A lone man on horseback rode silently north on the Via Appia, or Appian Way, built during the Apulian war so the Canfre military could march quickly and decisively to counter the Apulians. It is said that the building of the road singled the end of Apulia, but the lone man thinks otherwise, he thinks the building of the road brought forth peace and prosperity. Canfre is connected to her provinces and cities by such a road, the Appian Way connects Rome to Apulia and Brundisi to the south, eventually creating Appian Traiana that went towards Sicily. But the lone man was heading north, from Apulia to Rome, he just passed a mile marker that said, 4 miles from Rome, the lone man stopped his horse and stared up in the sky, the dark sky was beginning to show the first rays of sun. Behind him the man heard the familiar sounds of marching feet and clanging of shields. The Via Appia is now a major supply line for the Canfrean army, the man moved his horse off the road and watched the army march pass, the centurion watching the man as he passed.
The man watched as the sun brightened up the day, the troops still marching by, but in full colors. The cohorts with their banners flying stiffly in the breeze, the legion Tribunes and their colors, the cavalry banners fluttering wildly as the cavalry raced past off the road. Now came the familiar marching songs, the Legion band marched past, playing a song that gave a feeling of pride and gave you a step in your feet. The man's horse began prancing around nervously. The band was followed by the General who smartly saluted the man, the General was flanked by Roman Cavalry and not the dirty Gauls from Northern Italy. The man saluted back and continued watching as the last of the Legion marched past with the last 5 cohorts and a Cavalry detachment. Standard marching order, the man thought as he led his horse back on the road. The man looked back on the sky, the entire Legion passed him in 15 minutes, great speed for such a vast army, they must be moving fast. The man got worried, the army rarely moves fast unless they are going to war. It was now imperative that he gets to Rome quickly.
An hour later the man stared up at the walls of Rome, majestic and terrifying at the same time, the walls stood 15 feet tall and was in most places 8 feet wide at the base it was certainly an intimidating sight for any invading army. The Tranquillus Gate stood blocking the Appian Way from entering Rome, while the gate was open it was still guarded by troops who saluted the man as he rode past. The tired cohort who was behind the man looked up at the gate in awe, this was the first time these boys from the south had ever seen Rome, it rivaled even the great city of Apulia in both size and strength. But the man was unfazed, he had been to Rome many times before, he told his troops to stop gawking and maintain a strict marching order, as the man rode his horse through the busy streets filled with tradesmen from the ports of Ostia, drovers from the southern ranches, salesmen of trades, slaves, women shouting at the troops, priests, nobles in carriages, horses, just about anything you can imagine, Rome has it. The man ignored the hustle of the city, but the troops stared lustfully at the women and even the meat seemed to call their names, the troops only had hardtack (hard stale bread) so the meat was very watering to them.
Finally the group arrived in front of Consul Gregorius' house, the man ordered his troops to stand at ease. The man knocked on the door and a slave opened it, the man entered and stood at attention as the slave went to inform his master of a visitor. Finally Consul Gregorius arrived, he shook the man's hand and motioned for him to take a seat. The man obliged and sat down, the slave brought in meat and wine and the man gratefully accepted them, as Consul Gergorius watched he could not help but wonder what this man would do for him when he gave him his task. Finally the Consul spoke,
General Aurelius, your reputation speaks volumes, your family heritage is vast and powerful. Why you could be Senator if you wish. Nonetheless I have a proposition for you.
Consul Gregorius, it is true I have done alot for Canfre, defeating rebel factions, served under my brother in law General Armenius in his war in Sicily, and even revamping the military making it stronger and more easier to manage, but friend Gregorius, what could an old man like myself do for Canfre once again?
Ahhh, that is where you are wrong my friend, you are not that old. You are still respected by the army and even those stubborn generals we have still revere you. You are still a valuable part of Canfre whether you know it or not.
My friend, could you please get to your point?
Ahh, yes, I am in need of a great General for one last campaign. And I want you to command the armies.
Gregorius, just who are we fighting? And why?
The Carthaginian Empire, they have an island just off the Italian mainland, and north of Sicily, that is threatening Canfre. We offered to buy the island for a good deal, but the Carthaginian Empire rudely refused. So we have no choice but to go to war.
General Aurelius sighed as he heard the story, Canfre once again marches to war. His father fought again Numidia, Grandfather fought against the Latins and Gauls, it seems as if every generation would see a major war. Even the bloody 200 year civil war was fresh on the minds of every Apulian, Roman, and Canfrean citizen. But he straightened himself up and replied,
Consul Gregorius, if Canfre needs me I will gladly raise my sword for her once again.
Gregorius smiled and shook hands with the great General and informed him that his army is now just outside the gates of Rome and waiting for him and the navy was docked at Ostia ready for the upcoming battle. All they are waiting for is the word from Aurelius to march. Which General Julius Aurelius gave.
