u m p s of birds a n d rats w h o g l e a n e d the bits of gristle that w e r e left. T h e r e w e r e s o m e latrine ditches, b u t m o s t o f t h o s e w h o h a d c a m p e d here h a d simply defecated in m u t u a l l y a g r e e d areas w h e r e patches of their waste lay in clear view. A handful of figures w e r e visible o u t s i d e the city a n d m o r e on the walls a n d in the towers along them. ' O u r s o r theirs?' m u t t e r e d the d e c u r i o n . ' O n l y o n e way t o f i n d out,' C a t o replied, t i g h t e n i n g his g r i p o n the reins. T h e d e c u r i o n l o o k e d sharply a t h i m . ' I f they are slaves, t h e n o u r m o u n t s are t o o far g o n e t o m a k e m u c h o f a n escape.' ' T h e n y o u h a d better pray that those are o u r m e n . ' C a t o w a v e d the c o l u m n on a n d u r g e d his h o r s e into a trot. T h e y m a d e their way across the plain towards the city. At their a p p r o a c h there was a thin blast f r o m a h o r n and t h o s e o u t s i d e the city h u r r i e d l y m a d e their w a y b a c k towards the nearest gates and sally p o r t s . C a t o slowed the p a c e as they c a m e w i t h i n quarter of a mile of the city's west gate a n d o r d e r e d the squadron's standard bearer to raise his staff s o . that the p e n n a n t w o u l d be clearly visible as they a p p r o a c h e d . T h e d e c u r i o n gestured towards the m e n o n the gate. ' T h e y ' r e clearly o u r s , sir.' ' T o o early to say,' C a t o replied. ' T h e rebels have b e e n h e l p i n g themselves to the kit they t o o k off o u r m e n . K e e p y o u r eyes peeled.' As C a t o w a l k e d his h o r s e towards the c l o s e d gate, a figure s t e p p e d

282

up b e h i n d the ramparts a n d raised a h a n d . 'Halt! Y o u at the front, advance a n d b e recognised.' Cato

clicked his t o n g u e

and

e d g e d forward. ' T r i b u n e

Cato!

R e t u r n i n g f r o m A l e x a n d r i a w i t h the r e i n f o r c e m e n t c o l u m n . O p e n the g a t e ! ' 'Yes, sir!' t h e o p t i o on w a t c h replied, w i t h evident relief. M o m e n t s later the d o o r s s w u n g inwards a n d C a t o s p u r r e d his horse into the city, followed by the rest of the squadron. As s o o n as he was t h r o u g h the arched gateway he slipped off the b a c k of the h o r s e and strode over to the optio, j e r k i n g his t h u m b towards the plain. ' S e e m s y o u h a d c o m p a n y whilst I was gone.' 'Yes, sir. T h o u s a n d s of 'em.' ' D i d they give y o u any trouble?' ' T h e y m a d e o n e attack the day they arrived, and paid a heavy price. After that they settled in to starve us out.' ' S o w h e r e are they?' T h e o p t i o s h o o k his h e a d . ' N o idea, sir. T h e y w e r e g o n e this m o r n i n g . M u s t have m a r c h e d off d u r i n g the night a n d left the fires b u r n i n g s o w e w o u l d n ' t catch o n until f i r s t light. T h e governor's sent patrols off to search for t h e m a n d see w h e r e they're headed.' ' T h e g o v e r n o r ? ' C a t o frowned. 'Where's the prefect? M a c r o ? ' ' M a c r o ' s g o n e , sir.' ' G o n e ? ' C a t o s t e p p e d u p t o the o p t i o a n d g r a b b e d his harness. 'What do you mean, gone?' ' C a p t u r e d , sir.' ' M a c r o taken prisoner? I don't believe it. H o w is that possible? Y o u said the attack was b e a t e n off.' 'It didn't h a p p e n then, sir. It was afterwards, w h i l e he was trying to get the governor's d a u g h t e r to safety, away from the city.' C a t o swallowed and stared into the optio's eyes, u n b l i n k i n g . H e lowered his v o i c e . ' T h e governor's daughter, was she also c a p t u r e d ? ' 'Yes, sir.' ' H o w d o y o u k n o w this?' ' T h e leader o f the rebels, that gladiator, h a d t h e m b r o u g h t forward in a cage w h e n he tried to talk the g o v e r n o r into surrendering.' C a t o felt a flush of h o p e lighten his heart. ' S o they're alive.' 'Yes, sir. Or at least they w e r e w h e n the gladiator s h o w e d t h e m to

283

the g o v e r n o r . T h a t was several days a g o t h o u g h , sir. Last a n y o n e has seen o f them.' D r e a d f l o o d e d b a c k into C a t o ' s heart. H e l o o k e d d o w n and saw his k n u c k l e s w e r e w h i t e w h e r e he was h o l d i n g the optio's harness so tightly. He forced h i m s e l f to let go and step b a c k , and gestured to the c a v a l r y m e n . ' H a v e these m e n taken to the stables at the governor's palace. M a k e sure horses a n d m e n get fed and find t h e m a place to rest.' 'Yes, sir.' 'Does

the

governor

still

have

his

headquarters

up

on

the

acropolis?' 'Yes, sir.' 'Very well.' C a t o b r e a t h e d deeply to ease the tension in his chest. 'Carry on, Optio.' L e a v i n g his h o r s e i n the care o f the d e c u r i o n , C a t o m a d e his w a y t h r o u g h the streets towards the road leading up to the entrance of the acropolis. T h e t o w n s p e o p l e forced to live in t h e ruins he passed spared h i m no m o r e than a glance as they p r e p a r e d for the e v e n i n g m e a l . T h e w e a r y resignation of their spirits was clear in almost every face. O n l y the children s h o w e d any signs of life a n d c o n t e n t m e n t as they heedlessly played a m i d piles o f r u b b l e b e t w e e n the s u r v i v i n g buildings. T h e m o m e n t o f h o p e that C a t o h a d felt w h e n h e h a d heard that Macro

and Julia

were

alive

was

now

dashed

by

the

know-

l e d g e that they w e r e still in the hands of A j a x . W h i l e they served a p u r p o s e a s hostages they w o u l d live, b u t the m o m e n t the e n e m y j u d g e d t h e m worthless their lives w o u l d be forfeit. W o r s e still, if A j a x t o o k it into his h e a d to enact s o m e k i n d of grisly revenge for the death o f his father, t h e n M a c r o and J u l i a w o u l d b e s u b j e c t e d t o every i m a g i n a b l e torture a n d t o r m e n t b e f o r e b e i n g g r a n t e d the m e r c y of death. C a t o felt sick at the idea, a n d h a d to p a u s e in his stride for a m o m e n t b e f o r e he c o u l d c o n t i n u e up the slope to the acropolis. W h e n h e r e a c h e d the h e a d q u a r t e r s h e f o u n d S e n a t o r S e m p r o n i u s in his office, sitting at the w i n d o w as he stared blankly o u t across the city. A w i n e j u g was on the desk a n d he was n u r s i n g a goblet in his h a n d w h e n C a t o r a p p e d o n the d o o r frame.

284

' W h a t is it n o w ? ' S e m p r o n i u s said wearily. 'Anyway, I t h o u g h t I gave orders that I was n o t to be disturbed.' 'It's m e , sir.' C a t o s p o k e gently. S e m p r o n i u s t u r n e d r o u n d q u i c k l y a n d his expression f i l l e d w i t h relief. ' C a t o ! I feared we had seen the last of y o u . C o m e in, my boy. Sit y o u d o w n ! ' His w o r d s w e r e slightly slurred. C a t o c o u l d n o t tell if it was from e x h a u s t i o n , g r i e f o r w i n e . S e m p r o n i u s set his c u p d o w n o n the table and refilled it b e f o r e p u s h i n g it towards C a t o . A small a m o u n t s l o p p e d over t h e r i m a n d ran red d o w n the side. T h e senator l e a n e d forward on his e l b o w s . 'Well, w h a t have y o u to r e p o r t ? ' 'Sir, I've h e a r d w h a t h a p p e n e d to M a c r o a n d Julia.' S e m p r o n i u s ' s shoulders s a g g e d . 'Yes.' 'We have to believe they're still alive.' T h e g o v e r n o r n o d d e d , a n d for a few m o m e n t s b o t h m e n stared a t each

other

in

a

shared

g r i e f that

went

beyond

words. T h e n

S e m p r o n i u s cleared his throat a n d l o o k e d d o w n at his hands as he spoke. ' Y o u r report, please.' 'Yes, sir. L e g a t e Petronius has p r o v i d e d m o s t o f the m e n y o u requested. We l a n d e d at M a t a l a this m o r n i n g . I r o d e a h e a d of the m a i n force. T h e reinforcements will reach G o r t y n a b y t o m o r r o w night.' 'Good.' ' T h e r e are also warships a n d m a r i n e s at M a t a l a that we c a n call o n . T h e reinforcements are

u n d e r t h e c o m m a n d o f First S p e a r

C e n t u r i o n F u l v i u s , o f the T w e n t y - S e c o n d L e g i o n . ' 'Fulvius? W h y n o t y o u , as I r e q u e s t e d ? ' ' L e g a t e Petronius d e c i d e d I was t o o j u n i o r for such a c o m m a n d . H e a p p o i n t e d Fulvius t o lead the c o l u m n until the reinforcements reach G o r t y n a , a n d then y o u are to a s s u m e a u t h o r i t y over t h e m . I had t h o u g h t that M a c r o w o u l d take c h a r g e , sir.' 'Yes, well, that is no l o n g e r possible. We shall n e e d a n e w commander.'

Sempronius

looked

up. ' D o

you

still

have

that

d o c u m e n t a u t h o r i s i n g y o u to act as t r i b u n e ? ' 'Yes, sir.' C a t o r e a c h e d for the t h o n g a r o u n d his n e c k , a n d pulled the leather t u b e o u t of his tunic a n d offered it to the g o v e r n o r . 'It's here, t o g e t h e r w i t h y o u r ring.' 285

S e m p r o n i u s t o o k the t u b e , p u l l e d o f f the cap and t i p p e d the contents o u t o n t o the desk. H e p l a c e d his family r i n g b a c k o n his finger a n d then p i c k e d u p the roll o f p a r c h m e n t a n d t a p p e d i t gently on the desk as he t h o u g h t . ' M a c r o is no l o n g e r w i t h us. Therefore the c o m m a n d passes t o y o u , Cato.' ' M e ? ' C a t o s h o o k his h e a d in astonishment. ' M e ? B u t , sir, I-I. . .' S e m p r o n i u s p u s h e d t h e d o c u m e n t across the table towards C a t o . ' T h e r e . Y o u r a p p o i n t m e n t still stands, w h i c h m e a n s that as t r i b u n e y o u o u t r a n k Fulvius. The c o m m a n d of the forces at G o r t y n a is y o u r s . T h a t i s m y decision, a n d m y order. W h e n the reinforcements arrive, I w a n t y o u to take c o m m a n d of t h e m , find A j a x a n d destroy his army. T h a t is y o u r priority, Cato. You are n o t to let any o t h e r considerations interfere w i t h y o u r orders.' 'Sir?' ' T h e r e will b e n o n e g o t i a t i o n s w i t h the rebels. N o deals w i t h regard to hostages.' S e m p r o n i u s swallowed. ' D o I m a k e m y s e l f clear?' C a t o n o d d e d . ' A n d if, i n c a r r y i n g o u t y o u r orders, the c h a n c e t o effect a rescue of the hostages d o e s o c c u r . . .?' Sempronius

stared

at

him,

eyes

moist

and

lips

trembling.

' T h e n y o u get m y d a u g h t e r b a c k , y o u hear? A n d save y o u r friend Macro.' ' I will d o everything i n m y p o w e r t o save t h e m both,' C a t o replied. 'I swear it, on my life.' T h e patrols that h a d b e e n sent o u t t o f i n d a n d f o l l o w the slave a r m y r e p o r t e d b a c k t o G o r t y n a the f o l l o w i n g evening, j u s t a s C e n t u r i o n Fulvius r e a c h e d the city w i t h his tired, dusty c o l u m n of l e g i o n a r i e s a n d auxiliaries. W h i l e t h e m e n w e r e f o u n d billets in the city, Fulvius a n d the c o m m a n d i n g officers o f each c o h o r t w e r e s u m m o n e d t o the governor's quarters o n the acropolis, w h e r e C a t o a n d S e m p r o n i u s awaited t h e m . As the l e g i o n a r y c e n t u r i o n s a n d t h e auxiliary prefects eased themselves d o w n on to the b e n c h e s set b e f o r e the governor's desk, orderlies passed a m o n g s t t h e m w i t h cups o f w a t e r flavoured w i t h pressed l e m o n s . O n c e they w e r e refreshed, S e m p r o n i u s slapped his h a n d o n the table t o b r i n g t h e m t o order. ' G e n t l e m e n , I k n o w y o u are tired, so I will be brief. You have b e e n

286

sent to C r e t e to destroy the slave rebellion led by the gladiator A j a x . O u r latest intelligence is that he is m a r c h i n g to the east of the island. H e i s e s t i m a t e d t o have s o m e twenty t h o u s a n d m e n w i t h h i m u n d e r arms, a n d as m a n y c a m p followers.' T h e officers e x c h a n g e d c o n c e r n e d expressions a s they c o n s i d e r e d the o d d s . S e m p r o n i u s c o u g h e d . ' T h a t is n o t the w h o l e story, however. No m o r e than a fraction of his m e n are properly a r m e d a n d o n l y a handful have any k i n d o f military training, o r f i g h t i n g e x p e r i e n c e . Your m e n will have little difficulty in defeating t h e m , p r o v i d e d y o u can p i n t h e m d o w n a n d force t h e m t o battle. O n c e they are defeated, any last vestige of rebellious spirit e n c o u n t e r e d in the slaves is to be c r u s h e d w i t h o u t m e r c y ' H e p a u s e d t o let his w o r d s sink in. ' A n y questions?' Fulvius n o d d e d . ' D o w e k n o w w h y they lifted the siege a n d m a r c h e d east?' ' N o t yet.' ' D o w e k n o w w h e r e they m i g h t b e h e a d e d ? ' S e m p r o n i u s s h o o k his h e a d . ' N o . I ' m told there are n o cities o r m a j o r p o r t s in their p a t h . J u s t a q u i e t strip of coastline, near an a b a n d o n e d t o w n called O l o u s . ' 'It's possible they m a y have a r r a n g e d for s o m e ships to m e e t t h e m i n the bay n e x t t o O l o u s , ' C a t o a d d e d , n o d d i n g towards a m a p o f the island h a n g i n g on the far wall. ' W h e r e w o u l d they f i n d ships?' asked Fulvius. ' I t h o u g h t m o s t o f t h e m h a d b e e n w r e c k e d b y the wave.' ' T h e slaves have l o o t e d plenty o f g o l d , silver a n d o t h e r valuables,' C a t o replied. 'I d o u b t they will find it difficult to find s o m e ship owners w i t h m o r e avarice than p r i n c i p l e to serve their n e e d s . H o w e v e r , we have a s q u a d r o n of warships w a i t i n g at M a t a l a . If we send t h e m t o O l o u s w e m a y well b e able t o catch the rebels b e t w e e n o u r ships a n d y o u r soldiers. I f w e d o , t h e n they will have n o c h o i c e but to t u r n a n d fight us.' 'All right, then.' Fulvius n o d d e d . 'I'll send the order for the galleys t o get m o v i n g . M y m e n can b e g i n the a d v a n c e t o O l o u s a t f i r s t light.' S e m p r o n i u s cleared his throat a n d raised h i m s e l f up in his chair. T h a t will n o t b e necessary, C e n t u r i o n . M y senior officer can give the necessary orders.'

287

' W h a t ? ' Fulvius l o o k e d surprised. ' B u t I u n d e r s t o o d that M a c r o h a d b e e n taken prisoner.' 'Yes. That's

why

I

have

selected

a

replacement

for

him.'

S e m p r o n i u s w a v e d a h a n d at C a t o . ' T h e t r i b u n e is to take c o m m a n d o f the local forces a n d y o u r reinforcements.' ' H i m ? ' Fulvius stared at C a t o . 'Sir, I m u s t protest.' 'Your orders are clear e n o u g h , C e n t u r i o n . Y o u are to h a n d over c o m m a n d t o m e the m o m e n t y o u reach G o r t y n a . A n d here y o u are. I have c h o s e n T r i b u n e C a t o t o c o m m a n d o u r c o m b i n e d forces. Y o u will serve as his s e c o n d in c o m m a n d . ' Fulvius s h o o k his h e a d . 'Sir, w i t h respect, the t r i b u n e is t o o y o u n g a n d t o o i n e x p e r i e n c e d t o take c o m m a n d . ' ' R e a l l y ? ' S e m p r o n i u s l e a n e d b a c k in his chair, l o o k i n g at C a t o as h e c o u n t e d off o n his fingers. ' A p p o i n t e d o p t i o i n the S e c o n d L e g i o n . T o o k part i n the invasion o f B r i t a n n i a , w h e r e y o u w e r e d e c o r a t e d for bravery. Y o u and M a c r o r e s c u e d the family o f G e n e r a l P l a u t i u s . Y o u w e r e involved i n the capture o f the e n e m y c o m m a n d e r , C a r a t a c u s , a n d the s u b s e q u e n t defeat o f the remnants o f his army. Then

you

served

with

the

Ravenna

fleet

in

the

pursuit

and

destruction of a pirate s q u a d r o n o p e r a t i n g f r o m the coast of Illyria. After that y o u served in J u d a e a a n d p u t d o w n a revolt. A n d then, w h e n I first m e t y o u at Palmyra, y o u h e l d the citadel until relieved a n d then w e n t on to defeat the Parthians in a frontier battle.' S e m p r o n i u s l o o k e d straight at C a t o . ' A m I c o r r e c t ? ' 'Yes, sir. B u t I c a n n o t take the full credit for all that.' Fulvius was l o o k i n g at C a t o w i t h a frankly a d m i r i n g expression, b u t then t u r n e d abruptly b a c k t o S e m p r o n i u s . ' A n impressive record, I'll a d m i t , b u t given that C e n t u r i o n M a c r o has b e e n taken captive, I think I s h o u l d refer this matter to my legate, sir.' ' E n o u g h ! Y o u a n d C a t o have y o u r o r d e r s . T h e r e will b e n o further discussion of the matter. I

charge you both with

finding

and

defeating the rebels. T h e briefing is at an e n d . T r i b u n e ? ' C a t o stiffened. 'Sir?' ' Y o u have w o r k to do. C a r r y on.' S e m p r o n i u s rose from his chair, a n d all the officers h u r r i e d l y s t o o d to attention as he strode towards the d o o r . O n c e he h a d left the office, C a t o s t o o d at ease a n d there was an a w k w a r d silence as the other officers g l a n c e d from h i m to

288

Fulvius. C a t o cleared his throat. ' Y o u are all aware of o u r situation, g e n t l e m e n . H a v e y o u r m e n get a g o o d night's r e s t . W e face s o m e t h i n g of a challenge in the days to c o m e . ' He smiled faintly. ' Y o u are dismissed. C e n t u r i o n Fulvius, r e m a i n behind.' Fulvius n o d d e d , a n d r e m a i n e d on his feet as the o t h e r officers filed o u t o f the r o o m a n d the last m a n closed the d o o r b e h i n d h i m . C a t o t o o k the chair vacated b y S e m p r o n i u s a n d m e t the o t h e r man's gaze steadily. 'I don't i m a g i n e you're t o o pleased w i t h the governor's decision.' ' N o , I ' m not,' Fulvius a g r e e d bluntly. 'I a s s u m e that list of y o u r achievements is accurate.' 'It is.' 'You're

obviously

an

impressive

young

officer,' Fulvius

con-

c e d e d . ' A n d I ' m sure y o u will go far, in t i m e . B u t ask yourself, is this the right m o m e n t to take s u c h a risk and a p p o i n t y o u t h over experience?' 'I t h o u g h t the p o i n t of the governor's remarks was to prove that I do have e x p e r i e n c e , ' C a t o r e s p o n d e d tersely. 'In any case, the q u e s t i o n o f w h o s h o u l d c o m m a n d i s a c a d e m i c . T h e g o v e r n o r has a p p o i n t e d m e . O f c o u r s e , I will b e h a p p y t o hear any suggestions y o u m i g h t wish t o m a k e d u r i n g the c o u r s e o f the c a m p a i g n . ' Fulvius n o d d e d , a n d C a t o d e c i d e d that h e h a d better m a k e sure that Fulvius did n o t take this as an invitation to u n d e r m i n e his authority. ' B e clear on o n e thing, Fulvius. I will n o t b r o o k any attempt t o contradict m e i n front o f the other officers, o r the m e n . I s that u n d e r s t o o d ? I f y o u disagree w i t h any o f m y decisions, y o u may m a k e y o u r case i n private o n l y ' 'I understand.' C a t o t o o k a d e e p breath. ' F r o m n o w o n , y o u will address m e a s "sir".' Fulvius bit b a c k on his irritation a n d saluted formally. 'Yes, sir.' 'Good.'

Cato

was

relieved

that

the

confrontation

had

been

avoided, for the present. In truth he was n o t certain that he w o u l d be a better m a n for the j o b than F u l v i u s , let alone M a c r o . H o w e v e r , there was n o a v o i d i n g the responsibility S e m p r o n i u s h a d thrust u p o n h i m . N o t w i t h o u t s u r r e n d e r i n g all o f his authority t o C e n t u r i o n Fulvius, a n d h e w o u l d n o t d o that w h i l e J u l i a and M a c r o w e r e still

289

prisoners of the rebels. He p a u s e d , a n d s m i l e d to himself as he realised that this was precisely w h y S e m p r o n i u s h a d c h o s e n h i m to c o m m a n d the force. H e n e e d e d s o m e o n e w h o w o u l d n o t put his daughter's life at risk. T h e only m a n w h o h a d as m u c h stake in Julia's survival a s her father was C a t o . T h e e x t o l l i n g o f C a t o ' s r e c o r d m e r e l y a ruse to w i n Fulvius's respect, he d e c i d e d bleakly. Be that as it may, he w o u l d do e v e r y t h i n g in his p o w e r to e n d the rebellion and save the lives of J u l i a a n d M a c r o . Fulvius was w a t c h i n g h i m impatiently and C a t o cleared his m i n d i n order t o consider the details o f the c o m i n g c a m p a i g n . 'We have to plan the a d v a n c e , a n d c o - o r d i n a t e with the warships. Y o u ' d better s e n d for y o u r headquarters staff. W e ' v e g o t a l o n g night a h e a d o f us.' 'Yes, sir.' Fulvius rose u p , saluted a n d left the office. C a t o stared after h i m for a m o m e n t , then sighed a n d r e a c h e d for a blank w a x slate a n d stylus to b e g i n m a k i n g his n o t e s o u t l i n i n g the order of m a r c h for the m e n o f his n e w c o m m a n d . T h e c o l u m n was already o n the m o v e a s d a w n l i g h t e n e d the eastern h o r i z o n in a w a t e r y p i n k glow. T w o s q u a d r o n s of cavalry r o d e half a mile a h e a d o f the f i r s t c o h o r t o f l e g i o n a r i e s . T h e m o u n t e d m e n were spread o u t in a screen to p r o v i d e early w a r n i n g of any possible a m b u s h e s , and to r u n d o w n a n d kill or capture any rebel stragglers they m i g h t e n c o u n t e r o n the road t o O l o u s . C a t o had m a d e i t clear t o the d e c u r i o n s o f e a c h s q u a d r o n that h e w a n t e d prisoners t o q u e s t i o n . M o r e than anything h e n e e d e d t o k n o w that M a c r o and J u l i a w e r e still alive. T h e r e was little d o u b t as to the r o u t e the rebel a r m y h a d taken. T h e c o u n t r y a h e a d o f the R o m a n c o l u m n h a d b e e n ravaged by

the

enemy, a n d

was

marked

by

b u r n e d buildings,

occasional b o d i e s and the remains of fires. C a t o was still p u z z l e d by the decision A j a x h a d taken t o a b a n d o n his siege o f G o r t y n a s o abruptly and m a k e for the eastern coast. C a t o sat on his h o r s e by the city gate a n d w a t c h e d as the l o n g c o l u m n o f l e g i o n a r i e s , followed b y the b a g g a g e train a n d then the auxiliaries, snaked o u t a l o n g the road that c l i m b e d towards the rolling hills on the h o r i z o n . In a few h o u r s the warships at M a t a l a s h o u l d receive their orders a n d b e g i n m a k i n g their way a l o n g the s o u t h e r n

290

coast. E v e n t h o u g h the a r m y h a d only sixty miles to m a r c h across the spine of the island a n d the fleet h a d to sail at least four times the distance, the ships w o u l d arrive first, w i t h orders to seal the entrance to the bay a n d prevent any ships e n t e r i n g or leaving. If the rebels were t h i n k i n g o f e s c a p i n g b y sea, then that r o u t e w o u l d b e closed t o t h e m and the a p p r o a c h o f C a t o ' s force w o u l d give t h e m very limited r o o m t o m a n o e u v r e , especially a s they w o u l d b e slowed d o w n b y their n o n - c o m b a t a n t s . As the tail of the c o l u m n b e g a n to e m e r g e f r o m the city gate, C a t o saw S e m p r o n i u s pass t h r o u g h the small side arch a n d stride towards h i m . C a t o saluted. ' G o o d m o r n i n g , sir. C o m e t o see u s off?' S e m p r o n i u s reached u p a n d t o o k C a t o ' s h a n d . ' T h e g o d s p r o t e c t y o u , C a t o , a n d Julia a n d M a c r o . ' C a t o n o d d e d . 'I'll do w h a t e v e r I can to b r i n g t h e m back.' 'I k n o w y o u will.' S e m p r o n i u s released his h a n d and s t e p p e d b a c k a few p a c e s as C a t o t u g g e d gently on the reins a n d d u g his heels in, trotting the h o r s e a l o n g the line of the auxiliary troops, b u r d e n e d d o w n by their m a r c h i n g yokes as they h e a d e d into the dust stirred u p b y t h o s e a h e a d o f t h e m i n the c o l u m n . It t o o k t w o days of hard m a r c h i n g to reach the hill t o w n of Lyttus. T h e walls h a d b e e n shaken to pieces by the e a r t h q u a k e and the rebels had pillaged the t o w n a n d p u t m o s t of the survivors to the sword. A handful o f o l d m e n , w o m e n a n d children w a n d e r e d t h r o u g h the ruins w i t h n u m b e d expressions. C a t o gave orders for t h e m t o b e fed and detailed a c e n t u r y to escort t h e m b a c k to G o r t y n a . T h e n , as the m e n m a d e a makeshift m a r c h i n g c a m p o u t o f the r u b b l e f r o m the walls, and settled for the night, C a t o j o i n e d Fulvius and his staff in the small t e m p l e t o A t h e n a that h a d survived intact i n o n e c o r n e r o f the f o r u m . O n e o f the clerks was already lighting the oil lamps a n d distributing t h e m to his c o l l e a g u e s as they sat c r o s s - l e g g e d on the floor ready to carry o u t the usual c o m p i l a t i o n of strength returns a n d ration c o n s u m p t i o n . W h i l e Fulvius s i g n e d off each o f the c o m p l e t e d records, C a t o b e g a n to read t h r o u g h the daily reports from the scouts that S e m p r o n i u s h a d sent to follow the rebel army. T h e y c o n f i r m e d that A j a x was still h e a d i n g east, towards O l o u s . C a t o n o d d e d w i t h

291

satisfaction. B y n o w the rebel a r m y w o u l d have reached the sea, a n d w a l k e d into a trap of its o w n m a k i n g . It was hard to believe that A j a x c o u l d m a k e such mistake, and for a m o m e n t C a t o felt a s u d d e n anxious doubt. T h e r e had to be something he had missed. S o m e reason to explain the gladiator's apparent foolishness. O n c e h e h a d finished, C a t o was a b o u t t o b i d g o o d night t o Fulvius w h e n there was a clatter of h o o v e s in the f o r u m o u t s i d e the t e m p l e . O n e of the h e a d q u a r t e r s guards s h o u t e d a challenge as C a t o l o o k e d r o u n d . A m o m e n t later a s c o u t c a m e r u n n i n g in t h r o u g h the entrance. He g l a n c e d r o u n d until he saw C a t o in his red cloak, then h u r r i e d over a n d saluted. ' B e g to report, sir, I have an u r g e n t m e s s a g e from my d e c u r i o n . ' 'He's already r e p o r t e d t o d a y ' 'Yes, sir. T h a t was b e f o r e we m o v e d on a little further to c a m p w h e r e w e c o u l d o v e r l o o k the rebel a r m y a t O l o u s . ' 'Well?' 'Sir, the bay's full of c a r g o ships. B i g ships, sir. M o s t of ' e m are d a m a g e d . B r o k e n masts a n d suchlike. S o m e o f t h e m w e r e b e a c h e d , b e i n g repaired it l o o k e d like.' C a t o f r o w n e d . W h e r e o n earth c o u l d the rebels have s e c u r e d s o m a n y ships? A fleet of c a r g o ships f r o m t h e s o u n d of things. It s u d d e n l y struck h i m that there was only o n e s u c h f l e e t o n the seas o f the eastern M e d i t e r r a n e a n at the m o m e n t , a n d he c h e w e d his lip briefly b e f o r e h e a s k e d , ' D i d y o u see any k i n d o f identification o n the ships?' 'Yes, sir. We did. T h e r e was a p u r p l e p e n n a n t flying f r o m the t o p o f each mast.' C a t o t o o k a sharp breath and glanced at Fulvius. 'You heard?' 'Yes, sir.' ' T h e n y o u k n o w w h a t it means.' C a t o felt a s u d d e n chill of a p p r e h e n s i o n . ' A j a x has c a p t u r e d the grain fleet.' 'If it's true, then w h a t in H a d e s is it d o i n g in that bay?' asked Fulvius. ' T h e y s h o u l d b e well o n the way t o O s t i a b y n o w ' 'It was that storm,' C a t o explained. 'It struck a few days after the grain fleet left. M u s t have b l o w n t h e m far off their n o r m a l route, probably w r e c k i n g s o m e a n d d a m a g i n g the rest. T h e y m u s t have p u t into the bay for repairs.' 292

Fulvius clicked his fingers. 'That's w h y they a b a n d o n e d the siege! Ajax m u s t have g o t n e w s that the grain fleet h a d b e e n forced to m a k e for the b a y ' C a t o n o d d e d . ' A n d n o w he's g o t his hands o n the f o o d supply o f R o m e . Y o u can b e sure that i f w e don't d o w h a t h e says, he'll destroy the fleet a n d all the grain. If that h a p p e n s , a m o n t h from n o w the m o b are g o i n g t o b e tearing R o m e t o pieces.'

293

THE BAY AT OLOUS

ROMAN

ROMAN CAMP

CHAPTER TWENTY-SEVEN

M

acro stared o u t t h r o u g h the bars, d o w n the slope of the hill into the bay. It was late in the m o r n i n g a n d sunlight streamed

through the bars of the cage, casting stark s h a d o w s across the g r i m interior. A r o u n d t h e m the slaves settled into their n e w c a m p , w h i c h sprawled across the slopes of the hills. A j a x h a d c h o s e n to have his tents erected on the n a r r o w r o c k y peninsula that shielded the bay from the o p e n sea. T h e m e n o f his w a r b a n d , t o g e t h e r w i t h their

w o m e n a n d children, w e r e c a m p e d a r o u n d h i m i n a r o u g h circle, and M a c r o c o u l d see n o w a y t o e s c a p e f r o m the c a m p , even i f h e a n d J u l i a c o u l d get o u t o f the cage. T h a n k s t o their f i l t h y state they w o u l d instantly attract attention a n d w o u l d b e quickly h u n t e d d o w n a n d recaptured the m o m e n t the alarm was raised. D o w n i n t h e bay, h e c o u l d see the rebels hastily setting u p defences a r o u n d t h o s e ships that h a d b e e n b e a c h e d . A c r u d e palisade was u n d e r c o n s t r u c t i o n a short distance inland, w i t h t o w e r s at regular intervals. T h e crews o f the g r a i n ships, a n d the small m a r i n e c o n t i n g e n t s that h a d b e e n p u t a b o a r d t o p r o t e c t t h e m f r o m pirates, w e r e b e i n g h e l d i n a s t o c k a d e i n the heart o f the m a i n c a m p . T h e ships t h e m s e l v e s w e r e n o w u n d e r close g u a r d b y the rebels. T h e m o s t heavily d a m a g e d b y t h e s t o r m w e r e b e a c h e d , w h i l e t h e rest w e r e rafted t o g e t h e r a n d lay at a n c h o r o u t in the bay. A j a x was taking no

c h a n c e s w i t h his p r e c i o u s prizes, w i t h g o o d r e a s o n .

T u r n i n g his h e a d , M a c r o c o u l d g l i m p s e the sea b e t w e e n t w o o f the tents

that

comprised

the

rebel

leader's

headquarters.

The

u n m i s t a k a b l e lines of three R o m a n warships lay h o v e to a m i l e f r o m shore. T h a t w a s s o m e t h i n g a t least, h e m u s e d . A j a x m i g h t have c a p t u r e d t h e grain fleet, b u t h e w o u l d n o t b e able t o u s e the ships to e s c a p e the island. M a c r o ' s gaze flickered to J u l i a as she l e a n e d into the o p p o s i t e

295

c o r n e r o f the cage. H e r h e a d h u n g forward a n d was s h r o u d e d b y the m a t t e d hair that h u n g d o w n across her shoulders. ' Y o u a w a k e ? ' M a c r o asked softly. 'Julia?' S h e l o o k e d up slowly, a n d he c o u l d see f r o m the glistening streaks over the g r i m e o n her face that she h a d b e e n c r y i n g again. S h e swallowed a n d licked her lips. ' I ' m thirsty,' she c r o a k e d . ' M e too.' T h e y were g i v e n water at d a w n , n o o n a n d dusk, a l o n g w i t h a greasy thin g r u e l . It h a d b e e n that way since they h a d b e e n p u t into the cage, a n d each day of the m a r c h since the rebel a r m y had suddenly quit the siege

of G o r t y n a . A j a x h a d o r d e r e d that his

p r i s o n e r s b e fed o n the s a m e diet that h a d b e e n p r o v i d e d t o slaves o n the f a r m i n g estates. At the a p p o i n t e d t i m e the s a m e old c r o n e and a burly m e m b e r o f the rebel leader's b o d y g u a r d c a m e t o the cage t o feed t h e m . T h e routine was always the s a m e . T h e m a n w o u l d o r d e r t h e m t o shuffle t o the b a c k o f the cage b e f o r e u n l o c k i n g the d o o r t o a d m i t the o l d w o m a n . S h e quickly set d o w n t w o battered c o p p e r pots w i t h ladles, g r u e l in o n e , water in the other, a n d then retreated f r o m the cage. O n the f i r s t day even M a c r o ' s iron s t o m a c h revolted at the terrible smell of the stew of rancid gristle, fat and barley. B u t h u n g e r h a d a way of m a k i n g things palatable, a n d he s o o n g r e w to savour the small quantity o f f o o d that h e was allowed. T h e w a t e r b e c a m e increasingly p r e c i o u s as well, and the heat d u r i n g the day was a t o r m e n t of dry throat, leathery t o n g u e a n d c r a c k e d lips. T h e c o n d i t i o n s o f their i m p r i s o n m e n t w e r e m a d e i m m e a s u r a b l y w o r s e by the lack of any a r r a n g e m e n t s for their sanitation a n d they h a d to live w i t h the stench of their o w n filth. It h a d b e e n b a d e n o u g h for M a c r o to be s t r i p p e d of all his clothes in front of J u l i a , a n d to have to live u n d e r such c o n d i t i o n s , but Julia h a d never suffered any indignity like this, n o r even i m a g i n e d such an intolerable existence. M a c r o h a d tried to help her in any way that he c o u l d , by l o o k i n g away w h e n she n e e d e d to g o , and by deliberately a v o i d i n g l o o k i n g at her e x c e p t straight in the eye. Fortunately she h a d b e e n given a t o r n c l o a k by the old h a g w h o b r o u g h t t h e m f o o d . It h a d b e e n thrust at her and Julia had seized it at o n c e , w r a p p i n g herself in its rank, r i p p e d folds. E v e n w i t h this small c o m f o r t she had quickly b e c o m e n u m b e d

296

by the g r i m n e s s of it all and retreated into l o n g p e r i o d s of silence. M a c r o r e g a r d e d her suffering w i t h a g r o w i n g b u r d e n of sorrow. S h e was y o u n g a n d beautiful, a n d i n love w i t h C a t o . S h e did n o t deserve such a fate as this. A s h e t h o u g h t o f his friend, M a c r o ' s s o r r o w increased. T h e girl was as dear to C a t o as a n y t h i n g else in the w o r l d . H e r loss w o u l d break the lad's heart. A n d , M a c r o was h u m a n e n o u g h to realise, his o w n death w o u l d be a hard b l o w for C a t o . T h e y w e r e as close as brothers, t h o u g h s o m e t i m e s M a c r o felt they w e r e m o r e like father and son, and h e d r e a d e d C a t o

d o i n g s o m e t h i n g rash o n c e h e

discovered that they had b e e n taken prisoner. A s s u m i n g that C a t o was alive, he m u s e d grimly. A j a x h a d c o n s t r u c t e d their t o r m e n t perfectly, M a c r o reflected. T h e y w e r e p e r m i t t e d to live, b u t s t r i p p e d of every dignity, kept like animals - n o , w o r s e than animals. W i t h little possibility of escape, and no s e e m i n g c h a n c e of b e i n g freed as a result of negotiations, a g r i m future awaited t h e m , until the day that A j a x tired of their t o r m e n t and

had

them

butchered.

Until

then

Macro

watched

for

any

o p p o r t u n i t i e s a n d tried to k e e p his muscles exercised as far as possible in the c o n f i n e d space, so that his b o d y wasn't stiff a n d h o b b l e d if he n e e d e d to act swiftly. H e t u r n e d t o Julia a n d forced h i m s e l f t o smile. ' N o t l o n g until noon.' ' L o n g e n o u g h , ' she w h i s p e r e d , l e a n i n g her h e a d b a c k against the bars a n d s q u i n t i n g at the brilliant sunlight l a n c i n g t h r o u g h the slots overhead. S h e shut her eyes a n d was silent for a w h i l e b e f o r e she s p o k e again. ' H o w m a n y days have w e b e e n i n here?' M a c r o h a d to c o n c e n t r a t e hard for a m o m e n t . E v e n t h o u g h he had b e e n k e e p i n g c o u n t , for s o m e reason h e d o u b t e d the n u m b e r h e had in his h e a d . He c o u n t e d b a c k j u s t to c h e c k . 'I m a k e it sixteen. Yes, sixteen, I ' m sure of it.' ' S i x t e e n days,' Julia sighed. 'Feels like sixteen years . . . I w i s h I was dead.' ' D o n ' t say that,' M a c r o replied in a kindly t o n e . ' W h i l e we're alive, there's always hope.' S h e uttered a cracked laugh. 'Alive? Y o u call this b e i n g alive?' 'Yes, yes, I do.' M a c r o did his best to sit up straight a n d stare 297

at Julia. 'We will get o u t of here, Julia. D o n ' t let go of that t h o u g h t . I swear it to y o u , in the name of all the g o d s . We will get o u t of here.' S h e l o o k e d at h i m hopefully, then n o d d e d w i t h a sad smile. 'You're right, of c o u r s e . T h e y ' l l drag us o u t of this c a g e to kill us. Or m a y b e we'll be left to die in here and o n e day s o m e o n e will pull o u r b o d i e s o u t and throw us into a ditch for the rats a n d d o g s a n d crows to feast on.' ' S t o p that!' M a c r o snapped, then forced h i m s e l f to smile gently. 'You're m a k i n g m e hungry.' Julia stared at h i m intensely for an instant a n d then burst into laughter. M a c r o j o i n e d in, roaring with m i r t h a n d desperate relief that s o m e spark of the old Julia still lived o n . A handful of the nearest rebels t u r n e d to l o o k curiously at the filthy figures in the c a g e , a n d then o n e o f the gladiator's bodyguards c a m e over a n d p o k e d the butt of his spear t h r o u g h the bars and into M a c r o ' s b a c k . 'Quiet, y o u ! ' ' F u c k off,' M a c r o g r o w l e d back, and the m a n r a m m e d the butt h o m e again, m u c h harder this time, s e n d i n g a searing pain r o u n d Macro's ribs. He snatched a breath of air a n d g r i t t e d his teeth as he r o d e o u t the pain. T h e guard grunted, spat t h r o u g h the bars a n d then slowly strode b a c k to the shade of a stunted olive tree. ' M a c r o , are y o u all right?' Julia was l o o k i n g at h i m anxiously. 'I'll live,' he w i n c e d . ' B u t that bastard w o n ' t , the m o m e n t I get o u t o f here.' 'Brave words.' 'I m e a n it. I ' m g o i n g to take that spear a n d r a m it so far up his arsehole I'll k n o c k his fucking teeth o u t . . . Sorry, p a r d o n my Gallic, miss.' J u l i a s h o o k her head. ' D o n ' t worry. I think w e ' v e g o n e s o m e way towards o u t g r o w i n g social niceties in recent days.' ' S o m e w h a t easier for me than y o u , I i m a g i n e . ' 'Yes . . .' Julia shifted and then let o u t a l o w g r o a n , trying to find a m o r e c o m f o r t a b l e p o s i t i o n as she l e a n e d her b a c k against the bars. M a c r o t u r n e d his h e a d and e x a m i n e d the s c e n e d o w n in the bay again. T h e c a r g o ships were large, b u l k y affairs that w o u l d be c o m p l e t e l y at the m e r c y of any R o m a n warships that they m i g h t

298

e n c o u n t e r . H o w e v e r , the rebels w o u l d have plenty o f w a r n i n g that the warships w e r e c o m i n g . T h e peninsula stretched o u t for the best part of t w o miles b e f o r e it r e a c h e d the n a r r o w straits l e a d i n g o u t to the sea. Ajax's m e n w o u l d see i m m e d i a t e l y i f the R o m a n warships a p p r o a c h e d the entrance t o the bay. T h e r e w o u l d b e e n o u g h t i m e t o b u r n or sink all the grain ships. H e was s u d d e n l y aware o f a light snuffling s o u n d a n d t u r n e d b a c k to see that J u l i a was trying to h i d e h e r tears again. H e o p e n e d his m o u t h t o offer s o m e c o m f o r t , but f o u n d there was n o t h i n g he c o u l d say. T h e r e was no c o m f o r t to offer. N o n e at all, he realised. 'Macro?' 'Yes, m i s s ? ' ' S o m e t i m e s I w i s h y o u h a d killed m e , b a c k w h e n y o u h a d the chance.' M a c r o felt a surge of guilt at her words. T h e r e w e r e m o m e n t s w h e n h e t o o w i s h e d h e had n o t hesitated, that h e h a d killed J u l i a w i t h a q u i c k s w o r d thrust and then h a d t i m e to turn his blade on himself. B u t h e despised himself for even c o n s i d e r i n g such a n e n d w h e n there was always a chance, h o w e v e r slim, to escape or get revenge. He cleared his throat. 'I w o u l d have d o n e it, b u t I was k n o c k e d d o w n before I c o u l d strike. Perhaps the g o d s spared us for a reason.' ' R e a l l y ? A n d w h a t reason w o u l d that b e ? T o see h o w l o n g w e c o u l d e n d u r e this?' J u l i a let o u t a d r y l a u g h , then c o u g h e d for a m o m e n t b e f o r e she fell silent. At l e n g t h she s p o k e again, in an anxious tone. ' D o y o u think C a t o will still w a n t m e i f w e get t h r o u g h this?' ' O f c o u r s e ! W h y w o u l d y o u ever d o u b t it?' S h e bit her lip a n d g l a n c e d d o w n a t her body. ' L o o k a t m e . I ' m disgusting. I am dirt. T h i s . . . filth is so g r o u n d into me that I shall stink of it for ever.' 'It's n o t h i n g that a g o o d scrub w o n ' t deal with,' M a c r o replied lightly. 'You'll see. W h e n it's all over y o u can have a b a t h , a s c r a p e d o w n a n d a h o t m e a l and the w o r l d will be a c o m p l e t e l y different place. A n d there'll be C a t o . You'll be a sight for his sore eyes, I can tell you.' ' T h e r e are s o m e things, s o m e kinds o f dirt, that n o a m o u n t o f

299

s c r u b b i n g can erase, M a c r o . ' S h e l o o k e d quickly a t h i m . ' I ' m n o fool, y o u know.' 'I never t h o u g h t y o u were.' ' T h e n don't h u m o u r m e . If — w h e n - the t i m e c o m e s that A j a x tires of k e e p i n g us in here, he's g o i n g to torture us, isn't h e ? ' M a c r o ' s silence was e l o q u e n t e n o u g h for Julia, a n d she c o n t i n u e d . ' I overheard s o m e o f his guards o n e night, s o o n after w e w e r e taken. T h e y w e r e talking a b o u t a w o m a n w h o h a d b e e n k e p t i n this c a g e b e f o r e us. T h e wife o f H i r t i u s . W h e n A j a x tired o f k e e p i n g her, h e t u r n e d her over to his m e n . ' Julia s h u d d e r e d . ' T h e y u s e d her all night, i n w h a t e v e r ways they c o u l d i m a g i n e . S h e was b e g g i n g t h e m t o kill her b e f o r e the e n d , but they i g n o r e d her a n d c o n t i n u e d , until finally they left her to b l e e d to death. M a c r o , I can't face that. E v e n if I lived t h r o u g h it, I c o u l d never b e w i t h a n o t h e r m a n again. N o o n e w o u l d have m e . N o t C a t o anyway. I w o u l d b e d i s h o n o u r e d and h e w o u l d l o o k at me w i t h disgust in his eyes a n d t u r n away' S h e g u l p e d b a c k her e m o t i o n s a n d s p o k e so softly that M a c r o c o u l d barely hear her. 'I m i g h t survive the rest of it, but n o t that. N o t l o s i n g Cato.' ' Y o u u n d e r e s t i m a t e h i m , miss. C a t o i s n o t s o m e chinless w o n d e r . He has a d e e p e r sense of h o n o u r , a n d c o m p a s s i o n . I t r i e d to beat that o u t of h i m in the early days, but he was a s t u b b o r n bastard. Still is. He loves y o u , and that's all that will matter to h i m w h e n he finds y o u again.' ' Y o u really think s o ? ' S h e l o o k e d at h i m w i t h h o p e in her eyes. 'I k n o w it. N o w , that's e n o u g h crying.' M a c r o n o d d e d his h e a d towards the nearest rebels, clustered a b o u t a c a m p fire as they w a t c h e d a s u c k l i n g p i g t u r n slowly over a pile of e m b e r s . 'We have to a p p e a r strong a n d fearless in front of those bastards. Y o u can do it, miss. J u s t r e m e m b e r , you're a R o m a n aristocrat. You have a tradition to uphold.' ' B u t I ' m afraid.' ' A n d s o a m I,' M a c r o a d m i t t e d . ' B u t y o u can c h o o s e n o t t o let t h e m use it against y o u . T h a t is the only way we can defy A j a x at the m o m e n t . S o , chin up a n d k e e p a brave face on for t h o s e bastards over there.' 'I'll try.' M a c r o sensed a s h a d o w at his s h o u l d e r and t h e n a v o i c e s p o k e

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close to his ear. ' F i n e w o r d s , C e n t u r i o n . We'll see h o w brave y o u can b e w h e n the t i m e c o m e s t o d o t o y o u w h a t y o u did t o m y father.' A j a x m o v e d r o u n d t o the e n d o f the c a g e and squatted d o w n w h e r e they c o u l d b o t h see h i m . H e h a d a chicken l e g i n o n e h a n d and raised it to his m o u t h to take a bite. T h e n his n o s e w r i n k l e d and he tossed the l e g to o n e side. A l m o s t at o n c e , a pair of seagulls w h i r l e d d o w n a n d b e g a n to fight over the m e a t , p e c k i n g away at each other savagely. ' Y o u stink, the pair o f y o u . M o r e than e n o u g h t o p u t m e o f f m y food.' He stared at his captives for a m o m e n t and sneered. ' W h o w o u l d believe that t w o such disgusting e x a m p l e s o f h u m a n i t y c o u l d b e l o n g t o the great R o m a n e m p i r e ? Y o u are like swine, rolling i n y o u r o w n f i l t h . I w o n d e r w h a t y o u r e m p e r o r w o u l d say i f h e c o u l d see y o u

n o w ? A n d y o u , w o m a n , w h a t w o u l d y o u r father, the

g o v e r n o r , think if he b e h e l d y o u n o w as I d o ? I w o u l d n o t b l a m e h i m i f h e d i s o w n e d y o u . After all, y o u are n o t f i t for d e c e n t c o m p a n y . A n d that's b e f o r e I let my m e n l o o s e on you.' M a c r o saw J u l i a recoil at the t h o u g h t , pressing herself into the far c o r n e r of the cage. A j a x l a u g h e d at her reaction a n d M a c r o felt a surge of r a g e sweep t h r o u g h his veins. ' Y o u leave the girl alone, y o u bastard! If y o u w a n t y o u r fun, t h e n take it o u t on m e . She's j u s t a girl. B u t m e ? I ' m a c e n t u r i o n , a m a n o f the l e g i o n s . I ' m y o u r challenge, A j a x . T r y a n d break m e , i f y o u dare.' Ajax had an amused expression

o n his face d u r i n g M a c r o ' s

outburst, a n d he s h o o k his h e a d m o c k i n g l y . 'It's as I thought. The best fun to be h a d is in letting y o u w a t c h the governor's d a u g h t e r die first, i n front o f y o u r eyes. S o m e t h i n g for y o u t o dwell o n b e f o r e w e c o m e for y o u , Centurion. Then, w h i l e y o u are left to rot on the cross, y o u ' l l have plenty o f t i m e t o r e m e m b e r w h a t h a p p e n e d t o her. A n d y o u ' l l k n o w it's all y o u r fault. I f y o u h a d n o t killed m y father a n d sold m e into slavery, n o n e o f u s w o u l d b e h e r e n o w ' 'If y o u r father h a d n o t b e e n a m u r d e r i n g pirate bastard then I w o u l d n o t have h a d t o crucify h i m i n the f i r s t place.' M a c r o smiled. ' C r e d i t w h e r e credit is d u e , e h , s u n s h i n e ? ' F o r a m o m e n t Ajax's features froze into a m a s k of bitter hatred, then he b r e a t h e d in a n d t o o k control of his feelings w i t h a slow 301

smile. 'I think I m i g h t j u s t nail y o u to the crosspiece in p e r s o n , M a c r o . Yes, I think I s h o u l d like that a great deal.' 'Is that w h a t y o u are k e e p i n g us for? I t h o u g h t it was b e c a u s e we m i g h t be useful hostages.' ' O h yes, that was the reason o n c e . B u t then the girl's father d e c i d e d that s t u b b o r n defiance was a greater v i r t u e than paternal affection. A n d n o w I have hostages infinitely m o r e valuable than y o u two.' A j a x e d g e d t o o n e side a n d gestured towards the c a p t u r e d ships. 'At o n e stroke I have the p o w e r to feed R o m e , or let her starve. O n c e the e m p e r o r k n o w s that I have his grain fleet, he will have to discuss t e r m s w i t h me.' N o w i t was M a c r o ' s t u r n t o sneer. ' A n d w h a t m a k e s y o u think h e s h o u l d b o t h e r w i t h y o u ? T h o s e are R o m a n warships outside the bay. Y o u c a n n o t e s c a p e w i t h those c a r g o ships, a n d y o u c a n n o t d e f e n d t h e m adequately if they r e m a i n in the bay. T h e navy will p i c k its o w n t i m e , then sail in b o l d as brass a n d take those ships f r o m you.' ' R e a l l y ? Y o u m u s t think I was b o r n yesterday,' A j a x m o c k e d h i m . ' T h o s e warships will n o t dare to enter the bay, b e c a u s e the m o m e n t they d o , I shall give the o r d e r to b u r n the grain fleet. S o , my dear friends, y o u can see the situation for yourselves. I have g o t y o u r e m p e r o r by the balls. Sadly, that m a k e s y o u t w o little m o r e than a detail, an e n t e r t a i n m e n t , a n d the t i m e is fast a p p r o a c h i n g w h e n I will have n o further n e e d o f you.'

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CHAPTER TWENTY-EIGHT

C

ato gave orders f o r the c a m p t o b e c o n s t r u c t e d o n the high g r o u n d o v e r l o o k i n g O l o u s a s the c o l u m n c o m p l e t e d the f o u r t h

day's march. T h e auxiliaries advanced a short way d o w n the slope to

f o r m a protective screen while the legionaries set d o w n their m a r c h ing yokes, t o o k up their pickaxes and shovels and b e g a n to dig into the stony g r o u n d . It was h o t and the w o r k was b a c k - b r e a k i n g after a hard day's m a r c h , but it was part of the daily routine while on c a m p a i g n , and aside from the usual g r u m b l i n g the m e n carried o u t their w o r k efficiently. By the time the sun had set b e h i n d the hills to the west, a ditch s u r r o u n d e d the camp, within w h i c h a rampart a n d palisade provided a d e q u a t e defence against any attempt at a surprise attack. O n c e the c a m p was ready, the auxiliaries w e r e called in a n d the c o l u m n settled d o w n for the night. T h e r e was no m o o n in the sky, and t h o u g h the stars s h o n e brilliantly, the landscape was w r e a t h e d in darkness. M i n d f u l of the enemy's willingness to take the initiative, C a t o d o u b l e d the w a t c h and h a d a full c o h o r t stand to a l o n g the palisade a n d k e e p w a t c h over the a p p r o a c h e s t o the c a m p . A c c o m p a n i e d b y F u l v i u s , h e m a d e a n i n s p e c t i o n o f the defences b e f o r e the t w o o f t h e m r e t u r n e d t o the h e a d q u a r t e r s tents i n the heart o f the c a m p , o c c u p y i n g a small m o u n d o v e r l o o k i n g the ramparts a n d on towards the enemy. T h e fires of the rebels glittered in a h u g e arc a r o u n d the dark waters of the bay, dwarfing the neat lines of the R o m a n c a m p . O u t a t sea, three lamps g l i m m e r e d w h e r e the warships lay h o v e to, k e e p i n g w a t c h on the entrance to the bay. T h e rest of the fleet was b e a c h e d in a cove s o m e miles to the n o r t h , a n d C a t o h a d sent for the navarch in c o m m a n d of the ships to c o m e a n d r e p o r t to h i m the n e x t day. ' T h e b u g g e r s aren't short o f men,' Fulvius m u t t e r e d a s h e surveyed the enemy. 303

C a t o s h r u g g e d . ' N u m b e r s aren't everything. W e have better m e n a n d the better p o s i t i o n . If they attack, they'll have to do it uphill, a n d they'll have to get over the ditch a n d the palisade. O u r m e n can deal w i t h any o f t h e m that get close e n o u g h t o c o m e t o blows.' 'I h o p e you're right, sir,' Fulvius m u t t e r e d . ' S o w h a t h a p p e n s n o w ? L o o k s like s o m e t h i n g of a stand-off. We can beat off their attacks, but we m i g h t n o t have sufficient m e n to take their camp.' ' T h e situation is to o u r advantage. We're c a m p e d across the only r o a d o u t o f O l o u s t o the rest o f the island. T h e navy blocks access t o the sea, s o w e have t h e m t r a p p e d . T h e m a i n p r o b l e m for u s will b e k e e p i n g supplied w i t h f o o d a n d w a t e r . W e have e n o u g h for five m o r e days b e f o r e I have to s e n d a d e t a c h m e n t b a c k to G o r t y n a w i t h the w a g o n s for m o r e rations. Of c o u r s e , that's n o t a p r o b l e m for the rebels n o w that they have their hands o n the grain f l e e t . T h e y c o u l d live off that for m o n t h s . W i t h the streams that r u n o f f the hills, they w o n ' t be short of water either. H o w e v e r , t h e reality is that it is their t u r n t o b e u n d e r siege.' Fulvius s e e m e d doubtful, a n d gestured to the hills s u r r o u n d i n g the bay. 'If they w a n t e d to get away, they c o u l d slip over these hills easily enough.' 'If they w a n t e d to get away. B u t they don't. T h e y have their carts a n d w a g o n s w i t h t h e m , w e i g h e d d o w n b y l o o t , a n d then there's the grain fleet. T h a t is their o n e c h a n c e to cut a deal w i t h R o m e . A n d that's w h y A j a x w o n ' t a b a n d o n t h o s e ships.' C a t o p a u s e d a n d l o o k e d over to w h e r e a line of torches m a r k e d t h e palisade that h a d b e e n erected t o p r o t e c t the b e a c h e d ships. ' T h e trick o f i t will b e i n finding a way of separating the rebels f r o m the ships. We have to act soon. The grain fleet has already b e e n delayed. B e f o r e l o n g the stocks i n the i m p e r i a l w a r e h o u s e s are g o i n g t o b e e x h a u s t e d , a n d R o m e will starve. If we can't rescue t h o s e ships in t i m e . . .' C a t o t u r n e d away a n d strode towards his tent. Fulvius scratched his c h e e k for a m o m e n t a n d then followed his superior. Inside the tent, C a t o h a d u n f a s t e n e d the clasp of his c l o a k a n d flung it over towards his bedroll. T h e r e w e r e few of t h e usual refinements of a senior officer in the tent, since there h a d b e e n no t i m e to arrange for any a t G o r t y n a . C o m f o r t h a d b e e n the last thing o n his m i n d w h e n C a t o set off in pursuit of the rebels, a n d so there was only a small

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c a m p a i g n table a n d a handful of chests c o n t a i n i n g the c o l u m n ' s pay records, strength returns a n d spare w a x e d slates. He y a w n e d as he u n f a s t e n e d the b u c k l e s of his harness a n d d r e w it, a n d t h e n the chainmail vest, over his h e a d . He let t h e m d r o p heavily by the bedroll. T h e m a r c h in the h o t sun, a n d his e x h a u s t i o n , h a d left h i m with a h e a d a c h e , and he d e c l i n e d the w i n e that Fulvius offered h i m from a j u g that h a d b e e n left o u t by o n e of the headquarters servants. Fulvius s h r u g g e d , a n d filled a g o b l e t a l m o s t to the b r i m b e f o r e he eased h i m s e l f d o w n on to a chest w i t h a sigh. ' S o then, w h a t do we do now?' ' N o t h i n g w e can d o t o n i g h t . T o m o r r o w we'll s c o u t the e n e m y c a m p a n d see if there are any w e a k p o i n t s that we m i g h t attack.' ' Y o u are t h i n k i n g of an attack t h e n ? ' Fulvius p r o b e d . 'I don't see w h a t else I can d o . S o m e of the grain ships will no d o u b t b e lost d u r i n g the f i g h t , b u t w e have t o rescue w h a t w e can and h o p e that i t i s e n o u g h t o k e e p R o m e g o i n g until a n o t h e r f l e e t can be g a t h e r e d to fetch m o r e grain f r o m E g y p t . It'll be a b l o o d y business i f w e have t o attack, a n d i f a n y t h i n g g o e s w r o n g , i f the m e n break, then we'll be cut to pieces.' ' T h e lads o f the T w e n t y - S e c o n d w o n ' t let y o u d o w n , sir. T h e y ' l l fight well, a n d if the attack fails then they'll k e e p f o r m a t i o n w h e n we fall back.' 'I h o p e y o u are right,' C a t o replied wearily. ' N o w then, that's all for tonight. I ' m t u r n i n g in.' Fulvius d r a i n e d his c u p a n d s t o o d up. 'I'll have o n e last turn r o u n d the c a m p , sir. So I can sleep easy' 'Very well.' C a t o n o d d e d . O n c e the c e n t u r i o n h a d left the tent, h e t o o k o f f his b o o t s , e x t i n g u i s h e d the oil l a m p and lay d o w n on the bedroll. E v e n t h o u g h it was a h o t night, there was a gentle b r e e z e b l o w i n g , e n o u g h t o c o o l C a t o ' s b r o w a n d m a k e i t w o r t h k e e p i n g his tunic o n . H i s h e a d felt thick w i t h e x h a u s t i o n , a n d it was a struggle to think clearly as he lay a n d stared up at the g o a t s k i n tent o v e r h e a d . T h e m o m e n t he tried to settle into a c o m f o r t a b l e p o s i t i o n to sleep, his m i n d filled w i t h i m a g e s of J u l i a a n d M a c r o . If they w e r e still alive, they w e r e n o t m o r e than a m i l e or t w o f r o m w h e r e he lay. It h a d taken every fibre of his self-control to h i d e his feelings from Fulvius and the other m e n u n d e r his c o m m a n d . Inside, his heart felt like a

305

l u m p o f lead, w e i g h i n g his b o d y d o w n . T h e w o r s t m o m e n t s c a m e w h e n his i m a g i n a t i o n thrust i m a g e s o f their t o r m e n t t o the front o f his m i n d , m a k i n g h i m feel sick w i t h helplessness a n d despair until he f o r c e d such t h o u g h t s aside and c o n c e n t r a t e d his m i n d elsewhere. He lay on his mattress, t u r n i n g frequently, a n d e n d e d up curled in a ball on his side b e f o r e his w e a r y b o d y a n d e x h a u s t e d m i n d finally s u c c u m b e d t o sleep. C a t o was w o k e n b y the blare o f a b u c c i n a s o u n d i n g the c h a n g e o f w a t c h . He blinked his eyes o p e n a n d w i n c e d at the stiffness in his b a c k . Sunlight slanted t h r o u g h the o p e n flaps of the tent and he instantly s c r a m b l e d to his feet, furious that he h a d n o t b e e n roused. H e pulled o n his b o o t s a n d laced t h e m u p b e f o r e h u r r y i n g o u t o f the tent. B e f o r e h i m lay the c a m p , the m e n calmly g o i n g a b o u t their m o r n i n g duties as they c l e a n e d their mess tins a n d p a c k e d t h e m away in their kit sacks b e f o r e m a k i n g ready their a r m o u r a n d w e a p o n s for m o r n i n g i n s p e c t i o n . C e n t u r i o n Fulvius was sitting at a table in front o f o n e o f the other tents, w r i t i n g notes o n a w a x tablet. H e s t o o d u p a n d saluted as

Cato

c a m e striding across

to

h i m w i t h an icy

expression. ' W h y was I n o t w o k e n at the e n d of the night w a t c h ? ' ' T h e r e was no n e e d , sir.' Fulvius affected a s u r p r i s e d l o o k . ' T h e w a t c h officers h a d n o t h i n g t o report and there's b e e n n o sign o f any m o v e m e n t d o w n at the rebel c a m p . I was j u s t a b o u t to c o m p l e t e the orders for the m o r n i n g cavalry patrols b e f o r e I c a m e to w a k e you.' C a t o l o w e r e d his v o i c e so that only Fulvius w o u l d hear. ' Y o u k n o w d a m n well that the senior officer s h o u l d be w o k e n at first light.' 'I h a d no orders to that effect, sir.' ' D a m n orders, it's customary. E v e n w h e n a unit is on g a r r i s o n duties. On c a m p a i g n there's never any q u e s t i o n a b o u t it.' , Fulvius did n o t r e s p o n d , thereby i n t i m a t i n g his guilt. C a t o glared at h i m for a m o m e n t , a n d then s n o r t e d w i t h d e r i s i o n . 'Tell m e , w h e n was the last t i m e y o u served on a c a m p a i g n ? ' 'It's b e e n a w h i l e , sir,' Fulvius a d m i t t e d . 'In my p r e v i o u s l e g i o n , on the D a n u b e . ' ' H o w long ago?'

306

T h e centurion's gaze wavered. 'Twelve years, sir.' ' A n d since then y o u have served in E g y p t : g a r r i s o n duty. Little to k e e p y o u o c c u p i e d b u t spit a n d polish a n d the o d d f i e l d exercise, e h ? ' ' K e e p s the lads on their t o e s , sir.' 'I don't d o u b t it.' C a t o recalled the endless drills a n d r o u t e marches of his earliest m o n t h s in the S e c o n d L e g i o n . It was n o t the readiness o f the m e n h e q u e s t i o n e d . ' S o , having d u c k e d o u t o f the fighting for the last twelve years, y o u think y o u are better qualified to lead these m e n than I a m . Is that it?' ' S o m e t h i n g like that.' Fulvius was still for a m o m e n t a n d p u r s e d his lips. ' P e r m i s s i o n to speak freely, sir?' ' N o . C e n t u r i o n , I a m the c o m m a n d e r o f this c o l u m n a n d that fact ends any discussion on this matter. If y o u q u e s t i o n my authority, or u n d e r m i n e established p r o c e d u r e s again, I will have y o u r e m o v e d from y o u r p o s i t i o n a n d sent b a c k to G o r t y n a . Is that u n d e r s t o o d ? ' 'Yes, sir,' Fulvius replied sourly. ' I will n o t w a r n y o u again,' C a t o g r o w l e d t h r o u g h c l e n c h e d teeth. ' N o w get o u t o f m y sight. I w a n t y o u t o d o a spot i n s p e c t i o n o f the f i r s t three l e g i o n a r y c o h o r t s , a n d r e p o r t b a c k t o m e o n c e y o u ' v e done. Go.' C a t o saw a g l i m m e r of anxiety in the veteran's eyes. Then he s t o o d at attention, saluted a n d strode off to carry o u t his orders. C a t o s h o o k his h e a d , t h e n t u r n e d and m a r c h e d b a c k to his tent, b a r k i n g at o n e o f the orderlies t o b r i n g h i m s o m e b r e a d , m e a t a n d w a t e r e d w i n e for breakfast. As he sat a n d stared d o w n towards the rebel c a m p , he c o n s i d e r e d the s t a n d - o f f o n c e again. A j a x h a d the grain f l e e t , a n d therefore n o n e e d t o attack the R o m a n s , w h i l e C a t o risked the loss of the grain fleet if he attacked, as well as having the a d d e d c o n c e r n o f c o m m a n d i n g t o o few m e n t o g u a r a n t e e victory. Yet t i m e was o n the rebels' side, and there was no a v o i d i n g the c o n c l u s i o n that C a t o w o u l d have to attack, w h a t e v e r the o d d s . A s h e was d i p p i n g the last h u n k o f b r e a d into the b o w l o f w i n e , he n o t i c e d a m o v e m e n t d o w n at the e n e m y c a m p . A small c o l u m n o f riders h a d e m e r g e d from the sprawl o f tents and h a z e o f s m o k e from the c a m p f i r e s . T h e y passed t h r o u g h their p i c k e t line a n d c o n t i n u e d steadily u p the slope towards the R o m a n c a m p . C a t o s o o n lost sight of t h e m b e h i n d the r a m p a r t and left the table to fetch his 307

mail vest, h e l m e t a n d s w o r d belt f r o m the tent, b e f o r e m a k i n g his way d o w n t o the r a m p a r t facing the rebel c a m p . B y the t i m e h e r e a c h e d the r a m p a r t the duty c e n t u r i o n h a d o r d e r e d his m e n to stand to. A c o h o r t o f l e g i o n a r i e s w e r e spreading o u t a l o n g the b e a t e n earth o f the walkway to face the a p p r o a c h i n g h o r s e m e n . C a t o g l a n c e d at t h e m as he c l i m b e d the ladder on to the p l a t f o r m c o n s t r u c t e d over the t i m b e r gates. Fulvius was already there a n d n o d d e d a g r e e t i n g to C a t o as the latter j o i n e d h i m . ' L o o k s like the rebels w a n t to talk,' said Fulvius. C a t o saw that there w e r e ten o f t h e m , w e a r i n g g o o d tunics, scale armour and

Roman

pattern

swords

-

the

spoils

of Centurion

Marcellus's c o l u m n . O n e m a n c a r r i e d a l o n g standard w i t h a b r i g h t b l u e p e n n a n t , w h i c h he w a v e d steadily from side to side as he a n d his c o m p a n i o n s w a l k e d the m o u n t s forward. ' N i c e t o see t h e m o b s e r v i n g the a p p r o p r i a t e formalities,' Fulvius m u t t e r e d . 'Just like a p r o p e r army, e h , sir?' 'Well, they certainly l o o k the part, in o u r kit.' ' O u r kit?' Fulvius's e x p r e s s i o n darkened. ' O h , yes . . .Want me to o r d e r s o m e o f o u r b o y s t o l o o s e s o m e slingshot i n their direction?' ' N o , ' C a t o replied firmly. ' I don't w a n t t h e m t o u c h e d . T h e rebels have hostages.' Fulvius s h r u g g e d . ' A s s u m i n g they're still alive, sir.' ' T h e y ' r e alive.' T h e riders s t o p p e d fifty paces f r o m the gate, a n d then o n e e d g e d his h o r s e a little closer. C a t o saw that he h a d the dark features of the east, a n d he w o r e a c u r v e d s w o r d at his side. Fulvius c u p p e d a h a n d to his m o u t h a n d b e l l o w e d , ' S t o p there!' T h e rider reined i n obediently. 'What do you want?' ' M y general wishes t o talk w i t h y o u r c o m m a n d e r . H e r e , i n the open.' ' W h y ? Tell u s w h a t h e wants a n d g o ! ' T h e rider s h o o k his h e a d . ' T h a t is for my general to say' ' B o l l o c k s to him,' Fulvius m u t t e r e d a n d d r e w a d e e p breath to s h o u t his answer. 'Wait!' said C a t o . H e t u r n e d t o Fulvius. ' K e e p the m e n o n the r a m p a r t , b u t have a cavalry s q u a d r o n b r o u g h t up to the gate, 308

m o u n t e d a n d ready to charge. If I raise my left h a n d , s e n d t h e m o u t at o n c e . B u t only if I give the signal. Is that clear?' 'You're n o t g o i n g o u t there?' Fulvius arched an eyebrow. ' F o r fuck's sake, sir. It's a trap. T h e y ' l l get y o u o u t there a n d cut y o u d o w n before t u r n i n g tail a n d running.' ' W h y w o u l d they d o that?' 'To u n d e r m i n e the c o l u m n , sir. T a k e o u t the c o m m a n d e r a n d it's b o u n d to hit m o r a l e , and disrupt the c a m p a i g n . ' 'If it is a trap a n d they kill m e , that m a k e s y o u the n e w c o m m a n d e r . ' C a t o l o o k e d a t h i m steadily. 'Are y o u saying you're n o t up to the j o b ? I t h o u g h t y o u w a n t e d it. M a y b e this is y o u r chance.' C e n t u r i o n Fulvius h a d the g o o d g r a c e to let a l o o k of s h a m e flit across his features b e f o r e he c o m p o s e d h i m s e l f and s h o o k his h e a d . ' N o t this way, sir. You w a t c h y o u r s e l f o u t there, u n d e r s t a n d ? ' C a t o s m i l e d t o h i m s e l f a s h e t u r n e d away a n d c l i m b e d d o w n f r o m the tower. A t the b o t t o m h e t u r n e d t o the section o f l e g i o n a r i e s m a n n i n g the gate. ' O p e n it up, b u t be ready to close it q u i c k l y if y o u get the order.' A s the m e n r e m o v e d the l o c k i n g bar a n d h a u l e d the gate inwards, Fulvius called to o n e of his officers a n d gave t h e m orders to have o n e of the m o u n t e d s q u a d r o n s called to the gate as swiftly as possible. C a t o puffed his c h e e k s a n d m a r c h e d o u t o f the c a m p , b e t w e e n the t w o ditches o n either side, a n d o n t o the clear g r o u n d . A h e a d o f h i m the h o r s e m e n w a t c h e d in silence. W h e n he reached a p o i n t halfway b e t w e e n the gate a n d the w a i t i n g rebels, C a t o s t o p p e d a n d called o u t t o the m a n w h o h a d s p o k e n for t h e m . ' I a m T r i b u n e C a t o , c o m m a n d e r o f the R o m a n c o l u m n a n d the R o m a n fleet. W h e r e i s y o u r g e n e r a l ? ' T h e r e was a s u d d e n m o v e m e n t f r o m the rear o f the g r o u p o f h o r s e m e n as a rider s p u r r e d his h o r s e forward a n d g a l l o p e d it up the gentle slope. C a t o s u c k e d in a d e e p breath a n d his muscles tensed, ready for a c t i o n . He let his h a n d d r o p towards the handle of his sword, w h e r e it h o v e r e d for an instant b e f o r e he willed it to settle by his thigh. S t r a i g h t e n i n g his b a c k , he s t o o d his g r o u n d a n d stared defiantly at the a p p r o a c h i n g h o r s e m a n . At the last m o m e n t the rider reined in, less than ten feet f r o m C a t o , s h o w e r i n g h i m w i t h grit. T h e sun was b e h i n d the rebel and C a t o h a d to squint a n d then raise a

309

h a n d to shield his eyes. F o r a m o m e n t n o t a w o r d was s p o k e n , then the rebel gave a soft, m e n a c i n g c h u c k l e . ' T h e g o d s are k i n d t o m e , R o m a n . S o kind.' ' A j a x ? ' C a t o felt his heartbeat q u i c k e n . ' O f c o u r s e . Y o u remember m e then?' 'Yes.' ' A n d y o u r e m e m b e r w h a t y o u d i d t o m y father, before y o u had m e sold into slavery?' 'I recall that we e x e c u t e d the leader of a g a n g of pirates.' 'We?' C a t o froze as he realised his mistake. M a c r o was in e n o u g h d a n g e r already, if he was still alive. He cleared his throat. ' T h e R a v e n n a fleet was c h a r g e d w i t h destroying the pirate threat.' 'It's funny, I s e e m to recall things b e i n g a little bit m o r e personal than that. Y o u see, I recall — very, very clearly — the n a m e s and faces of the t w o officers in charge of my father's e x e c u t i o n , a n d they w e r e there again w h e n I was led away into slavery w i t h survivors of my father's fleet. Y o u w e r e o n e of those m e n . T h e o t h e r I have already had the great pleasure to e n c o u n t e r o n c e again.' C a t o felt his throat tighten a n d he c o n c e n t r a t e d on the m a n in front of h i m , fighting to control his expression. 'I take it y o u r hostages are still alive.' ' T h e y are. For the present.' ' G e t d o w n off y o u r horse,' C a t o o r d e r e d . ' I d o n o t care t o speak to y o u w i t h the sun in my eyes.' 'Very well, R o m a n . ' A j a x s w u n g his leg over the horse's b a c k a n d d r o p p e d t o the g r o u n d close t o C a t o , b u t C a t o did n o t flinch. O u t o f the glare o f the sun, h e c o u l d n o w see the m a n clearly. A j a x w o r e a simple tunic, plain b o o t s and a sword belt slung across his shoulder. Tall, b r o a d - s h o u l d e r e d and powerfully built, he was y o u n g , b u t his features w e r e m o r e l i n e d a n d scarred than the face C a t o dimly recalled from years earlier. T h e r e was s o m e t h i n g a b o u t the eyes, t o o . T h e y w e r e watchful a n d far-seeing, a n d C a t o g u e s s e d that his t i m e in the arena m e a n t that A j a x was a m a n w h o m i s s e d n o t h i n g a n d was capable of reacting to any threat in an instant. ' M o r e c o m f o r t a b l e ? ' A j a x sneered. ' Y o u w a n t e d to talk to me,' C a t o r e s p o n d e d flatly. ' S o talk.'

310

'I'll get to the p o i n t w h e n I am g o o d and ready. B e f o r e then, I am c u r i o u s to k n o w w h a t y o u think of o u r little situation. It is n o t w i t h o u t dramatic interest, w o u l d n ' t y o u a g r e e ? ' 'I am n o t interested in y o u r g a m e s , slave. J u s t speak y o u r p i e c e a n d go-' 'Slave?' A j a x f r o w n e d briefly. ' N o t any m o r e . N o t w h e n y o u r emperor concedes to my demands.' 'State y o u r d e m a n d s then, b e f o r e y o u b o r e m e any further.' C a t o slowly f o l d e d his a r m s , loosely, w i t h his left h a n d on t o p in case he n e e d e d to signal his m e n . 'I will, b u t first, tell me h o w it feels to be responsible for all of this.' A j a x gestured at the t w o a r m i e s . 'All the b l o o d s h e d d u r i n g this rebellion. Surely y o u c a n n o t sleep

easily w i t h all this on y o u r

conscience.' C a t o did n o t reply at o n c e , then s p o k e w i t h deliberate e m p h a s i s . ' T h i s i s y o u r d o i n g , A j a x . T h e retribution that R o m e will visit o n y o u r followers will b e y o u r responsibility, n o t m i n e . I f y o u s u r r e n d e r now, a n d give up y o u r hostages, I give y o u my w o r d that I will plead the case for leniency to be s h o w n to y o u r followers.' ' W h i l e I go the s a m e way as my father?' ' O f c o u r s e . H o w c o u l d i t b e o t h e r w i s e ? After all that y o u have done.' 'You are t o o generous.' A j a x l a u g h e d drily. 'You s h o u l d take s o m e of the credit.' 'Really?' ' O h y e s . Y o u see, every day since y o u and y o u r friend m a d e m e a slave, I have v o w e d to have my revenge. If I am honest, I never really e x p e c t e d to have the c h a n c e , b u t it k e p t me alive and kept my wits keen w h e n so m a n y others m i g h t have died in the arena. S o , I have y o u to thank for that. Y o u . . .' He p o i n t e d his finger at C a t o ' s chest. 'It was y o u w h o m a d e this rebellion possible, a n d y o u w h o will b e the cause o f R o m e ' s h u m i l i a t i o n . A n d , ' Ajax's eyes flashed w i t h inspiration a n d he smiled, ' a n d yes! It is y o u w h o will be the cause of y o u r o w n greatest t o r m e n t . B u t I a m getting a h e a d o f myself.' H e p a u s e d a n d then pulled a red strip of cloth from inside his tunic. 'I have d e c i d e d to give y o u a d e m o n s t r a t i o n , R o m a n . To prove that I a m s e r i o u s , a n d t o d i s c o u r a g e y o u from any rash c o u r s e o f action.' H e

311

t u r n e d and p o i n t e d to the b e a c h e d ships. ' Y o u see that o n e on the e n d , apart from the o t h e r s ? ' C a t o looked, and nodded. ' G o o d . T h e n watch.' A j a x e x t e n d e d his a r m a n d w a v e d the strip o f red cloth slowly f r o m side to side as it r i p p l e d gently in the light b r e e z e . T h e r e was a n a n s w e r i n g signal from the d e c k o f the grain ship, a n d m o m e n t s later C a t o saw a tiny glitter and a thin trail of s m o k e . T h e spark quickly spread as a handful of m e n s c r a m b l e d from the b o w s on to the sand. A t o n g u e of flame shot up from the m a i n c a r g o hatch a n d within m o m e n t s the ship was ablaze a n d a c l o u d of s m o k e b i l l o w e d over the decks. A j a x t u r n e d b a c k towards C a t o . ' T h e r e . E v e r y o n e of the r e m a i n i n g ships is ready to be fired the m o m e n t I give the signal. Y o u h a d better bear that in m i n d in case y o u are t h i n k i n g of m a k i n g a surprise attack to seize the grain fleet. N o w then, o n t o m y d e m a n d s . ' A j a x raised his hands and c o u n t e d t h e m off. ' O n e , y o u send w o r d to y o u r g o v e r n o r that he is to issue a p r o c l a m a t i o n , i n the n a m e o f E m p e r o r C l a u d i u s and the senate, d e c l a r i n g that all slaves on the island of C r e t e are to be set free at o n c e . B e f o r e y o u protest, I k n o w that he has the authority to do this. W h e t h e r R o m e ratifies i t o r n o t i s n o t m y c o n c e r n . B y then, m y followers and I will be l o n g g o n e . If the g o v e r n o r is n o t here w i t h the p r o c l a m a t i o n in his hands five days f r o m now, I will start destroying all of the ships. T w o , after we have the p r o c l a m a t i o n , signed, sealed a n d delivered by the g o v e r n o r in p e r s o n , y o u will allow my followers a n d me to b o a r d the ships a n d sail u n h i n d e r e d f r o m this bay. O n c e we have d e c i d e d on a safe place to land we will h a n d the ships over to you.' 'What's to stop y o u b u r n i n g the ships after y o u have r e a c h e d w h e r e v e r it is that y o u i n t e n d to sail t o ? ' ' N o t h i n g . ' A j a x smiled. 'You'll have to trust m e . ' 'Trust y o u ? ' ' Y o u have n o c h o i c e . A n d there's o n e o t h e r thing.' A j a x l o o k e d straight into C a t o ' s eyes, a n d his lips parted in an icy g r i n . 'I i m a g i n e that y o u are w o n d e r i n g a b o u t the fate of the hostages . . . y o u r friends?' ' W h y s h o u l d I?' C a t o replied evenly. ' T h e y are as g o o d as d e a d already' 312

'Your face betrays y o u . I think they m e a n far m o r e to y o u than y o u w o u l d ever a d m i t . If not, then the last d e m a n d I shall give y o u will be the easiest to c o m p l y with. Three, I will send a m a n b a c k here t o m o r r o w , at dawn. You will give h i m y o u r response to this question.' A j a x p a u s e d , s a v o u r i n g the m o m e n t . 'I w a n t y o u to c h o o s e w h o I will let live, C e n t u r i o n M a c r o , or J u l i a S e m p r o n i a . It is y o u r c h o i c e , T r i b u n e Cato. You will tell my m a n w h o is to live and w h o is to die w h e n he c o m e s . If y o u fail to give h i m an answer, then I will have t h e m b o t h p u t to death, in full v i e w of y o u r c a m p , a n d I give y o u my w o r d that their deaths will be l o n g a n d painful.' A n icy dread filled C a t o ' s body. H e c o u l d n o t think, c o u l d n o t utter a response. So he s t o o d a n d stared. A j a x read his reaction well a n d n o d d e d w i t h satisfaction. ' U n t i l t o m o r r o w then, Tribune.' He r e m o u n t e d his h o r s e and s p u r r e d it b a c k towards his followers, and then led t h e m b a c k d o w n the hill at a gallop. C a t o s t o o d still and w a t c h e d t h e m , t r a c k i n g the small b a n d as it w o u n d t h r o u g h the rebel c a m p , a r o u n d the e n d of the bay towards a small hillock on the peninsula stretching into the sea. O n l y then did he turn a n d walk slowly b a c k towards the gates o f the R o m a n c a m p .

313

CHAPTER TWENTY-NINE

W

e have to attack tonight,' C a t o d e c i d e d , after he related the demands m a d e by Ajax.

T h e other officers i n the tent stirred uneasily. O u t s i d e , the n o o n

sun beat d o w n o n the R o m a n c a m p . T h e w i n d h a d d i e d away d u r i n g the m o r n i n g , so that the air inside the tent w a s stifling. C a t o h a d s u m m o n e d his

senior

officers

the

moment

Decius

B a l b u s , the

navarch, h a d r e a c h e d the c a m p , after his g r u e l l i n g r i d e f r o m the b a y w h e r e his s q u a d r o n lay at anchor. C a t o h a d m a d e up his m i n d to attack the rebel c a m p as he h a d m a d e his w a y b a c k to his h e a d quarters after c o n f r o n t i n g A j a x . C e n t u r i o n C a s c a , the prefect o f the cavalry c o h o r t , r e s p o n d e d first. 'Sir, y o u said that the e n e m y w o u l d set fire to all the ships at the first sign of an attack.' C a t o n o d d e d . ' T h a t was w h a t A j a x said, a n d I believe him.' ' T h e n w h y attack? T h e fleet will b e b u r n e d and the p e o p l e i n R o m e will starve. Surely the p r i o r i t y is to save the grain ships a n d send t h e m o n t o R o m e a s s o o n a s possible.' ' E v e n if that m e a n s a g r e e i n g to his d e m a n d s ? ' B a l b u s scratched his chin a n d t h o u g h t a m o m e n t b e f o r e s p e a k i n g . 'If y o u attack, a n d he destroys the fleet, t h e n we will have a political disaster o n o u r hands. I f y o u agree t o his d e m a n d s , then R o m e will avoid starvation. Y o u will, o f c o u r s e , b e c o n d e m n e d for b o w i n g t o t h e will of this rebel a n d his a r m y of slaves. I i m a g i n e that, the e m p e r o r and the senate will s h o w y o u n o m e r c y ' H e p a u s e d a n d l o o k e d directly at C a t o . 'It s e e m s to me that the c h o i c e is b e t w e e n the lives o f m a n y i n R o m e , o r y o u r s h a m e and exile o r e x e c u t i o n , sir.' C a t o s m i l e d slightly. ' Y o u are right, a n d the c h o i c e is m i n e . H o w e v e r , I think there is s o m e t h i n g else y o u have to consider. W h a t i f w e g o a l o n g w i t h A j a x , a n d h e still destroys the grain ships?'

314

'Is that likely?' asked Fulvius. ' W h y w o u l d he do that?' 'It's simple,' C a t o replied. ' H e hates R o m e w i t h every f i b r e o f his b e i n g . A n d h e hates m e almost a s m u c h . ' 'You? W h y , sir?' 'It's a l o n g story, b u t the key to it is that A j a x holds m e , a n d Prefect M a c r o , responsible for the crucifixion of his father, a n d for his o w n enslavement. T h i s is as m u c h a b o u t h a v i n g revenge on us as it is a b o u t w i n n i n g his f r e e d o m . ' ' F o r g i v e m e , sir, b u t are y o u certain of this?' Fulvius c o n t i n u e d in a cautious t o n e . 'Is there a d a n g e r that y o u are e x a g g e r a t i n g y o u r influence over this man's actions?' 'I have t h o u g h t a b o u t it carefully. I've b e e n over every detail of the m a n a n d his w o r d s that I can recall f r o m o u r e n c o u n t e r earlier this m o r n i n g . I a m certain that h e m e a n s t o d o m e , and R o m e , a s m u c h h a r m as possible. A j a x lives for revenge. W h e n he s p o k e to m e , every w o r d was calculated t o increase m y fear for m y friends. H e wants t o see me t o r m e n t e d for as l o n g as possible before delivering the final crushing blow. I c o u l d see it in his eyes.' C a t o w i n c e d at the m e m o r y o f the glint o f m a d n e s s i n the gladiator's gaze. ' I a m sure o f it. H e will b u r n t h o s e ships t h e m o m e n t he is confident that he a n d his followers are b e y o n d o u r reach. If I am right, then we have n o t h i n g to lose in risking an attack. T h o s e ships are d o o m e d if we do a n y t h i n g else. T h a t is w h y we m u s t try to save t h e m as s o o n as possible. I ' m h o p i n g that i f w e m a k e the a t t e m p t tonight, w e m a y catch the rebels by surprise.' C a t o let the w o r d s of his a r g u m e n t sink in for a m o m e n t . B a l b u s still s e e m e d u n c o n v i n c e d . 'If the attack fails to take t h e m by surprise a n d they set fire to the ships, then the e m p e r o r is n o t g o i n g to be p e r s u a d e d that the rebels w e r e p l a n n i n g on d o i n g it anyway. C l a u d i u s will w a n t the heads of those responsible for the destruction of the grain ships, sir.' Fulvius r o u n d e d o n the navarch. ' T h e n we'll b l o o d y well have t o m a k e sure the attack is a success, right? Y o u a n d the navy do y o u r bit, and we'll d o ours.' C a t o briefly felt his heart w a r m to his subordinate, b e f o r e he r e s p o n d e d , ' B a l b u s , if it puts y o u r m i n d at rest, I will a s s u m e full responsibility for o r d e r i n g the attack. I'll have that in w r i t i n g for any officer here that requests it.'

315

T h e navarch n o d d e d a n d replied flatly, ' T h a n k y o u , sir. I w o u l d appreciate it. On the off c h a n c e that the attack g o e s tits up and the ships are b u r n e d . ' C a t o sighed wearily. 'Well, there's n o p o i n t i n h a v i n g m o r e o f u s p a y i n g the p r i c e of failure than necessary, is there?' ' N o , sir,' B a l b u s a g r e e d easily. T h e n he tilted his h e a d slightly to o n e side w i t h a q u e s t i o n i n g expression. ' T h e r e is o n e thing though.' 'Oh?' ' W h y is there a n e e d to attack tonight? It seems a bit r u s h e d to me.' C a t o s t o o d still a n d stared b a c k at the navarch. T h i s was the p o i n t o f the m e e t i n g that h e h a d feared. T h e q u e s t i o n was fair, a n d a l t h o u g h the answer he h a d prepared was well r e a s o n e d from a tactical p o i n t of view, he k n e w that his p e r s o n a l feelings h a d played the m o s t i m p o r t a n t part in reaching his d e c i s i o n . If these m e n w e r e to risk their lives in an attack, it was only right that C a t o t o o k t h e m into his c o n f i d e n c e a n d told t h e m the full truth. He cleared his throat to address t h e m in a v o i c e u n c l o u d e d by e m o t i o n . ' M o s t o f y o u k n o w that the rebels t o o k the governor's d a u g h t e r a n d Prefect M a c r o p r i s o n e r s o m e t i m e a g o . A j a x let m e k n o w that they are still alive, a n d b e i n g held in his camp.' ' T h e n they will surely be killed the m o m e n t we attack,' said B a l b u s . 'All the m o r e r e a s o n to delay any action. At least until y o u can try to n e g o t i a t e their release.' C a t o s h o o k his h e a d . ' W e can't wait. A j a x has p r o m i s e d t o p u t o n e of t h e m to death at d a w n t o m o r r o w . He said that I m u s t c h o o s e w h i c h o n e . If I refuse, then he will have b o t h of t h e m killed. T h a t is w h y the attack has to go in tonight.' 'Shit,' Fulvius m u t t e r e d , l o o k i n g at C a t o in h o r r o r as the full i m p l i c a t i o n of the threat struck h i m . ' I ' m so sorry, sir.' C a t o r u b b e d his j a w . ' A j a x is playing g a m e s w i t h us. All part of his plan to t o r m e n t me as far as he can. In fact, this is an o p p o r t u n i t y for us. If A j a x thinks that I am so paralysed w i t h c o n c e r n a n d i n d e c i s i o n for m y friends, then h e will n o t b e e x p e c t i n g m e t o act decisively. H e will also a s s u m e that I dare n o t attack for fear of p u t t i n g their lives at risk. T h a t is w h y we m u s t go in tonight, w h i l e there is still a c h a n c e o f achieving a n e l e m e n t o f surprise.'

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' W h a t if this is a ploy to p r o v o k e y o u into an attack?' asked B a l b u s . 'To get y o u to act t o n i g h t ? ' ' W h y w o u l d he do that? If I attack a n d the ships are set on fire, then the rebels have n o t h i n g to n e g o t i a t e with.' ' A s s u m i n g that he has given orders to set fire to the ships.' ' T h e n w h y tell me that he has given such orders if he wants to provoke m e i n t o a n attack?' C a t o s i g h e d wearily. ' L o o k , B a l b u s , y o u can't have it b o t h ways.' C a t o was tired o f discussion. H e h a d k n o w n that there was b o u n d to be s o m e dissent over his orders. B a l b u s was clearly o n e of t h o s e officers

for

whom

caution

was

a

religion

and

indecision

was

dignified by c l a i m i n g to consider every possible contingency, w h i l e acting u p o n n o n e of t h e m . It was a classic case of paralysis t h r o u g h prevarication. H e c o u l d u n d e r s t a n d w h y M a c r o b e c a m e s o frustrated on such o c c a s i o n s a n d o p t e d for the m o s t direct s o l u t i o n to a p r o b l e m . H e h a d m a d e his d e c i s i o n , C a t o resolved t o himself. H e glanced r o u n d at his officers. ' T h e attack will g o a h e a d tonight, g e n t l e m e n . N o w , w e m u s t t u r n o u r attention to the plan.' H e p i c k e d u p a roll o f p a r c h m e n t o n w h i c h h e h a d s k e t c h e d o u t a plan of the b a y earlier in the m o r n i n g . He laid it o u t across the table and called for his officers to gather r o u n d the o t h e r three sides of the table w h i l e he briefed t h e m . ' T h e rebel c a m p is spread r o u n d the e n d of the bay, w i t h the s h o r e - b a s e d side p r o t e c t e d by the palisade. T h e r e is a small r e d o u b t at the e n d of the palisade to g u a r d that flank since it is the m o s t vulnerable. On the other side of the bay, on this peninsula, is w h e r e A j a x is c a m p e d . I believe that is the m o s t likely place for h i m to be k e e p i n g his hostages. He is p r o t e c t e d from any landward attack by the b u l k of his army, a n d from the sea by the cliffs and rocks on the far side. T h e r e is a small bay w i t h a sandy b e a c h towards the e n d of the peninsula, b u t it's well g u a r d e d a n d t o o small to a t t e m p t any landing in force.' C a t o p a u s e d as the officers e x a m i n e d the m a p . ' O u r objective is simple. We m u s t find s o m e w a y of preventing the rebels, f r o m setting fire to the ships b e f o r e we capture them.' ' N i g h on impossible, sir,' Fulvius said at length. 'We have three choices. We either attack by land, or by sea, or b o t h . T h e trouble is,

317

the rebels will see us c o m i n g . A n y attack from the land is g o i n g to have to fight its way over the palisade first. If we c o m e in from the sea, then the rebel sentries will be able to see the ships b e f o r e they enter the bay, even t h o u g h it will be m o o n l e s s tonight. Either w a y they will be alerted a n d have plenty of t i m e to set fire to the ships.' C a t o n o d d e d . 'You're right. A n y c o n v e n t i o n a l attack, f r o m the land or the sea, is d o o m e d to failure. W h i c h leaves us only o n e alternative.' H e l e a n e d forward a n d t a p p e d his f i n g e r o n the m a p , indicating the e n d of the bay, close to w h e r e it a p p r o a c h e d the o p e n sea. B a l b u s f r o w n e d . ' T h e r e ? W h a t g o o d is that to us? It m u s t be well over a mile from the e n d of the palisade.' C e n t u r i o n Fulvius p u r s e d his lips. W h a t exactly did y o u have i n m i n d , sir?' ' I f we can't start o u r attack from the land, or f r o m the o p e n sea, then we have to l a u n c h it from within the bay itself. It's the o n e direction that the rebels w o n ' t be e x p e c t i n g any trouble from.' C a t o h a d t h o u g h t his idea t h r o u g h earlier. It was very risky, a n d relied o n g o o d t i m i n g . I f things w e n t badly for the m e n leading this attack, then few o f t h e m w o u l d escape alive. Worst o f all, C a t o k n e w h e w o u l d have t o lead t h e m , and face o n e o f the few things h e feared in life: s w i m m i n g . He s t o o d erect a n d l o o k e d at Fulvius as he replied. 'I will lead t w o parties of m e n d o w n the bay. We will take light w e a p o n s and s w i m towards the heart of the rebel c a m p , until we are o p p o s i t e the b e a c h e d s h i p s . T h e n w e will divide into t w o parties, o n e m a k i n g for the ships o n the b e a c h , the other, u n d e r m y c o m m a n d , for those rafted t o g e t h e r at the e n d of the bay. It'll be a b o u t the s a m e distance, so we s h o u l d be able to attack at the s a m e time. We'll take the ships, get rid of the i n c e n d i a r y materials a n d then I'll give the signal for the m a i n attack t o b e g i n . T h e l e g i o n a r y d e t a c h m e n t will take the r e d o u b t a n d roll up the flank. The auxiliary units will d e f e n d the c a m p and b l o c k any a t t e m p t t o escape. M e a n w h i l e , ' C a t o t u r n e d to B a l b u s , 'your s q u a d r o n will r o u n d the p o i n t o u t s i d e the bay a n d enter as swiftly as possible, m a k i n g for the e n d of the bay, w h e r e y o u will land y o u r m a r i n e s a n d s u p p o r t the legionaries.' 'Sir, this is madness,' B a l b u s protested. 'You're p r o p o s i n g that y o u r m e n s w i m nearly t w o miles, w h i l e c a r r y i n g a r m s , and then b o a r d

318

these ships a n d o v e r w h e l m the crews. W h a t if the rebels have n u m b e r s a b o a r d each vessel? If A j a x is d e p e n d i n g on the grain fleet to m a k e a deal w i t h R o m e , t h e n he's sure to have t h e m well defended.' 'I've b e e n w a t c h i n g the ships this m o r n i n g , ' said C a t o . 'I only saw a handful o f m e n o n each o n e . I f A j a x has prepared t h e m w i t h incendiary materials, then he'll o n l y n e e d a small party a b o a r d each o n e to light the fire a n d wait until it takes h o l d b e f o r e a b a n d o n i n g ship. I f w e can g e t ten g o o d m e n a b o a r d each ship a t a n c h o r a n d twice as m a n y a b o a r d those on the b e a c h , then we can take t h e m . There're twenty vessels a t a n c h o r a n d twelve o n the b e a c h . S o , o n e c o h o r t s h o u l d suffice for w h a t I have in m i n d . T h e y ' l l have to be g o o d s w i m m e r s , a n d we'll use inflated waterskins as floats to help with the w e i g h t o f the w e a p o n s . I f w e take o u r t i m e a n d a p p r o a c h cautiously, we s h o u l d be able to get close to the ships w i t h o u t b e i n g spotted, a s there i s n o m o o n t o n i g h t . T h e r e will b e t w o m e n w i t h buccinas in e a c h party. O n c e the a n c h o r e d ships are taken, they will give the signal for the m a i n attack t o begin.' C a t o l o o k e d r o u n d . ' C e n t u r i o n F u l v i u s , y o u will c o m m a n d the land e l e m e n t o f the attack. Y o u will have to crush that r e d o u b t and get d o w n the b e a c h before the rebels can get e n o u g h m e n o u t o f the m a i n c a m p t o attempt to retake and destroy the grain ships.' Fulvius n o d d e d , a n d C a t o g l a n c e d a t the other officers. ' A n y m o r e questions?' There

were

n o n e , and

he

took a

deep

breath. 'Well

then,

g e n t l e m e n , I will have y o u r orders sent to y o u this a f t e r n o o n . M a k e sure y o u r m e n are ready, a n d give t h e m an early supper. It's g o i n g to b e a l o n g night. C e n t u r i o n Fulvius, stay b e h i n d . T h e rest o f y o u c a n leave. B a l b u s , y o u r e m a i n as well. That's it, dismissed.' O n c e the officers h a d f i l e d o u t o f the tent, C a t o r o u n d e d o n B a l b u s . ' Y o u have an i m p o r t a n t part to play tonight, B a l b u s . If the navy screws u p , then we m a y well lose the battle. If that h a p p e n s , then y o u can be sure that the e m p e r o r will s h o w y o u as little m e r c y as he shows m e w h e n h e receives the n e w s . D o y o u u n d e r s t a n d ? ' 'Yes, sir. I will do my duty.' ' G o o d . ' C a t o reached for a w a x e d tablet a n d h a n d e d it to the navarch. ' Y o u r orders. I n c l u d i n g the signal t o b e g i v e n for y o u r 319

attack. J u s t m a k e sure y o u r ships are in p o s i t i o n in g o o d t i m e . N o w , y o u have a t o u g h r i d e to get b a c k to y o u r ships, and I suggest y o u get g o i n g . T h a t is, as s o o n as I have my clerk prepare a d o c u m e n t n o t i n g y o u r o b j e c t i o n to my plan a n d c o n f i r m i n g that I o r d e r e d y o u to take y o u r part in the attack. Y o u can wait outside.' Balbus

f r o w n e d , and

thought

a

m o m e n t , his

face

eloquent

testimony to the struggle that was g o i n g on in his m i n d . T h e n he sighed and s h o o k his h e a d . ' T h a t w o n ' t be necessary, sir. As y o u p o i n t e d o u t , it's a l o n g ride a n d I'd better waste no t i m e in r e t u r n i n g to my ships.' ' T h e n y o u s h o u l d g o . G o o d luck.' T h e navarch smiled. 'It is y o u will n e e d the luck tonight, sir. T h e g o d s protect you.' H e b o w e d his h e a d , then t u r n e d stiffly a n d m a r c h e d o u t o f the tent. 'Sailors.' C e n t u r i o n Fulvius n o d d e d . ' W h o needs ' e m ? ' ' Y o u w o n ' t b e saying that w h e n h e c o m e s t o y o u r s u p p o r t tonight.' Fulvius l o o k e d offended. 'I a i m to be t h r o u g h the rebel c a m p a n d nailing A j a x up by his balls before the first m a r i n e sets f o o t ashore.' ' W o u l d that it w e r e so easy' C a t o l a u g h e d for a m o m e n t . ' T h e r e is o n e last e l e m e n t of the plan still to arrange. O n c e I have s e c u r e d the ships at anchor, I am g o i n g to n e e d three of y o u r best m e n . T h e y m u s t b e volunteers, m a r k y o u . I'll n o t o r d e r any m a n t o c o m e w i t h me.' Fulvius stared at h i m . 'You're g o i n g after the hostages, aren't y o u , sir?' 'Yes. I have no c h o i c e . I will n o t leave my friends to the m e r c y of that gladiator.' 'I u n d e r s t a n d , b u t y o u m u s t k n o w that y o u have very little c h a n c e o f rescuing them.' ' L o n g odds,' C a t o a g r e e d . ' B u t I've faced l o n g o d d s b e f o r e a n d seen the d a w n o f a n o t h e r day' ' N o man's luck lasts for ever, sir.' ' R e a l l y ? I shall have to p u t that p r o p o s i t i o n to the test, C e n t u r i o n . O r die i n the a t t e m p t . C o m e now, w e have plenty o f w o r k t o d o b e f o r e night c o m e s . '

320

' G o o d n e w s , C e n t u r i o n ! ' A j a x s m i l e d as he squatted d o w n at the e n d of the cage nearest M a c r o . It was late in the a f t e r n o o n and the heat had finally g o n e from the sun. It h a d b e e n s o m e h o u r s since M a c r o and Julia h a d b e e n given their m i d d a y ration o f f o o d a n d water a n d their lips w e r e p a r c h e d . T h e gladiator h a d b r o u g h t a water bottle with h i m a n d t o o k a l o n g s w i g b e f o r e l o w e r i n g it and s m a c k i n g his hps with e x a g g e r a t e d satisfaction. ' A h , I n e e d e d that! It's b e e n a l o n g , hot day, but I think we're ready for y o u r friends if they try to s p r i n g an attack on o u r camp.' 'You m e n t i o n e d news,' said M a c r o . 'Just tell us and go.' 'All right then. You'll never guess w h o I ran into w h e n I w e n t to discuss m y d e m a n d s u p a t the R o m a n c a m p ? ' M a c r o t u r n e d his h e a d t o see A j a x . H e k n e w i t m u s t b e C a t o , yet he w o u l d n o t give the gladiator the satisfaction of r e s p o n d i n g to his question. ' W h a t do I care?' ' O h ! ' A j a x feigned d i s a p p o i n t m e n t . ' N o n e e d t o b e s u c h a g r u m p , M a c r o . After all, I b r i n g y o u n e w s o f y o u r friend, C e n t u r i o n C a t o . Or T r i b u n e C a t o as he is now. Q u i t e the c o m i n g m a n , it w o u l d seem.' ' C a t o ? ' J u l i a raised her h e a d . 'That's right,' said A j a x . 'I've set h i m s o m e t h i n g of a difficult p r o b l e m t o resolve b e f o r e t o m o r r o w m o r n i n g . ' Julia f r o w n e d . ' W h a t d o y o u m e a n ? ' 'It's simple.' A j a x l o o k e d at t h e m b o t h before he c o n t i n u e d . 'I've d e c i d e d to have o n e of y o u killed at d a w n , a n d I've tasked y o u r friend C a t o w i t h c h o o s i n g w h i c h o f y o u i t will be.' M a c r o lashed o u t w i t h o n e o f his feet, k i c k i n g the bar i n front o f the gladiator's face. T h e cage rattled u n d e r the i m p a c t b u t A j a x did not flinch for an instant. 'You bastard!' M a c r o s h o u t e d in a cracked v o i c e . ' C o m e now, C e n t u r i o n , y o u k n e w that I w o u l d have y o u killed in the e n d . T h i s way there is a c h a n c e y o u m i g h t live a little longer. If C a t o c h o o s e s y o u . If not, then you'll k n o w w h e r e his affections truly lie before y o u finally b e g me to p u t an e n d to y o u r life. Either way, I get to increase his suffering. I i m a g i n e that neither the g o o d tribune, nor y o u or the lady here is g o i n g to have m u c h sleep tonight, e h ? '

321

M a c r o shut his eyes, fighting b a c k the black rage that b u r n e d in every m u s c l e o f his body. H e c l e n c h e d his f i s t s tightly. T h e u r g e t o b e l l o w at A j a x was a l m o s t irresistible, a n d yet he k n e w that it w o u l d only p r o v o k e laughter a n d fresh t o r m e n t , so he kept his lips c l a m p e d together and tried to clear his m i n d of all t h o u g h t . 'It will be a s h a m e to lose o n e of y o u . Particularly y o u , J u l i a Sempronia. You w e r e quite a b e a u t y b e f o r e I h a d y o u put in here.' He leered at her, a n d J u l i a c l u t c h e d her c o v e r i n g m o r e tightly a b o u t her body. ' S u c h b e a u t y s h o u l d n o t be wasted. I think I shall give y o u o n e last c h a n c e to enjoy the c o m f o r t of b e i n g clean, to have fresh clothes a n d t o share the c o m p a n y o f a m a n , b e f o r e w e f i n d o u t w h a t C a t o has in store for y o u t o m o r r o w m o r n i n g . ' J u l i a stared at h i m , terrified as she s p o k e tremulously. ' W h a t do you want with m e ? ' ' O n l y t o use y o u , a s slave w o m e n are u s e d b y their R o m a n masters.' A j a x w i n k e d . 'It m i g h t b e s o m e t h i n g o f a n e d u c a t i o n for y o u . We shall see.' He p a u s e d to sniff the air a n d m a d e a disgusted face. ' H o w e v e r , it will take s o m e h o u r s to m a k e y o u presentable. I'll have to give orders for y o u to be c l e a n e d up at o n c e , if there is g o i n g t o b e t i m e t o e n j o y y o u t o n i g h t w i t h o u t having t o p i n c h my nose.' A j a x rose to his feet, clicked his t o n g u e a n d p o i n t e d at M a c r o . ' Y o u m i g h t w a n t to try to get to sleep as s o o n as y o u can, M a c r o . W o u l d n ' t w a n t m e a n d the lady here k e e p i n g y o u awake w i t h the noise o f o u r m e r r y m a k i n g tonight.' T h i s t i m e M a c r o c o u l d n o t contain his anger. H e let o u t a n animal g r o a n , then o p e n e d his eyes and stared at A j a x as he g r o w l e d t h r o u g h c l e n c h e d t e e t h , ' I swear to all the g o d s , if I get o u t of here, I will tear o u t y o u r t o n g u e and y o u r eyes a n d rip y o u apart w i t h my bare hands.' ' H o w c h a r m i n g ! ' A j a x l a u g h e d . H e c a m e r o u n d the c a g e a n d c r o u c h e d o p p o s i t e M a c r o before h e rattled the bars. ' D o n ' t c o u n t o n it, e h ? ' T h e n h e rose and p a d d e d off towards his tent. M a c r o t u r n e d his attention t o Julia. H e r eyes w e r e w i d e w i t h terror. ' M a c r o ! D o n ' t let h i m take m e . Please don't let h i m take me.' M a c r o s h o o k his h e a d . 'I-I can't help you.'

322

' M a c r o , please!' H e r lips t r e m b l e d a n d she b e g a n to cry. 'Please don't let h i m ! Please!' H e tried t o shut the s o u n d o u t , driven half m a d b y the k n o w l e d g e that there w a s n o t h i n g , n o t h i n g at all that he c o u l d do to p r o t e c t her. Julia's pleas s u d d e n l y s t o p p e d as their g u a r d strode towards t h e m . T h e guard u n l o c k e d and o p e n e d the e n d o f the cage. H e d r e w his s w o r d and p o i n t e d it at M a c r o . 'Stay b a c k there, y o u ! ' W i t h his spare h a n d he g r a s p e d Julia's a r m a n d d r a g g e d her from the c a g e , b e f o r e k i c k i n g the d o o r shut a n d sheathing his sword. As he l o c k e d the d o o r , M a c r o s c r a m b l e d over to the bars nearest J u l i a and shouted,'Julia! L o o k at m e ! L o o k at m e ! ' S h e w i n c e d as if he had struck her, a n d then t u r n e d fearfully as the g u a r d r e a c h e d d o w n t o g r i p her u n d e r the a r m s . 'Julia,' M a c r o c o n t i n u e d w i t h icy intensity,'If y o u get the c h a n c e , kill h i m ! ' 'Yes.' S h e n o d d e d . 'Yes.' T h e n the guard p u l l e d her to her feet a n d half d r a g g e d a n d half carried her across the g r o u n d towards Ajax's tent. M a c r o l e a n e d b a c k against the bars, praying for the g o d s to release h i m from this t o r m e n t , o n e w a y o r another.

323

CHAPTER THIRTY

C

ato a n d his m e n did not reach the small c o v e at the h e a d of the

bay until the s e c o n d h o u r o f the night. T h e r e was n o m o o n , a n d

even t h o u g h a local s h e p h e r d had led the way, it was hard to follow the n a r r o w track that w o u n d a l o n g the side of the hills and then d o w n a steep cliff to the shore. L i k e the others, C a t o c a r r i e d a haversack w i t h a d a g g e r and a sword b u n d l e d together a n d firmly tied t o a n e m p t y waterskin. A l t h o u g h every m a n w h o served i n the

l e g i o n s was trained to s w i m after a fashion, m o s t never b e c a m e proficient. C a t o ' s officers had selected j u s t over f i v e h u n d r e d m e n capable o f s w i m m i n g the length o f the bay, nearly t w o miles. T h e three m e n c h o s e n b y Fulvius m a r c h e d directly b e h i n d C a t o a s h e followed the shepherd. T h e y had readily v o l u n t e e r e d w h e n asked, a n d C a t o felt c o n f i d e n t that they w o u l d serve h i m well. O n e o f Fulvius's c h o i c e s was a n auxiliary o p t i o f r o m G o r t y n a w h o k n e w the area a n d had asked to j o i n the c o l u m n w h e n it m a r c h e d f r o m the city. W h e n the m a n h a d b e e n b r o u g h t b e f o r e h i m , C a t o had l o o k e d up f r o m his desk w i t h raised eyebrows. Atticus.' 'Yes, sir.' Atticus n o d d e d . 'I have to say, this is s o m e t h i n g of a surprise. I w o u l d n ' t have e x p e c t e d y o u t o b e a t the h e a d o f the q u e u e t o save Macro.' ' N o t h i n g w o u l d give m e greater satisfaction than s e e i n g his face w h e n I rescue h i m , sir.' C a t o stared at the m a n for a m o m e n t b e f o r e he r e s p o n d e d . 'That's a n unusual f o r m o f revenge t o choose.' 'You k n o w the m a n well e n o u g h , sir. It'll drive h i m mad.' C a t o l a u g h e d . ' Y o u have the m e a s u r e o f h i m , Atticus. Very well, then. I'll see y o u later t o n i g h t . Dismissed.'

324

T h e o t h e r t w o m e n selected t o j o i n C a t o w e r e l e g i o n a r i e s , Vulso and M u s a , solid m e n w i t h g o o d records w h o w e r e also chasing p r o m o t i o n . M u s a h a d b e e n issued w i t h a b u c c i n a , w h i c h h e c a r r i e d in the s a m e b u n d l e as his s w o r d belt. T h e l o n g , straggling line o f l e g i o n a r i e s p i c k e d their way d o w n the cliff, a n d e m e r g e d o n t o the c o a r s e sand o f the b e a c h . C a t o p a i d off the s h e p h e r d , a n d as s o o n as he h a d the p u r s e , w i t h its fifty silver denarians — a small f o r t u n e for a night's w o r k — he scuttled a l o n g the b e a c h a n d d i s a p p e a r e d u p a n o t h e r track. A s the m e n r e a c h e d the b e a c h , o n e o f C a t o ' s officers c o u n t e d o f f each section a n d sent t h e m t o prepare for the a t t a c k . T h e force w o u l d s w i m i n t w o c o l u m n s , o n e closer to the shore as they m a d e for the b e a c h e d ships. C a t o h a d b e e n a n x i o u s to ensure that each force w o u l d r e m a i n close together, and the section leaders w e r e tasked w i t h k e e p i n g a regular c o u n t of their m e n . T h e soldiers h e a d i n g for the b e a c h e d ships w o u l d enter the water at close intervals to m a k e sure that there was a small g a p b e t w e e n e a c h section. T h e f i r s t section w o u l d m a k e for the furthest ship, a n d o n c e the intervals w e r e taken into a c c o u n t , it was C a t o ' s h o p e that the teams w o u l d b e g i n b o a r d i n g the grain ships at r o u g h l y the s a m e m o m e n t . W i t h luck they w o u l d all be taken b e f o r e the rebels on the shore h a d realised the d a n g e r a n d c o u l d react. C a t o w o u l d lead the other c o l u m n directly towards the cluster o f grain ships a n c h o r e d in the m i d d l e of the bay. T h e r e was no n e e d for his d e t a c h m e n t t o b e staggered. T h e y w o u l d have t o k e e p together, so as n o t to tackle the ships in a p i e c e m e a l fashion. O n c e the last o f the m e n h a d d e s c e n d e d from the cliff a n d h a d r e m o v e d their b o o t s a n d tunics, C a t o quietly gave the w o r d t o enter the water. E a c h m a n inflated his waterskin a n d then, h o l d i n g it in his arms, t o g e t h e r w i t h the b u n d l e c o n t a i n i n g his w e a p o n s , w a d e d into the sea w i t h the rest of his section as the order was given. W e a r i n g only a l o i n c l o t h , C a t o shivered in the c o o l night air. He h a d d e c i d e d t o s w i m close t o the front o f the c o l u m n a n d allowed t w o sections t o g o a h e a d b e f o r e h e s t e p p e d forward w i t h his three m e n . H e had n o t m e n t i o n e d to the other officers that he was a p o o r s w i m m e r . He was

ashamed

of the

fact,

and

though

he

had

made

some

i m p r o v e m e n t since basic training, he was still far short of the standard o f capable veterans like M a c r o .

325

T h e r e was a faint swell, a n d the waves c r u n c h e d and hissed on the sand. C a t o f i r m e d up his resolve a n d strode d o w n towards the surf. T h e water was c o l d a n d he gave a gasp as he w a d e d o u t into the sea. A wave slapped up against his chest a n d he t o o k the o p p o r t u n i t y to l a u n c h h i m s e l f forwards, s u b m e r g i n g m o m e n t a r i l y before s h a k i n g his h e a d and k i c k i n g o u t into the bay as he h e l d on to the waterskin b o b b i n g o n the surface i n front o f h i m . 'Atticus,' C a t o called o u t as loudly as he dared. ' O n me.' 'Yes, sir,' Atticus replied w i t h a splutter, a short distance from C a t o ' s shoulder. ' C o m e o n , y o u t w o ! ' C a t o k i c k e d o u t w i t h his legs, hurriedly at first; then, as he g o t u s e d to the water t e m p e r a t u r e , he realised that he m u s t p a c e h i m s e l f if he was n o t to reach the ships in t o o tired a c o n d i t i o n to fight. It was hard g o i n g , a n d after a w h i l e he t u r n e d his h e a d a n d was s u r p r i s e d to see that the cliff still s e e m e d close by. A h e a d , as he rose up on the swell, he c o u l d see the rebel c a m p fires glittering over t w o miles away. T h e r e was a faint g l o w on the hills to the right that m a r k e d the R o m a n c a m p . B y n o w only the auxiliary infantry a n d half o f the cavalry s h o u l d still b e there. T h e rest o f the c o l u m n was w i t h Fulvius, m a k i n g its way b e h i n d the hills b e f o r e c u t t i n g across a n d f o r m i n g up on the b e a c h , a mile f r o m the e n d of the rebels' palisade and the grain ships within. O u t to sea, B a l b u s a n d his ships w o u l d b e c r e e p i n g cautiously r o u n d the h e a d l a n d , and w o u l d t h e n heave to and wait for the series of three signal b e a c o n s to be lit on o n e of the hills above the bay. C a t o t o o k a d e e p breath and k i c k e d o u t again, dimly aware o f the h u n d r e d s o f m e n i n the sea all a r o u n d h i m , struggling t h r o u g h the swell towards the grain ships a n d the desperate fight that awaited t h e m . J u l i a sat in n u m b e d silence as the o l d c r o n e d r i e d her hair w i t h a length of w o o l cloth, r u b b i n g v i g o r o u s l y at the thick dark tresses that d r o p p e d d o w n past her n a k e d shoulders. S h e h a d l o n g since given u p resisting the w i z e n e d w o m a n and the burly guard w h o s e e m e d t o b e her inseparable c o m p a n i o n . After b e i n g r e m o v e d f r o m the c a g e she had struggled, b u t the g u a r d h a d slapped her a n d t h e n p u n c h e d her in the kidneys a n d told her to stop resisting or he w o u l d do it again. T h e r e was n o c h a n c e o f escape, a n d rather than suffer m o r e pain,

326

Julia had g i v e n in to the pair of t h e m , a l l o w i n g her rags to be taken from her. S h e was sat d o w n on a stool by a h o r s e t r o u g h w h i l e the w o m a n d o u s e d her w i t h several buckets of water, before setting to w o r k w i t h a b r u s h . T h e g r i m e h a d w o r k e d its way into her flesh so far that it t o o k repeated a n d painful efforts to shift it. Julia's cries and m u t t e r e d protests h a d no effect a n d she sat w i t h gritted teeth. It was strange h o w the filth that had b e e n c a k e d to her b o d y h a d s e e m e d to h i d e her nakedness; now, a n d as it was cleaned away, she b e g a n to feel self-conscious u n d e r the constant g a z e of the guard standing close by. O n c e the w o m a n h a d c o m p l e t e d c l e a n i n g her b o d y a n d the skin was w h i t e a n d flushed red in places f r o m hard s c r u b b i n g , she t u r n e d to her l o n g dark hair, thrusting her h e a d over the side of the t r o u g h as she ladled w a t e r over the b a c k of her scalp and t h e n w o r k e d her fingers in vigorously, pulling mercilessly at the tangles until they c a m e free. As the w o m a n d r i e d her hair, Julia forced herself to think t h r o u g h w h a t M a c r o h a d said as she was p u l l e d from the cage. T h e r e was a c h a n c e of finding s o m e t h i n g she c o u l d use as a w e a p o n in Ajax's tent. S o m e t h i n g she c o u l d surreptitiously get h o l d of. If there was a way to do it, she w o u l d attempt to kill h i m , and the t h o u g h t of it filled her w i t h a b r i e f thrill of t r i u m p h . S h e felt her heart b e a t against her breast w i t h e x c i t e m e n t a t the p r o s p e c t . T h e n the w o m a n t h r e w the cloth aside a n d stuck a c o m b into Julia's hair. T h e r e was a sharp pain that m a d e her cry o u t as the w o m a n w r e n c h e d it t h r o u g h the r e m a i n i n g tangles. S h e t u r n e d instinctively and slapped the c r o n e . 'Take care, slave!' J u l i a regretted the outburst as s o o n as she h a d uttered the w o r d s . R a g e glittered in the o l d w o m a n ' s eyes and her hands c l e n c h e d into claws as she b a r e d her teeth. ' F u c k i n g bitch! C a l l m e a slave!' S h e lashed o u t , k n o c k i n g J u l i a off the stool. A t o n c e she threw herself o n the n a k e d R o m a n , h a m m e r i n g b l o w s at her face as J u l i a d r e w her a r m s up protectively. Fists rained d o w n , b a t t e r i n g her s h o u l d e r s a n d a r m s a s the o l d w o m a n attacked her in a savage frenzy. ' M o t h e r ! That's e n o u g h , ' the g u a r d s h o u t e d , striding t w o paces towards t h e m . H e g r a b b e d the o l d w o m a n ' s wrists a n d lifted her b o d i l y away.' I said, that's e n o u g h ! ' 327

T h e old w o m a n ' s lips were flecked w i t h spittle as she snarled, ' L e t me g o ! I'll kill her!' ' N o y o u w o n ' t ! N o t unless y o u w a n t t o answer t o the general.' T h e w o m a n was staring a t J u l i a , a n d lashed o u t w i t h her foot, k i c k i n g Julia i n the s t o m a c h . T h e g u a r d d r a g g e d her away a n d s h o o k her. 'I said that's e n o u g h , Mother.' Julia rolled on to her side with a g r o a n , and felt the l o n g , thin handle of the c o m b press into her side. S h e r e a c h e d for it w i t h o n e h a n d a n d held it against the inside of her f o r e a r m . 'You heard her!' the old w o m a n wailed. 'Just like that bitch b a c k i n G o r t y n a . Y o u ' v e seen the scars o n m e b a c k . Y o u ' v e seen ' e m . ' S h e b e g a n t o s o b a n d b e c a m e l i m p s o the g u a r d had t o h o l d her u p , cradling her gently in his a r m s . 'It's all right, Mother. That's over. Shhh.' He b r u s h e d her w i r y grey hair w i t h his h a n d . 'What's all that n o i s e ? ' Julia l o o k e d u p t o see A j a x striding o u t o f his tent towards t h e m . His expression was dark and he glared at the three figures r o u n d the t r o u g h . ' W h a t is g o i n g o n ? G e t u p ! ' he snarled at Julia b e f o r e t u r n i n g his attention t o the o l d w o m a n and the g u a r d , w h o regarded h i m with a m i x t u r e of fear a n d awe. 'Well?' 'It was the lady, General,' the guard e x p l a i n e d . ' S h e p r o v o k e d my m o t h e r into attacking her. I had to separate them.' A j a x stared at t h e m briefly before l o o k i n g at J u l i a , rising to her feet. H e r skin was clean a n d his eyes feasted on her body. ' T h a t is the nature of R o m a n s , they b r i n g o u t the worst in others. D o n ' t worry.' A j a x t u r n e d b a c k to the o l d w o m a n . 'If she has caused offence

then

she will

be

p a y i n g for it

tonight. W h e n

I

have

finished, y o u can do as y o u will w i t h her. O n l y leave her alive, understand?' T h e old w o m a n n o d d e d gleefully. A j a x clicked his fingers. ' T h e n finish cleaning her up, a n d find her s o m e t h i n g to wear. S o m e t h i n g fine and R o m a n . I w a n t to enjoy soiling her.' He a p p r o a c h e d J u l i a , s t o o d b e f o r e her a n d raised his h a n d to tilt her chin. H i s a r m b r u s h e d her breast and A j a x felt a flush of lust in his loins as he raised her face towards h i m . J u l i a m e t his gaze w i t h a defiant expression.

328

Ajax laughed

cruelly. ' O h , y o u

won't b e

so

h a u g h t y before

this night is out. I p r o m i s e you. You'll b e g for my m e r c y ' 'I'd rather die.' ' I ' m sure y o u w o u l d , b u t y o u don't escape y o u r p u n i s h m e n t that easily' ' P u n i s h m e n t ? ' J u l i a f r o w n e d . ' W h a t have I ever d o n e to deserve this?' A j a x t o o k his h a n d away and retreated a step. 'You w e r e b o r n a R o m a n . ' He t u r n e d to the others. 'Prepare her for me as swiftly as possible. W h e n she is dressed and scented, b r i n g her straight to me.' 'Yes, General.' T h e guard b o w e d his head. As A j a x strode b a c k towards his tent, the old w o m a n c h u c k l e d as she a d v a n c e d on Julia with a chilling g r i n . ' T h e m stripes on my b a c k will be n o t h i n g to the scars he's g o i n g to leave on you.' After t w o h o u r s in the water, C a t o was b e g i n n i n g to shiver. As far as he c o u l d estimate, he h a d covered a m i l e and a half a l o n g the bay. He was d o u b t i n g the w i s d o m o f his plan. A r o u n d h i m h e c o u l d j u s t see the darker shapes of heads a n d the inflated waterskins b o b b i n g on the surface. E v e r y so often o n e of the section leaders w o u l d call o u t to his m e n and m a k e sure that they w e r e still w i t h h i m . O p t i o Atticus and the others s w a m close by their c o m m a n d e r . T h e r e was no telling h o w the g r o u p h e a d i n g for the b e a c h e d ships was progressing, and C a t o c o u l d only h o p e that they r e a c h e d their targets at roughly the s a m e t i m e that he and his m e n b e g a n to b o a r d the a n c h o r e d ships. T h a t m o m e n t was less than an h o u r away. C a t o k i c k e d o u t and c o n t i n u e d forward, trying to i g n o r e the n u m b i n g chill that was c r e e p i n g into his body. A h e a d , the f i r e s o f the rebel c a m p gradually b e c a m e m o r e distinct, a n d he c o u l d see individual figures by the light of the flames. A dark mass directly a h e a d blotted o u t the f i r e s b e y o n d , a n d C a t o realised that he was n e a r i n g the grain ships. He s t o p p e d and raised an a r m . 'On me! O n me!' T h e water c h u r n e d a r o u n d h i m a s the words were passed o n a n d the m e n b e g a n t o gather o n the steady swell. O n c e the sounds o f splashing h a d ceased and C a t o was happy that as m a n y m e n as possible were w i t h h i m , he called o u t again, as loudly as he dared: 'Let's g o !

329

T h e m e n k i c k e d o u t , s p r e a d i n g o u t a little as they a p p r o a c h e d the ships. T h e y

silently

swam

towards

their

targets

with

grim

d e t e r m i n a t i o n . C a t o m a d e directly for t h e centre o f the rafted ships, a n d gradually they b l o t t e d o u t all sight o f the c a m p b e y o n d . H e c o u l d hear the lap of the waves against their hulls, a n d even an o c c a s i o n a l v o i c e a b o v e the slap a n d hiss o f the sea. H e s l o w e d his p a c e , k i c k i n g steadily b u t carefully so that he did n o t b r e a k the surface of the water. A h e a d of h i m he saw a dark line against the b a c k g r o u n d a n d realised h e h a d c o m e across a n a n c h o r cable. H e m a d e for it a n d g r a s p e d the c o a r s e r o p e , f i n d i n g it reassuringly steady. S l i p p i n g the s h o u l d e r strap of the w a t e r s k i n a n d the b u n d l e d w e a p o n s securely over his h e a d a n d s h o u l d e r , h e eased h i m s e l f o n t o the a n c h o r cable a n d b e g a n t o w o r k u p towards the b o w s o f the ship. E m e r g i n g from the water his skin tingled in the breeze, but the c o n c e n t r a t i o n a n d effort n e e d e d t o e d g e forwards m a d e h i m i g n o r e the d i s c o m f o r t . H e w o r m e d his way u p the cable, d r i p p i n g a s h e e d g e d towards the h a w s e , w h e r e it passed t h r o u g h the stout timbers o f the grain ship. T h e further u p h e crawled, the m o r e i t b e g a n t o sway, a n d his muscles tensed as he struggled to stay astride it. T h e n the timbers o f the hull w e r e within reach, a n d C a t o held o n w i t h o n e h a n d w h i l e the o t h e r scrabbled up the w e a t h e r e d surface, over the side a n d g r i p p e d o n . H e p u l l e d h i m s e l f u p , then g r a b b e d a t the side rail w i t h his o t h e r h a n d . H i s s h o u l d e r muscles p r o t e s t e d painfully as h e d r e w his b o d y u p a n d p e e r e d over the side. T h e r e was n o o n e visible in the b o w s . B e y o n d the foredeck there was a short d r o p to the m a i n d e c k , w h e r e a sturdy hatch c o a m i n g led d o w n into the h o l d . Aft, the d e c k rose up again to the steering p l a t f o r m . Several m e n lay o r sat o n the m a i n d e c k , w h i l e o n e s t o o d b y the handle o f the steering paddle, spear in h a n d . T h e stench of p i t c h filled the air a n d C a t o saw a dull g l o w at the stern w h e r e a l a m p b u r n e d inside a small leather screen. Ajax's threat to b u r n the ships was quite real. C a t o eased his feet up on to the cable a n d pressed d o w n as he heaved h i m s e l f over the side, controlling the m o v e m e n t as best he c o u l d so that he did n o t land on the d e c k w i t h a t h u d . Instead, he l a n d e d on t o p of a m a n sleeping in the shelter of the ship's side. T h e r e was a g r u n t as C a t o ' s k n e e s w i n d e d the rebel, w h o g a s p e d as

330

he stirred to find a wet, n e a r - n a k e d figure sprawled over h i m . C a t o b u n c h e d his fist and drove it into the rebel's face, s n a p p i n g his h e a d b a c k against the d e c k w i t h a dull b u m p . He hit h i m again, a n d again, until he was certain the m a n was insensible. C a t o sat on his h a u n c h e s , his limbs shaking terribly f r o m the c o l d and his exertions. H e t o o k a m o m e n t t o r u b h i m s e l f v i g o r o u s l y t o restore s o m e w a r m t h . T h e n h e u n f a s t e n e d the length o f cloth that b o u n d his w e a p o n s , cursing u n d e r his breath as his fingers f u m b l e d w i t h the ties. A s they c a m e u n d o n e , h e felt the reassuring t o u c h o f his s w o r d blade. He c r o u c h e d on the d e c k as he fastened the belt a r o u n d his m i d d l e , and then cautiously rose up to help the n e x t m a n over the side. It was Atticus, a n d a m o m e n t later he t o o was on the foredeck, a r m e d a n d ready. M o r e m e n s w a r m e d u p the a n c h o r cable and j o i n e d t h e m , w h i l e Atticus d r e w his d a g g e r a n d cut the rebel's throat. O n c e Atticus, Vulso, M u s a a n d three other m e n w e r e a b o a r d a n d had their w e a p o n s t o h a n d , C a t o squatted d o w n i n front o f t h e m . 'All ready? W h e n I give the w o r d , w e h e a d across the m a i n d e c k . G o i n fast, a n d s h o w no mercy. I w a n t the ship taken w i t h o u t the a l a r m b e i n g raised. Atticus, y o u take Vulso a n d M u s a and m a k e y o u r way d o w n the p o r t side. I'll lead the rest.' He g l a n c e d r o u n d at the s h a d o w y features o f his m e n , m o s t o f w h o m w e r e shivering, like himself, f r o m the c o l d and the terrifying exhilaration of the instant before battle b e g a n . C a t o g r a s p e d his s w o r d firmly a n d t u r n e d aft. 'Let's go.' H e kept low, c r o u c h i n g a s h e m o v e d a l o n g the ship's side, w h e r e h e h o p e d the s h a d o w s m i g h t c o n c e a l h i m l o n g e n o u g h t o surprise the rebels. A t the e n d o f the f o r e d e c k , three steps led d o w n t o the l o n g , b r o a d e x p a n s e o f the m a i n d e c k . T h r e e o f the rebels w e r e sitting on the e d g e of the hatch c o a m i n g , talking in m u t e d tones as they shared a w i n e s k i n . C a t o saw o n e of t h e m lift it up a n d swallow several m o u t h f u l s . As he a p p r o a c h e d t h e m , he increased his p a c e to a trot, then a sprint, d r a w i n g b a c k his sword. He slashed at the first m a n , c u t t i n g into his h e a d w i t h a soft crack b e f o r e the rebel h a d even b e g u n t o t u r n towards the s o u n d o f the s u d d e n rush o f p a d d i n g feet. T h e s e c o n d m a n j u s t had t i m e t o g l a n c e r o u n d before C a t o p u n c h e d h i m hard o n the j a w a n d thrust h i m over the side o f the hatch a n d

331

into the h o l d . T h e third m a n lowered the w i n e s k i n a n d let o u t a c h o k e d gasp a s C a t o c a u g h t h i m with the b a c k s w i n g o f his sword, cutting t h r o u g h the h a n d h o l d i n g the w i n e s k i n and into the man's n e c k . H e c r u m p l e d o n t o the d e c k a s the dark f o r m s o f the R o m a n l e g i o n a r i e s swept o n , h a c k i n g into the rest of the rebels. T h e sentry w i t h the spear had b e e n l o o k i n g over the after rail, but h e t u r n e d a t the s o u n d o f the c o m m o t i o n o n the m a i n d e c k . C a t o l e a p e d up on to the aft d e c k b e f o r e the m a n c o u l d react and ran straight at h i m . T h e r e was no t i m e for the rebel to lower his spear, a n d C a t o thrust his s w o r d o u t an instant before he crashed into the m a n , s l a m m i n g h i m b a c k against the sternpost. W i n d e d b y the i m p a c t , the m a n c o u l d only gasp as C a t o thrust his s w o r d up into vital organs. T h e r e was a b r i e f struggle b e f o r e his e n e m y s a g g e d a n d released his spear, w h i c h clattered on to the d e c k . B r e a t h i n g heavily, C a t o w i t h d r e w his blade a n d t u r n e d to see that the rest of the crew h a d b e e n d i s p o s e d of. H e crossed t o the oil l a m p a n d hurriedly b l e w it o u t . ' N e x t ship,' he o r d e r e d softly, p o i n t i n g to w h e r e a n o t h e r grain ship l o o m e d i n the darkness. H e led the way across the m a i n d e c k a n d p e e r e d cautiously over the side. T h e r e w e r e t w o ropes s e c u r i n g the vessels to each other, a n d C a t o indicated t h e m . ' H a u l us in.' H i s m e n t o o k up the strain a n d b r a c e d their feet against the ship's side. Slowly the g a p closed and the grain ships collided w i t h a gentle b u m p . A t o n c e C a t o s c r a m b l e d o n t o the n e x t d e c k , followed b y Atticus a n d the others. H e heard cries f r o m s o m e o f the o t h e r ships a n d the clash of w e a p o n s . A v o i c e called o u t , s o u n d i n g the alarm, and C a t o realised the e l e m e n t o f surprise h a d g o n e . H e filled his lungs and c u p p e d a h a n d to his m o u t h . ' U p the T w e n t y - S e c o n d ! ' M u s a e c h o e d the w a r cry a n d it was q u i c k l y taken up by o t h e r voices in the darkness. C a t o t u r n e d to Atticus. ' C l e a r this ship.' 'Yes, sir!' ' M u s a ? W h e r e are y o u ? ' A figure c a m e towards h i m . 'Sir?' 'You have the b u c c i n a ? ' 'Yes, sir.' T h e l e g i o n a r y held up the c u r v e d brass h o r n . ' T h e n s o u n d it. As l o u d as y o u can.' M u s a f u m b l e d for the m o u t h p i e c e , filled his lungs and b l e w for all

332

h e was w o r t h . T h e f i r s t n o t e was f l a t a n d clumsy, a n d w h i l e C a t o swore, M u s a spat a n d tried again. T h i s t i m e there was a sharp, shrill blare that cut t h r o u g h the darkness. M u s a b l e w three short notes, rested a n d t h e n repeated the signal. ' K e e p i t g o i n g ! ' C a t o slapped h i m o n the b a c k a n d w e n t t o j o i n Atticus a n d the others. As he m a d e his way across the m a i n d e c k , he stepped over a b o d y and saw several figures struggling on the far side o f the hatch. H e h u r r i e d r o u n d , straining his eyes t o m a k e o u t friend from foe. F o r t u n a t e l y the l e g i o n a r i e s w e r e all stripped d o w n to their loincloths w h i l e the slaves w o r e tunics a n d cloaks. C a t o sensed a m o v e m e n t to his side, a n d t u r n e d to see a m a n e m e r g e from a small cabin u n d e r the aft d e c k , falcata in h a n d . He d u c k e d low, a n d lashed o u t w i t h his sword, striking the m a n on the shin. W i t h a cry of a g o n y he t o p p l e d b a c k into the cabin a n d o u t of sight. C a t o stayed in a c r o u c h , l o o k i n g r o u n d for a n o t h e r enemy. H i s heart was p o u n d i n g i n his chest a n d the c o l d a n d the tension m a d e his b o d y tremble. M u s a was still b l o w i n g the b u c c i n a , a n d in the rests b e t w e e n the repeated notes C a t o c a u g h t the strain of a n o t h e r faint blast of notes in the distance. T h e o t h e r g r o u p h a d b e g u n seizing the b e a c h e d ships then. M o m e n t s later, up on o n e of the hills o v e r l o o k i n g the bay, a series of sparks flickered into life, quickly flaring up as the signal was passed on to the warships waiting o u t at sea. C a t o b a c k e d into the side o f the ship a n d t o o k stock. All a r o u n d h i m i n the darkness h e c o u l d hear the s o u n d s o f the v i c i o u s struggle b e i n g w a g e d across the decks of the grain ships lying at a n c h o r a n d b o u n d together. T h e l e g i o n a r i e s w e r e g i v i n g full vent t o their v o i c e s , partly to e n c o u r a g e each other, b u t m o s t l y to a d d to the terror of their e n e m i e s . F r o m the shore c a m e the s o u n d o f m o r e h o r n s a n d the faint roar o f Fulvius a n d his m e n c h a r g i n g the f l a n k o f the rebel palisade. C a t o puffed o u t his c h e e k s . S o far i t was g o i n g t o plan. N o w i t all d e p e n d e d o n k e e p i n g the m o m e n t u m g o i n g , b e f o r e A j a x a n d his m e n c o u l d m o u n t any o r g a n i s e d resistance to the surprise attack.

333

CHAPTER THIRTY-ONE

W

hat was that?' A j a x eased h i m s e l f up from his c o u c h , ears straining to catch the s o u n d he had heard briefly a m o m e n t

before.

O n e o f his b o d y g u a r d s s t o o d b e f o r e h i m , h o l d i n g Julia's a r m firmly as she w a i t e d for Ajax's i n s p e c t i o n . A l o n g linen stola had b e e n f o u n d for her, d y e d a vivid blue, and he h a d p a u s e d to a d m i r e the spectacle o f the R o m a n w o m a n from his c o u c h . S h e was quite a beauty, he h a d m u s e d to h i m s e l f as he s i p p e d a c u p of w a t e r e d w i n e . He h a d felt his lust stirring as he ran his eyes over her figure, and h a d b e g u n t o fantasise a b o u t the kinds o f pleasure h e m i g h t exact f r o m her, w h i l e inflicting as m u c h p a i n as possible, w h e n the faint notes of a brass h o r n s o u n d e d in the distance. It c a m e again. T h r e e sharp notes, a n d a rest. A j a x was instantly on his feet and r u n n i n g across the tent. He swept the tent flaps aside a n d ran o u t into the night, w h e r e he s t o p p e d a n d stared across the bay. In the light of torches a n d c a m p fires a l o n g the palisade, he saw m e n fighting on and a r o u n d the r e d o u b t , w i t h tiny flickers of red light as s w o r d blades flashed reflections o f flames. T h e notes s o u n d e d again, nearer than they s h o u l d , a n d A j a x was p u z z l e d for a m o m e n t , until he realised with a s h o c k that the notes c a m e from d o w n in the bay, f r o m the direction of the a n c h o r e d grain ships. He d u c k e d b a c k into the tent and s t a b b e d his finger at the w o m a n . ' K e e p her here! D o n ' t take y o u r eyes o f f her. If she escapes or is h a r m e d , you'll answer for it with y o u r life!' S n a t c h i n g up his s w o r d belt, he b u c k l e d it on as he ran towards the h o r s e lines. A r o u n d h i m the m e n o f his b o d y g u a r d w e r e t u m b l i n g o u t o f their tents a n d shelters t o investigate the c o m m o t i o n o n the far side of the bay.

334

' D o n ' t j u s t stand t h e r e ! ' A j a x s h o u t e d at t h e m . 'We're u n d e r attack! Get y o u r w e a p o n s a n d r i d e t o the palisade! M o v e ! ' He t o o k the nearest of the horses kept saddled and ready for use at any time of day or night, a n d threw himself on to the animal's back. Snatching at the reins, he k i c k e d his heels in and u r g e d the horse down the path towards the m a i n b o d y of the rebel c a m p . As he passed the cage w h e r e C e n t u r i o n M a c r o sat b e h i n d bars, he heard the R o m a n c h e e r i n g madly, but there was no time to stop and silence his tongue. A j a x resolved to do that the first m o m e n t that c o u l d be spared. It w o u l d be a pity to kill C e n t u r i o n M a c r o quickly, but die he must, to h o n o u r the m e m o r y of his father. All around, figures w e r e rising up in the g l o w of the c a m p fires and staring in confusion towards the distant fighting. A j a x bellowed at t h e m to take up their w e a p o n s and make for the battle, before the R o m a n s t o o k the grain ships. As he g a l l o p e d t h r o u g h the c a m p , s w e r v i n g here a n d there to avoid t h o s e w h o w e r e t o o slow to react to the a p p r o a c h i n g rider, A j a x felt sick in the pit of his s t o m a c h . He h a d u n d e r e s t i m a t e d his enemy. He h a d b e e n certain that the threat to destroy the grain ships, vital to the survival of R o m e , w o u l d forestall any a t t e m p t to attack his

camp. T h e

ships

had been

carefully prepared by his

men,

flammable materials p l a c e d in the holds a n d d o u s e d w i t h oil a n d pitch, ready t o set o n f i r e a t the f i r s t sign o f a p p r o a c h i n g R o m a n warships. So w h e r e w e r e the fires? A j a x reined his h o r s e in as he reached a small rise in the g r o u n d , a n d strained his eyes as he tried to m a k e o u t w h a t was h a p p e n i n g across the bay. H e c o u l d see o n e o f the b e a c h e d ships by the light of a brazier b u r n i n g on the sand. M e n were clustered a b o u t its b o w s , splashing in the shallows as they a t t e m p t e d t o c l i m b a b o a r d a n d g r a p p l e w i t h those d e f e n d i n g the vessel. T h e n it hit h i m . T h e R o m a n s h a d taken the ship. T a k e n all the ships . . . B u t then a s u d d e n lick of flame f r o m further d o w n the b e a c h lit u p the d e c k and mast o f o n e o f the vessels. T h e f i r e c a u g h t a n d m o r e flames g u s h e d u p into the night, a c c o m p a n i e d b y flickering tracery as the r i g g i n g started to b u r n . O u t in the bay a n o t h e r fire started. N o t all the ships h a d b e e n taken then. T h e r e m i g h t still be a c h a n c e to b e a t off the attack a n d seize the ships b a c k f r o m the R o m a n s , or at least b u r n t h e m all to prevent t h e m falling into the hands of his h a t e d enemy.

335

Several o f his b o d y g u a r d s had caught u p w i t h h i m , a n d A j a x raised his a r m and called o u t as he c h a r g e d on towards the b e a c h : ' F o l l o w me!' As they g a l l o p e d on t h r o u g h the c a m p , he c o n t i n u e d to call his followers t o a r m s a n d o r d e r t h e m t o the b e a c h . A t the s a m e time, part o f his m i n d raged a t himself. H o w had the R o m a n s d o n e this? H o w h a d they m a n a g e d t o get t o the grain ships w i t h o u t b e i n g seen? H e had

taken

every p r e c a u t i o n . T h e r e w e r e m e n w a t c h i n g all the

approaches from land a n d o u t t o sea. T h e y c o u l d n o t have m i s s e d s o m a n y o f the enemy. Surely? T h e y m u s t have u s e d boats, but any boats w o u l d have b e e n seen, even on this m o o n l e s s night. It w o u l d only have b e e n possible if they had s w u m the l e n g t h of the bay, u n d e r the cover o f darkness. T h a t h a d t o b e it, h e d e c i d e d , furious w i t h himself. H e c o u l d n o t help a m o m e n t o f g r u d g i n g a d m i r a t i o n for his enemy, a n d then the horses r e a c h e d the b e a c h . A large g r o u p of his m e n s t o o d clustered at the e d g e of the c a m p . A j a x halted a n d t u r n e d towards the riders f o l l o w i n g h i m . ' K h a r i m ! Are you with m e ? ' 'Yes, G e n e r a l ! ' K h a r i m e d g e d his m o u n t t h r o u g h the others. H e was n a k e d save for a l o i n c l o t h and his s w o r d belt. 'Stay here. G e t these m e n formed. You are to h o l d this part of the c a m p . If I send for y o u , c o m e at o n c e , y o u h e a r ? ' K h a r i m b o w e d his h e a d . 'Yes, General.' A j a x r o d e o n , t h r o u g h the gates a t the e n d o f the palisade. T h e y w e r e inside the p e r i m e t e r o f the m a i n c a m p a n d h a d b e e n left o p e n . A h e a d o f h i m there w a s utter c o n f u s i o n . O n l y o n e ship a l o n g the b e a c h h a d b e e n fired a n d it was n o w well ablaze, filling the air w i t h the roar of its flames a n d the crackle of b u r s t i n g t i m b e r as sparks swirled into

the

heavens. T h e

intensity of the glare lit up the

s u r r o u n d i n g sand and water for s o m e distance. T h e din o f battle c a m e from the far e n d of the b e a c h , a n d yet all a l o n g its length -his m e n w e r e visible clustered a b o u t the b o w s o f the b e a c h e d ships, trying t o c l a m b e r a b o a r d a n d get a t the R o m a n s , w h o w e r e stripped t o the waist a n d desperately h o l d i n g t h e m off w i t h swords, spears a n d even oars. T h e e n e m y on the ships w e r e n o t the real danger, A j a x realised. It was the force rolling up his flank. If they c o u l d be thrown b a c k , then

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the ships c o u l d be retaken later. He d r e w his sword a n d r o d e o n , b e l l o w i n g t o the rebels a l o n g the b e a c h , ' F o l l o w m e ! F o l l o w m e ! ' H e gathered m o r e and m o r e m e n a s h e hurriedly m a d e his way towards the battle r a g i n g at the far end. The fight was n o t g o i n g well. T h e R o m a n s h a d already o v e r r u n the r e d o u b t a n d w e r e s u r g i n g forward over the sand, o b l o n g shields s m a s h i n g d o w n their m o r e lightly a r m e d o p p o n e n t s , a n d then the l e g i o n a r i e s finished off the rebels w i t h thrusts f r o m their short swords. A j a x k n e w that the vast majority o f his m e n w e r e n o m a t c h for l e g i o n a r i e s , b u t i f they c o u l d amass a sufficient force to stall the attack, there was a c h a n c e the w e i g h t o f n u m b e r s m i g h t yet force t h e m b a c k over the palisade. B u t first they h a d to be rallied. ' B o d y g u a r d ! T o m e ! ' A j a x b e l l o w e d a b o v e the clash o f w e a p o n s , the t h u d o f b l o w s o n shields a n d the cries o f the w o u n d e d . T h o s e h o r s e m e n w h o had followed h i m f r o m the o t h e r side o f the bay steadied their s n o r t i n g m o u n t s a n d held their w e a p o n s ready. A j a x saw that h e h a d thirty o r forty o f t h e m w i t h h i m now. E n o u g h t o m a k e a difference. He t u r n e d b a c k towards the enemy, fifty paces a l o n g the b e a c h , cutting their way t h r o u g h the dissolving ranks of the rebels as they b e g a n to fall b a c k . ' C h a r g e ! ' A j a x stabbed his s w o r d o u t a n d d u g his heels in. T h e horse w h i n n i e d , reared up for a m o m e n t a n d then p l u n g e d forward, head d o w n a n d h o o v e s t h u d d i n g into the coarse sand as it g a l l o p e d madly towards the enemy. T h e rebels a h e a d o f h i m heard the a p p r o a c h i n g h o r s e m e n a n d did their best to escape from their path, b u t several w e r e m o w n d o w n and t r a m p l e d u n d e r f o o t . A h e a d o f h i m , A j a x c o u l d see that the R o m a n s w e r e n o t in f o r m a t i o n , but h a d scattered as they b e g a n their pursuit. A t the h e a d o f his b a n d o f b o d y g u a r d s , h e crashed i n a m o n g s t t h e m . T h e l e g i o n a r i e s w e r e a s well a r m o u r e d a s any m a n h e h a d faced in the arena, a n d A j a x held his s w o r d p o i s e d to strike at any u n p r o t e c t e d a r m s , faces a n d throats. T w o R o m a n s s t o o d a h e a d o f h i m and w e r e k n o c k e d aside as his m o u n t s l a m m e d into their shields. L e a n i n g to his right, the gladiator thrust d o w n into the n e c k e x p o s e d as a l e g i o n a r y s t u m b l e d . It was a shallow thrust, no m o r e than a few inches, b u t i t w o u l d mortally w o u n d his enemy, and A j a x r o d e o n , k e e p i n g his h e a d low. He saw a crested h e l m e t to o n e side, a n d

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steered towards the c e n t u r i o n a t t e m p t i n g to rally his unit. At the last m o m e n t the m a n t u r n e d , a n d i n the g l o w o f the ship blazing b e h i n d the gladiator his eyes w i d e n e d . He was t o o late to react, a n d the tip of Ajax's blade s m a s h e d t h r o u g h his eye, shattering his skull as it p l u n g e d on into his brain. R i p p i n g the blade free, A j a x t u r n e d his h o r s e again. G l a n c i n g r o u n d , A j a x saw that his charge h a d b r o k e n the R o m a n attack. Several l e g i o n a r i e s w e r e d o w n , s o m e h a d g r o u p e d b a c k t o b a c k in small clusters, w h i l e others w e r e retreating a l o n g the b e a c h . He had b o u g h t his m e n only a b r i e f respite. Less than a h u n d r e d paces away, the s e c o n d R o m a n f o r m a t i o n was a d v a n c i n g towards the rebels, a solid wall of shields w i t h standards raised b e h i n d the leading ranks. An order was b a r k e d and the l e g i o n a r i e s clattered their swords against the sides of their shields, p r o d u c i n g a d e a f e n i n g metallic din that u n n e r v e d Ajax's h o r s e . 'Easy, easy

there.'

He

patted

its

flank

and

realised

that

his

b o d y g u a r d was the only rebel g r o u p standing firm o n the b e a c h . T h e rest w e r e falling b a c k . W i t h a hiss of frustration, A j a x k n e w that the fight on the b e a c h was lost. It m i g h t still be possible to deploy K h a r i m ' s m e n , m a n y o f w h o m had w e a p o n s a n d a r m o u r l o o t e d f r o m the R o m a n soldiers they h a d killed. T h e y m i g h t h o l d the l e g i o n a r i e s b a c k l o n g e n o u g h for the rest of the a r m y to be rallied, ready to hurl themselves o n the hated R o m a n s . 'Fall b a c k ! ' A j a x o r d e r e d . 'To the c a m p ! ' T h e h o r s e m e n t u r n e d a n d r o d e b a c k a l o n g the b e a c h , c o v e r i n g the retreat o f t h o s e o n f o o t retreating b e f o r e t h e m . A s they passed the ships, the R o m a n s o n b o a r d w a t c h e d t h e m silently, t o o e x h a u s t e d t o c h e e r a s their e n e m y gave g r o u n d . B u t o n c e they c a u g h t sight o f their c o m r a d e s a d v a n c i n g a l o n g the b e a c h , b e l o w their standards, a c h e e r rose u p , passed on f r o m ship to ship, a n d as he heard it, Ajax's lips twisted into a bitter snarl of frustration. W h e n h e r e t u r n e d t h r o u g h the gateway o f the palisade, h e saw K h a r i m o n his horse, w a t c h i n g intently. C a t c h i n g sight o f h i m , K h a r i m w a v e d a n a r m a n d s p u r r e d his h o r s e forward. ' G e n e r a l ! T h e sentries report a n o t h e r R o m a n force m o v i n g d o w n f r o m their camp.' He thrust his a r m up towards the slope. ' O v e r a t h o u s a n d o f t h e m , w i t h cavalry o n the wings.'

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A j a x stared at h i m , then l o o k e d b a c k at the e n e m y m a r c h i n g a l o n g the b e a c h . A r o u n d h i m the rebels w e r e milling a b o u t , directionless and afraid. H e t o o k a d e e p breath a n d r o a r e d , ' F o r m ranks! F o r m u p and h o l d y o u r g r o u n d ! W e can w i n this! W e can beat t h e m ! W e ' v e d o n e it b e f o r e a n d we can do it again! S t a n d f i r m ! ' H i s shouts were i n t e r r u p t e d b y fresh notes from the R o m a n horns a l o n g the b e a c h , answered b y m o r e blasts f r o m the direction o f the hills, a n d the clatter of swords on shields b e g a n again, rising to deafening intensity. T h e rebels b e g a n t o shuffle b a c k , a n d t h o s e o n the fringes o f the c r o w d b e y o n d the gate b e g a n t o disperse, h u r r y i n g away from the c o n v e r g i n g R o m a n forces. ' S t a n d y o u r g r o u n d ! ' A j a x yelled again, b u t it was t o o late. Fear passed t h r o u g h the rebels like a w i n d , a n d a tide of m e n flowed into the night, b a c k t h r o u g h the c a m p , as they ran to save their lives. A j a x w a t c h e d t h e m g o , a n d his heart set like lead in his breast. He s u d d e n l y felt a terrible b u r d e n of weariness settle on his shoulders a n d he t u r n e d t o face the o n c o m i n g R o m a n s . ' G e n e r a l ! ' K h a r i m s h o u t e d . ' W h a t shall w e d o ? ' ' D o ? ' A j a x s h o o k his h e a d . 'All is lost. T h e r e is n o t h i n g we can do but die w i t h a s w o r d in o u r hands.' ' N o ! ' K h a r i m e d g e d his h o r s e a l o n g s i d e A j a x a n d g r a b b e d his a r m . ' G e n e r a l , y o u still live, a n d w h i l e y o u live y o u can k e e p the fight against R o m e alive. If y o u die now, t h e n it has b e e n for n o t h i n g . W h i l e y o u live, the rebellion is n o t finished.' A j a x t u r n e d a n d l o o k e d at h i m w i t h a bleak expression. ' W h a t can I h o p e to achieve now, my friend?' K h a r i m t h o u g h t quickly. ' W e have hostages. We can still m a k e a deal if we e s c a p e w i t h t h e m . T h e r e are s o m e fishing boats in a small cove n o t far f r o m y o u r tent.' F o r a m o m e n t A j a x w a n t e d n o t h i n g m o r e than a q u i c k d e a t h . B u t then the sense o f K h a r i m ' s w o r d s p e n e t r a t e d his m i n d . T h e Parthian was right: the rebellion w o u l d never b e over w h i l e s o m e m e n k e p t the spirit of it alive in the hearts of the empire's slaves. He m u s t escape, a n d take the hostages w i t h h i m . 'Very well.' H e n o d d e d t o his c o m r a d e . 'We will g o . C o m e ! ' H e t u r n e d his h o r s e and b e c k o n e d t o his b o d y g u a r d s , a n d then b e g a n t o r i d e b a c k t h r o u g h the c a m p a r o u n d the e n d o f the bay,

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towards his tents on the peninsula b e y o n d . On all sides the rebels g a t h e r e d u p their families a n d l o o t and f l e d f r o m the a p p r o a c h i n g R o m a n s . A j a x spared t h e m a m o m e n t ' s pity. T h e trap was closed. T h e r e w o u l d be no escape for t h e m , only death or a return to slavery. T h r e e o f the ships w e r e o n fire b y the t i m e C a t o a n d his m e n h a d cleared the decks o f the a n c h o r e d vessels. O n l y t w o o f the rebel fire parties h a d m a n a g e d to set their ships ablaze b e f o r e t a k i n g to their tenders a n d e s c a p i n g towards the shore. T h e fire h a d spread to the third ship a n d all three n o w threatened the rest of the vessels a n c h o r e d in the bay. 'Atticus!' C a t o called the o p t i o over. ' G a t h e r u p twenty m e n . W e have to cut those ships o u t before the fire spreads any further.' C a t o t u r n e d and, w i t h Vulso a n d M u s a , m a d e his way across the i n t e r v e n i n g vessels t o the o n e n e x t t o the nearest b u r n i n g ship. T h e heat f r o m the flames r o a r i n g up f r o m the vessel's h o l d struck h i m a stinging blow, a n d he raised an a r m to protect his face as he l o o k e d a r o u n d . T w o lines j o i n e d this ship to the o n e ablaze. C a t o c r o u c h e d d o w n in the shelter of the ship's side to give his orders. 'You t w o take the aft line. I'll go forward.' C r o u c h i n g low, he s c r a m b l e d to the hawse hole near the b o w s and d r e w his dagger. T h e cable was m a d e from coarse h e m p and was thick as a man's wrist. He b e g a n to saw at it furiously. T h e d e c k a r o u n d h i m was brightly lit by the b u r n i n g ships and the h o t air was filled w i t h the roar of flames a n d the crack of timber bursting from the intense t e m p e r a t u r e g e n e r a t e d by the blaze. Sparks and g l o w i n g shreds of sails swirled t h r o u g h the air, a n d C a t o w i n c e d as o n e l a n d e d on his b a c k . He s h o o k it off a n d c o n t i n u e d cutting at the rope, h o p i n g that they c o u l d c o m p l e t e the j o b b e f o r e the f i r e spread t o any m o r e o f the grain ships. O n e o f the strands o f the cable parted a n d the tension instantly increased on the r e m a i n i n g strands, m a k i n g t h e m easier .to cut. G r i t t i n g his teeth, C a t o w o r k e d a t t h e m w i t h every o u n c e o f his strength, the e d g e of the d a g g e r biting t h r o u g h the dense material. A n o t h e r strand parted a n d o n e remained, thin and hard as b o n e . ' C o m e o n , y o u bastard,' C a t o m u t t e r e d . 'Break.' W i t h a dull crack the d a g g e r severed the last strand a n d the e n d o f the cable vanished t h r o u g h the hole. C a t o rose u p and squinted

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into the h e a t e d air as he w a i t e d for the b u r n i n g ship to drift away. G l a n c i n g aft, he saw Vulso and M u s a r u n n i n g towards h i m . 'Cable's cut, sir,' Vulso called o u t . ' B u t she's n o t m o v i n g off.' C a t o n o d d e d . 'I saw. We'll have to fend her away' He p o i n t e d to o n e of the sweeps lashed to the ship's side. 'We can use that. C o m e o n ! ' T h e y h u r r i e d l y u n t i e d the s i m p l e fastenings h o l d i n g the l o n g oar in place a n d t h e n m a n h a n d l e d the b r o a d - b l a d e d e n d over the rail, against the side of the other vessel. C a t o t o o k a f i r m g r i p on the shaft a n d b r a c e d his feet. 'All right then, h e a v e ! ' T h e three o f t h e m l e a n e d into the l o n g oar w i t h all their m i g h t . Slowly, slowly, C a t o sensed the o t h e r ship b e g i n to give, a n d he shuffled forward a p a c e a n d called o u t , ' S h e ' s m o v i n g ! K e e p at it!' B u r n i n g debris was falling across t h e b o w s o f the d e c k a r o u n d t h e m , b u t they c o u l d d o n o t h i n g until the blazing w r e c k o f the o t h e r ship was p u s h e d to a safe distance. T h e y c o n t i n u e d to thrust the sweep against its side, chests h e a v i n g as their muscles strained, stiff a n d glistening f r o m their efforts. C a t o g l a n c e d up a n d saw that the gap b e t w e e n the ships h a d w i d e n e d to ten feet. All the t i m e the resistance decreased as he a n d the others steadily a p p r o a c h e d the side rail. T h e r e they fed the shaft a l o n g a n d c o n t i n u e d until the o t h e r ship eased away f r o m the oar blade. T h e y h a u l e d the sweep b a c k a n d d r o p p e d it o n the d e c k . T h e current h a d b e g u n t o draw the ship away f r o m the rest of the a n c h o r e d vessels a n d it drifted slowly towards the shore. C a t o n o d d e d w i t h satisfaction b e f o r e t u r n i n g t o inspect the d e c k . B u r n i n g debris lay scattered a b o u t the f o r e d e c k , but mercifully there was n o n e a r o u n d the h o l d , w h e r e the rebels h a d p r e p a r e d their c o m b u s t i b l e materials, ready to set fire to the ship. ' G e t these fires o u t ! ' C a t o o r d e r e d , g r a b b i n g a length o f s a c k i n g from a l o c k e r in front of the m a i n mast. T h e r e was a water b u c k e t there for t h e crew, and he h u r r i e d l y d o u s e d the s a c k i n g b e f o r e r u n n i n g to a b l a c k e n e d length of r o p e , still alight in places. He beat o u t the flames a n d m o v e d o n , as the others followed suit. S o o n the last of the small fires was o u t a n d they s t o o d g a s p i n g as they w a t c h e d the b u r n i n g w r e c k drift away. C a t o g r a b b e d a s h r o u d a n d c l i m b e d up on to the side rail. F r o m his v a n t a g e p o i n t he c o u l d see that Atticus and the others h a d s u c c e e d e d in cutting the o t h e r t w o ships free and

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w e r e also f e n d i n g t h e m off. He c o u l d still feel the stinging heat even w h e r e he s t o o d , a n d he briefly stared at the spectacle in a w e as the brilliant flames t r a n s f o r m e d the s u r r o u n d i n g sea into a glittering chaos o f f i e r y reflections. G l a n c i n g b a c k towards the b e a c h , C a t o c o u l d m a k e o u t the details of the l e g i o n a r i e s as they a d v a n c e d past the ship that b u r n e d there. H e was relieved t o see that they h a d already taken the w h o l e o f the area e n c l o s e d by the palisade. B e y o n d that he c o u l d see thousands of figures r u n n i n g in every direction in the g l o w of the rebels' c a m p fires. It s e e m e d that the attack h a d s u c c e e d e d as he h a d h o p e d . T a k e n by surprise, the rebels h a d b r o k e n a n d w e r e fleeing for their lives. It was true that four of the grain ships h a d b e e n lost, but that was acceptable given that the w h o l e fleet had b e e n at risk. 'Sir!' Vulso called t o h i m , p o i n t i n g b a c k towards the m o u t h o f the bay. C a t o t u r n e d a n d his gaze followed the direction Vulso was indicating. B a c k t h r o u g h the r i g g i n g o f the grain ships h e c o u l d see the dark f o r m s of o t h e r vessels a p p r o a c h i n g , a n d the faint sheen of a rhythmic disturbance o n the sides o f e a c h , w h i c h h e realised m u s t b e the b a n k s of oars. He felt a release of tension in his b o d y at the sight o f the R o m a n warships a n d called b a c k t o Vulso. ' T h e y ' r e ours! It's N a v a r c h B a l b u s and his squadron.' Vulso let o u t a cheer, then passed on w o r d of the navy's arrival. M o r e m e n j o i n e d i n the c h e e r i n g a s C a t o gathered Atticus,Vulso a n d M u s a a n d h u r r i e d b a c k across the decks o f the grain ships t o m e e t the first, a n d largest, of the warships to reach t h e m . A b r o n z e - c a p p e d r a m p r o t r u d i n g from the b o w s was a i m e d straight at the side of the ship that C a t o s t o o d o n , a n d for a m o m e n t he feared that the warship m i g h t crash into the hull. T h e n he heard a s h o u t e d order, a n d the oars on the p o r t side d r o p p e d d o w n into the w a t e r and stayed there w h i l e the starboard oars c o n t i n u e d r o w i n g a n d the warship b e g a n t o s w i n g r o u n d , b e a m o n t o the grain ship. ' T r i b u n e C a t o ? ' a v o i c e called out. 'Is T r i b u n e C a t o there?' ' H e r e ! ' C a t o w a v e d his a r m s . ' O v e r here!' ' T h a n k the g o d s ! ' H e r e c o g n i s e d Balbus's v o i c e , then the navarch c o n t i n u e d , ' H a v e the ships b e e n taken?' 'All but the three o n f i r e . T h e r e m a y still b e s o m e rebels h i d i n g a b o a r d s o m e o f the ships. S e n d y o u r m a r i n e s over.'

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'Aye, sir. H a v e y o u r m e n ready to take m o o r i n g lines.' O n e b y o n e the warships c a m e alongside the grain ships a n d the sailors cast lines to the l e g i o n a r i e s to fasten to cleats, then the ships were h a u l e d side to side. As s o o n as the b o a r d i n g r a m p s w e r e lowered, the m a r i n e s b o a r d e d the grain ships a n d t o o k c h a r g e o f the prisoners a n d b e g a n t o hunt d o w n the r e m a i n i n g rebels. B a l b u s was o n e of the first m e n to cross over f r o m his flagship, a n d he h u r r i e d up to Cato. ' G o o d t o see y o u again, sir.' H e saluted. C a t o c o u l d n o t help g r i n n i n g . ' S o u n d s like y o u d o u b t e d that y o u would.' Balbus shrugged. 'I'm delighted to be wrong. However, w h e n we saw the fires I feared the worst. H o w m a n y of the grain ships did we lose?' ' F o u r — three here a n d o n e on the beach.' ' O n l y f o u r ? ' B a l b u s was relieved. ' S p l e n d i d . W e only h a d a little bit o f trouble ourselves. O n e o f the liburnians ran a g r o u n d near the peninsula. N o t b a d for a night o p e r a t i o n so close to shore.' He puffed h i m s e l f up w i t h p r i d e in his a c h i e v e m e n t . C a t o g l a n c e d towards the shore. Fulvius a n d his m e n h a d already b r o k e n into the rebel c a m p a n d w e r e c u t t i n g the e n e m y d o w n i n swathes. H e t u r n e d b a c k . 'You take c o m m a n d here. S e c u r e the grain ships a n d s e n d s o m e o f y o u r m a r i n e s t o reinforce the m e n ashore.' 'Yes, sir. W h e r e are y o u g o i n g ? ' 'I still have o n e j o b left to do,' C a t o said quietly. ' T r y a n d save the hostages. If anything h a p p e n s , I've left orders for C e n t u r i o n Fulvius to take c o m m a n d . ' B a l b u s n o d d e d . ' G o o d l u c k , sir.' C a t o l a u g h e d at the navarch's d o u r t o n e . ' Y o u s e e m to m a k e a habit o f d o u b t i n g m e . I'll b e b a c k , B a l b u s . I give y o u m y w o r d . ' ' G o o d l u c k anyway, sir.' ' T h a n k s . ' C a t o c l a p p e d h i m o n the shoulder, t u r n e d t o Atticus a n d the others a n d led t h e m off t o find o n e o f the tenders m o o r e d t o the r e m a i n i n g grain ships.

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CHAPTER THIRTY-TWO

T

he tender g r o u n d e d on the small strip of sand w i t h a slight j a r that sent Atticus sprawling on to his k n e e s .

'Shit,' he m u t t e r e d as he struggled up a n d t h e n c l i m b e d over the

side w i t h the others. 'Better all s p e a k in G r e e k f r o m n o w on,' said C a t o . 'If we're g o i n g to be taken for rebels.' T h e y had h e l p e d themselves t o s o m e tunics f r o m the rebel b o d i e s on the grain ships a n d fastened their s w o r d belts over the top. If a n y o n e t o o k the t i m e t o l o o k hard a t t h e m , the R o m a n swords m i g h t l o o k suspicious, b u t they c o u l d pass t h e m off as c a p t u r e d kit if s t o p p e d . F r o m the s o u n d s o f confusion a n d p a n i c c o m i n g f r o m the c a m p , C a t o h o p e d that the rebels w o u l d b e t o o b u s y trying t o save themselves t o b e w o r r i e d a b o u t R o m a n intruders i n their midst. He indicated a r o c k a short distance away. 'We'll p u t the b o a t b e h i n d that.' O n c e he was satisfied that it was h i d d e n f r o m v i e w a n d w o u l d still be there if they n e e d e d to m a k e a q u i c k escape, he led the others up towards the large tents in that part of the c a m p he h a d seen A j a x a n d his escort m a k e for the p r e v i o u s day. T h e slope was r o c k y and d o t t e d w i t h shrubs a n d c l u m p s of g o r s e that s n a g g e d their tunics as they crept forwards. At l e n g t h the gradient eased a n d they c o u l d hear v o i c e s m o r e clearly. T h e r e w e r e h u r r i e d e x c h a n g e s o f shouts, b u t n o n e o f the p a n i c and p a n d e m o n i u m that was evident i n the m a i n part o f the c a m p . T h e g r o u n d here was sparsely covered w h e r e the rebels had r i p p e d up the dry plants a n d bushes for kindling. T h e r e was a s u d d e n rustling to their right, and C a t o w a v e d his m e n d o w n a n d d r o p p e d t o the g r o u n d himself. A h e a d o f t h e m a small g r o u p o f figures ran by: a m a n , w o m a n a n d t w o children, all of t h e m c l u t c h i n g b u n d l e s . T h e m a n l o o k e d nervously towards the t o p o f the slope a n d

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u r g e d the others o n . T h e y passed a short distance in front of the R o m a n s w i t h o u t s e e i n g t h e m , a n d ran o f f into the darkness. A s the s o u n d of their footsteps faded, C a t o let his breath out. ' C o m e on,' h e w h i s p e r e d . T h e y c o n t i n u e d , a n d n o w the g l o w o f c a m p f i r e s illuminated the crest above t h e m . K e e p i n g l o w a n d g l a n c i n g f r o m side to side, they p r o c e e d e d warily. T h e ridges o f tents w e r e visible over the crest, a n d C a t o m a d e towards a small o u t c r o p o f b o u l d e r s that w o u l d c o n c e a l t h e m as they t o o k in the situation. T h e r e t u r n e d o u t to be a natural gap b e t w e e n the b o u l d e r s w i d e e n o u g h for t w o m e n t o lie d o w n , and C a t o o r d e r e d the l e g i o n a r i e s to stay b a c k w h i l e he crawled forward w i t h Atticus. The rocks s t o o d on a slight rise a n d the p o s i t i o n gave t h e m a g o o d v i e w over the flat area of g r o u n d that the e n e m y c o m m a n d e r h a d c h o s e n for his tent a n d those o f his b o d y g u a r d s . T h e largest tents w e r e s u r r o u n d e d by an o p e n area, then smaller shelters, and o f f to o n e side a small shack a n d p e n s that s e e m e d to have b e e n a b a n d o n e d m a n y years a g o . A n u m b e r o f c a m p f i r e s w e r e b u r n i n g d o w n , h a v i n g b e e n a b a n d o n e d i n the rush t o c o u n t e r the R o m a n attack. As C a t o surveyed the s c e n e , he c o u l d see several figures close t o the largest tent; s o m e w e r e a r m e d w i t h spears, a n d a n o l d w o m a n squatted to o n e side h u r r i e d l y l o a d i n g possessions on to a blanket that lay o p e n on the g r o u n d . O t h e r rebels w e r e visible flitting t h r o u g h the shelters as they ran f r o m the R o m a n forces a d v a n c i n g r o u n d the bay. C a t o c o u l d n o t help w o n d e r i n g w h a t these fugitives m i g h t h o p e t o achieve. W h e n they r e a c h e d the e n d o f the p e n i n s u l a they w o u l d b e t r a p p e d . ' W h a t n o w ? ' m u t t e r e d Atticus. ' W h e r e d o y o u think M a c r o a n d the senator's d a u g h t e r are b e i n g k e p t ? ' 'It has to be s o m e w h e r e close to his tent.' C a t o recalled the savage glee in the gladiator's eyes as he c o n t e m p l a t e d the suffering of M a c r o and Julia. ' H e ' d w a n t t h e m nearby, near e n o u g h to sense their t o r m e n t . S o m e w h e r e h e c o u l d k e e p a n eye o n t h e m . I n o n e o f the tents p e r h a p s , or in those p e n s . We have to get closer.' Atticus n o d d e d . ' B e s t circle r o u n d t h e n , sir. C o m e u p b e h i n d the pens f r o m w h e r e there's n o t s o m u c h light f r o m the f i r e s . ' C a t o e x a m i n e d the g r o u n d . ' Y e s . Y o u ' r e right. Let's go.' T h e y shuffled b a c k , r e j o i n e d Vulso a n d M u s a , a n d then the four o f 345

t h e m m o v e d t h r o u g h the scrub on the fringes of the tents, in a l o n g arc r o u n d to the far side of the peninsula. T h e r e w e r e m a n y m o r e fugitives streaming up the hill f r o m the direction of the m a i n c a m p , and b y s o m e u n s p o k e n m u t u a l consent the small party o f R o m a n s and the fleeing rebels warily shifted s o m e distance r o u n d each o t h e r in the shadows, then h u r r i e d o n . At last C a t o saw that the p e n s w e r e in line w i t h the largest tents, a n d gestured to the m e n following h i m . 'Let's get in closer.' T h e y p a d d e d t h r o u g h the o u t e r m o s t shelters: makeshift tents spread over crudely cut frames, nearly all e m p t y after the initial rush d o w n towards the battle b e i n g f o u g h t on the o t h e r side of the bay. S o m e w e r e n o t empty, however, a n d C a t o felt his flesh freeze at the s o u n d of a shrill shriek, b e f o r e he realised it was an infant crying. A w o m a n m u r m u r e d gently a n d the c r y i n g quickly died away. T h e r e were others a m o n g s t the shelters, fleeing f r o m the c a m p , w h o h a d taken the c h a n c e t o p a u s e l o n g e n o u g h t o ransack s o m e o f the e m p t y tents they w e r e passing t h r o u g h . C a t o nearly t r i p p e d over o n e of t h e m , a m a n b e n t d o w n in the shadows as he d r a g g e d a large silver b o w l t h r o u g h s o m e tent flaps. C a t o s t o p p e d i n his tracks. T h e m a n j u m p e d to his feet, w h e r e the g l o w f r o m the fires lit up his features. A w r i n k l e d face, half h i d d e n by shaggy hair, a n d an u n k e m p t beard. He snarled, revealing a handful of j a g g e d teeth. ' L o o k o u t , sir!' Atticus p u s h e d C a t o aside as the rebel lashed o u t w i t h a knife. C a t o heard it swish close to his ear, a n d then there was a dull c r u n c h as Atticus floored the m a n w i t h a p u n c h . As the rebel collapsed u n c o n s c i o u s to the g r o u n d , the o p t i o snatched the knife f r o m his fingers a n d d r e w it b a c k , ready to cut the man's throat. ' N o . ' C a t o held his a r m . 'Leave h i m . Let's g o on.' T h e p e n s w e r e o n l y a short distance a h e a d o f t h e m , a n d C a t o w e a v e d cautiously t h r o u g h the r e m a i n i n g shelters until they reached the rear of the structures. B e y o n d t h e m the g r o u n d was o p e n all the way t o w h e r e the g r o u p o f m e n were gathered i n front o f w h a t C a t o a s s u m e d to be the gladiator's personal tent. T h e y w e r e w a t c h i n g the destruction o f their c o m r a d e s d o w n i n the c a m p , and talking i n a n x i o u s tones, t h o u g h C a t o c o u l d n o t catch the sense o f w h a t they w e r e saying. T h e walls of the p e n s s t o o d as tall as his shoulders, a n d

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he k n e w that if he s t o o d up to p e e r over the walls to l o o k for M a c r o and J u l i a h e was almost sure t o b e s e e n . He rose up as h i g h as he dared a n d called o u t softly, 'Julia? . . . Macro?' T h e r e was no reply. He called again, a little l o u d e r this t i m e . Still there was no reply. ' T h e y ' r e n o t in there,' Atticus m u t t e r e d . 'No.' 'So what do we do?' ' K e e p l o o k i n g , ' C a t o said firmly, a n d e d g e d a l o n g b e h i n d the p e n s until he r e a c h e d a g a p w h e r e he c o u l d crawl forwards a n d l o o k r o u n d f r o m the safety of the s h a d o w s . He saw it almost at o n c e - a cage a short distance f r o m the largest tent a n d away f r o m the other shelters. It was on the highest p o i n t of the c a m p , e x p o s e d to the e l e m e n t s . C a t o e d g e d b a c k a s yet m o r e rebels f l e d past. T h e R o m a n s flattened themselves to the g r o u n d a n d lay still. O n c e the rebels h a d g o n e , C a t o t u r n e d t o the others. ' I k n o w w h e r e they are: M a c r o a n d Julia.' H e told Atticus a n d the others a b o u t the cage. ' D i d y o u actually see t h e m ? ' the o p t i o asked. C a t o s h o o k his h e a d . ' T o o dark. B u t w h e r e else c o u l d they b e ? ' ' I ' m b e g i n n i n g t o think they c o u l d b e a n y w h e r e . Pretty s o o n this place is g o i n g to be o v e r r u n w i t h slaves fleeing up f r o m the m a i n c a m p . We'd best find the hostages as s o o n as we can, sir.' ' T h e n let's move.' C a t o gestured w i t h his h a n d a n d rose into a c r o u c h , m a k i n g his way b a c k a short distance f r o m the p e n s a n d in a m o n g s t a cluster of the shelters. He p a u s e d to let the others catch up, t h e n the small party c o n t i n u e d t h r o u g h the last of the huts a n d a l o n g the s l o p e , o u t of sight of the tents. To their right the sea was a dark mass, a n d the s o u n d o f the waves b r e a k i n g o n the rocks b e l o w c a m e clearly t o their ears. W h e n C a t o j u d g e d that they w e r e parallel to the c a g e , he led t h e m b a c k up the slope, cautiously p i c k i n g his way t h r o u g h the stunted bushes a n d rocks. S o m e o n e s h o u t e d a w a r n i n g , then there w e r e m o r e raised voices, a n d C a t o p a u s e d for a m o m e n t until he realised they c o u l d n o t have b e e n seen. A few m o r e steps a n d then the g r o u n d e v e n e d o u t and they c o u l d see the c a g e , twenty paces away. B e y o n d that there was a p a t c h of o p e n g r o u n d a n d the

347

side of the tent w i t h the m e n f o r m i n g a screen b e f o r e it as they f e n d e d o f f a stream o f rebels r u s h i n g past. F o r the m o m e n t n o n e o f t h e m w e r e w a t c h i n g the c a g e . C a t o s q u i n t e d a n d saw the dark shape of a b u l k y figure w i t h i n , s l u m p e d against the bars. H o p e m a d e his heart beat faster, then he felt a chill of fear as he realised that there was only o n e p e r s o n in the cage, u n q u e s t i o n a b l y m a l e . ' M a c r o ? ' h e called o u t . T h e figure stirred, then replied gruffly, ' W h o ' s that?' C a t o released a sharp breath of relief. 'It's C a t o . ' ' C a t o ? ' Macro's v o i c e was strained. ' B y all the g o d s , let it be true.' 'Just a m o m e n t . ' C a t o t u r n e d t o Atticus. 'You c o m e w i t h m e . M u s a , Vulso, y o u k e e p w a t c h . L e t m e k n o w i f a n y o n e c o m e s . ' C a t o kept l o w as he scuttled across the o p e n g r o u n d , closely followed by Atticus. T h e y k e p t a watchful eye on the rebels, but no o n e l o o k e d in their direction. As he reached the c a g e , C a t o ' s n o s e w r i n k l e d a t the stench o f h u m a n waste. H e d r o p p e d d o w n beside the bars, o p p o s i t e M a c r o . 'It really is you.' M a c r o ' s v o i c e rasped. ' T h o u g h t I was g o i n g m a d . G e t m e o u t o f here.' 'Where's J u l i a ? ' 'In the tent. A j a x sent for her. H a d her c l e a n e d up first.' C a t o felt the b l o o d go c o l d in his veins. ' D i d he . . .?' ' H o w the hell d o I k n o w ? ' M a c r o s h o o k his h e a d . ' G e t m e o u t o f here and we'll go and rescue her.' C a t o e x a m i n e d the d o o r to the cage. ' D a m n , it's locked.' ' O f c o u r s e it's fucking locked,' M a c r o hissed. ' W h y else w o u l d I still be in here?' Atticus c h u c k l e d . ' N i c e c h a n g e to see you l o c k e d up.' ' W h o ' s that with y o u ? ' asked M a c r o . ' N o t that twat Atticus?' ' T h e same.' Atticus g r i n n e d . ' B l o o d y great,' M a c r o m u t t e r e d . H e f i x e d his g a z e o n his friend. ' C a t o . . . thanks.' 'You didn't think I'd leave y o u to die?' M a c r o was silent for a m o m e n t before he replied. ' T h e r e w e r e times w h e n I gave up h o p e . ' ' T h a n k s for the vote o f confidence.' M a c r o chuckled drily.

348

C a t o g r a s p e d the bars of the c a g e d o o r and gritted his teeth as he strained t o prise t h e m o p e n . H e gave u p w i t h a bitter g r u n t . 'We n e e d the key. W h o has it?' ' O n e o f the guards, over there.' M a c r o p o i n t e d h i m o u t . ' I f I can get h i m t o c o m e over here, can y o u t w o handle h i m ? ' 'We'll have to.' C a t o c r o u c h e d d o w n b e h i n d M a c r o , a n d indicated to Atticus to lie flat. M a c r o g r a s p e d the bars of the c a g e , d r e w a d e e p breath a n d bellowed, 'Guard! Guard! O v e r here!' He paused a m o m e n t and repeated his cry, s h a k i n g the bars m o r e violently. O n e o f the m e n b y the tent t u r n e d in his direction a n d then s p o k e to the rebel w h o had b e e n tasked w i t h w a t c h i n g M a c r o and J u l i a since their capture. H e p i c k e d up his spear a n d wearily a p p r o a c h e d the cage. 'Keep it down, R o m a n ! ' ' F u c k y o u ! ' M a c r o s h o u t e d b a c k a n d s h o o k the bars again. ' F u c k that old h a g of a m o t h e r of y o u r s ! ' T h e g u a r d p a u s e d a n d then g r o w l e d w i t h anger a s h e ran towards the c a g e and lowered the tip of his spear. 'Shit . . .' M a c r o j u s t h a d t i m e to mutter, before the s p e a r h e a d rattled t h r o u g h the bars, a n d he d o d g e d to o n e side to avoid it. Instantly he snatched at the spear shaft a n d thrust it to o n e side. T h e other e n d swivelled sharply, a n d c a u g h t the guard off b a l a n c e so he t u m b l e d over a n d crashed into the side o f the c a g e . M a c r o released the shaft a n d thrust his a r m s t h r o u g h the c a g e , g r a s p i n g the g u a r d r o u n d the n e c k a n d h a u l i n g h i m up against the bars as he flailed at Macro's b r a w n y forearms. ' G e t h i m ! ' M a c r o g r u n t e d . ' B e f o r e h e w o r k s loose.' Atticus was up first, scrambling r o u n d the e n d of the cage and d r o p p i n g heavily on the guard, driving the breath from his b o d y as M a c r o tightened his grip, c h o k i n g the rebel. He struggled violently for a m o m e n t and then w e n t limp. T h e r e was a shout from the direction of Ajax's tent, and C a t o saw that the other rebels were l o o k i n g across the o p e n g r o u n d . As s o o n as they realised what was h a p p e n i n g , they snatched up their w e a p o n s and b e g a n to sprint towards the cage. ' G e t the key!' M a c r o s h o u t e d at Atticus. Cato

glanced

back

towards

Musa

frantically ' O n m e ! ' 349

and Vulso

and

beckoned

Atticus snatched away the t h o n g a r o u n d the guard's neck, g r a s p e d the key a n d fitted it to the l o c k as the rebels ran towards t h e m . As s o o n a s the l o c k clicked, M a c r o burst the d o o r o p e n and g r a b b e d the guard's spear. R i s i n g up into a c r o u c h , he s w u n g the p o i n t r o u n d toward the rebels as Atticus a n d C a t o d r e w their swords. W i t h an animal roar M a c r o c h a r g e d forward. ' B l o o d y hell, there he g o e s again,' C a t o m u t t e r e d u n d e r his breath as he h u r r i e d after his friend, m o v i n g to the right as Atticus w e n t to the left. The fury on M a c r o ' s face m u s t have b e e n evident even in the w a n g l o w o f the f i r e b u r n i n g i n front o f Ajax's tent, for the rebels hesitated a n d r e g a r d e d h i m fearfully as they r e a d i e d their w e a p o n s . T h e r e w e r e seven o f t h e m , eight c o u n t i n g the o l d w o m a n , w h o h a d p i c k e d up a hatchet a n d s c r e a m e d in rage as she h u r r i e d after the others. C a t o g l a n c e d up a n d saw the rebels l o w e r i n g their spears as the gap b e t w e e n the t w o g r o u p s o f m e n closed. T h e rebels c r o u c h e d , feet apart

a n d b a l a n c e d , spears

held

ready

as

Macro

and

his

two

c o m p a n i o n s c h a r g e d in, M u s a a n d Vulso sprinting hard t o catch up. 'Five m e n against seven spears a n d a m a d w o m a n w i t h an axe,' Atticus l a u g h e d . ' N o t g o o d o d d s ! ' T h e r e was a sharp rap as M a c r o p a r r i e d the thrust of the first m a n he e n c o u n t e r e d . Still r u n n i n g , he l o w e r e d his s h o u l d e r a n d s l a m m e d into the rebel, k n o c k i n g the other m a n o n t o his b a c k . M a c r o ran o n , s k e w e r i n g the n e x t m a n a h e a d o f h i m b e f o r e h e s t o p p e d , w r e n c h e d the spear shaft free, p r e s e n t i n g the p o i n t to the three m e n before h i m i n turn. ' C o m e o n ! ' h e s h o u t e d . ' W h o ' s u p for it?' C a t o kept his eyes o n the m a n w h o h a d singled h i m o u t a n d w h o n o w c a m e o n , spear l o w e r e d . H e thrust a t C a t o ' s face but the p o i n t was easily deflected w i t h a clatter. C a t o l u n g e d forward, forcing the m a n b a c k , a n d kept w i t h h i m , h a m m e r i n g a t the shaft o f the spear, k n o w i n g that i t w o u l d n u m b the rebel's f i n g e r s . O n e m o r e b l o w a n d the spear fell. T h e m a n t u r n e d a n d sprinted away. C a t o let h i m g o a n d t u r n e d to see Atticus l o c k e d in a duel w i t h a n o t h e r m a n , m o r e skilled w i t h his spear than C a t o ' s o p p o n e n t h a d b e e n . M u s a was d o w n , p i k e d t h r o u g h the thigh and desperately w a r d i n g off further b l o w s from a n o t h e r rebel as b l o o d g u s h e d f r o m the w o u n d . Vulso c h a r g e d into his m a n , k n o c k i n g aside the spear, then s m a s h i n g his fist into the

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rebel's face a m o m e n t b e f o r e his right a r m s w u n g , d r i v i n g his s w o r d t h r o u g h the man's s t o m a c h a n d up into his chest, c a r r y i n g h i m off his feet. T h e rebel's k n e e s collapsed a n d h e s a g g e d b a c k o n t o the ground, a

great

tear

across

his

front

through

which

bloodied

intestines b u l g e d . ' M u s a ! ' the l e g i o n a r y called as he t u r n e d to help his c o m r a d e . It was t o o late: the old w o m a n h a d crept u p b e h i n d the d o w n e d soldier and n o w s m a s h e d her axe d o w n into the t o p o f his skull. M u s a ' s h e a d s n a p p e d forward, eyes blinking. T h e n his b o d y j e r k e d furiously as he t o p p l e d over. T h e w o m a n y a n k e d her axe b a c k w i t h a shriek o f t r i u m p h a n d t u r n e d towards M a c r o , snarling as she g l a n c e d at the b o d y o f her s o n stretched o u t b y the c a g e . C a t o started forward, b u t the m a n w h o h a d b e e n fighting M u s a b l o c k e d his path. M a c r o was in danger, so there was no t i m e to stick to his training a n d take the m a n d o w n by swordsmanship. C a t o filled his lungs and let o u t a roar a s h e h u r l e d h i m s e l f forward. T h e spear p o i n t c a m e u p a n d the m a n b r a c e d his feet for the i m p a c t . At the last instant C a t o w e n t d o w n low, rolled over and slashed at the rebel's leading l e g as he c a m e up. T h e blade shattered the b o n e a n d the m a n s c r e a m e d a s h e collapsed. T h e r e was n o t i m e t o finish h i m off a s C a t o ran o n r o u n d the c a g e to catch up w i t h the o l d w o m a n . B u t she h a d a h e a d start a n d t h r e w herself towards M a c r o , the axe raised a b o v e her h e a d . ' M a c r o ! ' C a t o c r i e d out. ' B e h i n d y o u ! ' M a c r o s w u n g r o u n d , g r i t t i n g his teeth, a s h e t h r e w u p the shaft o f the spear t o p r o t e c t his h e a d . T h e axe h e a d splintered the spear shaft, b u t did n o t cut all t h e w a y t h r o u g h . M a c r o released the r u i n e d w e a p o n a n d c l a m p e d his fingers r o u n d her skinny w r i s t a s the axe c a m e d o w n again. H e m a n a g e d t o deflect the b l o w s o that it hissed past his s h o u l d e r a n d i n t o the dirt. S h e released her g r i p a n d c l a w e d at his face w i t h her spare h a n d as she s w o r e a n d spat at h i m . 'That's e n o u g h ! ' M a c r o c a u g h t her by the hair a n d held her at arm's l e n g t h . S h e spat a n d scratched at his hands as she tried to k i c k h i m . M a c r o t o o k a sharp breath. ' I have h a d quite e n o u g h o f you.' H e p u n c h e d her w i t h his spare h a n d , a n d she collapsed on to the g r o u n d . H e snatched u p the axe a n d s t o o d over her. ' M a c r o ! ' C a t o c a u g h t his a r m . 351

M a c r o stared at the o l d w o m a n w i t h hatred b e f o r e his gaze t u r n e d to C a t o . ' S h e h a d it c o m i n g , believe me.' S t a n d i n g u p , C a t o saw that Vulso had finished o f f his o p p o n e n t , a n d there was a last clatter a n d t h u d as Atticus cut d o w n his m a n . T h e surviving rebels threw d o w n their w e a p o n s a n d ran off into the night. T h e R o m a n soldiers s t o o d breathing heavily for a m o m e n t b e f o r e Vulso knelt d o w n at M u s a ' s side. H i s eyes g a z e d blankly at the starry heavens. 'He's dead,' said Vulso. C a t o t u r n e d t o M a c r o . ' I ' m g o i n g for Julia.' 'Careful, lad, there m a y b e m o r e o f t h e m i n the tent. I'll c o m e w i t h you.' T h e r e was a s u d d e n p o u n d i n g o f h o o v e s , a n d C a t o and the others froze. ' T h a t ' l l be Ajax.' M a c r o t u r n e d to C a t o . 'We'd better get to cover.' ' N o t w i t h o u t Julia.' ' D o n ' t b e a b l o o d y fool! T h e y ' l l b e o n u s b e f o r e w e c o u l d get her out.' M a c r o g r a b b e d his a r m and thrust h i m away f r o m the tent, b a c k towards the shelter o f the p e n s . ' G o ! ' T h e r u m b l e o f h o o v e s was m u c h louder, a n d t h e n C a t o c o u l d feel the t r e m o r t h r o u g h the g r o u n d . He stared desperately at the tent for an instant, t h e n t u r n e d a n d ran b a c k w i t h M a c r o a n d the others. A m o m e n t later A j a x a n d his b o d y g u a r d s r o d e u p t h r o u g h the c a m p a n d slewed to a halt in front of the tent. A j a x s w u n g h i m s e l f d o w n from the b a c k of his h o r s e a n d b a r k e d an order. 'Stay in y o u r saddles!' He strode across to his tent a n d tore the flaps aside as he entered. F r o m his p o s i t i o n nearly fifty p a c e s away, C a t o w a t c h e d intently, fearing for Julia's life, a n d at the s a m e t i m e h o p i n g that the b o d i e s near the c a g e w o u l d n o t b e n o t i c e d i n the darkness. H e tensed, a s i f ready t o s p r i n g forward, b u t M a c r o g r a b b e d his a r m . ' K e e p still, lad. Or we're all dead.' C a t o t u r n e d a n d glared at his friend, then n o d d e d slowly as reason r e t u r n e d . T h e strain in his muscles eased as he sank towards the g r o u n d . T h e r e was silence f r o m the tent for a m o m e n t , and then the flaps o p e n e d again a n d A j a x e m e r g e d h o l d i n g a small chest in o n e h a n d , w h i l e the other g r a s p e d J u l i a b y the wrist. C a t o s t o p p e d

352

breathing as he saw her, beautiful as the d a w n even at this distance. A j a x pulled hard, s p i n n i n g Julia r o u n d so that she lost her b a l a n c e a n d t u m b l e d at the feet of the m e n standing in front of the tent. ' G e t her on a h o r s e . K h a r i m ! ' 'Yes, General.' 'You take c h a r g e o f her. G u a r d her w i t h y o u r life, u n d e r s t a n d ? ' K h a r i m r e a c h e d d o w n and w i t h the help o f the m e n o n the g r o u n d p u l l e d her u p a n d across his thighs. A j a x c l i m b e d b a c k o n t o his h o r s e , clasping the chest to his side as he t o o k the reins in his spare h a n d . ' T a k e her to the b o a t s ! ' A s the b o d y g u a r d s u r g e d their m o u n t s forward, a l o n g the track that led towards the tip of the peninsula, the gladiator g l a n c e d towards the c a g e , almost invisible in the dark, a n d p o i n t e d to t w o of his m e n . 'Kill the R o m a n , then get o u t o f here.' T h e n he w h e e l e d his m o u n t r o u n d a n d s p u r r e d it into a gallop a l o n g the track to catch up w i t h the rest of his b o d y g u a r d s . C a t o stared after t h e m , his heart heavy as lead as J u l i a was c a r r i e d away from h i m . T h e t w o m e n detailed t o kill M a c r o d i s m o u n t e d , tied their reins to the rail b e s i d e the tent a n d h u r r i e d across towards the cage. ' T h e y ' r e g o i n g t o see the b o d i e s any m o m e n t , ' M a c r o w h i s p e r e d . C a t o n o d d e d . 'We n e e d those horses. T h e y mustn't get away' He rose into a c r o u c h and g l a n c e d r o u n d at the others. ' R e a d y ? ' They nodded. 'Go!' C a t o l a u n c h e d h i m s e l f forward, sprinting towards the t w o rebels as M a c r o , Atticus and Vulso s c r a m b l e d after h i m . T h e r e was a sharp cry a s o n e o f the rebels saw the b o d i e s sprawled o n the g r o u n d . T h e sight m o m e n t a r i l y distracted t h e m , a n d it was only at the last instant that they t u r n e d towards the s o u n d s of p a d d i n g feet. C a t o ' s s w o r d s w u n g o u t o f the night, cutting into the s h o u l d e r o f the nearest m a n and t h r o u g h t o the b o n e . A s h e d r o p p e d like a side o f beef, M a c r o t o o k the s e c o n d m a n w i t h a thrust to the chest. He fell b e s i d e his comrade

with

a

dull

grunt

a n d lay w r i t h i n g at M a c r o ' s

S h e a t h i n g his blade, C a t o t u r n e d t o Atticus. 'Stay o u t of sight until Fulvius c o m e s up.' ' N o , sir,' Atticus protested. 'We can help.' 353

feet.

' T h e r e are only t w o horses. There's n o t h i n g m o r e y o u can d o . M a c r o , c o m e on,' C a t o o r d e r e d as he ran towards the tethered horses. 'Wait a m o m e n t . ' M a c r o s t o p p e d to strip the tunic f r o m o n e of the b o d i e s a n d h u r r i e d l y p u l l e d it o n . 'That's better! What's the plan?' M a c r o p a n t e d as he c h a s e d after his friend. 'Plan?' C a t o t o o k the reins of the nearest h o r s e a n d sheathed his sword. 'We g o after t h e m a n d free Julia. O r die trying.' ' N i c e t o k n o w y o u ' v e t h o u g h t i t through.' T h e y s c r a m b l e d into the saddles, t o o k u p the reins a n d t u r n e d the horses d o w n the track A j a x a n d his m e n h a d taken. W i t h a s h o u t , C a t o d u g his heels in a n d u r g e d his h o r s e into a gallop. He k n e w it was

madness

for the

two

of them to

attempt

this

pursuit b y

themselves, b u t h e w o u l d n o t b e able t o live w i t h the k n o w l e d g e that he h a d let J u l i a r e m a i n a captive of the gladiator. T h e r e was no w a y that h e a n d M a c r o a l o n e c o u l d take o n over twenty o f Ajax's b o d y g u a r d , b u t he did n o t care. All reason was spent and he was driven on by his heart, w i l l i n g only to save her or die in the attempt. T h a t last sight of her, terrified a n d vulnerable as she was c a r r i e d off into the darkness, was b r a n d e d on to his mind's eye as he l e a n e d forward a l o n g the horse's n e c k a n d u r g e d it o n . T h e path was b r o a d a n d well t r o d d e n b y generations o f local p e o p l e m a k i n g the j o u r n e y a l o n g the peninsula, p e r h a p s t o leave a n offering at the shrine of a local deity, or to s w i m f r o m o n e of the small coves a l o n g the coastline. C a t o c o u l d o n l y guess as he a n d M a c r o r o d e o n , s c a n n i n g the w a y a h e a d for sign o f their prey. A j a x h a d s p o k e n o f boats. H e m u s t have s o m e plan o f escape. C a t o h a d t o find h i m before it c o u l d be p u t into effect. To their left an e x p a n s e of the bay was lit up by the flames of the four ships, still ablaze. B e y o n d , the rebel c a m p was alive w i t h tiny figures as the R o m a n soldiers cut a path t h r o u g h the shelters w i t h o u t mercy. C a t o t o o k o n e g l a n c e at the scene b e f o r e he dismissed it and c o n t i n u e d into the night. H e k n e w the risk they w e r e taking i n g a l l o p i n g over u n k n o w n g r o u n d i n the darkness. B u t already rosyf i n g e r e d d a w n was lighting the h o r i z o n , a n d the r o u t e a h e a d was j u s t discernible. A m i l e after they h a d left the c a m p , C a t o saw a shape a h e a d of h i m : a n o t h e r rider.

354

'We're c a t c h i n g t h e m ! ' M a c r o called o u t . C a t o d r e w his sword, clasping the handle tightly, a n d s l a p p e d the f l a t o f the b l a d e o n the horse's r u m p . T h e animal's f l a n k s shivered b e t w e e n his thighs, and it p u t on an extra spurt as it c l o s e d on the rebel. M o r e figures e m e r g e d f r o m the darkness a h e a d o f the m a n , a n d C a t o felt a c o l d d e t e r m i n a t i o n f i r m up his resolve. H e was n o m o r e than ten p a c e s b e h i n d his q u a r r y w h e n the m a n g l a n c e d b a c k over his shoulder. He stared at his pursuers a m o m e n t and then called a h e a d to the n e x t m a n , w h o also l o o k e d b a c k , as did another. T h e y reined in and fell b a c k as their horses slowed a n d then d r e w their swords. M e a n w h i l e C a t o closed o n the r e a r m o s t m a n , w a t c h i n g h i m intently. As they b e g a n to draw level, the rebel slashed o u t w i t h his sword. C a t o c l e n c h e d his thighs a n d threw his w e i g h t to o n e side, c a u s i n g his h o r s e to stagger, b u t it r e m a i n e d on its feet a n d the blade hissed t h r o u g h the air. ' M y t u r n ! ' C a t o snarled, stabbing o u t w i t h his s w o r d a n d c a t c h i n g the rebel in the side, j u s t a b o v e his s w o r d belt. T h e p o i n t p i e r c e d tunic, f l e s h a n d m u s c l e b e f o r e e n t e r i n g his guts, and then C a t o r i p p e d it free. T h e rider d r o p p e d his w e a p o n a n d clasped his side as he b e n t forward over his saddle. C a t o r o d e o n . M a c r o h a d passed a h e a d o f h i m . T h e t w o rebels had t u r n e d side o n t o b l o c k M a c r o a n d C a t o . T h e y h e l d their blades ready. M a c r o d u g his heels in, a i m i n g straight at t h e m . H i s h o r s e did as it was b i d until the very last m o m e n t , w h e n it tried to d r a w up a n d t u r n a n d its flank s m a s h e d into the side of o n e o f the horses, p i n n i n g the rider's leg. T h e m a n g a s p e d , b u t b e f o r e he c o u l d recover M a c r o h a c k e d at his s w o r d a r m , cutting d e e p l y into the flesh a b o v e the elbow. T h e blade d r o p p e d from the man's h a n d as his h o r s e staggered b a c k and trotted off the track into the bushes that g r e w o n e a c h side. M a c r o g l a n c e d r o u n d a s the o t h e r m a n s w u n g a t h i m . H e m a n a g e d to p a r r y the b l o w b u t the b l a d e g l a n c e d off a n d struck his h o r s e o n the n e c k j u s t b e h i n d the ears. A t o n c e the animal let o u t a shrill w h i n n y and reared up on its h i n d legs, k i c k i n g o u t w i t h the front. M a c r o was t h r o w n b a c k . H e t o p p l e d from his saddle and flew t h r o u g h the air before crashing d o w n on his side. T h e r e was a b r i e f flash of light as his h e a d struck the stony path, a n d the air was driven f r o m his b o d y w i t h a sharp gasp. He f o r c e d h i m s e l f 355

on to his hands a n d k n e e s a n d s h o o k his h e a d to clear his vision. He heard the rebel click his t o n g u e as he steadied his shaken m o u n t a n d e d g e d i t towards the fallen R o m a n . M a c r o saw the legs of the h o r s e c l o p p i n g towards h i m , and the dull g l e a m of his blade a few feet away. He l u n g e d for it, snatching at the h a n d l e as he rolled u n d e r the horse. T h e animal's belly l o o m e d above h i m a n d M a c r o thrust the s w o r d up, w i n c i n g as it struck h o m e a n d b l o o d spattered d o w n o n t o his face. T h e h o r s e w h i n n i e d i n a g o n y a n d threw itself forward. A h o o f crashed d o w n beside M a c r o ' s h e a d as the rider desperately tried to steady his m o u n t . A dark shape a p p e a r e d b e s i d e h i m , a n d C a t o thrust his blade into the small of the rebel's b a c k . Already half m a d w i t h pain, the stricken m o u n t g a l l o p e d off the path, d o w n the slope, b e f o r e s t u m b l i n g . R i d e r a n d h o r s e t u m b l e d over a n d over a m i d the rocks a n d g o r s e for a m o m e n t , a n d then there was silence. M a c r o staggered to his feet. He still felt dizzy a n d s h o o k his h e a d again to try and clear the sensation as he staggered towards the m a n he h a d w o u n d e d in the a r m . T h e rebel was still in the saddle, m o a n i n g as he c l u t c h e d at the w o u n d . He did n o t see M a c r o until it was t o o late to escape. M a c r o t o o k the reins a n d p o i n t e d his s w o r d at the m a n . 'If y o u w a n t to live, get off.' T h e rebel n o d d e d , a n d a w k w a r d l y eased his l e g over the saddle a n d d r o p p e d t o the g r o u n d o n the far side o f the horse. T h e n h e rapidly b a c k e d away. M a c r o w a t c h e d h i m carefully until the rebel was at a safe distance, then s h e a t h e d his sword a n d steadied the h o r s e a m o m e n t b e f o r e m o u n t i n g it. T h e animal was skittish a n d M a c r o s p o k e to it calmly a n d clicked his t o n g u e b e f o r e w a l k i n g it forward to join Cato. 'Are y o u all r i g h t ? ' C a t o asked anxiously. ' F i n e . Let's go.' T h e y u r g e d their horses o n a n d c o n t i n u e d the pursuit. T h e b r i e f f i g h t had lost t h e m s o m e g r o u n d a n d C a t o l o o k e d a h e a d keenly for any sight of the e n e m y as they r o d e a l o n g the n a r r o w track. T h e r o u t e w o u n d its way a l o n g the spine of the peninsula, a n d all the t i m e he anticipated c a t c h i n g sight of the gladiator a n d his retinue again. B u t there was no sign of t h e m , a n d a terrible d o u b t f o r m e d in C a t o ' s

356

m i n d . T h e n the track crested a small rise that afforded a v i e w of the peninsula stretching o u t a h e a d for s o m e distance. E m p t y . 'Shit!' C a t o hissed b e t w e e n c l e n c h e d teeth. ' W h e r e i n H a d e s are they?' M a c r o g r o w l e d . ' H o w c o u l d w e have missed t h e m ? H o w ? ' ' T h e y m u s t have g o n e off the m a i n track,' C a t o d e c i d e d , c u r s i n g himself. 'We have to t u r n around.' H e y a n k e d the reins r o u n d a n d trotted b a c k a l o n g the track, g l a n c i n g carefully from side to side. After a quarter of a m i l e he f o u n d w h a t he was l o o k i n g for; he h a d m i s s e d it as they had g a l l o p e d past at s p e e d a w h i l e earlier. A small path left the track, w i n d i n g d o w n the slope. T h e y quickly t u r n e d aside from the m a i n track and followed the path d o w n as it w o u n d b e t w e e n rocks a n d stunted trees. B e l o w t h e m they c o u l d hear the faint rush a n d hiss of waves on the shore, and then the track o p e n e d o u t on to t h e top of a small cliff b e f o r e d o u b l i n g b a c k steeply as it c a r r i e d on d o w n towards a stretch of beach. C a t o heard voices s h o u t i n g a n d the faint clatter o f w e a p o n s . N o m o r e than a f e w h u n d r e d feet o u t to sea he saw the outline of a small R o m a n warship, and r e c o g n i s e d it as o n e of the liburnians. A handful of smaller b o a t s w e r e clustered a b o u t the hull a n d C a t o realised at o n c e w h a t was h a p p e n i n g . 'Shit, that's the warship that ran aground. The rebels are t a k i n g it.' T h e y t u r n e d the horses d o w n the path a n d u r g e d t h e m o n . T h e r e was only a short distance to g o , a n d then C a t o a n d M a c r o e m e r g e d on to a thin strip of sand. T h e b e a c h was a little over a h u n d r e d paces w i d e , a n d a handful of a b a n d o n e d shacks lay clustered at the f o o t of the cliff. The rebels' horses had b e e n left at the water's e d g e . A handful o f small boats r e m a i n e d , a n d the t w o R o m a n s w u n g themselves d o w n from their saddles and ran across the sand towards t h e m . N e i t h e r had sails, only oars. C a t o g r a b b e d the side of the nearest b o a t . 'Help me!' He b r a c e d his feet in the surf a n d h a u l e d the b o a t into the water as M a c r o g r a b b e d the other side a n d pulled. It d r a g g e d s t u b b o r n l y across the sand until a small w a v e lifted it up and they m a n a g e d to heave it free of the shore. T h e y p u s h e d it o u t until the water was r o u n d their waists a n d then s c r a m b l e d over the side. As C a t o lifted 357

the oars into the r o w l o c k p e g s a n d M a c r o sat heavily in the stern, the last s o u n d s o f f i g h t i n g d i e d away. T h e thin light o f d a w n f i l t e r e d across the bay as C a t o t o o k his seat on the centre b e n c h a n d desperately b e g a n to r o w o u t towards the liburnian. If the warship was still a g r o u n d , then the rebels w o u l d n o t get away. C a t o k n e w that h e a n d M a c r o w e r e f a c i n g certain death o n c e they r e a c h e d the ship. He prayed that they m i g h t at least kill the gladiator before they w e r e cut d o w n , and that J u l i a c o u l d f i n d s o m e way t o escape i n the c o n f u s i o n . H e l o o k e d over his s h o u l d e r a n d saw that h e h a d closed the distance o n the liburnian. T h e n h e froze and l o o k e d m o r e intently. T h e ship was m o v i n g u p a n d d o w n o n the swell. 'I t h o u g h t y o u said it h a d r u n a g r o u n d , ' said M a c r o . 'It was. T h e c r e w m u s t have g o t her o f f j u s t a s t h e rebels c a m e aboard.' C a t o realised that the m a r i n e s m u s t b e d e a d , a n d the sailors a n d m e n a t the oars w e r e u n d e r the orders o f A j a x a n d his followers. C a t o started r o w i n g again w i t h all his strength, b u t his p o o r t e c h n i q u e a n d frantic oar strokes w e r e p u n i s h e d by the swell, w h i c h c a u s e d h i m to catch crabs on either side, o n e t i m e lifting the oar right o u t of the pegs. B y the t i m e they h a d c l o s e d t o w i t h i n f i f t y feet o f the liburnian, M a c r o saw the l o n g dark blades o f the warship's oars bite d o w n into the water. T h e y m a d e a stroke, rose, arced b a c k a n d p l u n g e d into the sea again as the sleek vessel e d g e d forwards. ' T h e y ' r e u n d e r way,' he said softly. ' N o ! ' C a t o g r o a n e d a s h e desperately r e d o u b l e d his efforts. ' N o . Please g o d s , no.' T h e liburnian steadily g a t h e r e d p a c e a n d b e g a n t o s w i n g o u t into the B a y o f O l o u s , o p e n i n g the g a p b e t w e e n i t a n d C a t o . H e kept r o w i n g frantically, his l i m b s a c h i n g w i t h the strain. T h e outline o f the liburnian f o r e s h o r t e n e d as she presented her stern. W i t h a sickening certainty h e k n e w that there was n o c h a n c e o f c a t c h i n g her now. H e d r o p p e d the oars, rose to his feet, t u r n e d a n d b r a c e d his legs apart as he c u p p e d his hands to his m o u t h a n d c r i e d o u t , ' J u l i a ! . . . J u l i a ! ' T h e r e was a p a u s e b e f o r e he heard her v o i c e call b a c k : ' C a t o ! H e l p me!'

358

T h e n she was cut off. A pair of figures l o o m e d up on the l i b u r n i a n s stern rail: A j a x , h o l d i n g J u l i a tightly b y the a r m . H e called o u t , m o c k i n g l y , ' Y o u have lost her, C a t o . L o s t her for ever.' 'Julia!' ' S h e is m i n e now. M i n e to do w i t h as I will. R e m e m b e r that. R e m e m b e r the v e n g e a n c e o f A j a x every day for the rest o f y o u r life.' ' N o ! ' T h e cry was t o r n f r o m C a t o ' s lips. ' N o ! ' S u d d e n l y Julia's spare h a n d rose up. T h e r e was a g l i m m e r of m e t a l i n her g r i p a n d she s t a b b e d d o w n into Ajax's shoulder. H e r e c o i l e d w i t h a b e l l o w of surprise, p a i n a n d rage, g l a n c i n g at the c o m b sticking o u t o f his shoulder. Instinctively h e reached for the w o u n d w i t h his o t h e r h a n d , releasing Julia. At o n c e she threw herself over the stern rail, t u m b l i n g d o w n into the sea w i t h a splash. The liburnian was already g a t h e r i n g s p e e d , a n d as Julia's h e a d e m e r g e d a b o v e the water, gasping, the gap b e t w e e n her a n d the stern of the warship quickly grew. C a t o h a d h u r r i e d l y taken up his oars again a n d was s p e e d i n g the little craft across the w a t e r towards her as she struck o u t towards t h e m w i t h frantic splashing strokes. A j a x h a d p u l l e d the b l o o d i e d c o m b o u t a n d s t o o d g l a r i n g d o w n into the sea. T h e r e was n o t h i n g h e c o u l d d o t o prevent her escape. B y the t i m e h e c o u l d t u r n the warship r o u n d a n d h e a d b a c k towards the b e a c h , the little b o a t w o u l d have r e a c h e d the shore again a n d his e n e m i e s w o u l d have e s c a p e d o n the horses still o n the b e a c h . B e s i d e s , o n e o f the R o m a n triremes was already h e a d i n g b a c k d o w n the bay t o c o m e t o the assistance o f the liburnian that h a d r u n a g r o u n d . A s the b o a t a p p r o a c h e d J u l i a , M a c r o s c r a m b l e d t o the b o w s , l e a n i n g over to reach o u t for her. J u l i a g r a b b e d his wrist, a n d he h a u l e d her closer b e f o r e stretching o u t his spare h a n d to lift her u n d e r the shoulder. ' U p y o u c o m e , miss!' h e g r u n t e d a s h e p u l l e d her over the side. 'I've g o t her, Cato. Turn us r o u n d a n d get b a c k to the shore, q u i c k as y o u can.' C a t o w o r k e d the small craft r o u n d a n d started for the shore, e x p e c t i n g the warship to t u r n b a c k towards t h e m at any m o m e n t . B u t the liburnian h e a d e d steadily towards the m o u t h o f the bay. T h e oars d i p p e d a n d thrust t h r o u g h the sea at a regular p a c e as it d r e w

359

swiftly away from the small b o a t . A j a x r e m a i n e d at t h e stern rail for a w h i l e , b e f o r e he t u r n e d a n d disappeared f r o m sight. 'We're safe,' M a c r o said in relief. C a t o l o w e r e d his oars a n d t u r n e d to e m b r a c e J u l i a as she s t u m b l e d towards the centre of the b o a t and fell into his a r m s . F o r a w h i l e all was still on the little craft. C a t o h e l d her tight, pressing his c h e e k to the t o p of her h e a d as he b r e a t h e d deeply. M a c r o t u r n e d away a n d stared after the liburnian as it disappeared a r o u n d the small island at the e n d o f the r o c k y p e n i n s u l a a n d h e a d e d o u t t o sea.

360

CHAPTER THIRTY-THREE

T

hree days later, S e m p r o n i u s surveyed the remains of the rebel c a m p as he and his escort r o d e d o w n to the b e a c h w h e r e the

r e m a i n i n g ships w e r e u n d e r g o i n g repairs. T h e rest of the grain fleet had set sail the p r e v i o u s day, m a k i n g directly for R o m e , w h e r e the cargo s h o u l d arrive in t i m e to stave o f f any h u n g e r a n d prevent the m o b f r o m h a v i n g a n e x c u s e t o riot. D e s p i t e his relief a n d j o y that his d a u g h t e r h a d b e e n rescued, S e m p r o n i u s ' s m o o d was s o u r e d by the inevitable aftermath of such a serious revolt on the island. T h e senator h a d little d o u b t that there w o u l d b e small reward f o r t h c o m i n g f r o m the e m p e r o r for saving the grain fleet, and c o n s e quently k e e p i n g the p e a c e o n the streets o f R o m e . F o u r o f the ships had b e e n lost in the attack, a n d the officials in c h a r g e of the i m p e r i a l granary w o u l d inevitably l o d g e a c o m p l a i n t against t h o s e they held responsible for the recovery o f the fleet. S o m e k i n d o f official r e p r i m a n d was inevitable. S e m p r o n i u s sighed. S o m e t i m e s b e i n g i n the service of R o m e was a thankless task, a n d he h a d to d r a w satisfaction f r o m the k n o w l e d g e that he h a d served his E m p e r o r as best he c o u l d , despite losing four o f the ships. T h e loss of the grain was least of it, he reflected. It w o u l d be years before the p r o v i n c e o f C r e t e recovered f r o m the e a r t h q u a k e a n d the slave revolt that h a d followed it. A l t h o u g h the revolt was over, there were still s o m e u n s a v o u r y matters to deal w i t h . C e n t u r i o n Fulvius and his m e n h a d s h o w n n o m e r c y t o the rebels and the b o d i e s w e r e still b e i n g b u r i e d in great pits d u g into the r o c k y soil a r o u n d the bay. T h o u s a n d s o f t h e m , m e n , w o m e n a n d children. T h e survivors h a d b e e n sent b a c k t o G o r t y n a i n l o n g chain gangs u n d e r the g u a r d o f the h a r d - h e a r t e d m e n o f the l e g i o n s , w h o w o u l d s h o w n o pity t o those w h o straggled or fell by the side of the road. S e m p r o n i u s h a d passed t h e m o n his way t o O l o u s : lines o f captives w i t h b l e a k

361

expressions n o w that they h a d b e e n r e t u r n e d to slavery after a b r i e f taste of f r e e d o m . T h e y w e r e destined to be held in a special c a m p outside the city until their o w n e r s c o u l d be identified and i n f o r m e d . I f the o w n e r s were d e a d then they w o u l d b e c o m e the p r o p e r t y o f the e m p e r o r a n d a u c t i o n e d off. T h e s u m s raised, m i n u s the hefty c o m m i s s i o n d u e t o the auctioneer, w o u l d b e f o r w a r d e d to the imperial treasury in R o m e . S e m p r o n i u s s m i l e d bitterly at the thought

that

at

least

someone

in

Rome

would

profit

as

a

c o n s e q u e n c e o f the revolt. An even graver fate awaited those slaves w h o h a d b e e n identified a s the ringleaders, o r w h o h a d b e e n c a p t u r e d u n d e r a r m s . T h e y w e r e b e i n g held a t O l o u s p e n d i n g s h i p m e n t t o R o m e , w h e r e they w o u l d be p u t to death in the arena. It was r u m o u r e d that C l a u d i u s was c o n t e m p l a t i n g a gladiatorial spectacle in an artificial lake b e i n g c o n s t r u c t e d o u t s i d e R o m e . A r e - e n a c t m e n t o f the battle o f A c t i u m , w i t h s c a l e d - d o w n ships a n d thousands o f c o n d e m n e d m e n t o m a n the fleets. S e m p r o n i u s was certain that the c o n t r i b u t i o n f r o m C r e t e w o u l d be w e l c o m e d a n d the rebels w o u l d be c o n s i g n e d to a role that left t h e m little prospect of survival. S e m p r o n i u s felt bitter that A j a x h a d e s c a p e d . H e s h o u l d have b e e n tortured and p u t to death, before the g a z e of his followers. E v e r y indignity that h e h a d visited u p o n S e m p r o n i u s ' s d a u g h t e r w o u l d have b e e n repaid w i t h interest. As yet the details w e r e mercifully v a g u e , a n d C a t o ' s report h a d b e e n terse in its d e s c r i p t i o n of her and M a c r o ' s p e r i o d o f captivity. F o r that S e m p r o n i u s was grateful. H e tried n o t t o let his i m a g i n a t i o n fill in the gaps in C a t o ' s a c c o u n t . T h a t was unbearably painful a n d c a u s e d h i m such g r i e f a s h e h a d not k n o w n since the death of his wife, the only other p e r s o n he had ever loved w i t h o u t qualification. At least J u l i a was alive a n d safe, S e m p r o n i u s c o m f o r t e d himself. S h e was w i t h C a t o i n his c a m p a t O l o u s . T h a t m a d e the orders h e had sent b a c k t o C a t o difficult t o write. B u t h e k n e w that h e m u s t authorise a pursuit of A j a x as swiftly as possible. T h e e m p e r o r w o u l d d e m a n d it. T h e r e f o r e C e n t u r i o n s M a c r o a n d C a t o w e r e t o p i c k u p Ajax's trail and capture or kill h i m a n d his followers. S e m p r o n i u s h a d r e v o k e d C a t o ' s t e m p o r a r y p r o m o t i o n to t r i b u n e n o w that the crisis was over a n d he h a d r e t u r n e d to his n o r m a l rank. T h e i r orders

362

i n f o r m e d M a c r o a n d C a t o that they w e r e to act w i t h the full authority o f the g o v e r n o r o f C r e t e i n this matter, a n d all R o m a n officials they

encountered were

charged to

e x t e n d t h e m every

possible aid. A j a x , a n d everything that he s t o o d for, was to be eliminated as ruthlessly a n d c o m p l e t e l y as possible, so that every p e r s o n in the e m p i r e k n e w the fate that awaited slaves w h o rose against their masters. T w o of the liburnians from Balbus's s q u a d r o n had b e e n c o m m a n d e e r e d , as well as t w o centuries of l e g i o n a r i e s . C e n t u r i o n Fulvius h a d already c o m p l a i n e d a n d w o u l d n o d o u b t try to stir things up b e t w e e n S e m p r o n i u s a n d the legate b a c k in E g y p t . T h a t was t o o b a d , reflected the senator. H e w o u l d always b e grateful to Petronius for his s u p p o r t , a n d s w o r e to Jupiter, B e s t a n d Greatest, that he w o u l d return the favour to his old friend o n e day. M e a n w h i l e , he m a d e straight for the headquarters tent and the r e u n i o n w i t h his daughter. After they h a d e m b r a c e d , he held her at arm's length, l o o k i n g for signs of injury, or a d e e p e r hurt in her eyes. Julia s m i l e d b a c k . ' I ' m all right, Father. Truly. Y o u don't have to l o o k at me like that.' H e held her close again, b e c a u s e h e did n o t trust h i m s e l f e n o u g h to c o n t a i n the tearful j o y that filled his heart. At length he eased h i m s e l f away from her. ' N o w then, w h e r e i s this y o u n g m a n o f yours?' ' H e ' s d o w n in the bay w i t h M a c r o , p r o v i s i o n i n g their ships.' Julia p a u s e d and l o o k e d earnestly a t her father. ' M u s t h e g o ? S o s o o n ? ' 'You k n o w he must,' S e m p r o n i u s replied firmly. 'It's his duty.' 'Duty.' J u l i a smiled sadly. 'Always duty. It's a curse, that's w h a t it is.' He n o d d e d sadly. 'It is always the curse of those w h o serve the e m p i r e w i t h distinction, m y dear. C o m e now, let's g o a n d find him.' T h e t w o liburnians lay b e y o n d the d a m a g e d grain ships, a n d as S e m p r o n i u s a n d J u l i a r o d e up towards the warships they c o u l d see that the m e n w e r e l o a d i n g the last of their stores. L e g i o n a r i e s , s t r i p p e d to their tunics, w e r e c a r r y i n g spare w e a p o n s , kit, rations and water a b o a r d up

the n a r r o w g a n g w a y s that stretched f r o m the

shallows t o the decks. M a c r o a n d C a t o w e r e standing o n the b e a c h c o n f e r r i n g as they c h e c k e d the entries of supplies on a large w a x e d tablet. As they n o t i c e d the a p p r o a c h of the g o v e r n o r a n d his escort, they t u r n e d to salute h i m .

363

S e m p r o n i u s d i s m o u n t e d a n d strode across t o t h e m . ' G o o d to see y o u again, M a c r o . I was afraid I'd be d e n i e d that pleasure.' Macro

was

thinner a n d

his

face

was

still p e e l i n g f r o m his

p r o l o n g e d e x p o s u r e t o the sun. H e s t e p p e d forward t o clasp the a r m that S e m p r o n i u s e x t e n d e d t o h i m . 'I don't die easy, sir. N e v e r have a n d never will.' ' D e l i g h t e d to hear it!' T h e y shared a smile, a n d then S e m p r o n i u s t u r n e d to C a t o . ' W o u l d y o u m i n d if I h a d a b r i e f w o r d w i t h M a c r o before I speak with you?' ' N o , sir,' C a t o replied w i t h a slight frown a n d t u r n e d towards Julia. ' Y o u can c o m e a n d sit w i t h me.' T h e y w a l k e d b e y o n d the final c o n s i g n m e n t o f stores piled h i g h e r up the b e a c h a n d sat d o w n on the sand. J u l i a l e a n e d her h e a d against C a t o ' s s h o u l d e r as he p l a c e d his a r m a r o u n d her. T h e y did n o t talk for a m o m e n t , t o o aware o f the i m m i n e n c e o f their separation. A t l e n g t h J u l i a m u t t e r e d , ' I t ' s n o t fair.' 'No.' ' H a v e y o u any i d e a h o w l o n g y o u will b e g o n e ? ' ' T h a t rather d e p e n d s on A j a x . B u t I shall c o m e a n d find y o u in R o m e the m o m e n t he is taken or killed. I swear it.' J u l i a n o d d e d b u t kept her silence, and C a t o k n e w that she was struggling n o t t o s h o w her feelings. E v e r y s o often h e glanced b a c k towards the senator a n d M a c r o , a n d saw that they w e r e l o c k e d in earnest conversation.

Sempronius

held M a c r o ' s a r m a n d s e e m e d t o

b e entreating h i m t o share a p o i n t o f view. A t f i r s t M a c r o s e e m e d reluctant, b u t then, as he l o o k e d briefly at C a t o a n d t h o u g h t a m o m e n t , h e c o n s e n t e d a n d they s h o o k o n it. ' C a t o ! ' S e m p r o n i u s w a v e d h i m over. H e and J u l i a s t o o d u p and strode b a c k d o w n the b e a c h t o rejoin the others. M a c r o s t o o d still w i t h a serious e x p r e s s i o n as S e m p r o n i u s regarded C a t o gravely. 'I have had to m a k e a difficult decision, C a t o , a n d o n e that y o u m i g h t find hard to live w i t h at first,' S e m p r o n i u s b e g a n . ' B u t it is my j u d g e m e n t that this m i s s i o n has the best c h a n c e of success w i t h y o u in command.'

364

' M e ? ' C a t o stared a t h i m a n d then l o o k e d t o M a c r o . 'Surely n o t ? ' 'That's w h a t he says,' M a c r o replied. ' A n d he's right. I a g r e e w i t h the senator.' ' W h y ? ' C a t o felt p a i n e d b y the situation. H e h a d always a s s u m e d that he was destined to be M a c r o ' s s u b o r d i n a t e in the years to c o m e . It s e e m e d the only natural way to b e . M a c r o had taught h i m everything a b o u t soldiering. It was

to

Macro's

experience

and

qualities as a soldier that C a t o l o o k e d w h e n he n e e d e d to set h i m s e l f a n e x a m p l e . H e t u r n e d b a c k t o S e m p r o n i u s . 'Sir, I a m h o n o u r e d , but I can't a c c e p t this. M a c r o is my superior.' ' H e is that, in m a n y things,' S e m p r o n i u s c o n c e d e d . ' B u t this task will require m o r e skills, m o r e c i r c u m s p e c t i o n than raw s o l d i e r i n g . T h a t is w h y I have c h o s e n you.' He r e a c h e d into the small b a g that h u n g f r o m his belt a n d d r e w o u t a scroll. ' T h i s is y o u r letter of a p p o i n t m e n t to the rank of prefect.' 'Prefect?' C a t o was astonished. T h e rank p a v e d the w a y for a p p o i n t m e n t t o the c o m m a n d o f a n auxiliary c o h o r t . 'It is subject to the emperor's approval, of course,' S e m p r o n i u s c o n t i n u e d . ' B u t I h o p e that I can p e r s u a d e C l a u d i u s to m a k e the p r o m o t i o n p e r m a n e n t . If a n y o n e deserves it, y o u d o . Congratulations.' T h e y clasped a r m s briefly, then M a c r o s t e p p e d forward. 'I'd like to offer my c o n g r a t u l a t i o n s too.' He gave a b r o k e n smile. 'Sir.' T h e w o r d cut t h r o u g h C a t o like a knife. It did n o t s e e m right. N o t natural. He forced a smile in return. ' T h a n k y o u . . . for e v e r y thing.' M a c r o n o d d e d , then j e r k e d his t h u m b at the furthest liburnian. ' M y lads are d o n e . I'll have the ship p u t into the water, if that's all right, sir?' 'Yes.' C a t o n o d d e d . ' W h a t e v e r y o u say' M a c r o s i g h e d , w a g g e d a finger, then t u r n e d a n d strode towards the g a n g w a y of his ship. 'He's a g o o d man,' S e m p r o n i u s said. 'You're l u c k y to have h i m as a friend.' 'I k n o w that, sir.' S e m p r o n i u s t u r n e d t o C a t o a n d was silent for a m o m e n t . ' D o y o u have any idea w h e r e that gladiator is h e a d e d ? ' 365

C a t o n o d d e d . ' O n c e h e p u t o u t t o sea, the ship was seen t o t u r n s o u t h , sir. Towards Africa.' 'I see.' S e m p r o n i u s cleared his throat a n d s t o o d b a c k . 'You have y o u r orders, Prefect. S e e they are carried out.' 'Yes, sir!' C a t o s t o o d t o attention a n d saluted. H e t u r n e d t o see that the last o f his stores h a d b e e n c a r r i e d a b o a r d . T h e r e w o u l d b e n o privacy for his final p a r t i n g w i t h Julia. He t o o k her hands, feeling the t r e m o r of her flesh against his as she did her best n o t to let any tears show. He l e a n e d forward a n d kissed her, letting his lips linger for an instant as they g r a z e d hers. Then he released her hands and m a d e his way up the g a n g w a y a n d gave the o r d e r to the trierarch to p u t to sea. As he s t o o d on the small aft d e c k , C a t o w a t c h e d the sailors, m a r i n e s a n d l e g i o n a r i e s c r o w d aft to raise the b o w s as the o a r s m e n u n s h i p p e d their oars. Then, as the flute player b e g a n to give the t i m e , the oars p r o p e l l e d the ship b a c k f r o m the b e a c h into d e e p e r water. O n c e they h a d sea r o o m , the trierarch dismissed the m a r i n e s a n d the sailors r e t u r n e d to their n o r m a l stations. The trierarch t u r n e d towards C a t o . 'Your orders, sir?' C a t o l o o k e d d o w n the d e c k , c o n s c i o u s that h e was b e i n g w a t c h e d closely by the m e n he was a b o u t to lead on as d a n g e r o u s a n d difficult a m i s s i o n as they w o u l d ever know. He cleared his throat. 'Pass the w o r d to the o t h e r ship that we are h e a d i n g o u t to sea. O n c e we leave the bay, we set c o u r s e for Africa.' 'Aye, sir.' As the trierarch c u p p e d his hands to his m o u t h to relay the order across the sea b e t w e e n the t w o vessels, C a t o t u r n e d towards the shore. T h e senator a n d his d a u g h t e r w e r e still standing w h e r e he had left t h e m , a n d S e m p r o n i u s raised his h a n d as he saw C a t o l o o k at h i m . C a t o , mindful o f his n e w rank and responsibility, simply saluted and then t u r n e d away. He swore a private o a t h at that m o m e n t to be w o r t h y o f the c o n f i d e n c e o f the senator, a n d m o r e i m p o r t a n t l y o f his friend M a c r o . H e also s w o r e that h e w o u l d n o t rest until the gladiator was d e a d and he c o u l d r e t u r n to Julia's side.

366

AUTHOR'S NOTE T h i s novel b e g a n life on a trip to C r e t e a few years b a c k . H a v i n g exhausted

the

obvious

list

of ancient

Greek

sites, I

took

the

o p p o r t u n i t y t o e x p l o r e the remains o f the R o m a n city o f G o r t y n a , destroyed by a great e a r t h q u a k e in the m i d d l e of the first century. O n l y a small p o r t i o n is c o n t a i n e d w i t h i n the official site at the foot of the acropolis. T h e rest is spread o u t across the fields on the o t h e r side of the m a i n road, a n d it is only by w a n d e r i n g t h r o u g h the olive groves

that

one

can

get a n

impression

o f j u s t h o w large

and

impressive a city the provincial capital was. As I strolled t h r o u g h the ruins it o c c u r r e d to me that the t i m i n g o f the e a r t h q u a k e c o i n c i d e d rather nicely w i t h M a c r o a n d C a t o r e t u r n i n g f r o m their adventures i n J u d a e a a n d Syria. W h a t i f they w e r e to b e c o m e e m b r o i l e d in the chaos that followed f r o m the earthquake? W h a t effects w o u l d s u c h an event have on a p r o v i n c e like C r e t e ? As I t h o u g h t t h r o u g h the possibilities I realised that o n e of the m a i n casualties of a natural disaster is social order. B e s i d e s the usual scrabbling for resources a n d b r e a k d o w n of law a n d o r d e r there was the q u e s t i o n o f h o w the slave p o p u l a t i o n o f the island w o u l d r e s p o n d to the o p p o r t u n i t y to e s c a p e from their c o n d i t i o n . So I c o n c e i v e d the idea of a slave rebellion. If the slaves w e r e g o i n g to get a n y w h e r e they w o u l d n e e d a charismatic leader - a w a r r i o r of s o m e k i n d . Naturally, this s u g g e s t e d a gladiator. B u t I w a n t e d a m a n w h o was driven t o hate R o m e i n general, and M a c r o a n d C a t o i n particular. It t o o k a few w e e k s b e f o r e I f o u n d my villain. As ever w h e n I get stuck on a p l o t p o i n t , I take the d o g for a walk r o u n d the remains o f the R o m a n t o w n o f Venta I c e n o r u m , a mile o r s o f r o m my h o m e . Halfway r o u n d the walls, I r e m e m b e r e d A j a x , a n d his anguish at the e x e c u t i o n of his father, a n d the dreadful fate that awaited h i m as he was c o n d e m n e d to slavery at the e n d of The Eagle's

367

Prophecy. N o w there was a m a n in w h o s e breast the dark flames of revenge w o u l d b e b u r n i n g very fiercely i n d e e d . T h e institution of slavery played a m a j o r role in the society a n d e c o n o m y o f the R o m a n E m p i r e , a n d the earlier r e p u b l i c . T h e massive expansion

of

Roman

power

across

the

Mediterranean

that

c o m m e n c e d i n the third c e n t u r y B C led t o the enslavement o f vast numbers

of men,

women

p o p u l a t i o n s . B y the

and

children

e n d o f the

century

from up

to

the

subjugated

a third o f the

p o p u l a t i o n o f Italy was m a d e u p o f slaves. M a n y w e r e h e r d e d o n t o the vast f a r m i n g estates that w e r e increasingly a feature of the rural landscape as the rich b o u g h t up the small farms that h a d fallen into neglect w h i l e their o w n e r s w e r e away for years at a t i m e on campaign. E x i s t e n c e u n d e r slavery was often oppressive. T h e vast m a j o r i t y o f slaves w e r e c o n d e m n e d to a life of l a b o u r u n d e r harsh c o n d i t i o n s a n d s u b j e c t e d to brutal discipline. T h i s was especially the case for those w h o w o r k e d in m i n e s , b u i l d i n g sites or in the fields - often c h a i n e d together. T h e r e w e r e t w o c a t e g o r i e s o f slaves: t h o s e o w n e d privately a n d those o w n e d b y the state. T h e latter t e n d e d t o b e the m o r e fortunate in that they w e r e less likely to be sold o n , a n d w e r e p e r m i t t e d limited p r o p e r t y - o w n i n g rights. Privately o w n e d slaves w e r e referred to as b e i n g part of the owner's 'familia'; if they served in the h o u s e h o l d they w e r e part of the 'familia u r b a n a ' , w h e r e a s if they w o r k e d in the fields they c a m e u n d e r the label 'familia rustica'. F o r all slaves, living c o n d i t i o n s

c o u l d be hellish. O n e wealthy

R o m a n , Publius Vedius Pollio, h a d a favourite party trick of t h r o w i n g slaves into a p o o l filled w i t h m a n - e a t i n g eels for the ' e n t e r t a i n m e n t ' of his guests. Clearly Pollio was s o m e t h i n g of a sadist. A m o r e representative e x a m p l e of a slave o w n e r is p r o v i d e d by the R o m a n historian Plutarch w h o describes a m a n w h o routinely flogged his slaves

for

every

small

failing

and

endeavoured

to

create

an

a t m o s p h e r e o f b r o o d i n g j e a l o u s y a n d mistrust a m o n g s t his slaves. It is hardly surprising then that f r o m the earliest days slaves resisted their enslavement w i t h petty acts of defiance, e s c a p e attempts (many o f w h i c h w e r e successful) a n d occasional uprisings, s o m e p o s i n g the gravest o f dangers t o R o m e , notably t h o s e that t o o k place i n Sicily and that led by Spartacus on the Italian peninsula. It w o u l d be

368

w r o n g , however, to a s s u m e that there was any universal sense of resistance w i t h i n the slave p o p u l a t i o n . A n y t e n d e n c y towards a k i n d o f class-consciousness was Firstly, the

slaves w e r e

u n d e r m i n e d b y a n u m b e r o f factors.

heterogeneous

in

terms

of o r i g i n s

and

l a n g u a g e , a factor that their masters played o n , e n s u r i n g that they were separated from their c o m p a t r i o t s as far as possible. Secondly, t h o s e w h o w e r e b o r n into slavery h a d n o m e m o r y o f b e i n g d e p r i v e d o f liberty, a n d n o h o m e l a n d t o w h i c h they c o u l d return. Thirdly, the institution

itself w a s

hierarchical

and

those

slaves

who

did

comparatively well for themselves s o u g h t to distance themselves f r o m other slaves, rather than acting as any k i n d of leadership cadre for the disaffected. As a c o n s e q u e n c e , m o s t uprisings w e r e isolated and a m o u n t e d to little m o r e than b r i g a n d a g e . If, however, an event o c c u r r e d that affected the general p o p u l a t i o n , then the c o n d i t i o n s w e r e r i p e for a m o r e a m b i t i o u s f o r m of rebellion. I r e a s o n e d that the e a r t h q u a k e in C r e t e w o u l d p r o v i d e exactly t h e right circumstances i n w h i c h such an u p r i s i n g c o u l d occur. W i t h a leader like A j a x , such a rebellion w o u l d p o s e a great threat to the e m p i r e by the e x a m p l e it gave to other slaves. T h e m e m o r y o f the great gladiator general S p a r t a c u s w o u l d b e r e k i n d l e d i n the hearts a n d m i n d s o f the slaves o f R o m e . Gladiatorial

combat

was

one

o f the

traditions

the

Romans

i n h e r i t e d f r o m the Etruscans. Originally, gladiators f o u g h t as part of a b l o o d sacrifice ritual at funerals, b u t in the frenzied political a t m o s p h e r e of the last years of the republic, a m b i t i o u s politicians b e g a n t o p u t o n displays o f gladiatorial c o m b a t t o w i n p o p u l a r s u p p o r t . It was the first e m p e r o r , A u g u s t u s , w h o c o m m e n c e d the practice of h o l d i n g gladiator fights for no o t h e r reason than as mass e n t e r t a i n m e n t for the R o m a n m o b . S u b s e q u e n t e m p e r o r s c o n t i n u e d i n the s a m e vein, s o m e offering spectacles i n w h i c h t h o u s a n d s o f fighters w e r e killed at a t i m e . Gladiators w e r e recruited f r o m the ranks of c a p t u r e d w a r r i o r s , c o n d e m n e d criminals a n d even a handful o f v o l u n t e e r s w h o aspired t o w i n f a m e and fortune i n the arena. Training was c o n d u c t e d in special gladiator schools w h e r e recruits u n d e r w e n t a harsh r e g i m e d e s i g n e d to build strength a n d agility before they w e r e trained in o n e of the specialised roles — in the case of A j a x , as a heavily a r m e d fighter. W h i l e s o m e gladiators w o n a h u g e

369

f o l l o w i n g a m o n g s t the fans o f the arena, m u c h like m o d e r n b o x e r s o r film stars, a n d m i g h t eventually w i n their f r e e d o m , m o s t w e r e fated to a c r i p p l i n g injury or death. U n d e r s u c h circumstances it is a gratifying irony that m e n like Spartacus were able to use their training against their f o r m e r masters w i t h such success. Finally, s o m e readers m a y w o n d e r w h y no reference is m a d e to the island n o w called S p i n a l o n g a . That's b e c a u s e the earliest historical m e n t i o n o f the island notes that i t o n c e f o r m e d the e n d o f the peninsula of K o l o k i t h a , a n d I have followed that d e s c r i p t i o n . Simon Scarrow

370

Gladiator

Gladiator

The Gladiator

Gladiator

Gladiator

Gladiator

Gladiator

Gladiator

The Gladiator

The Gladiator

-The Gladiator

Gladiator

Gladiator

Gladiator

Gladiator

The Gladiator

The Gladiator

The Gladiator

Time Gladiator

Der Gladiator

Spartacus: The Gladiator

The Gladiator and the Thief

Gloster Gladiator

Gloster Gladiator

Gloster Gladiator

Sovereign's Gladiator

Der Gladiator

Gloster Gladiator

Sovereign's Gladiator

Gloster Gladiator

-The Gladiator

Gladiator

Gladiator

The Gladiator

Gladiator

Gladiator

Gladiator

Gladiator

Gladiator

The Gladiator

The Gladiator

-The Gladiator

Gladiator

Gladiator

Gladiator

Gladiator

The Gladiator

The Gladiator

The Gladiator

Time Gladiator

Der Gladiator

Spartacus: The Gladiator

The Gladiator and the Thief

Gloster Gladiator

Gloster Gladiator

Gloster Gladiator

Sovereign's Gladiator

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