“Yes, Brutus? Is there something funny?” Zosimus snapped at the Legate as Brutus chuckled.

“Eh? No, sir. Excuse me, sir.”

“Good. We can begin then” Zosimus said and the Legates closed in to be given the plan of action.

"First and foremost, I know a few of you from tales of your past actions, and outbursts in the Senate. Before any of you get any self-important notions that you are special, I will tell you now - you are not.

"This is not the Senate, nor is it some backwater province. This is Italia. This is our home. And to the north is a foe like none any of us have ever seen before. So put your egos aside, or I'll put you aside, understand?" Zosimus growled. A subdued chorus of 'aye sirs' greeted him.

"Very good. Now, for your assignments. I have based these on battle formations, which will run as follows:" Zosimus laid out a map and began pointing at the various legions and auxiliaries in turn. Then, he scrawled down the names and positions of each man present.



"Marcus Aemilius, you will have command of the left wing. Lucius Junius, the right. In the center, I have divided up the legions between you two, Tiberius Julius and Cnaeus Lucilius. These will be your legions to oversee. However, in battle, I will be taking command of both your legions tactically, and thus will have command of the center.

"We are missing one man, Caius Licinius. I had intended for him to have command of the cavalry and other foreign auxiliaries. If he doesn't show up soon, I may reapportion some of these commands. For the time being, however, this is how it stands. Everyone understand?"

Nods from the other four men indicated they did.

"Very well. Our forces are scattered about Italia. Some here, some at Capua, and some at Velitrae. I have dispatched orders, and we are all to meet at Ameria in three days time. Once we are altogether, further orders will be forthcoming. For the time being, I want Lucius Junius to gather the troops at Velitrae, and lead them to Ameria. And I want Cnaeus Lucilius to gather the troops at Capua."

"What about me?" Tiberius Julius Caesar interrupted. With a wrathful look, Zosimus snarled:

"You, can see to the baggage train." With a meaningful glare for the rest of his lieutenants, Zosimus snapped: "Dismissed!"