had been baiting him throughout the journey from the site of the battle. It was gratifying to watch the young man's jaw drop as he got his first glimpse of Camulodunum.

In spite of himself, the Decurion was amused. As much as these natives liked to pretend that they were civilised, it didn't take much to reveal them for the barbarians they were.

Not that he had anything against barbarians. As a Decurion in the Auxiliary, all his troops were barbarian in one shape or another. Mostly Gauls in this Alae, but there were exotics in the Army, too. He thought of the Syrian archers who seemed like they would never become acclimated to British weather. Excellent soldiers, though.

The Catuvellauni had set up their wagons and stalls outside the gates. The Belgae guard and his men provided protection for the wares, and now Addedomarus, Ariel, and Janutha followed his lead through the city streets as he slowly made his way through the crowds.

There was a decent inn not too far from here. He had stayed there, and it was a lively place. The ale hadn't been the best, but if you could settle for wine and good food, you could be certain that your stay would be pleasant. At least the sleeping rooms were clean.

Hopefully he wouldn't have to babysit these merchants. The Decurion knew that they planned to present themselves at the Hall of the Brehyrion, Gwalchmai, tomorrow. After that, he expected that the Trinovante leader would take over whatever arrangements needed to be made.