The aide looked bored but answered: "Our last dispatch from him came from Carthago Nova. If you like, Ill send a "Courier's" message telling him you are riding to catch him up. Is that sufficient?"

Labienus twitched his lip in irritation at what he considered a very unprofessional and rude response. "Yes, it'll do…. for now." Labienus had come expect very little from the majority of cantubernalises and junior tribunes. Simply one more lazy overfed Roman who did his most basic of service before finding some excuse to return to Rome. No wonder Hirtius left him behind.

"Ok, goodbye then," said the cadet and turned and walked back into his office.

”Don’t get too comfortable. I’ll be back,” Labienus shouted to his back before turning and striding back out to the deserted barracks. A few hours would see him on his best horses on the way to Gades.