A messenger enters the Curia and briefly speaks to a soldier standing guard over the hall. He does not boast the colorful livery of most professional couriers, but instead the light leather armor of a cavalry scout. He is covered head to toe in dust and stinks of horse to the point that those Senators closest to him actually get up and move away. The rider walks quickly, with purpose in the direction the guard had pointed.

The young cavalryman stops before Quintus Flavius and the two share a brief conversation and smiles. Letters are exchanged between the two and after a few brief comments the messenger turns and leaves the Curia, no doubt in search of a meal and a bath. Quintus breaks the seal of the letter and gives it a perfunctory glance and clears his voice to address the legislative body.

"Honored Senatores of Roma, this letter has just arrived from the Legio III Campania, penned by my master Tribunus Tiberius Claudius Marcellus shortly after their successful landing in Illyria Hellenike. With permission I shall read my master's words to you."

Ave Senatores, greetings from the Greek mainland!

The Legio III Campania has arrived ashore and sent scouting forces abroad to determine the amount of enemy resistance. I confidently state that our target city of Epidamnos is terribly undergarrisoned, and save a large relief force shall fall within the year. Both the Legatus and I have fallen terribly ill. Even as I write this to you I am bedridden. I pray the gods will spare us an untimely demise and keep the ravages of plague from decimating our men so far afield.

While our landing was successful, I regret to inform you that I have it on good word that two separate fleets of Leisterion pirates annihilated our supply fleet of merchant ships and drove them out into the Mediterranean itself. I fear that most men and vessels were lost to the deep. I assure you that my family shall not seek recompense for the ships donated to the Res Publica; but while we shall seek to allay the rage of the other merchants, I cannot speak for them. I trust the Senate will deal justly with those who risked their livelihoods to help this campaign.

In regards to pirates and other scofflaws, I hear told that two separate bands of rebellious Aphistamenoi are ravaging the country side of Italia. I am sure the Senate is aware of these trespasses; but I must state my abject horror that the citizens of Umbria, Latium, Apulia, and Campania should be threatened so. I suggest the Consular Legio IV Roma be dispatched immediately if not already sent northwards, and recalled if they have been.

I grow weary from this exertion and must rest for the upcoming battle if I am to be any good to my men or to the Legatus. Strength and Honor sons of Roma.

T. C. Marcellus
"That is all the word that my master sends."

Quintus returns to his usual spot and continues taking notes for his benefactor, preparing to pay special attention to any comments regarding this newest letter.