Maximus steeled himself before sliding down the dune, the sand running up over his sandles as he strode up to John.

For it was him, and Maximus could well remember him - one of the few to recognize the name of his Emperor, and beyond that, speak well of him. He had few enough friends, now, and had already attacked one, that he could not bring himself to attack another.

"You won't need to, John Watson," he said gruffly as he stepped up, making sure the fabric of his headdress wasn't in his face. "Though you'll find little shelter here."