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Macedonia! He cut through a swathe of barbarians and was one of only a
handful of survivors! His fellow survivors told of heroic deeds of valor and
strength. He screamed,  Rome! Rome as he charged the field. His sword burnt
like crimson and his eyes glowed as if Mars had possessed him. We honor this
man today! We honor him with recognition! And with a gift.
He walked around the hero and steely looked into his eyes.  Make a request,
and it shall be honored.
Manias said,  My request is to better serve Rome.
The leaders of the Houses smiled. The political jaunt saturated his words. In
saying this, he put himself in harm s way: after a furious debate on Julii vs.
Rome, those words burnt like fire in Julii s ears. If Julii sent him to Britannia or
Germania, it would be a blatant offense against Scipii, Brutii, the Senate, and
S.P.Q.R. The same if he were sent to Macedonia or Hispania.
Silvanus looked deep into his eyes. He could not punish this hero  for if he
did, what would be the charge? He had requested to better serve Rome  an
execution would cite a rise-in-arms through Brutii and Scipii and much of Julii
as well!
Now Julii smiled.  Your request shall be granted! As of now the dispatch has
been sent across all the lands of Rome! A new legion is to be formed! Legio
XII! The twelfth legion! Manias Publius, you are being given the honor of
training, leading, and commanding the 2nd Century of the 3rd Urban Cohort! Do
you accept this most precious honor? Do you accept the granting of your own
wish? Do you accept the task to serve Rome?
Desperation sank like a rock in the seat, tied to his heart, pulling it ever down.
A curse. A prophecy:
 Yes.
IN THE NAME OF ROME 86
IN THE NAME OF ROME 87
LEGIO XII
THE 12TH LEGION
MILITARY DIVISION, THE GREAT CITY ROME, PROVINCE LATIUM
Wooden stakes surrounded a marble statue of a Roman soldier holding his
sword and shield. Men in turquoise tunics jumped back and forth in the dust,
hitting at each other with wooden swords, parrying and striking, faces laden with
an odd mix of excitement and competition. Manias stood at the statue, watching
the soldiers with the play toys, and was brought out of jumbled thoughts as two
men walked up. He turned around and thumped his chest before them, a sign of
strength and honor.
Manias immediately noticed they were older, and was not surprised. These
men had been borne out of the urban cohort. Manias had gone from grungy
legionnaire to the commander of an urban cohort  unheard of, except for in the
case of honoring a hero. He could tell bitter distrust wrapped over the minds of
these men, but he did not make a case about it. He introduced himself as Manias
Publius of Venetia Province, partaker of the campaigns in Macedonia.
One of the men said,  And I am Quintus Farus of Massilia Province. Partaker
of the campaigns against Gaul. I was one of the mere beggar infantry when we
stormed the gates of Lugdunum. I was raised always in the threat of Gallic raids.
They would sweep down from the mountains, raping our women, killing our
men, stealing our children. The walls of the fort were our only honeycomb of
protection. My best friend died in a Gallic raid  he and his sister were out in the
fields; they hadn t heard the warnings of the scouts. His body was found,
mutilated, but hers never has been. His eyes grew shadowy in hate.  Ever since
my only wish has been to conquer the rest of the Gauls. Most of their land is in
our possession, but their armies never sleep. Before I die, I shall send the
soldiers of Gaul to the pit of Hades.
Manias nodded.  I am thankful to be serving with such a passionate man.
IN THE NAME OF ROME 88
The other man looked at those training in the dust.  Do you not remember
those days? So youthful, so innocent& I thirst for them again. He looked at
Manias.  Tiberius Meridius. I was born and raised in the heart of Rome. The
city of Capua, south of Rome. My father served in the early campaigns against
the Gauls. Quintus here served under him. My father provided me only the best
of training, and I rose through the ranks, over six years, to where I am now.
Manias said,  I am honored to be serving with you men.
A horn sounded from the pillars of the Roman camp s headquarters. A
summons to the courtyard. [ Pobierz całość w formacie PDF ]