Aeneas would first need a tracker, someone who was familiar with the ways of the forest. He would need good fighters in case things got dirty. Now to find them, he would start by finding a tracker. Aeneas made off for the quartermaster’s tent.

“Ave sir!” said Aeneas as he entered the cramped tent, “I’m here on orders from the Legate.”

“Ah yes, the Legate told me about this. You’re looking to assemble a team,” replied the quartermaster as he looked up from the stack of documents strewn about his desk.

“I’m looking for a guide, someone who knows this part of the forest” said Aeneas.

“I think I know just the man you’re looking for. He’s an archer in the 12th Sagittarii Regiment.” said the quarter master.

“When will he be ready for action?” asked Aeneas.

“I’ll send a runner to fetch him now” replied the quartermaster as he got up from his chair and went outside the tent. He returned shortly with the archer in trail.

“Ave!” said the Sagittarii as he saluted.

“Your name?” asked Aeneas as he returned the salute.

“Krys Tofir Crastius, sir, archer 12th Sagittarii Regiment!” answered the archer.

“Sagittarii Krys, how well do you know this forest?” asked Aeneas.

“Like the backside of my hand, sir,” answered Krys.

“Very good, you will be assigned to a small special unit,” said Aeneas.

“Sir, May I ask what this special unit’s task is?” asked Krys.

“That still remains classified, however once the entire squad is assembled you will be briefed” answered Aeneas, “until then you may take leave off duty. Get some rest you’ll need it.”

“Yes sir!” said Krys.

“You are dismissed,” said Aeneas.

“Ave!” said Krys as he saluted and then departed the tent.

“I will also need three Legionarys,” Aeneas said to the quartermaster. “I need the best men you have.”

“You’ll have to check with the Centurions, they know their men better than I do.” replied the quartermaster.

After leaving the quartermaster Aeneas made his way to the Legate’s tent. The guards let him in without question now.

“Ave!” said Aeneas as he saluted.

“How is the squad coming along?” asked the Legate.

“Very good sir, I have a tracker, however I still need a few Legionarys.” answered Aeneas.

“Last time I checked we had about five thousand of them.” said the Legate.

“I’m looking for the best sir.” said Aeneas

“Have you spoken with the Centurions? They know the men best.” asked the Legate.

“That’s why I came to you sir.” said Aeneas “I’d like to gather a meeting with the Centurions and have them recommend three men.”

“It could be done.” said the Legate.

“I’m trying to depart as soon as possible.” said Aeneas.

“I will arrange the meeting for tonight will you be ready?” said the Legate.

“Yes sir.” answered Aeneas.

“Very well, come to the officer’s mess at sundown.” said the Legate.

“Yes sir.” said Aeneas as he exited the immense tent.

At sundown Aeneas made his way to the officer’s mess tent. He had never been inside the tent before. It was a long and narrow tent and had a wonderful aroma of exotic foods coming from the seams. He opened the flap to find a vast hall of canvas. In the center of the hall lay a long table. Seated at the table where the Centurions of the Legion. The Legate sat at the head of table. Aeneas took a seat.

“I believe all of you are aware of what this meeting is?” asked the Legate

The Centurions all nodded.

“Each of you will volunteer your best Legionary, then we shall pick the three best and they will be assigned to the special Unit.” said the Legate.

The Centurions each took the small wax tablet they had been given and etched the name of their chosen Legionary onto the surface of the tablet. A Legionary came around the table collecting the tablets and brought them to the Legate. The Legate looked over the names for a long time. He then looked up from the tablets.

“I have chosen the three men.” said the Legate confidently. “Tiberius Hadrianus, Dean Carvilius, and Gaius Magnus, make your men ready for briefing tomorrow at sunrise”

“Yes sir!” said three of the Centurions.

“You are all dismissed.” said the Legate.

The Centurions left the hall. Aeneas made his way to his barracks.