Messenger was exhausted. His eyes were unable to keep open, and his hands gripped the reins to prevent tiredness make him fall from his horse. Three days had passed since he left Rhegium northward, moving along dirt roads and sheperd trails, dodging creeks and dense forests, without rest or respite searching the route for the Tiber.

Fatigue dented his aching bones and he hardly noticed the fog was lifting off in the valley. Slowly red roofs were shaping up over a sea of clouds, and later, with the first sunray, a dazzling glow began to shine in the middle of the town. Rome awoke at the foot of the hill where he was.

After drinking avidly their last drops of water, began to march again toward the city gates. As he went, peasants in their cars to marketplace watched him carefully and whispered, wondering about his disheveled appearance. At the doors, one of the legionnaires of the urban garrison stopped him, asking for his name, origin and orders. In reply, the messenger took out a sealed tablet from his tunic, showing it to the the guardian. A moment later, the legionnaire, after approaching the checkpoint, came back surrounded by two colleagues and his superior, a veteran centurion with a scowl and a scar trickling down his face:

- Follow them! They'll escort you to the Forum.

Messenger didn't answer. Legionnaires outflanked him, leading through the crowded streets where rumours were yet going round. Once in the Forum, headed for the Curia, where a man in white robe was waiting for them. Courier handed the letter and he entered the building briskly.

.............................

Shortly after, cheers and exclamations filled the air. The bronze doors opened slowly and the most venerable of the senators came out walking in his crook. After reaching the rostra, he inspired and turned to the crowd:

- Today, roman standarts crown the acropolis of Rhegium, and hymns to Juppiter rise from the temples of the city. Our troops watch sicilian shores from the walls. The Senate and the People of Rome are now rulers of Calabria.

SALVE ROMA