“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. However, Brutus knew only too well to whom the phrase was aimed at. Keeping a straight face, he joined the chorus; “Aye, General.”

"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 centre.”

A smirk returned to Lucius Brutus’s face; the Senior Consul was clearly showing preference to him and Corvus, giving them the wings of the formation while he kept the centre – and the two inexperienced legates – under his grasp. Fortune smiles on me, Brutus thought smile growing bigger and bigger.

"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?" said Zosimus. All legates nodded in agreement.

"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" said the Senior Consul, dismissing soon afterwards the Legates.

Lucius Brutus strolled to the camp’s stables, there to pick up three fresh mounts for the journey to Velitrae. The mission was favourable enough; Velitrae laid only a few miles south of Veii, so he could be there before the day was out. Then, mastering the troops and force marching towards Ameria, he could make it in time for the rendezvous with the Senior Consul. That he couldn’t say though for Cnaius Lucilius, called “Maximus”, because had to travel down towards Capua, make the same journey back to Veii and from there move his troops to America – all in three days. A near impossible feat.

Lucius Junius exited the camp by Veii, the two extra horses tied to the saddle of his mount. Trotting away towards Velitrae, the Legatus was on his way…