Rise to Glory

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Titus Mamercus

A young boy is playing swordfight with his friends outside when news of his father’s death arrives. Vibius Mamercus; killed while serving in the Roman army. His only son, Titus, doesn’t shed a tear. Instead, he continues to play with his friends. They all went home with many bruises that day. Fast forward 4 years. Titus was 14 but you wouldn’t know it. He was a boy of strong build, and didn’t look his age. Thus, he was able to convince the recruiters in his region that he was old enough to join the army. And so he did, as a lowly Hastati.

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During basic training, he outfought his training officer, a veteran of many campaigns, and caught him with a slash right under the eye. In the first few weeks, he became feared as one of the best fighters there. Nobody wanted to spar with the guy who cut up their trainer. This was boring for Titus however. He jumped at the opportunity to be shipped off to the front lines. The bloodthirsty young man craved the rush of the battle.

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By the time he was 17, he had traveled hundreds of miles and killed hundreds of Carthaginians, Gauls, Iberians, Germans and otherwise enemies of Rome. While resting in a recently captured Gallic town, the General of their army, Cassius, managed to have a child by one of the natives. He decided he was in love and would stay there to raise his child and be with his lover (unbeknownst to his wife back home of course). A new General was appointed, and a terribly incompetent one at that. As the army marched on, more and more people began taking notice of Titus on the battlefield. He was standout fighter, and more of warrior than their fool of a General would ever be.

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At the age of 19, he was made Captain, second in charge to General Kaeso.

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In all reality however, he was the real leader of that army already. Only a few months later, Titus’ biggest break would come. During a decisive battle against the German forces, General Kaeso was killed by an arrow to the neck, whilst being distracted by the odd spectacle of a group of screeching women. Titus seized the opportunity and, as the acting commander, led the army to a crushing victory.

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Not a single man or woman was left alive. The men were astounded at his leadership skills and had complete trust in his abilities. The Senate however, had a different idea. They sent word for him to set up camp and stay put until a new General could arrive to relieve him of command. Ah, but Titus would not have it so. The men loved and trusted him enough to follow him against direct orders. He took 3 towns and destroyed 2 rebel armies before General Flavius got to them. When at last he arrived, the General was met with an entire army who would not fight for anyone but Titus. He returned to Rome and informed the Senate of a possible revolt if correct actions were not taken. Before any civil strife could arise, a member of the patriarchal family suggested he formally adopt Titus. The Senate reluctantly agreed. And so, Titus became a full fledged General at the age of 20.

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He led a massive campaign which eliminated all the opposition east of Rome. Noone wanted to be on the front lines when General Titus came rolling through.

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Over the next 30 years, he would be come to known as Titus the Great. When there was nobody left to kill, and no cities left to capture, Titus was asked to return to Rome. On his way, a few more brigand armies fell to his sword. Upon his return, Titus was hailed as a national hero. The Senate formally recognized him as a hero of the State.

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He was named Pontifex Maximus, and solidified his place in history as one of the greatest Roman generals ever.

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...as for Cassius, back in the Gallic town... well let's just say it wasn't the smartest move to settle in a barbaric village after having just conquered them and impregnated a native of. He, along with his lover and child were killed.

I enjoyed it. Well done.

:cheers:

Impressive story :D

Many thanks. Inspired by real life RTW events of course... with just a touch of embelishment... :angel:

~D Good stuff ~:cheers:

hahaha good story, why don't you wright some for the mead hall

Great story! You should see what they think of it in the Mead Hall, I really enjoyed it! ~D Well Done ~:cheers:

Mead hall you say?... perhaps.... perhaps....

Well, I'm sure it will impress the storytellers there. :grin3:

Thanks Craterus ~:) . Didn't even know about mead hall till you told me. It shall be by haven from this day forth. Haven I say!

Glad to see I'm spreading the word. I'm writiing a story to be "published"/reviewed in there. Won't be for a while, I don't have time to write, I have exams :book: