It was Claudius’ eyes, however, that unnerved Lucius. They were bright and cold as ice. He had seen Libyan vipers that were more trustworthy than the Patrician officer before him.
“The Selgovae don’t look so tough to me,” said the returning centurion to Claudius.
“No, Centurion. They don’t. I wonder that they gave our new Votadini allies so much trouble.” The two men and Crato laughed, as did some of the legionaries.
Lucius could see Coilus swallowing his pride at the Roman’s insults. He also kept close to Afallach.
Just as the tribune began to grumble at how long it was taking, the last of the Selgovae filed past them. The jingle of chains and curses could be heard from the group of legionaries who were preparing the prisoners for the march south.
Then, all eyes turned toward the gat
