- It is certainly an amazing city.

Denis enjoyed the view from the Akropolis of Halikarnassos. At first light of dawn, city seemed to wake up. Small smoke columns rose up from the hearth of houses and bakeries, their inhabitants began their housework heating up their ovens, and sounds of activity emerged everywhere. Denis smiled. Despite differences between that white and ordered city with the old and variegated Rome, with her narrow winding streets, dark corners, large forums and majestic temples, he couldn't help but feel some homesickness.

- Just a couple of weeks...

Princeps Senatus set his sights on military docks, beyond the Mausoleum, next to the Royal Palace. Fleet was already being prepared to weigh anchors. Within days preparations would have finished, and he and his men would set sails towards the West.



Campaign against Pontus in Asia Minor had been tough. Legions had to cross lonely wilds of Anatolia, beset by miserable locals who took every favorable opportunity to slip away with tools and provisions from our supply convoy. Denis couldn't blame them, life was hard on those moors, and people tried any way to flee out of their misery. Wining support of those people was a important to keep supply lines safe, so reaching Ankyra, and after meeting with Consules Dacamaca and Spartacus, Princeps Senatus sent messages and presents for the local leaders. Although some were fiercely reluctant, most welcomed roman offer of help and accepted to send native scouts and explorers with them.

A few weeks after leaving rest of the allied forces, which was turning back to fight the enemies in Italy and the Adriatic Sea, expedition reached first province of Pontus and its capital, the stronghold of Mazaka, one of the richest cities in country because of its silver mines.

Siege wasn't easy. The cyclopean and well built walls of the ancient city resisted quite sucessfully the onslaught of Roman forces. Even before siege engines had been built, reinforcements sent from the capital appeared to fight the legions. Tiglatpilesar I and his men had tried to ambush roman cavalry, but superiority of Legio IV Scythica tipped the balance in our favor and Pontus troops had to retreat, even after demonstrating their courage in some duels: Berenice and SRBZILA, Pogia and KvaKva, Arsinoe and Livia Drusilla Daniela, Tiglatpilesar and Vejn... City surrendered shortly after and, though silver stocks were confiscated and distributed between legionaries, their inhabitants were well treated, having to provide only supplies and lodging for the army. During next month, operations went on eastwards, harassed eventually by enemy skirmisher parties.

Meeting with Egyptian forces, commanded by Aelius Decimus Maximus, took place under the walls of Samosata. After reconquering Cyprus island, Pharaoh's troops had landed on Syrian coast, advancing to the Euphrates. City and its province, with its copper mines and forges, fell into allied hands after four days. Sebasteia, Zela and Tyana were also taken in following weeks. Tarsos and Adana were last enemy bastions taken by the expedition. Soon after, messages arrived from Rome forced the return of Roman forces, although Pharaoh decided to continue his campaign for another month. It was difficult to restrain his men after intensive looting that Egypt had undergone years ago.



- What a bloodshed!

Denis had left the Akropolis, and now walked calmly toward house of Dionyssios, a member of Boulé, where he was staying. Passing by the harbour, he set his eyes on the Palace where Lorla and captured enemy commanders were housed. Despite the consideration with which they were treated, Queen of Phrygia still felt mistreated and humiliated, and refused to have contact with representatives of the Roman Republic or negotiate terms of the peace treaty.

- Well, maybe city councilors have more success after our departure, or perhaps Aelius...

Roman fleet sailed along western coast of the Peloponnesos. Denis was standing in the bow of his ship, the Fides. There had been two weeks since they left Halikarnassos. It was the end of sailing season and weather was not all favorable. Headwinds had forced them to stay a week around cape Maleas before being able to go around and continue westwards. They were late...



Princeps Senatus was restless. Although news he had received from Senatus were positive and threat of enemy armies had been averted, he was concerned about extension and multiplication of war fronts: Sicilian corsairs crushed near Hatria, at Venetia region, Pontus and Suebi invasion contained at Histria, in the Adriatic, Macedonians crushed in Scupi, at Dardania...

- Even counting on support and assistance of our allies, this conflict is lasting for too long.

Too much suffering and death, too many victims, provinces and countries plundered, entire fleets sunken, fortunes ruined, resources wasted... all for nothing. Both People of Rome and their allies wanted to end that useless war. After capturing Lorla and her generals, it seemed a cease-fire could be reached, but Phrygians had refused to accept or even negotiate a peace treaty.

- Ships ahoy!

They had just gone past the northmost point of Kephalenia to set course to Tarentum. Lookouts had sighted something. Over the horizon, some sails could be seen heading westwards. As they approached, their flag became unmistakable, Macedonians fleet.

- To arms! Battle stroke!

Crews rushed to prepare galleys for the onslaught, while legionaries took their equipment and went to gunwale, ready to board enemy vessels. Roman fleet had abandoned their initial formation, extending their battle line to surround the enemy. However, although most of their ships were captured or sunk, some fast and light enemy vessels managed to evade enveloping tactics, attacking roman liburnae patroling around the circle.



Even so, battle was successful. Enemy fleet had been neutralized with minimal losses and, though Butch, Baphomet, Us Chi, Lexx and Polyxena, enemy leaders, had managed to flee, Denis, Dacamaca and Spartacus were satisfied with that outcome.

After having come to aid of shipwrecked and survivors of the battle, fleet unfurled sails again. Apparently things in the West were as restless as those in the East. The Fides, at the front of the formation, headed northwestwards. It was necessary to reach Italy as soon as possible...

Roman column was marching slowly through forests of Germania. Crossing the Alps had been a difficult task. Late fall rains had increased the flow of Athesis river, hindering advance of the army in the pass north of Lake Benacus. Across the mountains, in northern side, first winter frosts had made their appearance, forcing legionaries to wrap themselves in their cloaks and hurry up to the impressive trees that would protect them from icy wind.

Had been long since last time Roman troops had marched northwards. Nevertheless, after crushing enemy invasion at Etruscan lands, messengers had arrived from Teutons capital announcing hostile armies presence on their borders. Gundrun, Sigfried's lieutenant, asked for reinforcements and it was decided that Teutonic troops will turn back home immediatly, while a relief force will follow them as soon as possible.

Romans had been walking through that lush area for a week. Roads were winding and narrow, and men could hardly march in good order. However, although in the begining they had had to turn away some assaults from mountain tribes, peace had returned in recent days as they walked into the lands of Rauricii.

Rome had had no contact with those people. The Republic was never interested in North Lands, and diplomatic contacts there had been reduced to her long standing alliance with Teutons. Neither Etruscans had gone beyond the Alps. Limited knowledge that Marcus Aurelius had on that people was due to Sigfried and Wolfgar, and their conversations during previous campaigns. They were a warlike tribe, highly respected among peoples of the North. Their warriors had a reputation for courage and their fierce spirit was legendary. Sigfried had paid special attention talking about their queen, Mekare, a strong woman, able to challenge many of the best german warriors.

- No doubt she must be an exceptional woman.

The army had stopped. An optio came in search of commander and Marcus Aurelius followed him to reach the vanguard. Before them stood a magnificent and ancient sculpture. It had no inscriptions, but Censor was sure it heralded limits of the territory of Rauricii.



Some days before, he had sent a message to Queen Mekare requesting permission to cross her country northwards, but no answer had been received yet. Marcus ordered troops to stop and set up the camp, he didn't want to go on marching forward until having permission from the Queen. He had just given last orders, when his men turned, standing around him.

- Greetings Lady of the Black Forest!

- Greetings Marcus Aurelius, Censor of the Roman Republic!



A figure emerged from behind the magnificent stone monolith. Was a woman of extraordinary beauty, whose eyes showed a strong will and ardent spirit.

- We, Raurici, are no so eloquent as your people, who have learned that in verbose disputes. Nevertheless, are we delighted with your letter. You and your army are welcome in our lands.

Conflict in the North was complex and hard. Although Gundrun's men fought bravely against their barbarian counterparts, not giving up a handspan of land, Sigfried's lieutenant was forced to abandon some of their outer settlements and deploy her troops to defend inner territories around the Albis river. Teutonic commander however found the way to take advantage of their numerical inferiority, managing even to ambush and put at risk Barbarian warriors who, supported by Suebic warriors and some troops sent by Pontus, tried to break into her tribe homeland at Cimbrike Chersonesos.



The arrival of expeditionary forces from the South balanced out the scale in favor of Teutons, that began to counterattack, defeating and disbanding enemy armies, who were forced to take different paths to get away from enemy. Pontic troops marched eastwards, followed by some barbarian warriors that later moved away toward Ceutrones lands; while Suebic contingent headed southwards, along the Atlantic coast, reaching the borders of Raurici tribe. Nevertheless, hounded by Mekare's warriors and roman troops, they had to turn around, sneaking away in the dense forests of Germania, back to their capital.

Roman Censor was somewhat disappointed about that, their capture could have been a great opportunity to close that battle front, but it wasn't time to be delayed with an uncertain persecution. Roman Republic had never abandoned an ally and, though it was too late to support Sigfried's men in combat, it was necessary to honour their promise and reach Teutonic lands as soon as possible to help them as necessary.

After leaving Queen Mekare and her warriors, who had proven beyond doubt they deserved their reputation of courage and skill, roman legions headed northwards again. Legionaries' feeling of guilt for not having supported Teutons in time was obvious, making them hurry to redeem in the eyes of their comrades.



Their regrets however dissapeared as they found first Teutonic town. Reception was tremendous. Despite hard times they had just faced, people of the North welcomed them with open arms. Towns opened their gates, and people came out of everywhere to roads and squares, waving the Eagles of Rome, and providing everything they need. Northeners and Mediterraneans joined in hugs and songs of Victory as legions advanced towards Sigfried's capital.

Lord of the North' welcome was even more splendid. The entire city was decked out to receive reinforcements from Rome. Its inhabitants encouraged the troops marching across their streets with a strong and solemn song. Ragnar, who rode alongside with Marcus Aurelius, served as interpreter explaining they were singing an old saga of god Donar. Frank and inspired faces of those people made Marcus feel good. Turning over the rump, Censor spoke to his men:

- Are we gonna let them sing alone?
- Noooo!!
- Let them hear the voice of Rome!

Like a whisper at first, later stronger and proud, lyrics of Carmen Saliare began to rise in the air:

QUOTE:
Sing of him, the father of the Gods! Appeal to the God of Gods!
When you thunder, O God of light, they tremble before you!
All gods beneath you have heard you thunder!
[...]

Barely a week ago Romans and Etruscans had reached Brundisium, returning from their eastern expedition. Campaign had been long, and both Denis and Lars decided to give a few days off to their men before getting back on track. Magistrates of the city had organized celebrations to honor them, and population had thrown themselves in receiving the soldiers, who started organizing duels and marches to entertain them.



However, joy was short lived. The appearance of a ship with Egyptian flag before the harbour didn't bode well. Aelius' army, which continued their campaign against Pontus in their absence, had been ambushed and defeated in the passes of mountains of Lykia, taking refuge in Halikarnassos, where was surrounded by Phrygians forces, but also with contingents from Macedonian tribes and Corsairs from Sicily. They lacked food enough to resist, and enemies fleet blocked the port. Egyptian captain told them five ships had been sacrificed so that he could cross the blockade and get away.

The situation was desperate. After consulting commanders of their forces, both Princeps Senatus and Etruscan King expounded the facts to their men. Their support was necessary. They had suffered many hardships for a long time and deserved to enjoy the home. However, despite the sacrifices faced, entire army agreed to turn back and free their comrades.

It was not easy. Sailing season was almost over and sea showed rough and difficult. If they failed to quickly reach Asia Minor, were in danger of being swallowed by one of those terrible storms that ravaged the Mediterraneum during winter months. In addition, there was the siege. Enemy was undoubtedly aware of escape of the Egyptian vessel, and would be prepared to receive them. They didn't know their strength. Princeps Senatus decided to ask for support from the Hellenic League. If the city had already fallen upon their arrival, that help would enable them to take it up more easily.

Arrival to the greek metropolis was bleak. Appearance of its walls and smoke rising from various points indicated there had been a terrible struggle in the city. Standarts fluttering above the towers, Phrygian, Macedonian, Elymian, showed who had been the victor.

There was no trace of the enemy fleet, which had probably turned back to their bases after capture of the city. Allied leaders decided to divide their forces. While Etruscan contingent landed in the East, near the Gate of Mylasa, Roman forces and those of the Hellenic League would attack the city from the sea. Both Denis and Lars were sure that, if Egyptians had been taken prisoner, they would probably be kept imprisoned in naval arsenal near Salmacis, where Phrygian privates were guarded in the past.



Assault began at dawn. While in the eastern walls, Lars' troops managed to break through, thanks to skill of Lady Fineae and Sabina, who managed to take the north tower and open the gates; at the harbour, allied advance was much slower. Phrygians, Macedonians and Elymians came out from everywhere, trying to repel our landing. If Nino and Longbeard's men were fighting pretty good on the left flank, gradually gaining ground to the arsenal; Sicilian Corsairs and Macedonian warriors put up a fierce resistance to Roman advance. Although Princeps Senatus had managed to make way to Etruscans, Consules Spartacus and Dacamaca had failed to break the enemy front in the agora, despite of fighting untiringly. Ending the morning, situation seemed stagnant, with both sides exhausted and unable to continue.

Fight resumed with first shadows in the afternoon. It was then that praetor Augustus Lucilius Crassus decided to finally tip the balance throwing the Eagle of the Legion across enemy lines. Effect was immediate, the possibility of losing that symbol made men regain courage and begin to push the enemy back into the streets, where from windows and rooftops began raining rubble and tiles on them. Greek population had decided to join the struggle and regain their city.

The advance was now unstoppable. Sound of the horns from the towers of Gate of Myndos only signed the end of the battle. Although Macedonians and Elymians managed to escape, several Phrygian leaders had been captured, and also Egyptians had been released.

- You look hideous!

Denis burst out laughting. Facing him was a haggard and gaunt Aelius Decimus Maximus, Pharaoh of Egypt.

- At least I look better than you, my old friend.

Lea was finally starting to get the hang of being an officer in a legion.

When a tavern owner tried to quarter her in a bedroom with a pallet, that was literally crawling with fleas Lea's course of action was clear. She marched right back out. "Get rid of that pallet, sweep the room and then fumigate the place." Those poets who claimed fleas and lice were a part of life, that had to be endured, clearly lacked resourcefulness.

Might all parasites and pests meet a similar fate!

Disclaimer: Strictly RP.

Spring had come earlier that year. Rain and thraw had turned in mud the slopes of hills surrounding the Ceutrones capital, and all day a menacing leaden sky had covered in darkness the mountain landscape where allied troops were camped. Marcus Aurelius was walking to the Praetorium of the camp. Had just inspected perimeter and guard posts, and sent last messages to Sigfried and Mekare to coordinate the assault for the next day. He was tired.

After providing final preparations for the morning with Aelius Plautius, Roman Censor went to his tent. Sky had finally cleared and star brightness seemed to bring a kind of peace to that place. Marcus stopped before his tent and watched the scene. Looked at his guards Cancar and Lato out of the corner of his eye, were inexperienced and also a bit restless...

- Take a look guys! You see? Iuppiter is watching us from up there. Tomorrow, He will be on our side in the battlefield.

Legionaries eyes went quickly to where senator was pointing. Suddenly, they seemed excited and in good spirits. Marcus knew that at dawn the whole army would be aware of their divine ally...

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Marcus Flavius Aquila watched the valley from his position. A light mist had spread around the town, though hadn't prevented troops deployment. Everything was planned in great detail by Sigfried, Mekare and Marcus Aurelius. Teutons would deal with northern palisade, while Mekare and her Raurici would come from the West, leaving the remaining fortifications for the Roman forces. Legio VIII Augusta took positions in the East, while II Sabina, recently arrived from Italy, would be in charge of southern strongholds.

Corni began to play... Praetor Aquila pulled down his helmet and went to the front line. From the palisades, rumble of the rams and engines that Roman engineers had prepared for the siege started to sound. While legionaries were advancing in the South, Gundrun, Ragnar and their men started a ruthless struggle to take the city walls, and Cedric and Mekare fought hard against Ceutrones defenders of the city gates. Protected behind the shields of their guards, Marcus Aurelius and Aelius Plautius waited to mobilize their forces. With each new ram knock, palisades of the fortress trembled visibly. It was only a matter of time...

- Crackkkkkk...

A thunderous creak filled the air. In a moment, east gates of the Ceutrones capital and its tower collapsed with a great din, leaving a huge hollow in their defenses.



- Roma Victrix!

Led by their centurions and officers, waves of legionaries stormed the city, eager for revenge on those barbarians the looting they had made in Teutons lands. Brawl spread throughout the town. Raurici and Teutons burst in with a relentless spirit, wiping out the enemies in their path. Occasionally, shouts of Nedeam, Kuki, Freya, Maharet,Tankret, Embarator, Jojo... could be hear ripping the air while smashing their enemies.

Romans were not far behind, praetores Romulus and TheMummy advanced with centuries of Legio II Sabina from the South, destroying everything in their path, while men of the VIII Augusta covered main road to the town center. Cornelia, Vibia Sabina, Vitsaveya, Mirjana, Silvia… Roman women seemed especially eager to vindicate their skills and glorious origins in the battlefield. Their comrades were not in the rear, Watson, Marko Klodije Balista, Sun Cu, Nikola Rajko, all them wanted to be first in achieving the victory.



Despite the mountain warriors courage, who were defending desperately, roman fury was unstoppable. When Roman Censor reached the market place, battle was over and his men were celebrating their deeds. In the middle of the square, Tittus Pullo, Ceres, Priscus, Chronist, Huberstberg, Julius Caesar, Milosh, Wolfgar, Tiberius, Mark Anthony, Vik Ralf, Moira, Antonius, Soaki, Hisolde, Knidde, Missazoro, and many others, were gathered around the giants Crag Hack Gibb, Ursicinus, and Serapis singing along. Marcus Aurelius walked away slowly...

- Well, we've survived another day...

Marcus Aurelius was trying to organize his memories. He had had to postpone for months his diary. Too long, too tired, too many outstanding issues that needed attention. Roman Censor had been unable to find barely a few minutes a day to take up again those writings which he had been collecting since the early conquests of the Republic. So much had happened since the last time...

He still remembered the meeting after his arrival from the North, a few weeks after the siege of Ceutrones capital. It was a difficult session. Roman cohorts had rebuilt for the occasion a recently conquered old fort on the border of Dardania. Its great hall was filled with senators. More than three quarters of the total Senatus were fighting with legions on the far shore of the Adriatic, and they all had gathered that day. Consules Dacamaca and Spartacus, Princeps Senatus Denis, and allied leaders Sigfried, Lars Porsenna, Nino of the Hellenes were also there.

The debate was long and difficult. A few weeks before, they had finally achieved a great victory in a fair battle. Even some intelligence reports seemed to indicate that a few enemy leaders might be considering to negotiate. But in the end all was in vain, warriors and corsairs took refuge in their inaccessible valleys and impregnable fortresses, harassing Roman, Etruscan, Teutonic and Hellenic patrols. Every time they managed to take down a fortified village or stronghold, the enemy moved to a new one. It was an useless and endless campaign. Besides, pirate ships again were ravaging the coasts of Southern Italy, trying to gather again back in Syracusae. After many hours of discussion, it had been finally decided to establish a defense line around Dardania, defended mainly by Romans and Hellenes, whose territory was nearest to the area, while remaining allied forces tried to drive pirate threat out of Sicily.



It did not work. Allies could not spare enough troops to take the cyclopean walls of Syracusae without weakening too much their lines around the Macedonian territory. Their attempt, even showing the combined might of their forces, was used by many enemy troops to escape for the Eastern Mediterranean. A few months later, everything was back to start. An urgent message came to Rome announcing that Iol colony in Africa had been sacked by the fugitive corsairs. The Roman forces set off again and, while Marcus himself proceeded to reconquer and rebuild the colony, Princeps Senatus with the new Consules Spartacus and Livia Drusilla Daniela pursued the enemy forces across the Mediterranean and in Southern Gaul.

At the same time, while Roman forces were engaged in the West, aided by Queen Mekare and her Raurici, an old menace turned back from the East. A Phrygian army made its appearance in Northern Italy, near the Etruscan borders. That was a tough campaign, marches and countermarches across the Alps, chasing an evasive and elusive enemy. Finally, after several defeats, though no of them decisive, nomadic raiders and corsairs managed to reach the lands of Illyria, destroying the Roman outposts, pursued by the legions and troops from Etruria and the Raurici.

Enemies breakout caused a kind of relief among Roman ranks, but also outrage at not being able to solve the conflict once and for all. However, peace was short, and only a few weeks later, a large coalition of nations reappeared in the Balkans. Led by corsair commanders from Sicily, and with support of Macedonians, the Amazons of Queen Ishabell, and contingents of troops from Armenia and Phoenicia, rumors even said that Pontus, Cilicia and the Goths had mobilized warriors to war in the West.



The new invasion had taken by surprise the allied forces, which were still redeploying their troops after last campaign. Teutons had to repel an invasion on its borders, and several Roman provinces across the Adriatic Sea had been lost to the invaders. However, their success was fleeting. The arrival of the legions and the Etruscan army had tipped the balance against the Easterners. Efforts of the Hellenic League in Greece, and support of the Thracians led by Rezas Preele, who had joined the allies side cutting off the enemy retreat, bore fruit. The front lines began to advance again, driving the invaders out of the frontiers. In recent weeks, had been frantic activity and, except for the declaration of war from Carthago, which Marcus Aurelius attributed probably to some intrigue in the Supreme Council of the African city, operations seemed to progress as planned.

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It was late when the Roman Censor left the calamus. Finally he had been able to bring his diary up to date. Marcus Aurelius leant back in his seat. The Republic had proved to be a very demanding lover. Who would have thought that things would go so far when he outlined it almost thirty years ago...

For how long had he been absent from the Urbs? He had two children who barely knew, had only spent a few months with them at the most ... and Aemilia. How much he missed her! Those endless campaigns were affecting his spirit. He missed the days of his youth, when things were much less complicated. Lars Porsenna's death, months ago reminded him that time went by for all.

Tu regere imperio populos, Romane, memento
hae tibi erunt artes: pacisque imponere morem,
parcere subiectis et debellare superbos.

- Well... Civis Romanus sum!

Vast extension of that plain had always impressed the old senator. Marcus was riding at some distance along the column of the Roman army, crossing that unhabited landscape. How many cities could be founded in that territory! And think that in Italy some Greek cities had spent centuries fighting over small areas, no larger than the land occupied by the camp of those legions.



Scylas approached the Censor, pointing to a messenger who was riding towards them at high speed. That man was still a mistery to Marcus Aurelius. A few weeks ago, he had appeared suddenly in front of the explorers, offering his services as a guide and his terrain knowledge. After talking about it with Denis, the new tracker was put under command of Marcus and, in recent days, had proved to be an extraordinary acquisition, discovering ambushes and helping to negotiate with local leaders army supplies, preventing unnecessary incidents.

The old senator had spent much time talking to Scylas. He vaguely reminded him of Wolfgar, the silent and seasoned Sigfried's lieutenant, and of his friend Lars Porsenna, Lucumon of Etruria, recently deceased. Thanks to Scylas, Roman Censor had discovered many things about the steppe and its people, especially about Scythians and People of the Cimmerian Bosphorus, nations which had filled the power vacuum that followed the war between Romans and Sarmatians years ago. The Scythian warrior told him of the customs of his people, their history, their contacts with the Greek cities of the coast, their beliefs...

Messenger finally reached them. Marcus took the scroll and read it quickly. Quintus Servilius sent him again news from the Urbs. Carthaginian forces had made a first attack on the Roman colony of Iol in Africa, although the local militia had managed to resist the assault. It seemed the hawkish faction in Carthago had lost their support and now Welalurd was sending a new offer. It was necessary to gather the Senatus and make a decision. There were enough members of the Curia in the army. Roman Censor left at gallop towards where Princeps Senatus Denis and Consules Spartacus and Livia Drusilla were overseeing the advance of the legions, accompained by Aranth Porsenna. Lars's son was the image of his father. It would be good to have him also at the meeting. After all, the hour of making way for new generations was approaching...