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=== New Villa of the Familiae Flavi, Rome; Junius ===

Ramirus sat outside in his garden with his close friends Marcus Tullio and Valentinianus Umbonus. The three had been talking about the recent events and the fact that Ramirus hadn’t taken his position with the army as of yet.

“Well what can he do Umbonus? He can’t charge off and round some men up and march off, not with what we did out in the east.” Marcus Tullio said. “The emperor killed what I believe were the best 8,000 men in the whole army.”

Ramirus smiled uncomfortably at the truth, but Valentinianus had a more serious look on his face. “That’s done. I’m talking about now, right now- what are we going to do?”

“The emperor is making preparations,” Ramirus said. “...and now he’s thinking about going to Hispania to help out Tullius Fortunas Julianus.”

“That’s a bad idea Ramirus and you know it.” Valentinianus said as he took a sip of wine.

“What I know old friend is you’ve never set foot on a battle field, not once.” Ramirus quipped. “Not even when my father invited you. Unlike Marcus and I, who have seen more death than young men should. Going to aid in Hispania is sound… but just not the MOST sound decision.”

Marcus leaned in. “You see Umbonus, those boys have been holding on for too long without aid, sooner or later the Dacian’s will come across that border in force and wipe out the garrison and move into Greece. It’s only a matter of time before it happens. So the longer we take to send aid the more men we will lose in trying to retake the region.”

“Marcus has it exactly,” Ramirus looked at his son running back and forth in the garden. Vipsanius had just turned three and was growing fast.

“So we’re all in agreement then what we do?” Valentinius Umbonus toggled to the end.

Ramirus laughed. “Your lack of military knowledge is staggering.”

“I don’t like to be mocked Ramirus!” Valentinianus turned away upset.

Ramirus reached over and slapped his friend on the leg. “Come on, no harm. I’ve been working on an idea anyway.” He leaned back, shouting to Baldric who was sitting with a few of the other guards. “Go get Cassius, tell him I have a job for him.” Ramirus stood to stretch his back then called for the slaves to bring out some bread and olive oil. “Marcus, where’s that exquisite woman I’ve seen you running around with these last few days?”

“You mean Davinia?”

“You say that like you have any other women interested in you,” Valentinianus said as he chuckled

“Very funny Umbonus, I’m sorry the local whores don’t know my name like they know yours.”

“That’s fine young man as long as my wife doesn’t find out,” Valentinius laughed. “Then me and the local whores are perfectly content.”

Marcus laughed, looking back at Ramirus. “She went to Tarracina with your wife for a few days.”


“That means they’re spending our money!” Ramirus said as he turned to see his guard Cassius approaching.

“You called for me sir?”

Ramirus sat and looked at his old friend for a moment before speaking. “I need you to go north to Moesia. The emperor hasn’t made his mind up as to what he’s going to do yet but that doesn’t mean we should remain inactive. From my meetings with the emperor he doesn’t have all the information on the situation up there. I don’t know about him but I hate to walk into a situation that I can’t walk out of. Information is what gave us victories in the past, I see no reason it would fail us now.”

Ramirus stopped to take a sip of wine. “Take twenty men with you and sail for Byzantium. Meet with the commander up there, I believe his name is Fuvanius…Fuvanius Rufus Sabaco.”

“Are you sure he’s in Byzantium?” Cassius asked.

“No, but I understand that some of his men are there protecting the city. One of his men should be able to point you in the direction of his headquarters.”

“Ok, is it a letter you want me to deliver?”

“No this is a bit more personal…you remember how my father never sent a letter but always sent a man speaking for him? Well it’s your lucky day because that’s you.”

Cassius sighed. He hated the north and its some-timey weather. He much preferred the heat but he knew his duty and would carry out his mission no matter the area. “I understand. What do you want me to convey to the man?”


Valentinianus interjected. “Not what we want you to convey but what we want you to ascertain. We have no knowledge of the true situation there, if and when we do go as Ramirus has pointed out. The more informed we are the more successful we will be.”

“Most importantly we need to know the status of his men, the status of our allies if we have any left, and what the Dacians will throw at us.” Marcus said as he added his two cents

“Look at you Marcus, talking like you’re going off on another campaign. I thought you swore never to go into battle again?”

“Well I can’t let you have all the fun now can I.” The two smiled at each other. They had been friends since they were kids and one had never seen battle without the other.

“Do you get the point Cassius?” Ramirus asked. “Do you see where we’re leading?”

Cassius nodded in agreement. “I do, I understand fully what you need me to do. When do you want me to leave?”

“Pack your kit now, gather your men and move out. Oh one other thing I have a letter I wrote and was preparing to send to our friend Lucius Cassius Vitellius in Ephesus, but seeing as you’ll be in the region you can drop it off for me.”

Cassius nodded then walked back into the house to prepare his stuff for departure.

=== Palmyra; Nineteen Days Later ===

Severus Flavus sat with his guards awaiting the arrival of the former Praetorian Prefect. He had no desire to be this close to the fighting but his cousin Ramirus's letter was very clear. As Severus saw the general he stood and saluted out of respect, having served in the army himself

"Sillius Ramirus Flavus has sent a relative to visit me." Florianus stated looking at Severus Flavus. "You either have very good news or very bad news. Which is it young Severus?"

The young man shook his head. "Neither sir, I come with a proposition. My cousin wrote to me and asks that I extend our families friendship to you. Despite what some may say he can understand your past actions and...shares them." Severus leaned in a bit. "Rome is always changing, what is today may not be tomorrow. Exile here, for how ever lovely the East maybe, must be a great strain on you."

"The east is what you make of it." Florianus said with a slight chuckle. "But yes you are right the east is quite... tiresome. One can make a fortune here with a sword, but one must always hold a sword to keep it."

"I’ve lived out here for some time. Now I fully understand what your mean," Severus said with a smile. He missed Rome and all the luxury's found there. He paused for a moment; being a better soldier and business man then a diplomat, he collected his next thoughts. "Forgive me but let me speak plainly. My cousin is not a fool, he knows in order for him and our family to survive we must plan for the future. You and he together could accomplish a lot. I personally feel you have more in common politically then you might know." Severus tried but failed to read Florianus’s facial expressions.

"Indeed this is all very true," Florianus said. "But I will be honest with you Severus, I do not intend to stay here. Once this war with the Persians is over and eastern Soterism is safe again, I will be returning to the west. My soldiers are Hispanians, they belong in Hispania."

"Then that is good news! Returning to the west will allow the two of you to formally meet. My cousin did stress in his letter that he knows that any good friendship comes with certain…responsibilities, a price if you would. From the tone of his letter he is willing to support you in a great many things for your friendship."

"Well I know your cousin has a great interest in eastern trade and I'm more than happy to allow him to keep his monopoly out there. Right now I am merely attempting to keep the Persians east of the Euphrates." Florianus stated.

Severus smiled. "Well your deeds reached us here in the east. Everyone knows your quality on the battlefield; I cannot speak to any trade outside of what I directly control here in the east. I will write my cousin and express your willingness for friendship. If I know my cousin he will either send someone else or come himself to...discuss matters of the future."

Florianus pondered for a moment on the declaration of friendship. "Understood. Now can I ask you of news in Rome? What is happening in Italia? I've heard nothing of Emperor Julius Vitellius."

"If you have heard nothing that is more than most in Italia have heard,” Severus joked.

"Ah well." Florianus mused. "Destiny is the mother of a whore. One never knows who she will favor, especially when it comes to the appointments of emperors."

"The emperor is rarely seen from what I understand. He does his business in the senate then retreats back to the palace. As you know once rumors start to spread something is wrong. But these are only reports; if you like while you are here I will keep you abreast of whatever changes in Rome, as I hear of it."

"Good, thank you." Florianus said. "I do not know how long I will stay in Palmyra, Marcus Annius Sabaco was defeated in Galatia, and I am still waiting for a reply from the Persians. But until then I am happy to receive new from you and your visits."

"Yes I heard of his defeat as well. Beaten badly from what I hear. I’ve also heard no news of legions being sent to relieve the troops on the Moesian boarder either. I dare not assume what the emperor has planned."

"Sabaco is a good general. But without support from Rome he was always going to struggle up in those mountains." Florianus commented in thought. "Moesia, well we never should have lost that region... Hadrianus sacrificed it to stomp the Sarii Agripa. I'm glad to hear he died in Gaul."

Severus chuckled. "For as many legions as he sent against us out here I’m not sad to see him go either. You did my family a favor with Raeus, Ramirus was very pleased to hear of his death."

"Raeus was my friend.” Florianus said sharply. “I didn't want to see him dead, but he just kept coming at me, driving deeper and deeper into Hispania. He doomed himself and his army. Needless deaths, his stubbornness and unwillingness to negotiate led to the empire fracturing as badly as it did."

"Whatever the situation there was, a blood feud with my family and Raeus was at the heart of it. He was your friend so I will not disrespect his memory." Severus knew better than to take the conversation any further. The deed had been done; there was no need to rub the fact in.

Florianus nodded. "Yes thank you."

Severus said his piece, saluted in the normal Roman fashion and then retired. He felt for an introduction much had been accomplished, and he had much to write his cousin.


=== Triana, Thracia; The Same Time ===

The soldier that guarded the door knocked and poked his head in.“Sir, a message for you.”


Rufus snapped to attention. He had dozed off while sitting at his desk looking over the map. There wasn’t a way, he had calculated, to mount any kind of significant operation in Moesia with the small amount of forces available to him. Besides that may just anger the Dacians and bring them crashing full strength into Thracia. And if they did that he would not stand a chance. There was no other choice but to wait for reinforcements. He nodded to the soldier, “Send him in.”


The messenger entered and saluted, and then continued. “Message from your brother.” Rufus had asked his brother, now in Rome, to find out about any reinforcements coming to Moesia. From within his pocket, the messenger withdrew a letter with the family’s seal. The letter was placed on the desk and Rufus intently read it.

My dear brother,

I hope thing are going better over there. However, the news I have will not be of your liking. From what I could gather there is an army being readied to move to Moesia. However, it seems the Freigoth uprising may change the priorities here, and so you may receive reinforcements later than anticipated. In regards to the legion you inquired me, I have learned through traders that they have turned back and headed into Spain, no doubt to face the Freigoths. But be hopeful my brother. Things will turn out well, you'll see.

Sincerely,

Fuvanius Claudius Sabaco

Rufus felt the anger rising up in him. Again, the army of Moesia was being forgotten. But there wasn’t much time to think about it, he was late. Standing up he thanked the Roman and quickly told him to trade in his old horse for a new one in the stable. He was late so he hurriedly left the messenger and went across the plaza to the meeting room.


The room smelled like sweat and steel. Of course, there was a gathering of Moesian tribesmen and provincials. The meeting was unexpected as only an hour ago Rufus was told of a delegation coming to see him.


“Who is assembled here?” Rufus asked Appius Vedius as he sat on his chair.


Appius positioned a scroll forward and backwards with his eyes bulging. “Sorry if I pronounce any name wrong.” Appius proceed to introduce several Moesian tribe leaders, who had come to Thracia as refugees and others who were still in Southern Moesia. But the most important of those was the brother of the high chief of the Solymbrians, the main ally of Rufus.


Rufus spoke up, anxious to get this over with so he could go back to planning. “Why are you here?”


The Solymbrian spoke, “Great ally, we come to bring you our concerns. We are growing tired of this war with Dacia. Many of our men have died, and we have gained very little from it. Do not mistake this for fear. We fear no one!” Several other men grunted their agreement. “But we cannot continue waiting for this fabled Roman attack. We demand to know where are those reinforcements you promised would come. And when will your ‘grand’ attack come?”


“At this very moment, an army is being assembled in other parts of the empire to retake Moesia. Rest assured Moesia will be back in our hands soon, and you will all be rewarded for your loyalty.”


Again, the Solymbrian replied, “We do not mean to be disrespectful. You have always dealt with us honestly, and that is the reason we are here today. But my Brother is starting to question the motivation of your emperor in retaking Moesia. We want proof that this army indeed exists.”

“I would expect my word would be sufficient to you.” Rufus said with a cold voice. “When have I failed my promises to you? Have you not all thrived under Roman rule in Moesia?”

“As I have said, if we did not trust you we would not be here. But this situation cannot go on indefinitely!”

“I have had contact with Rome, and the army is being readied. Some complications have arisen. But rest assured soon they will be here,” Rufus’s speech was has much to calm their fears, as to calm himself.

“Very well! I hope for your sake that this really is the truth. If it is not I'm not sure if can continue to count on us... We do have another request. We plan to attack the main settlement of the vile Succi tribes in the north east we would like that the Romans would help us. That would go a long way to increasing our trust in you.”

Rufus nodded. “We will glad to lend you support. I'll personally lead 1500 of our soldiers.” Appius looked in disbelief to his commander. Where was going to get those soldiers?

“Well then… is there anymore requirement of me?” Rufus looked around the room hoping that none would speak.


“That number of soldiers is not enough. The Dacians have more 2000 soldiers in Marciopolis, and they will intervene!” stated one of the tribal leaders.


Rufus snorted, “Numerical superiority doesn’t determine the winner.”


The chiefs accepted the answer and filed out to leave. Rufus gave Appius a knowing nod and took the back way out. Appius followed him, “What was that about? We don't have enough men to defend the border, were will you get 1500 soldier without opening an enormous hole in our lines?”


The only reply was, “You'll see.”


Rufus headed for the courtyard where Titus, the first tribune of X Herculia and some of his men were training. Titus was hurling javelins when Rufus arrived. The last javelin flew in the air and landed farthest out of all the current javelins that littered the yard. His companions oohed and aahed at his skill.


Rufus beckoned him, “Titus come here.”


He came and wiped his sweat off his face on his white tunic while holding another javelin in his hands.


“There has been a change in plans. I am leaving to Byzantium, to reorganize the defenses. After that I will be going to Moesia to meet with the Solymbrians. You will stay here and write to every outpost on the border to be on their toes. Meanwhile you will be preparing the defense of Triana.”


Titus was confused, “For what? Are the Dacians coming?”


Grabbing his javelin, Rufus took a step back and then threw it. The javelin flew straight and true, landing a foot in front of Titus’s. “No, but I will be paying a visit to them.” With that, Rufus walked away with a smile on his face. There were chores that needed to be done.


Standing there with his mouth wide open, Titus was gasping; no one knew whether it was about the javelin or the shock of what he had heard.


Rufus spent the next two weeks in Byzantium reorganizing its defense, insuring that when he left, if it came under attack, it would hold.



=== Rome, The Same Time ===


The German guard walked into the atrium approaching Ramirus as he sat playing with his young sons. "Sir there is some one here to see you."


"I left orders I didn’t want to be disturbed, tell him to come back tomorrow." Ramirus said as he tickled his sons on the floor.


The German paused for a second and moved a little closer. "Sir he says he comes on behalf of Romulus Tiberius Maxus."


Ramirus stopped almost in shock. "Send him in!" Ramirus stood, handing his two children to the house slaves and awaited as the guard returned with the man.


Quintus Elvorix followed the guard inside the atrium and examined the man he saw standing before him. As First Tribune of IV Fortis he had heard a great deal about the man during his time in the East, but he had never seen him this close before, let alone spoken to him. He saluted smartly and without preamble he held out the scroll that Tiberius Maxus had given him. "Tiberius Maxus sends you his greetings, sir, and told me to give you this." He explained, indicating the message.


Quintus did not know the exact wording but he thought he knew enough about his General to take a guess. Probably something along the lines of greeting an old friend and asking after his health. He also would have asked Ramirus to take Quintus under his wing while he was in Rome… If he was lucky.


Ramirus returned salute and accepted the letter breaking the seal to read it contents. As his eyes moved from line to line a smile came across his face. "Good ol’ Maxus," he said under his breath.


Ramirus closed the scroll and looked the man over. "Your general is a good man. His presence is sorely missed." He turned, nodding at a slave who immediately poured a cup of wine then handed it to Quintus.


"Maxus speaks highly of you in this letter; he remarks that you have other talents besides drilling men. Talents that could aid him in ways besides on the battle field. Is this true?"


Quintus nodded, he agreed with Ramirus, the General was a good man even if he was about expressive as a stone. "I might. He seems to be of the opinion that I would make a good politician."


"Yes I see he is, well I’ll tell you this he is a shrewd judge of character. If he believes in you then I will too. I'll support you and lobby to get you into the senate. But when you’re there I want you to work for Maxus's interests alone. You will have the support of myself and my allies- I owe Maxus that much. Now tell me how is he holding up down there?"


Quintus felt a rush of excitement; he might soon be a Senator! At the same time though, he felt a twinge of sadness. This would mean the end of his military career, for now at least. Still, if Maxus would gain an advantage from this, he would do it. "Thank you sir, I know the general would greatly appreciate your help. He also told me to help you where I could and I shall do my best. As for how he is, I am not sure." It pained him to say that but it was true. "The last I heard Mogador had rebelled and soldiers were falling back to Septem. As I was leaving, Maxus was preparing to sail for Hispania.”


“He hates sailing,” Ramirus remarked before lowering his head; war was a bloody business he felt sorry that he had spent the last year in comfort around those that loved him while his friend manned the walls of an African city. He wanted to stomp his feet and call up legions ready for battle to go to Maxus's aid just like Maxus's had aided him when he had two arrows lodged in his body.


But there were no legions this time, no obvious way to aid him. "I’m troubled by that news. Knowing him he'll defend his post to the last. Tomorrow I'll go before the senate and advise them of the situation down there. You by my side will lend weight to my argument."


=== Ephesus, Pergamum; Sextilis ===

Proconsular Lucius Cassius Vitellius stood in the massive citadel overlooking Ephesus, talking with his neice Melanthe, Princess of the Attalid dynasty by virtue to her marriage to the late Attalus III Eumenes grandson. The transition from solid kingdom to Roman province had gone smoothly, largely with the help of Melanthe and her husband. Cassius was interrupted by a servant of Melanthe’s father inlaw, who when in reach handed out a letter for Cassius. “Proconsul, it arrived for you just now. The messenger said he was on his way to Byzantium. I supplied a generous gratuity, as you instructed.”

“Thank you Aleks,” Cassius took the sealed note. It was marked by the crest of Sillius Flavus, which meant the letter was from Ramirus. Cassius sighed a little, expecting some sort of trouble. Aleks disappeared quickly, and Melanthe watched on with interest. Cassius unstuck the seal and began to read out loud:

“Ave Cassius,

I hope your duties in Greece find you well. Forgive me for I must dispense with the
Pleasantries and come straight to the point. Rome is on the brink, the people are unhappy, the senate is unhappy and I can only imagen the mood of the army. The emperor is a figment of our imagination. The people see his absance and wonder who sits on the throne. His only actions limited a they may be is in the senate. He hasn’t visted his troops, by the gods he hasnt visted anyone. He swore to me that six legions would be going north to reinforce Moesia. To date no troops have been sent and more so I hear he is planning to send troops to spain. There are 30,000 troops already there way to defend spain, why is he sending troops there?


These are the same actions undertaken by the last emperor and we both know the consequence of Raeus's lack of attention. Julius is leading us into another civil war, the clouds are gathering, something must be done before it is to late. I speak for myself and for sev...”


Cassius trailed off to finish the letter to himself, and then said aloud the signature:


“S. Ramirus Flavus.”



Melanthe ‘hmm’d’, and said before her great-Uncle could speak, “Grandfather would have written you directly if he knew anything. Perhaps you should return to the city and see what the problem is... I know well how the Flavii claim others are upset, and then lead the pack themselves.”


“Aye, don’t let your father-in-law see your wisdom,” Cassius smirked, and patted his grand-niece on the shoulder. “I’m going to reply straightaway, so i’ll see you later. I wont head for Rome before seeing everyone for a goodbye.”


Cassius returned to his quarters in the citadel and quickly went to writing back to Ramirus. He was worried, not so much that Ramirus would get himself into trouble, but that Ramirus would get himself into trouble that would suck the newly-reunited empire into another bout of unrest. His quill made quick work of his thoughts:


"Ramirus,


Your words remind me of your father; Your father suffered the life of a rebel. You are smarter than he, and our differences aside I do not wish to see you take the same route as he. I hear your words, and have heard from other's in Rome on the matter as well. I plan to return to Rome and press the issue with the Emperor at my earliest convenience. My support for a change of Emperor has been given to those with the influence and respect to bring the issue to Aelianus Julius Vitellius without causing rifts- I urge you to leave the problem to those who can make the transition seamless. If you have influence within legions, I suggest using it to keep them placated.


Julius is a respected Emperor, having done much in his life for Rome- twice saving the city from assaults in the past decade. He has earned the cognomen 'Reconcilius', and we must respect his accomplishments. Many hope he will see the wisdom in abdicating for a more dynamic man, but these same many will be happy if he just changes his ways.


Rome cannot afford another civil war. Let anything that must be done be seen through without force. I'll inform you when I am in the city.

Cassius."



=== Byzantium; A Few Days Later ===

Cassius watched from the side of the ship as it was moored to the pier. He looked off into the distance at the wonderful city of Byzantium. He had never been there before. The furthest he had come was Athens and that was many, many years ago. The gangplank was placed by the side of the ship and Cassius always out in front ran down the plank and waited for his men to follow.

He counted out five men and ordered the rest to remain there to guard the ship. He had no idea if the Moesian commander was even here, he could hope because he dreaded the idea of having to ride into the interior looking for his head quarters. He questioned the first sentry he saw and by the gates. General Sabaco was there doing a review of what little troops he had.

Cassius wasted no time in finding his way to the general. The Soldier knocked in the door of Fuvanius Rufus Sabaco, before entering. "Sir, there are some men here to see you." Rufus raised his head from the scroll he was looking at. "Who are they?"

"They say they come from Sillius Ramirus Flavus, sir," Rufus looked puzzled at the man. "Send them in!"

Cassius stepped in alone as his men stood at attention in the hall. Cassius approached the desk and in the proper roman fashion saluted the general.

"Sir I come at the request of Sillius Ramirus Flavus. He bids you greetings and congratulates you on your work here so far."

Rufus scoffed. "There is not much to congratulate. If we still hold the border its due more to the Dacians will than our efforts." Rufus signaled the man to sit in the chair in front of him.

"So, what does Flavus want from me" Rufus signaled his aide to serve them wine.

Cassius grasped the cup and took a sip. "Thank you, as per the orders of the emperor my general was supposed to come aid you. From what I understand at the head of six legions but the emperor has... put off the march for the moment. That hasn’t stopped my general from seeking aid for you and your cause but he would like an understanding of the situation here so he can better lobby for support."

Rufus eyes flared up. "We have been waiting for the emperor to send us reinforcements for too long. Me and my soldiers have been left to defend this border alone against the whole of the Dacian army." Rufus rose from his chair picked, up a map and opened it on the table. "This," he pointed to a large dot on the border of Moesia. "Is our HQ. The old fortress is Triana. It's old and run down, and won’t hold a chicken out. However it is our best fort. We defend this whole area," he drew a line with his finger along the southern Moesian border. "For this task I have Legio X Herculea, Cohors II Asturiani, I Moesica, I Solymbria and II Rhaetorum graves peditata."

Rufus looked at Cassius and continued. "We have the aid of the southern Moesian tribes, especially the solymbrians our faithful allies. They have acted more or less has a buffer between us and the Dacians. We estimate the force of the Dacians to 4 times bigger than our army."

Cassius face looked grim as he was relayed the news. "The Solymbrians, what size is their force? Can they go into open battle or are they just able to raid here and there?"

Rufus nodded his head negatively. "Both we and the Solymbrians limit ourselves to raids, mostly against the northern Moesian tribes that have sided with Dacia" Rufus Sighed. "I believe the Solymbrins can throw something between 15 to 20 thousand men, but they are used to doing small raiding actions, so probably would not be of much use in an open field battle with the Dacians.”

Cassius looked back at the map seeing to the west was the mountain region and to the east were plains. "I know this may be a hard question to answer but do you know the location of the Dacian army? Are they more in the west or here," Cassius pointed to plains which he knew to be grasslands. "In the east? Raiding is fine but against these odds we need a large force. I’m not sure six legions will due."

Rufus smiled. "A proper Roman army is more than a match for the Dacian forces." Rufus pointed to the coastal cities. "This is where most forces are. This is of course the richest area." Rufus looked at Cassius. "If we do not disperse our forces and beat the Dacians piecemeal we can easily throw them back."

He now pointed to Ballanstras. "This city was my former HQ. It controls the entrance that runs North West towards the Danube. If we take it we can easily control the west. In the east we should force them to take refuge in the coastal fortresses and then simply siege them out. Of course we would need a navy for that."

"I’m sure we can get the support of the navy but for right now i think we should get you aid on make that fort suitable, I’m sure my commander will agree." Cassius looked up for a moment taking a sip of gulp of wine. "What’s the moral of your men?"

Rufus turned his back to Cassius. "As you would imagine, the lack of support by Rome has taken its toll. Most soldiers think that we have been forsaken. If we do not act soon, things may get worse. Our allies also are concerned with our lack of forces," he turned to face Cassius. "But nothing a few wins won’t take care of."

Cassius smiled. "Everyone loves a winner; my commander will do all he can. He has a lot of support in the senate and will use it all to get you whatever you need. Perhaps a letter from you addressed to the senate will lend weight to his words. Nothing like the pleas of the commander in the area to properly show what’s going on out here."

Rufus sat back, and took a large swig at his wine. “Yes. I think so too. I'll write something for you to take back. I'll have it ready for you tomorrow. How far from here is Ramirus’ legions?"

Cassius paused for a moment upset that he even had to speak the next words. "They sit in camp; the emperor has given them no orders to move as of yet. Then there are the rumors..."

"Rumors?! What rumors?" Rufus was visibly interested.

Cassius grinded his teeth together, he was upset himself and was at the point where he could pull his sword out and charge across the border alone. "The rumors that he may send my general and the six legions assembling south to... Hispania to quell the Goths there."

Rufus clenched his fist. "How...does he simply wish to forsake these men that have fought in this piece of shit land for the glory of Rome?" he blurted in rage.

"Sir I understand your frustrations but I must ask, as my general would ask if he was here that you be patient just bit longer. I promise to return with supplies and labor to sure up that fort and word from my general. But now you have given me a lot of information that I must make him aware of."

Rufus forced a laugh. "Patience... Patience... Do you know how long I have seen my men humiliated sitting in this shit country, always threatened to be totally overrun. I AM TIRED of being patient!"

"And you have friends in Rome that are tired of no action being taken to support you. Believe me Sir you have many friends many more then you know of and my commander is among them. Hold sir hold help is on the way."

Rufus directed a tired look at Cassius. "Very well. I hope your commander will succeed in opening the emperor’s eyes. The Army of Moesia will hold, has always."

Cassius bowed then stood and saluted. "Men men will remain in port until you complete the letter. I hope it will be by dawn so we can set sail in the morning for Rome. We have little time to spare."

Rufus rose from his chair. "Titus!" The soldier outside entered the room. "Find some lodgings and food our guests." He then turned to Cassius. "Rest assured the letter will be done soon. I wish you luck on your mission," Rufus returned the salute. "Give my regards to General Flavus."

Written By: Sillius Ramirus Flavus, Carus Florianus Julianus, Fuvanius Rufus Sabaco, Romulus Tiberius Maxus with a smidgen by Ferus Juventas
Edited By: Ferus Juventas
137 AD

Makes me want to charge over there myself! Well written

Ramirus is quite the busy bee.

he trys to be. but on the real hats off to you guys this was some good work all around i enjoyed it. it felt like RL days gone by when charaters teamed up to write sce. so ill take no credit for any of this i want all the credit to land with you guys!