Chapter 1: Tiberius, We're Not in Rome Anymore
Quintus stepped through the field of dead men, his eyes fixed straight ahead. His bearing remained resolutely impassive despite it all—the Primus Pilus would not be moved, even by such a scene as this. Across the silent battlefield, a golden eagle stood tall, guiding him forward to the command post.
As Quintus approached, his gaze trailed down to the man who bore the shining standard of their Legion. Aquilifer Lucius gave him a slight nod, his hand firm on the long staff that the eagle perched upon. Together, they stood in silence. The two were friends of a sort, closer than even the brotherhood found between Legionnaires. But today, the solemn air and exhaustion kept them silent as they stood, waiting for the Legatus to finish talking to his second in command.
After the officer hurried away, the Legatus looked down at his map once more. The polished steel of his breastplate glinted in the rays of the dying sun. At his elbow sat a similarly cared-for helmet, open-faced and topped with a large red plume. After a brief moment, the man beckoned Quintus over.
Quintus stepped forward and clasped his fist to his chest in salute, the clink of his own breastplate echoing in the silence.
"Legatus Tiberius," Quintus addressed the man with utmost respect in his voice.
Tiberius's gaze rose from the map he'd been studying to meet Quintus's own. He had expected to see some measure of weariness there, some small trace of the toll of battle affecting everyone. But even after three hard days of battle, the man's face remained as unreadable as ever. The Legatus's stoicism put even his own to shame.
Tiberius spoke, his deep voice carrying easily. "Report, Primus."
Quintus dropped into parade rest and spoke. "The outriders have returned. The stragglers have been pinned against the Metaurus River and have no hopes of crossing."
"Good. Crush them, then assemble the men. We have further to march before nightfall." Tiberius looked back down at his map, already dismissing the matter from his mind.