Ursus looked thoughtfully at the Gaelic woman. He didn't believe for one minute his old friend's claim these women were his slaves. So, what was his real goal? Obvious it was to the old soldier that Amletus sought to bring the Pict woman back to her people. Just as obvious, he couldn't allow that. What was the Gael's purpose? Bodyguard for the Pict? Guide? Amletus' love? Ursus shook his head. He owed Amletus his life, but Rome was his mistress, and she could be a harsh mistress, at times.. He could free his friend with but a word. Send him on his way. Indeed, he could even let the Gael go with him. But his duty was clear. The Pict had to remain. It was the only way, the only advantage Rome had, to bring the Picts under control, or, at the least, to halt their raids. Maybe. He had his doubts about that, too.

Ursus turned his back to Valeria, facing Amletus. His face was unreadable as he stood there a moment. Would the Gael grab for a weapon? The woman was a warrior. She might be able to kill him, with the help of her companions. But what of the hundreds of other soldiers waiting just outside? She would die, as would Amletus, in all probability. The princess, too. The soldiers would not be so discriminating with their commander dead. Ursus saw Amletus give a slight shake to his head. Valeria straightened herself when the Roman turned to face her, his voice a contemplative growl.

“No, my friend, this one is not a slave, either. So what to do?”

Ursus moved behind the table and sat down. Ursus gazed at his three prisoners.

“Amletus, I'm afraid I can't let either of your companions go free. Since you tried to gain their freedom with a lie, I must also assume you are aiding them.”

The three stood in stoic silence, waiting for their fate to be announced.

“You will be taken to Eboracum, under escort. You will be treated well, and allowed to travel unbound. However, don't try to escape. You will be under heavy escort all the way.”

With those words, the Dux called for the tribune Valerius. Meanwhile, he would continue his inspection of the wall before returning to Eboracum. For the moment, the border was quiet, aside from some minor nuisance raids. He wanted to see for himself and to assess the abilities of the troops and officers under his command. It was his way to familiarize himself with the land and the troops.