` He tossed me the polished stick he was leaning on , and went away . You might have knocked me down with it ! ' ` Who was he ? ' said Dan . ` Maximus himself , our great General ! The General of Britain who had been Theodosius 's right hand in the Pict War ! Not only had he given me my Centurion 's stick direct , but three steps in a good Legion as well ! A new man generally begins in the Tenth Cohort of his Legion , and works up . ' ` And were you pleased ? ' said Una . ` Very . I thought Maximus had chosen me for my good looks and fine style in marching , but , when I went home , the Pater told me he had served under Maximus in the great Pict War , and had asked him to befriend me . ' ' A child you were ! ' said Puck , from above . ' I was , ' said Parnesius . ` Do n't begrudge it me , Faun . Afterwards -- the Gods know I put aside the games ! ' And Puck nodded , brown chin on brown hand , his big eyes still . ` The night before I left we sacrificed to our ancestors -- the usual little Home Sacrifice -- but I never prayed so earnestly to all the Good Shades , and then I went with my Father by boat to Regnum , and across the chalk eastwards to Anderida yonder . ' ` Regnum ?
XXXXX ? '
Anderida Centurion Dan General Maximus Parnesius Pater Pict left right