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=== Siscia, Illyria; Early Octobris 137 AD ===

A large training camp had been set up on the foothill of the mountains, just a few miles east of the settlement of Siscia. The whole lay-out of the camp had been done as per instructions of Fuvanius Rufus Sabaco. Ever since receiving orders to raise two legions, he quickly had committed himself to this task, while planning for the campaign he had waited for so long. Since his duties and the preparation of the coming campaign prevented him from devoting his full attention to development of this two legions, Rufus appointed Legate Mercius Severus as leader of the training camp. Severus was the oldest veteran of the Moesian army still there, so his vast experience was what this new legions would need to be ready in time to take part of the Moesian campaign.

When the first recruits began to be drafted, Rufus brought with him five hundred Moesian provincials to train exclusively has auxiliary archers. They were volunteers, and Rufus was of the opinion that was never too many good archers. When it came to assaulting the Dacians, archers would be almost more important than cavalry.

When Rufus arrived in the last days Septembris, his mood was quite different from the previous months. Now that Lucius Tacitus Vitellius was in power, finally things were improving. New legions were being raised and reinforcements under Tullius Fortunas Julianus and Sillius Ramirus Flavus were headed for Moesia. In spring he would be taking Moesia back. So it was with a wide smile that he met with Mercius Severus.

“Mercius, my friend!” Rufus clasped his friend’s wrist in the customary legionary greeting.“ How goes our new boys?”

“Well,” Mercius and Rufus began walking towards the training area “The lads can become good, I think, but they will need some hard work.”

Rufus looked on has several young men did exercises with a wooden shield and gladius. Other’s were training in other ways. “I'm sure under your guidance we will have two wonderful legions.” He turned back to his friend. “And after the action they will see in Moesia, they will become top notch veteran legions!”

“And how are the preparations for the campaign?” Mercius asked, serious. He remembered how Moesia was taken by Divus Pompeius and the current Emperor’s father, Quinus Lucius Vitellius over forty years ago.

“Good, good!” Rufus confirmed, happily. “We are ready to receive the new legions, and I believe that we can try a little stunt even before the time for spring come.”

“Don't tell you are still obsessed in retaking Ballastras?” Mercius raised a brow. He had told Rufus enough times that the fortress town wasn’t worth retaking until Spring because even to the Moesia, before Rufus had devoted his time to building it up, it was just a backwater village of no importance and he felt the Dacians would feel the same. “Wouldn't it be better to just leave the whole surprise of our attack until spring?”

Rufus replied while he watched a centurion reprimand a clumsy recruit. “If the King of Dacia has any decent spy network he will know about our preparations much before spring. Besides if our plot works he will have plenty to worry about besides us.”

“...Are your contacts ready?”

Rufus nodded. “Almost everything is ready except the most important. The approval from the Emperor, and money to set things in motion. Hopefully the letter the emperor will send will take care of both problems. Now, when will I get a chance to speak with the boys?”

Doing a wide gesture with his arm, Mercius indicated where the command tent was. “I cleared some time after lunch for you to address them. And please remember, they have just begun their training, so don't expect them to be in perfect formation. After that we can go watch the training so you can meddle in the instructors work.” Mercius winked, and Rufus pretended to take offense.

“Why, it is just some constructive criticism” Mercius chuckled “ Come on, my cousin sent me a nice bottle of wine from Campania, let’s see how good it is before these clutzes take their lunch.”



=== Hills of Rome; Late Octobris ===

Fortunas sat astride his horse heading over the crest of the hills leaving Rome for his legion, Legion XIV Hispania which was stationed in Mediolanum. With him was his slave Portos, sat astride another horse. Fortunas’ blood red cloak fluttered behind him, he had grown a slight beard which was beginning to show a heightened sophistication in how Fortunas used to act.

The corner of Fortunas’ eye began to well up as he thought about what he was leaving behind; He had recently remarried while in Rome. He took as his bride the fourteen year old Cloelia Aelia, a daughter of former Emperor Honestus who he had become very attached to. He also was leaving his two year old son behind, who along with his new bride would be in the temporary care of Imperator Lucius Tacitus Vitellius. Fortunas slowly turned his horse around gazing upon the shapes of the city.

Portos, noticing the action, stopped and prepared to speak. “Dominus, it will be there when you come back,” he remarked.

Fortunas turned his head slightly. “Things are different this time Portos. Last time I left for Hispania knowing I was going to return, this time we will be away for a long time. I am pretty certain the Moesian campaign will be a long hard slog with many dying on either side. Plus I feel that we won’t be showing much mercy in Moesia to those that resist.”

“Well, we can only do as we are told Dominus, you are a Legate of Rome and you go where you are required. You have done well since first leaving Rome and have changed as well, even if you don’t see it yourself. You have turned into a real fighter and you are a good leader. You were able to inspire a group of men who had never fought before to victory and you family is strengthening.” Portos hoped his little pep talk would keep Fortunas focused. Fortunas nodded his head slightly, and turned his horse around to face away from Rome without saying a word. His head was held high with a stern look on his face. He and Portos headed back for Mediolanum.

Fortunas and Portos had been riding for several days over two weeks towards Mediolanum, and finally approached the camp of the fourteenth Hispanic Legion. Fortunas and Portos rode through the gate to the camp and were greeted by Camp Prefect Hortensius and Senior Tribune Avarnus. Fortunas eyed them and dismounted his horse, ordering Portos to deal with the horses. Fortunas looked at the two senior officers and spoke.

“So gentlemen, do you have any news for me?” Fortunas asked, already knowing about the two Auxillia Cohorts he would be commanding, but he was always one to ensure his subordinates new what was happening. After a few paces made towards the legions command headquarters, Hortensius piped up.

“Yes Sir,” Hortensius said handing Fortunas a scroll. “Two Auxillia Cohorts have joined us and we have been stocking up on supplies in preparation.” Hortensius deep down hoped that that would be enough.

“What about winter clothing?” Fortunas asked. “Have you got enough? We will be travelling through territory much colder than these guys will be used to and we will be wintering in Thracia, we are going to need it.” Fortunas looked at the two men pleased that they had thought ahead about provisions and stocking up on supplies. “Right, as you have guessed we will be going to Thracia where we will be joining the command of Proconsular Legate Fuvanius Rufus Sabacco. We will be travelling with the two Auxillia Cohorts, plus two legions and three auxiliary cohorts lead by Sillius Ramirus Flavus. Now I want you to summon all Centurion Cohort Commanders and Tribunes we will make sure this legion is ready.” The two men scuttled off summoning there own respective subordinates.

Within half an hour all the officers were assembled in the command tent many men looking at each other wondering when the legion will be moving off again. Fortunas came in from a side room and addressed his officers. “Good afternoon gentlemen, I am going to get straight to the point and I will be blunt. We are moving off again but this time we will be heading straight for Thracia. We will reinforce the forces led by Proconsular Legate Sabaco. I expect that this campaign will be a long campaign, and it will test you to your limits. So once again we must keep the men motivated, they have been buoyed up by success but let’s not get cocky we still have a lot to prove.” Fortunas paused for a moment, knowing well that his men already knew how hard he was striving to impress those in power in Rome. “Now your individual orders have already been posted to your respective commands and I expect them to be carried out, and the auxiliary cohorts also have their orders. You have two days to ensure that we are ready to move off and I expect you to be ready. Am I understood?”

All men replied without question, some with simple nods.


Two days later Fortunas stood at the head of the newly named Legion XIV Hispania, bearing it’s new eagle standard, and two auxiliary cohorts. Fortunas motioned towards Hortensius who bellowed loudly:

“Fourteenth Hispanic Legion advance, colour party to lead!” He roared, and Hortensius true to what Fortunas had requested marched along the front of the lines. Alongside Fortunas stood Senior Tribune Avarnus, the Legate’s closest friend within the legion. Fortunas looked at him and spoke as they moved along.

“How old are you Avarnus?” Fortunas asked, knowing well enough but liking to ask anyway.

“Twenty four sir.” Avarnus replied, maintaining his stoic face.

“Very young to hold such a high command. I only ask Avarnus as you are going to be my second in command,” Fortunus had a funny way of promoting people. Often enough casually, as just then. “and if I am unable to command it will be down to you. It’s a lot of pressure, are you ready for it?”

Avarnus looked over at Fortunus with just his eyes and try as he might not to, he smiled. “As ready as I will ever be, I will do my best.”

“I hope so Avarnus, because we are going to have a long campaign you need to be ready.” Fortunas let his trademark condescention roll off his tongue with a grin, and kicked his horse into a faster trot. Avarnus followed suit and they continued to talk.


=== Thracian-Moesian Border, directly South from Ballanstras; Novembris ===

Tullius Fortunas Julianus stood on the barricades, his face squinting in the light drizzle that had descended over the legionary camp which was on the border of Thracia and Moesia. He had just marched his legion from Mediolanum to Moesian border, his men now hardened due to there experience in Hispania- and weary from the march East. Although still highly motivated and buoyed by their victory against the Freigoths, Fortunas still tried to look at things objectively and knew that a tougher enemy now awaited them on the opposite side of the border. He had received his orders from Fuvanius Rufus Sabaco to at the earliest opportunity besiege and retake the well fortified town of Ballanstras, which was currently in the hands of the Dacian occupying force. Fortunas stood wearing his standard issue blood-red cloa-k denoting his rank-that had been covered in the traditional animal fat to ensure that it stayed waterproof. Fortunas’s face was construed with many emotions; relief, refelectiveness and optimism about the future. Alongside him stood Camp Prefect Hortensius who had been with him since he raised the legion in Hispania and had proved his worth during the Hispanic campaign commanding the right flank against the Freigoths at the battle in the Valentian Plains. To his left was his recently promoted Senior Tribune Avarnus. Avarnus was a young and fresh faced, who had arrived late into the legion’s creation in Hispania, but had proved his worth once again at the battle of the Valentia Plains by commanding the left flank and leading a successful counter attack against the Freigoths.

“How are the men? I hope the weather has not dampened there spirits at all,” Fortunas said with a slight smirk on his face. Hortensius was the first to speak.

“The men are fine for the moment, I have a feeling that they are not enjoying the weather.” He said chuckling, “But they will get used to it. It’s part of the life that they have chosen. The Ielevocates have fitted in well and Frontinus has fitted in well as first centurion of the second cohort.” Hortensius finished looking at Avarnus to say something.

“The men are fine Legate, and will welcome the rest over the winter period.” He said, noticing the glare from Hortensius but was oblivious to what the actual orders for the legion were.

“Well, they wont have much time to rest.” Fortunas said looking at Avarnus. “We have already received our orders for the up and coming campaign against the Dacians. Our target is Ballanstras.” Fortuunas said this for dramtic effect, knowing how both men would react. “Before either of you say anything, these are our orders and we follow them irregardless, we all swore and oath to obey the orders of our superiors and I for one intend to keep it.” Fortunas paused again looking over the pallisade wall in the direction of Ballanstras while both Avarnus and Hortensius looked at each other in amazement. They were hoping to rest prior to a spring campaign but were once again being told that they would have to prepare for another campaign but this time during the winter period. “Our orders are to take the town of Ballanstras prior to the official campaign that begins in the spring, but the message I assume came from a clerk on the staff said at the earliest convenience.” Fortunas shook his head an d chuckled he knew that this meant as soon as possible, he knew that the town was of strategic importance and if the Dacians had enough wits about them they would realize it to. The town controls all major road routes and land in the south of Moesia and taking it will be strategically intelligent.

“Sir, the town will not be easy to take. I know we have taken on artillery and have received entrenchment tools, plenty of cowtrops and so on but even if we do take it we still have in my opinion to hold it the Dacians will not want to lose it so easily.” Hortensius said with a sense of urgency.

“No Gaius, it wont be easy but we have to make as easy as possible for us by choosing the correct strategy. One that requires us to take a little bit of risk but to take to town quickly we will have to try it.” Fortunas said. Avarnus kept quiet, Hortensius knew his Legate well by now and knew that these were the orders and he knew Fortunas would follow the orders as closely as possible.


=== Later that night ===

A man in a dark cloak entered the camp. A scar on his right cheek was well known to the legion, as it’s bearer was the leader of an order known as the ‘Order of Cerberus’. The order was sent to Moesia once the legion had left Hispania on its original first march since then they had been looting baggage trains, scouting the region and attacking lines of communication. Caros had been summoned by Fortunas because of the new part he was to play in aiding the legion assault Ballanstras. Caros was brought into Fortunas’s headquarters and with it being late at night, lamps were burning low. Fortunas was reviewing the last pieces of paperwork in the dimness, and it took Fortunus a moment to notice Caros. He quickly stood to greet him, embracing strongly.

“Caros my old friend, it’s good to see you. I trust you are well. Do you know why you are here?” Fortunas asked.

“Always straight to the point eh Fortunas,” Caros said chuckling, and then got straight back to the matter at hand. “I assume you have an assignment for me.”

“Indeed I do, Caros, and it is quite a dangerous one at that- one that will require you to do everything to the letter.” Fortunas said sitting in his chair, looking directly at Caros. Caros was still standing, so Fortunus motioned for him to take a seat and handed him a nearby goblet of wine.

“I require you to infiltrate the town of Ballanstras in preparation for the legions main assault. I need you to make sure that the main gate is opened at the correct moment and kept open so that we can take advantage of the situation. Do you think you can make that happen.” Fortunas said questioningly.

“Of course so you want me to assault the gate and we give you a signal once the gate is taken. How long do we have to infiltrate the town?” Caros asked hoping for enough time.

“You have a week,” Fortunas replied.

“One week! That’s not enough time and you know it Fortunas. Why in the name of all that Hades can throw at me should I throw my men to their deaths?” Caros challenged. Fortunas was very angered by the response and threw a harsh glare at Caros. leaning forward he growled.

“Listen here you cur! If it weren’t for me you and your pissing men would be dead or be about to die, I gave you clemency and guarenteed for your service- never forget that Caros, because I certainly won’t. Do you understand me?” Fortunas growled and stared hard into the eyes. “If you do not then many thousands will die tomorrow due to your lack or courage and fortitude. I am following my orders, I suggest that you follow yours, do you understand!?” Fortunas finished, his face reddened with anger at Caros’ comments.

Caros bowed his head in submission, deeply chastised and uncomfortable with the reproach. “Yes, Legate.”

Fortunus smiled disgruntled at himself, and quickly discarded the uncomfortable moment. He stood up, to walk around and expel his quickened anger. “Ideas then, if you don’t mind...”

Caros wanted to sigh, but there wasn’t a chance he could win a fight with Fortunus. Not within the camp. He said, staring blankly ahead at the empty chair Fortunus was just in, “I’ll need to slip my men in dribs by drab, so they won’t be noticed. We aren’t from here, and have never been- we’ll stick out like a sore thumb in a group.”


=== Legionnary Command Tent; The Next Morning ===

Fortunas Julianus had summoned all command personnel to the legionary head quarters. Hortensius and Avarnus both arrived early as to not receive another tongue lashing from the Legate, who was becoming a tough disciplinarian. They had both arrived before Fortunas stepped through the tent, both talking about the future campaign and both in agreement thinking the assault on Ballanstras would be a bad idea in the depths of winter. The Legate was only following his own orders handed down by Proconsular Legate Fuvanius Rufus Sabaco, and thanks to the oath they both would have to as well. Next to Hortensius stood the First Centurion of the First Cohort Centurion Maxentius, a tough and grizzled veteran, and hard disciplinarian. It was this discipline that held legions together and Fortunus Julianus felt that discipline and drill was key.

Fortunas entered the room full of his Tribunal Staff officers and Centurionate commanders. He stood before a map that was left out from the night before and looked down at the detailed drawings and locations provided by Caros, and Fortunas own cavalry scouts. “Gentlemen, you have been summoned to the tent for one purpose, to prepare you for the next stage of the campaign.” Fortunas paused looking up at Hortensius who gave no reaction as he was concentrating on the map.

“I have received orders from our Proconsular Legate Fuvanius Rufus Sabacco that the legion is to advance, assault and retake the town of Ballanstras.” He pointed with his finger to a small drawing of a fort between the narrowest passage between two mountain ranges. Murmurings could be heard from the Cohort commanders. Fortunas looked around the room and continued. “We will assault the town within the week, we will be advancing at night, so speed will be the key, I already have a plan in place to ensure that the main gate will be open for use when we arrive so we can have a quick direct route into the town, now we are not to burn, rape or pillage, we are solely there to retake the town. With the main gates open Camp Prefect Hortensius will lead the two Auxilliary cohorts and rush the gate, Hortensius you must ensure that when you reach the gate you ensure that you control all entrances and exits around the gate when fully under control. The legion will advance and assault the town. As of now we are unsure of numbers but the estimates that come from head quarters is five thousand. But you can’t be sure of numbers, just be prepared for anything they could potentially send at you. Senior Tribune Avarnus, you are to lead the first, second and third cohorts towards the main gate and begin assaulting the town, the other tribunes will accompany me and the cavalry to hold the outer rim and ensure there are no nasty surprises.” Fortunas looked around and nodded at Hortensius, who nodded back, and then dismissed the men.


=== Triana, Thracia ===

Appius Vedius waited for the soldier to announce him and then he entered Rufus’s office. The Proconsular Legate had returned from Illyrica a few days earlier and had yet to brief Vedius.

“So,” he said with a smile to his friend, forgoing salutes. “What’s new?”

Rufus flashed a radiant smile. “I have received word from the Emperor. We are good to go!”

“Really?” Vedius cast a return smile, surprised at the expediency of correspondence from Rome. “And the Senate is going to pay for the operation?”

“I have been authorized to get the money from Byzantium's coffers. Also I'll get our new mates, Fortunus Julianus and Ramirus Flavus to pitch in.”

“So he approved all the missions?” Vedius asked about the Emperor. “Including supporting that Dacian noble?”

“He sure did. Now if everything goes well, we will have an easy time routing the Dacians.”

“That is really good news. I suppose you want me to activate our contacts.”

“Yes, time has come. The german mercenaries will be easy to bribe, and the Sarmatians will also be tempted. They always had a knack about raiding Dacia. However the most important is to get the Dacian nobility struggle for power just like before the Dacian invasion of Moesia. That will significantly reduce the ability to fight that the Dacian king has. I'm going to Byzantium to get the money and bring back Legio V Vestrarum Matrum for the upcoming campaign...” Rufus shifted in seat. “How have the new members of the Moesian army been settling down?”

Appius shrugged his shoulders. “Fine I guess. As per your instructions, Julianus is readying his men to cross the border and storm Ballanstras.. He will be ready pretty soon. Flavus is settling in the border. You should go and see him.” Appius paused a bit. “I'm not so sure he can be trusted.”

Rufus looked to his friend with a inquiring expression in his face. “Oh? And why do you think that?”

“He has rebelled against Rome once. He seemed very eager in coming here. Who's not to say he will try something to get control of your army? Men like that have a very high lust for power.”

Rufus straighted himself in his chair. “He was sent here by the Emperor himself. If the emperor trusts him, then so do I. If Flavus does something to hurt this trust then I'll take measures. I'm quite sure Flavus is just eager to redeem himself in the eyes the empire. What better chance of doing that, then here in Moesia?”

“You told that same crap about trust for that mentulae Vitellius Sarius Agrippa. Look were that got us.”

“That is enough Appius. If you feel better keep an eye on him” Rufus pointed a finger at him. “Just be discreet. Now we need to to focus on the preparations for the campaign. Tomorrow i'll be leaving for Byzantium, and on my way there I'll stop by Flavus camp. Make sure everything is ready. As soon as Julianus moves on Ballanstras, move III Herculia to be in a position to support him if he needs it.”

“Very well. See you when you get back.”

Appius turned and left the room, lost in his thoughts.


=== Across the Border of Thracia-Moesia; Decembris ===

Cloaked men sat around a camp fire, the flames contorting their faces into twisted pictures. The men cackled and grunted sharing a flagon of beer from the local town of Ballanstras. They huddled together to keep warm in a cave just south of Ballanstras. The men numbered around thirty and were the men of the Order of Cerberus, a unit formed in Hispania by the Legate Tullius Fortunas Julianus. These men were questionably loyal to him but were bound to him by an oath, a force that even the most common criminal found hard to ignore. Second in command of the unit was Trajanis, an experienced fighter and was well respected. His dark gravely voice added an aura of the underworld to his persona that frightened his men into submission. Trajanis was on watch when he heard a rustling coming from the darkness. He crouched and held his weapon ready and looked behind himself putting his fingers to his lips to ensure that his own men were quiet. From the darkness he could see a figure appear, tall and broad sholdered. He continued to advance forward, long dark hair was waving in the wind. Trajanis’ eyes widened and he turned to motion to his men. He moved back into the darkness allowing the man to come on without spotting the group. The man who came closer to the camp fire seemed of Dacian origin, obviously investigating the noise and smell of the camp fire that wafted in the distance over the cold winter air. His eyes became suspicious after seeing the packs on the floor, and before he could realize Trajanis flew out of the darkness.

Speaking gruffly, he said, “Listen hear boy, and listen very carefully. You have come into somewhere you shouldn’t, right now you have two options.” He said throwing a sword at his feet. “You can either fall on that sword and die honourably or you can choose to fight thirty men who at this moment in time have surrounded you, and you will be either killed of captured.” Trajanis said holding out his arms and the thirty Celebrii appeared armed ready to fight. The Dacian scout looked around himself his long red hair and thick beard showing a striking sense of charisma and tenacity. He spoke.

“Well, perhaps I have only one option…” He said, pulling out a dagger concealed on his person and making a surprisingly quick thrust toward Trajanis. The respected member of the Order of Cerebrus felt a sharp stick in his chest, and looked down to see the Dacian’s thick arm pulsating with muscle spasms as it held the sharp weapon burined into his chest. Before blacking out and falling into eternal sleep, Trajanis looked into the Dacian’s eyes and saw fire. He was relieved from the pain as he slid from the dagger to hear the footsteps of his men rushing to take down his murderer, and then he was gone.

Caros was the first to reach the lone Dacian, who stood ready to take on the mounting number of Hispanians. Caros looked down onto Trajanis with pity, and thought that as sad as it was for such a good man to be dead, he had clearly made a mistake that could have cost all their lives should it have happened when they were inside Ballanstras. It was best to weed out to weaker links earlier on. Caros was quickly fortified by his men, and he said, “Now you only have one option, Dacian.”

“An option you can fuck yourself with,” The red haired barbarian seethed with a smile. The words dug painfully into Caros, and he yelled loudly and began to rush forward followed by his men. The Dacian didn’t hesitate, and ran as well. Through the snow he ran, tracing his footsteps that led him to their camp, speeding his escape. The others rushed to form behind Caros and see their fallen leader, growing in rage. They were held back by Caros, who stood there watching the Dacian fleed through the crisp night air. He knew that the man getting back to Ballanstras- or anywhere- with their location and number would be problematic, but he couldn’t risk causing a bigger scene. Finally, after second that seemed like minutes passed, he called for an archer.

“Sir!” One yelled, poising his bow in the direction of the Dacian. It wasn’t hard to guess where the arrow would be meant to land.

“Take him down, son.” Caros said calmly, almost sadly.

A twang and whizz silenced the angry grumblings of the group, and all watched the Dacian running away, holding their breaths to see if the arrow would meet it’s mark. Not even three seconds from the twang, the Dacian stopped in his tracks. A spray of blood burst out from around his head, and as he fell to his knees all could see under the moonlight the arrow sticking out from the base of the his neck. Caros sighed to himself, and then turned to face the skilled archer.

“Collect that shit stained Dacian and kick that snow around.”


=== Camp of Legio XIV Hispania ===

“Argggghhhhhh!!!!!” Screamed the Dacian scout as Hortensius placed a white hot sword on the soals of his feet. Arranged by the side of him was an assortment of tools, hooks and blades barely any of which had been used. Hortensius was a Torture specialist and because of such was paid slightly more than the regular pay. Along side him stood Caros, his dark figure and menacing look would frighten even the most toughend veteran. But the Dacian was something else. He held out under torture, even goading on his torturers. Hortensius was growing frustrated by the time Fortunas had entered the room. Looking over the mangled body of the Dacian still managing to look proud, Fortunas turned and looked at Caros and Hortensius.

“Has he said anything yet?”

“Nothing sir.” Replied Hortensius and Caros. “He just spits at us and I am in no doubt has been cursing at us.” Hortensius replied.

“You aren’t wrong there, he has cursed us personally.” Caros said chuckling.

Fortunas looked at Caros and said. “So you understand him then Caros.”

Caros looked at Fortunas. “Yes Fortunas.”

“Does he understand us?” Fortunas asked, looking at the Dacian.

“He seems to sir.” Caros replied. Romans had been in Moesia long enough for the Latin language to spread, so it made sense. Fortunas looked round and turned to the Dacian, walking slowly around him. He looked at the pair or interogators and said, “Perhaps a different approach is needed.”

“So my Dacian friend, here we are... the once proud Dacian race,” Fortunas said, laughing at the Dacian. The man had survived the arrow in his lower neck, and was clinging to his pride for life there now. He was was angered by the response but made no move. “You are pathetic and your race is. I am going to crush your pathetic little army here in Moesia and retake what you took from us.” Fortunas continued to stare at the Dacian and saw the anger increasing. “You my friend have no hope. Your pathetic army will be crushed and then I will go through Dacia and kill every last one of your kind,” Fortunas got close to the Dacian who was so angered his face had reddened and fists were clenching. Fortunas spoke into his ear. “I am going to capture your town of Ballanstras and then I will kill your king.”

The Dacian spit on Fortunus’s face. The spit was mottled with blood, and Fortunus wiped it from his eyes with a grin. “Hortensius, we have a change of plans. We will not be marching in four days, we will be marching tomorrow night. Caros you and your men need to have secured the gate by the time we arrive. Hortensius I want the legion and the two Auxilliary cohorts ready to move and brief Tribune Avarnus.”

Hortensius rushed off, leaving Caros. Caros looked at Fortunas and said, nodding at the Dacian. “What shall we do with him?”

“Kill him, oh and make it quick then burn the body.” Fortunas said coldly, with an unknown calmness in his voice. Caros nodded and completed the job slitting the throat of the Dacian.


Written By: Fuvanius Rufus Sabaco and Tullius Fortunas Julianus
Edited By: Ferus Juventas
138 AD