Re: That is, Consul
Chapter 1: The Hunter and the Prey
Pvblius travelled to Hispania Citerior with a reinforcement sent by the Senate to Hispania Ulterior. 600 men, of which at least 1/4 were Italics. The travel with soldiers was quite a jovial one, as men sang song, joked around, told stories about their love conquests and discussed prospects of gaining wealth in Hispania. Publius quickly noted that the men who travelled to Hispania were entirely different to those who served under Decimvs Caesar or Scipio Africanvs. They were a new breed, a generation of Publius, men young and violent, who were bored of work on the field. Men who did not remember the dangers of Carthage and Hannibal. These men after receiving their adult togae, quickly sold the parcel of land to their siblings or neighbours and set about to conquer the world. These men fought for prospects of greater riches and glory.
All men wore chain mail 'lorica hamata' bought by themselves, or sponsored by certain patrons, which was quite a common thing. The well armoured soldiers probably knew of the dangers which awaited them and therefore preferred to be best equipped for service. Another thing which differed them from their fathers, was the training they have received. They were quite properly drilled, as Pvblius came to see, when at command they formed formation to impress their enthuasiastic observers.
The reinforcements where commanded by one Appivs Claudivs Pvlcher, a descedant of the same Cladivs Pvlcher who threw the sacred chicks into the sea. Like his ancestor, Pvlcher was of very delicate appearance, and no doubt was considered extremely handsome. His delicate face and his slightly higher-toned voice did not impress his soldiers, and he would often be an object of ridicule behind his back. The most often ridicule was sung in the song of 'Clavdia of Capva', which isn't entirely appropriate to quote.
Pvblius recalled a day when Pvlcher caught the men singing this song. Red, from anger he shouted in his higher-tone voice.
"Men to me, form formation, shields on me!"
The men would then assemble and comply. A repeat of 5-6 times ensured that the vigour and jokes would break. Pvblius as a subordinate had also performed along with the soldiers these annoying drills.
Yet the men found a way of countering their commander. They would put against him one centurion who always managed to cheer the commander the improve the relationship between soldiers and their commander.
One day as Pvlcher was patrolling around the ship he saw the centurion, who was called Lvcivs Petrionvs, and began stalking him around. The centurion who was busy overwatching the regular drill of the men, was caught by surprise and had to face Pvlcher. It was customary for every man to salute his superior officer and ask permission to continue his duties.
Petronivs indeed saluted his commander, but refused to ask permission. After an hour of standing still, the centurion proceeded to act as if years or decades have passed, taking a pose of an old withered man, who hasn't still asked for permission. Meanwhile his men would be laughing, along with the oars crew rendering whole activities on the ship still. Pvlcher also laughed along from this joked, but soon realised he was caught into the overall mood.
"So Centurion, go on, ask for permission"
"No need Sir! It isn't for to Hispania really, Sir!"
Pvlcher bored would then proceed to leave.
Petronivs for his jovial and caring nature was dubbed by the soldiers as 'Pater' as he often acted as a father figure in many situations. He was renown for his story-telling abilities and at night men would sit a listen to his stories. Even Pvlcher, who was many years junior to the centurion, would come by at times and share the moment with his soldiers, because in his soul he greatly respected Petronivs.
******
Somewhere modern day Barcelona, noon.
Seriously dehydrated and suffering from the bleeding of teeth, the men often came down to the land the way travelling along for fresh water and fruits. It was early Fall, yet the Hispanian climate never changed through the year, and it was hot with sporadic rainfalls.
As men prepared to land, and search for nearby village they saw a thick column of smoke rising from nearby. Intrigue, Pvblivs asked for permission to investigate, but before Pvlcher could give a reply they saw a group of Romans under attack. A swarming horde of Iberians where making attacks on them. These weren't all-out heavily satured sorties, but individual attacks, to provoke the Romans to break formation. some 20 Roman infantry and a obviously a man who seemed to be their commander.
"Don't let them get you from the back, comrades!" The man shouted.
Pvlcher immediately gave order to help the roubled Romans.
A few legionaries jumped out of the ship with cat agility and charged at the Iberians at a Marathonian's pace. The Iberians, masters of ambush rather then brave fighters, at the sight of having a few of theirs killed and a huge warship infront of them, broke in haste. However a number already involved in fighting refused to retreat, preferring to take distance and hurl javelins at the Romans. As legionaries covered retreat, Pvblivs came to the men to assist them. Then...
"Lvcivs?!"
"What on the Gods, Pvblivs?! No time, bugger, they are at us, back to the ships!"
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