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Roman Camp, Outside Pergamum
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"Sire, the enemy is moving!" the scout leader said, gasping for air.
"Where? Where are they going?" Brutus asked.
"You cannot see it from level ground, sire; better climb a watch tower." the scout proposed. The two men, accompanied by a squadron of Legates, military Tribunes, strategy advisors and map carriers rushed through the camp to reach the front watch tower. After climbing one, the scout pointed with his finger a low hill where the enemy begun to build fortifications. "There."
"What's going on, Lucius?" Marcellus asked from underneath.
"The enemy seems to fortify upon a low hill; they have just started the constructions."
"What should we do?" Marcellus asked again.
"We cannot let them fortify themselves in, obviously. SOUND ASSEMBLY!" Brutus yelled to the cornicer not far from the tower's footings. Seconds later the whole camp was up and running, distorted with the sounds of the horns and the running of the legionaries and the clanging of the weapons. Marvellous sight indeed!

The Legates were convening once more on the command tent while the legions were mustering outside the camp, forming up in battle array.
"Marcellus, you'll lead the Bythinian auxiliary cavalry; I want you to attack in coordination with Falco" Brutus pointed towards a cavalry commander, "who will be leading the 300 Equites on the right flank, the enemy cavalry and rout them from the battlefield. You understand?"
"I do, sir." both officers said.
"Good. Then, once you've routed them, I want you to wheel your cavalry in the enemy's backs and attack their formation in the rear - no delays, gentlemen. Your role is crucial for today's victory. I want no mistakes, you understood? Oh, and once the enemy is in full rout - I expect your men to chain up as much of the fleeing cattle as possible, is that clear? Let's have something to pay the boys!"
"AYE, GENERAL!" both officers cried in unison.
"Gaius Lepidus, you'll lead the 300 horses in the left flank. You have a minor task today; just hold the enemy at bay - you have nothing to fear with the river by your side!"
"I understand, general." said Lepidus.
"Now,Servius Macrinus, you and I will both lead the heavy infantry. We form in the manipular formation, Hastati first, Triarii last. Once per hour, you'll give the signal and the lines will give the enemy up to one another. Every hour, you understand Macrinus? We'll repeat that until we're done!"
"Aye, general." the man said.
"Good. Be sure to tell your men to bombard the enemy with pilums before the first charge; it's gladius and shield from that point on."
"Got it, general."
"Habitus, you have the light infantry and it is you who will initiate the fight. Your mission is to pepper them with javelins - long enough to kill some of them but no more. Once you run out of ammo, you retreat in the back of our formation, behind the Triarii and from there you act as reserves. Is that clear?"
"Yes, general, Carthaginian glass clear." he said, making a reference to the first white piece of glass.
"Gentlemen, we fight today for Rome and the Republic."
"The Republic" the legates repeated in respect.
"I expect that we will walk in their blood today, gentlemen - a knee deep. Do not disappoint me."
"Never!" the Legates cried happily.