Clanks and clinks echo throughout the camp as soldiers are preparing for war. Swords, spears, shields and helmets to be clad by some of the soldiers. For others bows and arrows, and for some horses too. The shine of the sun goldens the plains as Caesar looks with full confidence towards Creetus. Between the tents the soldiers barely speak, only passing the necessary information to each other. Man by man, little by little they gather in formations around their generals and their commanders, and their general’s general and their commander’s commander.* They start briefing their soldiers on what they had discussed with Caesar on how to win this war as efficiently as possible. Once the commanders and generals finish their speeches, the soldiers start looking at each other and salute with the utmost respect. As this is the most important day in their life, since they might die.

Once they all set into their positions, the Caesar starts walking from his tent towards the front line, looking at his men. Silence has set between the troops as he walks, with the only noise accompaniment being nature and his footsteps. He breaths in, his muscles start to tingle from excitement, a smile appears on his face as he looks at the troops surrounding him. The pain of losing one of his best friend will be avenged by his glorious victory, is his thought as he looks again towards Creetus. A soldier on a horse starts riding as quick as he can and disappears into the woods. The Caesar arrives at the front line, where on horses, his most trusted generals await him together with a soldier with a horse for him. Augustus mounts the beast and looks at his army.

Romans! Friends! Family! Our dear friend, Olanus was killed by a monster. A monster that killed our governor. And instigated us with violence! These barbarians attacked us, a peaceful kind! We dath showed them mercy, but they did not yeld! We, the free of hatred, pity, anger and friendship, have seen now the truth! These barbarians are cowards! And as they die once more, we will make sure to put them out of their misery! Now, to those foolish, we must teach, as they lack knowledge, they lack civility, they lack humanity and rational thought! To you, my soldiers, my commanders, my generals, know this! Beware the barbarians, as the greatest enemy will hide in the last place you would even look! But the fault is not in our stars! It is within us. And to win by strategy is no less the role of a general than a win by arms! As we have not to fear anything, except fear itself! Inspired by the speech the armies explode: Hail Augustus Caesar!

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*Author’s note: Even though this series is historical fiction, most of the beliefs, politics, army structures and most everything is based on actual real beliefs and facts we have. And here too I wanted to stay really true to the hierarchy of the Empire Army. But, that would have meant a segment on just repeating the same hierarchy of the army over and over again from the highest position to the lowest. Since more or less it would be the same, except some special roles within each level. And of course, the naming would be different.