Rome Must Perish

"I know, but look at them—young, strong, with years of fighting experience. What’s more, they understand why they’ve joined us! That’s much better than when we first joined the ranks! With just a bit of training, they’ll make a fine group of soldiers!" Bubius’s eyes lit up as he looked at the men from Casaridaoa.

"But we’re about to leave!" Stags reminded him again.

"Here’s what I’ll do—I’ll take a few of them to the Legion Commander right away and seek his approval."

Seeing that Bubius was set on this, Stags refrained from persuading him further.

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"Chief, the marching plan we’ve currently arranged is like this... The First Legion will lead, followed closely by the Second Legion. Next, you and the Guard will position yourselves in the center of the formation, while our enormous Supply Camp will bring up the rear, protected by the Third Legion. (Before the rebel army turned north, the number of soldiers in the Maximus Army had already expanded to 15,000. Maximus reorganized the 3,000 extra soldiers from two legions and the 1,000 Guards to form another legion, with Camillus appointed as Legion Commander and Oluus as Deputy Legion Commander. Initially named the Guard Corps, it was later renamed the Third Legion after Quintus and others suggested the change for operational convenience. The 1,000-man Pequot unit then became the new Guard.)

Given this march, with the Roman Army pursuing us from behind, it won’t be as easy as last time when we traveled from Campania to Apulia. Also, the personnel in our Supply Camp have multiplied, many of whom lack long-distance marching experience. We’ll need to dispatch part of the Third Legion to form a retrieval team placed at the end of the marching formation, responsible for daily collection of those who lag behind or lose their way..."

Quintus held a wooden map board, gesturing as he spoke. "Our forces will march along the coast to Sipotum, then follow the edge of Gallanum Cape to reach the town of Apulum at the northern border of Apulia near Fluentani. This whole route consists of existing roads and relatively flat terrain, making it easier to travel... Chief, are you certain Attutmus’s army will meet with us at Apulum?"

"I’ve coordinated with him well in the past. This time, we’re both serving as vanguards and have already planned accordingly. We set forth today, and they will also depart today, maintaining contact through cavalry at all times. I trust that by the time we reach Apulum, they’ll be close by and won’t keep us waiting." Maximus said resolutely.