Aeneas woke up to the morning trumpets. He got up and groggily made his
way to the briefing tent. Inside the tent he found that his four men had
already arrived. They all stood to attention as he entered.


“At ease.” said Aeneas.


The four soldiers took their seats.


“Alright then.” said Aeneas. “As you may know three days ago
after a raid two Praetorian guardsmen disappeared leaving behind an
encoded document giving directions to an uncharted area of the forest a
few days march from here. The five of us have been selected this mission
because we have all proven to be exceptionally skilled. Aeneas paused
for a moment. “Our assignment is to march to this location find the
soldiers, beyond that it’s unclear. Are there any questions?”


One of the Legionarys raised his hand.


“Legionary Carvilius?” said Aeneas.


“When do we march?” asked Dean Carvilius.


“As soon as all of you are packed up.” said Aeneas. “You will
bring full kit. We will be provided with a mule to carry our tent and
extra rations. Anymore questions?”


“No sir” said the four soldiers in unison.


“Alright, get packed up. We’ll meet at the east sally port at noon. Don’t be late.” said Aeneas.


The five Romans exited the tent and made their way to the
barracks to gear up. Aeneas entered the barracks and made his way to his
bunk. He grabbed his few personal belongings and stuffed them in a
small sack which he tucked into his belt.


He next stopped at the armory. He walked up to the stand which
held his armor. First he put on the thick padded vest that was worn
underneath the armor to absorb the shock of an impact. He ran his
fingers over the steel bands of his lorica segmentata armor. It had just
been oiled and was slick to his touch. He lifted it off its stand and
hoisted it onto his shoulders, then laced up the front. He then slung
the strap of his gladius’ scabbard over left shoulder so that it would
hang at his right hip. He drew the blade and ran his nail over both
edges to make certain they were sharp. After replacing the sword in its
scabbard he buckled his pugio to his belt on the left side, this small
dagger would be his last resort weapon.


Next he removed his galea helmet from its stand and folded the
cheek guards inwards. Then he slung its carrying strap around his neck.
The helmet lay on his chest like a medallion. He covered his scutum in
its leather bag to protect the large curved rectangular shield from the
elements. He then strapped the scutum in its case to his back like a
backpack. He picked up his heavy pilum and his light pilum and rested
the two javelins against his right shoulder. He slung his bag of tools
including a pickaxe, a hatchet, and a shovel over his left shoulder. He
strapped his bedroll to his back along with his scutum. Finally he
placed his small bag of personal possessions, his water canteen, and his
week of rations in a sack which his tied to the end of a poll which he
then rested against his left shoulder. Aeneas was now ready for the long
march ahead. He made his way to the east sally port.


The east sally port was a small gate in the east wall of the
legion’s fortress only wide enough for three men walking abreast. It was
barricaded by three sets of heavy iron reinforced wooden doors each one
barred with a thick log. The doors where guarded with two dozen
Legionarys. Within a few moments his four comrades arrived with a mule
in tow. Aeneas walked up to the head guard.


“I request the port be opened for my squad.” said Aeneas.


“Your name?” asked the head guard.


“Aeneas Flavius, I’m on orders from the Legate.” answered Aeneas.


“Ah yes, I’ve been told about this.” Replied the head guard.


The head guard signaled to open the gates. One after another,
the heavy doors creaked open. Aeneas and his squad walked through the
gates. The doors clanged shut behind them. Aeneas and his squad listened
as the last log was replaced with a loud and ominous clunk. Aeneas,
Dean, Tiberius, Krys, and Gaius were on their own now.