Tarquinius gave them a quick glance. 'Mixture of Indians, Greeks and Parthians. Enough protection against most bandits.'
'Half a century would take them out,' said Romulus.
'There'll be no need,' smiled Brennus. 'Look at them.'
The caravan came to a halt a short distance away and the dust began to settle. Camels roared loudly, glad of a rest.
It was obvious that the newcomers were nervous. Hands gripped weapons tightly, feet stamped on hot sand. Dark eyes shifted uneasily in sweaty faces. There was nothing the traders could do when faced with such overwhelming force. The plain was flat for miles on end.
'I suppose we 're not a common sight,' observed Romulus wryly.
Everyone laughed. Ten thousand legionaries in the middle of Parthia would seem bizarre to other travellers.
Eventually a short man in a grimy white robe began to approach them, his hands held high in a gesture of peace. Three guards followed with dragging feet. Halfway over to the legions, the figure stopped, waiting for a response.
Pacorus glanced at Tarquinius. 'Squad of ten men!' he barked. 'Form up and follow me!'
The Etruscan saluted crisply and led Brennus, Romulus, Felix and seven others to stand in line behind the Parthian. With the legionaries marching to his rear, Pacorus walked his horse slowly across the sand and halted twenty paces from the other party. Tarquinius shouted an order and the files re-formed, facing forwards, scuta at the ready.
The old man in the dirty robe leaned on a well-worn staff, surveying the approaching soldiers. Straggling white hair framed a shrewd face with a large hooked nose. His skin was a deep nut brown, the result of years in the sun. He seemed visibly relieved to find a Parthian in charge.
'Who are you?' demanded Pacorus. 'And where are you bound?'
'My name is Isaac,' replied the stranger swiftly. 'I am a merchant travelling to Syria via Seleucia.' He paused for a moment before daring to ask. 'Who might you be, Excellency?'
Pacorus chuckled. 'An officer of King Orodes' army.' He turned in the saddle, gesturing at the massed cohorts. 'And here are his latest recruits.'
Isaac's mouth opened and closed. 'They look like legionaries.'
'Old eyes do not deceive,' said Pacorus. 'Some months ago, we crushed a huge Roman army west of the capital. These are the survivors. The Forgotten Legion.'
The trader concealed his shock at the news of such an invasion. 'Good news indeed,' he smoothly replied. 'So it is safe to continue our journey?'
'Of course.' Pacorus bowed his head. 'After you have shared my hospitality. The king would wish it, I am sure.'
Isaac smiled, revealing decaying teeth. Not all Parthians could be trusted, but the offer had left no room for refusal.
'A day of rest would be welcome,' the Judaean said, turning and crying out in a high-pitched voice at the men by the camels.
Despite the fact that it was only midday, Pacorus called for camp to be built. Most soldiers complained bitterly about having to dig much earlier than normal. It was extremely hard labour to construct a rampart and ditch under the sun's full heat, but those in Romulus' cohort said little. They could tell the haruspex was plotting something.
A few hundred paces away, the camels had been tethered to pegs in the ground. Angry brays filled the air as they demanded food. Unfamiliar with the bizarre-looking creatures, the Romans stared with fascination. The camels' protuberant eyes, long lashes and wide lips gave an impression of real intelligence, but the humped animals also had vicious tempers, kicking and spitting at anyone who came too close.
Guards and traders had worked together to set up large roomy tents. Stacks of goods were carried inside the biggest. Making the most of the situation, Isaac was setting up full camp as well.
Romulus could hardly contain his excitement. Since Seleucia there had been little of interest apart from weapons training and Tarquinius' continuous lessons and the inquisitive young soldier was frequently bored. The long days of marching were tedious. The desert had been replaced by mountains, and yet more sandy wasteland had soon followed. There was almost no daily variation. The possibility of hearing stories from further east and seeing exotic goods was intoxicating.
Hours passed and the temporary earthworks went up as they had so many times before. Tents were pitched and the tired soldiers threw themselves inside, desperate for shade. A few drops of water washed dust from dry throats. It had been a hard lesson, but everyone knew how to conserve liquid as if it was gold. Every man in the Forgotten Legion now knew Tarquinius' trick of sucking on pebbles.
Pacorus waited until early evening before inviting the Judaean to his spacious pavilion. The baking heat had begun to subside as the sun fell in the sky and a faint breeze sprang up. The commander supplemented his Parthian guards with the ten legionaries, while a further century waited nearby, a show of force designed to intimidate.
The two groups of sentries stared at each other with thinly veiled suspicion. Until they had fought against a common enemy, little would change. Too much blood had been shed on both sides.
Soon afterwards Tarquinius was ordered inside while Brennus and Romulus stood close to the tent wall, trying to hear what might be said. To his frustration, Pacorus and the haruspex talked in muted voices.
'How is he going to do it?' muttered Felix.
Romulus had also been racking his brains to work it out.
'Trust him.' Since Seleucia, nothing could shake Brennus' convictions.
The short Gaul grumbled and fell silent while Romulus craned his head, still trying to hear snippets of the conversation.
They waited for some time, swatting at flies and glaring at the nearby Parthians.
'Here he is!'
The merchant was approaching, followed by three companions, while a solitary guard took up the rear. Reaching the entrance, Isaac spoke briefly with the Parthian sentries before entering with his party.
Pacorus bowed graciously as the Judaean came inside. 'Parthia welcomes honest traders.'
'My thanks, Excellency.' Isaac responded more slowly. He was here under duress, but had to keep up the pretence.
Servants moved forward, offering wine, fruits and meat. The old man drained two cups without pause, then polished off a small plate of food. Chewing on a piece of lamb, he peered at Tarquinius curiously.
The Etruscan pointedly ignored him.
'How long has your journey taken?' Pacorus asked when it seemed his guest had eaten plenty.
'In total?' The Judaean cackled. 'Two years so far, Excellency. India. Scythia. Margiana.'
'Your camels are heavily laden.'
'It has been a good trip,' admitted Isaac grudgingly. 'And it might make a small profit. If I return safe to Damascus.'
'What are you carrying?' Tarquinius spoke for the first time.
The merchant frowned at the question. Unsure of the blond soldier's status, Isaac raised an eyebrow at Pacorus, who nodded.
'Myrrh, olibanum and silk. Some ivory and indigo.' These goods commanded huge prices in Rome, but Isaac made them sound utterly worthless.
'Anything else?'
Isaac's face took on a hunted look.
'Well?' Pacorus' voice was less friendly now. 'All goods must be declared to royal officials.'