Stories Thread

[Iskander 3.1]

An Argument


“Steady...steady...keep marching...and...THROW!!!” commanded Sextvs Cornelivs Svlla.

The pila were tossed across the field towards an enemy that resembled a group of straw bales, landing with a series of “thuds.” Sextvs Cornelivs Scapvla, the temporary legion commander, observed the drill with satisfaction. The two Legati were ordered to keep the men in shape while awaiting the arrival of a new commander, and Scapvla wished to make a good impression.

Svlla shouted, “Draw gladii! Ready...CHARGE!!!”

The men ran through the snow. They then began thrusting their swords into the straw.

Scapvla ran up to Svlla. “No no no! What in the name of Orcvs are you doing?”

“Training. Just like you asked. Do you mind?”

“I mind that you're using a gladivs like a hasta.”

“And how are the men supposed to use it?”

“A Gladivs Hispaniensis is meant to be swung. That's how the Iberians use it, and that's how I've trained my men.”

Svlla was becoming frustrated. “You realize that my men had a higher kill ratio than yours when we took Tolosa?”

Scapvla thought for a moment. “Your men were facing peasants. Mine were up against true warriors.”

“Peasants? Armed with spear and shield?”

“The equipment does not make the soldier. It's in how he uses it...which brings us full circle.”

“Sextvs Cornelivs, you've forced me to spend all afternoon training these men in the snow,” said Svlla. “It's cold, they're tired, and right now they don't give a care about how they use their gladii. I'm following your orders entirely under protest. Cicero never had us train this much in winter. You're flaunting your generalship, however brief it may be.”

The only thing that kept Scapvla from losing the argument was the approach of a messenger.

“Legati Sextvs Cornelivs Scapvla and Sextvs Cornelivs Svlla! The honorable Dux Pvblivs Atilivs Regvlvs has been chosen to lead Legio I Apvla! He is on his way now and expects you two to be ready for him.”

“Well, Sextvs Cornelivs, you heard the man,” said Scapvla, taking the opportunity to get in the final word.