[NUMERIUS AUREOLUS]: It is with shock and dismay that I read of the brave death of our pro-consul Amulius Coruncanius in battle with the Macedonians. The rout of our only Consular army is a terrible event, which makes the defeat of Legio III at the Massilia Ford seem small by comparison. However, in this case, I am convinced that no blame should be attached to the late pro-consul for doing his duty and laying down his life in defence of the Republic.

I am currently with Legio V campaigning in east of Illyria, near northern Macedon. I wonder what role my command can best play in avenging our defeat? Two possibilities strike me. First, I could head back and return to Pella, to join with Legate Publius Pansa. Alternatively, we could use a pincer strategy - I could continue to march east, heading for the Macedonian settlement of Ratiara while Legate Pansa returns from Crete to take up position in Pella. After taking Ratiara, I could drive south to Bylazora while Legate Pansa takes a reconstituted Consular army and drives north towards it. I suspect that the First Consul's first thought might be the safer first option, but I would ask him not to disregard the bolder alternative. Pella is walled and should be able to hold out for a while until Legate Pansa returns. I believe I can strike Ratiara soon - sooner than I could return to Pella. If the First Consul believes that the Consular army can be reconstituted under Legate Pansa without Legio V, I urge him to unleash me on the Macedonian hinterland. I will cut a swathe through it and begin to avenge this day of ignomy. Remember - the Macedonians also bled in their defeat of the pro-Consul, let me strike before they become stronger still.