Hey guys, I am back with the first chapter. Hope you enjoy.
Chapter 2:1 The Hunt
Wilderness…
On a hill overlooking the plain, Governor Florum in his roman armor overlooked it. With a heavy heart he finally realized his mistake. He lost many men and lost the new standards from the Legion's he has raised. He has dishonored Rome and there was only one thing he could do now to preserve his honor.
While he was hoping to end up in Elysium, that was unlikely due to his cowardice. He looked down removing his helmet and then drew his sword. With both hands on the handle he positioned the blade towards his heart. "DIGNA SUM!" (I am worthy)!" With that he fell on his own sword and collapsed on the ground.
Neopolis…
The once proud port city was now in ruins. Rubble filled the streets, many buildings collapsed and in ruins, the walls stood but were damaged by relentless barrages, not even the governor's mansion wasn't spared for it too had hole and burn marks. soldiers camped within the ruined buildings getting what ret they could. The moral of the soldiers was low, many soldiers have given their lives with many more wounded.
General Brutus went into a ruined tavern where many wounded were. He looked around seeing soldiers laying down on the ground. Some with a cast, others with bandages around their arms, legs, head, or in multiple places. Looking up on them, "I need ever man I can get," he thought.
He left tavern to walk back to his new headquarters, walking upon the ruined streets. Looking left and right to see more wounded and makeshift camps within ruined buildings or tents in the streets.
Septimus was kneeling down in front of one of the soldiers finishing wrapping a bandage. "There you go lad, lucky the cut didn't touch the bone," he said. He then walked over to Crispus and some others who were cooking a pot. "What food are we having?"
"Cabbage stew," said Crispus stirring the stew.
"Again, we had that for the past few days" said Septimus.
"We got possibly hundreds of thousands of enemies outside the wall, and your complaining about cabbage stew," chuckled Cicero.
This caused the other legionaries sitting nearby to laugh.
"Heh, your right," said Septimus.
"Wonder how much longer we are going to last?" wondered Cicero.
"The Emperor has abandoned us," said a nearby militiamen causing all the nearby comrades to sink into despair.
"Hey you," said Septimus walking up to him and grabbing him by the collar. "I fought in Felix's legion once, and let me tell you, he is not the kind of man to simply abandon his men," said Septimus throwing him to the ground. "We must have hope, until then we are Sons of Rome, we will do our duty or end up in Elysium trying!"
"AHHH!" cheered many soldiers in the buildings and other nearby camps.
Brutus looked at the rallying speech with a small smile, 'At least some of the troops still have high spirits,' he thought to himself. He continued to his headquarters.
"Admiral, how are the ships?" asked Brutus.
"We've lost a few, but can set sail at any time if not for the blockade," said Catalus.
"And food?" asked Brutus.
"We got plenty of food, with rationing. We will survive longer," said Titus.
"We will need reinforcements," said Brutus.
Roma, Imperial Palace…
Felix was sitting upon the Imperial throne attending to other duties of an Emperor which he found boring. Plebs in the countryside having their wells run dry, request for bandits, villages in Eriador seeking Roman protection, and stories of a big wolf attacking sheep, as if war was not enough.
Once the last Pleb and Patricians left, he was ready to get to the war meeting. "My lord, an envoy from Lothlorien has come see you," announced Quintus.
Felix interested in this news, "Send him in," ordered Felix.
An group of elves from the Golden wood walked upon the scarlet carpet entered. His bodyguard with swords in scabbards. The one wearing green kept walking forward. Praetorians lining up on both sides of the carpet with officials and Senators behind them observing. As they noticed he carried something wrapped in cloth.
The elf went forward an stopped and bowed. "It is an honor to meet you Felix Emperor and protector of Rome. I am Numil of Lothlorien, speaking for the White Lady of the wood."
"Welcome Numil, you and your kin are always welcomed in Rome. What does Lady Galadriel wish to speak with Roma about this day?" asked Felix.
Numil then presented the cloth and began unwrapping it as everyone in the throne room watched. Then they watched in awe seeing what they thought was lost forever. "It's can't be?" said Felix in disbelief.
"May I present the standard of Legio VIII," said Numil. The entire throne room was then filled with chatter.
Felix then put up his hand to silence the throne room as he stood up. "Thank you Numil, you shall be honored forever in Rome," said Felix.
"It was not I who retrieved the standard, but your son Marcus," said Numil. "He went into Moria and retrieved it, with Durin's Bane upon him. The Praetorians allowing him to climb the steps as he handed the lost standard to Felix, as well as a letter.
More murmurs filled the throne room. Felix once again silenced them. Looking at the letter and noticed Marcus's handwriting. "Where is Marcus?" asked Felix.
"He passed through Lothlorien and then took boats down the river Anduin, from there I do not know. If I may my lord, I wish to attend your next meeting. I bring with me the latest news all over Middle- Earth," said Numil.
"Of course," said Felix.
Wild…
In the wild, five hunters were in pursuit of the Uruk-Kai, who have taken their comrades captive. Aragorn was on the ground with his ear. Marcus who was curious also put his ear to the ground.
"Your right Aragorn, you can hear their pace," said Marcus.
"Yes…They halted," said Aragorn. After about a moment, "Their pace has quicken. They must have caught our scent".
"Then we must hurry," said Marcus getting up with Aragorn.
"Hurry!" shouted Aragorn with haste as both men began to move.
Legolas and Decima were not far behind, Legolas stopped and looked back "Come Gimli, we're gaining on them."
"Come on dwarf keep up," said Decima looking back briefly.
Gimli was way behind, coming up to catch his breath, "three days and nights pursuit. No food…no rest…and no sign of our quarry, but what bare rock can tell!" The dwarf continued forward doing his best to keep up.
The five hunters continued onward in pursuit of the Uruks. They went across plains, hills, and rocks. Nothing would stand in their way to save the Hobbits. Despite them not getting a lot of rest they still pushed on ahead. Aragorn was in the lead, followed by Marcus, Legolas, Decima, and Gimli.
As they kept on forward. "Legolas, Gimli still behind us?" asked Decima. Legolas looked back briefly ever now and then.
"Yes," said Legolas.
They continued on determined to reach their friends. Eventually they came upon a spot. Aragorn spotted something in the ground. He bent down to see what it was.
Decima noticed and stopped to look, "It's one of those elven brooches."
"Indeed, not idly do the leaves of Lorien fall," said Aragorn.
Legolas then noticed it, "Then they may all yet be alive."
"Clever Hobbits, leaving us breadcrumbs," said Marcus.
"Less than a day ahead of us," said Aragorn stepping forward and then quickening his pace. "Come."
The others followed as Gimli came tumbling down from a rock.
Legolas looked behind, "Come Gimli, we're gaining on them."
Gimli pulled himself up panting. "I wasted on cross-country!" he cried out. "We Dwarves are natural sprinters! Very dangerous over short distances!"
The hunters then came up on top of a hill to then come upon plains. "Rohan, the home of the horse-lords," said Aragorn.
"It's been awhile since I've come here," said Decima.
"You were here once?" asked Marcus.
"Part of any envoy once, but that was long ago," said Decima.
"Rohan is an ally of Roma, they should aid us," said Macus.
"I'm not so sure Marcus, there is something strange at work here, some evil gives speed to these creatures, sets its will against us," said Aragorn.
"I hope you are wrong Aragorn," said Marcus.
They carried on, "Legolas, what do your elf eyes see?" asked Aragorn.
"The Uruks turn northeast!" he answered. "They're taking the Hobbits to Isengard!"
"Saurman," said Aragorn in shock of the revelation.
"We must catch them before they reach Isengard," said Decima.
"Indeed," said Aragorn.
Isengard…
In the barren smoking lands of Isengard with industry at full capacity. The traitorous wizard Saruman with his hand over the Palantir was communicating with Sauron. "The world has changed. Who now has the strength to stand against the armies of Isengard and Mordor".
Inside the Palantir the great army of Mordor in their fortress of Bara-Dur. "To stand against the might of Sauron and Saruman and the union of the Two Towers…"
On top of Bara-Dur the flaming eye of Sauron was blazing stronger then erupting Mt. Doom.
"Together my lord Sauron, we shall rule this Middle Earth".
Saruman was standing on the edge of a platform speaking with an orc. "I want them armed and ready to march within two weeks!" ordered Saruman.
"But, my lord, there are too many," he protested, "they cannot be armed in time we don't have the means."
"Build a dam, block the streams, work the furnaces, night and day," said Saruman.
"We do not have enough fuel to feed the fires," said the orc.
"The Forest of Fangorn lies on our doorstep," said Saruman looking at the lush green forest. "Burn it!" he ordered.
"Yes!" exclaimed the Orc with a smile.
"The old world will burn in the fires of industry…"
"Forests will fall…"
"A new order will rise…"
"We will drive the machine of war with the sword, and the spear, and the iron fists of the Orc…"
More Uruk-kai were being born from the birth pits. An Orc inspecting the newborn.
"We have only to remove those who oppose us…"
In the tower of Orthanc, Saruman was meeting with a Wildman from Dunland. A savage being with wild hair, primitive, and horrid.
"We will fight for you," pledged the wildman.
"Swear it," insisted Saruman wanting to be sure.
The Wildman than drew a knife and began to slit his own palm making Saruman smile sinisterly of the act. Then he balled his fist letting the blood gush out. "We will die, for Saruman," he said fiercely.
That night the Wildmen of Dunland gathered outside Orthanc with Saruman ranting them on.
"The horsemen and legions took your lands, they drove your people into the hills, to scratch a living off rocks!" cried Saruman.
"MURDERERS!" cried the Wildmen as they raised their weapons and torches.
"Take back the lands they stole from you, BURN EVERY VILLAGE!" THEN BURN ROME!"
The Wildmen stampeded out of Isengard ready to carry out the will of Saruman. Uruk-kai also joined them on their crusade of destruction and genocide.
Roma, Imperial Palace War Room…
Roman officers and officials were once again surrounding a table of a strategic map. "What news?" asked Felix.
"General Albina engaged the enemy and lost," reported Cassius. "However, he managed to successfully withdraw and kept his army intact."
"It seems I've made the right choice," said Felix.
"He is still separated from Legio VII and our dwarven allies, Muthag seems to be preventing them from uniting," said Cassius.
"What of Legio XII and XIII?" asked Felix.
"What has been left of those forces seem to have vanished," said Abnus.
"Is there more Abnus?" asked Tiberius.
"There is rumor of another war, fought in the countryside. Muthag himself received reinforcements, though some of them were ambush on their route."
This caught Felix's full attention. Abnus continued, "Not only that, but some of their supply trains have been stopped."
Felix looked over the map, "Muthag seems to have overextended his supply line making him vulnerable."
"Indeed Emperor, I have a theory," said Abnus.
"What would that be?" asked Cassius.
"There is a small Dunedin community south of Calus, but it is now empty. With the defeat and death of Governor Florum, I believe what was left of his Legions have formed into bands of guerillas along with the Dunedin," said Abnus.
"If what you say is true, then Albina must link up with Legio VII and the dwarves and then coordinate with these guerrillas, that will be the key to victory in the South, and perhaps draw some of the enemy away from Neopolis," said Felix.
"Make the enemy overextend themselves," said Tiberius.
"That will be the key to victory in the south," said Cassius.
A messenger suddenly ran in towards the emperor giving him a scroll. Felix took the scroll that had the seal of the Knights of Roma.
"What is it my lord?" asked Quintus.
"It seems the Wildmen have gone to Isengard and allied with the treacherous wizard and are now moving towards the Westfold of Rohan," said Felix.
"Those poor souls," said Cassius.
"Will Theoden not defend his own people," said Publius.
"His mind is being influenced by a corrupt councilmen," said Abnus.
"Keep an eye on the movement of the Wildmen, and also we will accept all the refugees from Rohan," decreed Felix.
"When will we advance on Neopolis?" asked Cassius.
"As soon as we train the last of the new Legions and then we will advance on Neopolis," said Felix. "Until then, Numil you may come in now."
Numil walked in and proceeded to the table. "What news do you bring us?" asked Publius.
"Sauron forces are attacking all over, his fortress of Dol Duldur has been filled with legions of orcs once more. The Dwarves of the Lonely Mountain with the Men of Dale will soon be attacked by legions of Easterlings. Sauron continues to strike hard at Gondor. Then there is whispers of Angmar in the north," said Numil.
"It seems all of Middle-Earth faces the same peril," said Cassius.
"Indeed, but until we can drive Sauron's forces into the sea, we cannot assist our allies," said Felix. "Thank you Numil."
Numil bowed in respect and left.
Roman Military Hospital…
Tulio went up to the second level to visit his friend. As he walked into a room, the hospital was busy full of healers everywhere. A few elves from the recent envoy were volunteering to help the wounded.
Tulio moved on seeing men on beds in row with injuries ranging from cuts, bruises, lost limbs, or worse. Eventually he came upon his friend Vitus who was on a bed with a bandage around his eye. "Vitus, apologies on your eye?" he said.
Vitus looked up at his longtime friend with one eye. "Aye, I tell you Tulio. I hated the Haradrium, even before they put out my eye."
"Will you still be able to fight?" asked Tulio.
Vitus cracked a smile, "I just need one good eye. So, when will we move out again?"
"Not sure, it seems Emperor Felix will be staying put in the capital for a bit to gather more forces," said Tulio. "The grounds and barracks are full and even outside the city camps have been setup for the additional soldiers."
"Then, as soon as I'm well, I am going to the grounds," said Vitus.
"What for?" asked Tulio.
"We need to have good soldiers I plan to teach them," said Vitus.
"Not a bad plan, I will see you there," said Tulio.
Roma, Easterling Quarters…
In a plaza in the Easterling quarters, a huge crowd of Easterlings were focused on one man standing in the center. The Roman militia also were in key points making sure the crowd wouldn't get out of hand. Quadir with four of his Auxiliaries
"My brothers hear me," he began. "Once again I implore any man to join the Roman army."
"Why should we?" said one man in the crowd.
"Once again I shall begin with why we all came to Roma. Our clans wared with one another. An endless slaughter thanks to the Melkor. For too long he has poisoned our people. We decided to flee to a new home. Many kingdoms would not take us. That is until we came to Roma. Despite some of the grievances we were tolerated. Now a crisis has come. I've fought alongside the Legions of Rome. We must fight to defend our new home or shelter ourselves to the coming darkness," said Quadir in a rallying speech. "Now who here will fight with me, for our people, but most of all, for ROME!"
"YEAAAAA!" roared the crowd. "QUADIR! QUADIR! QUADIR!"
Quadir with his small contingent began to push out of the crowd. He only hoped more of his people would join him.
"A fine speech," said Publius with a contingent of Legionaries.
"Thank you Centurion," said Quadir.
"Where are you going now?" asked Publius.
"To request an audience with the Emperor," said Quadir.
"Walk with me," said Publius. "I can get you an audience." Both men with their contingents proceeded towards the palace which was some ways. "So how many people you think will join us?"
"I am hoping for at least 3,000, but they may not come," said Quadir.
"You seem to put up a good speech, so what do you wish to talk to the Emperor about?" asked Publius.
"The battle of Grey Flood would have ended in disaster if not for the planning and some luck. The right flank bleed greatly because we lacked enough Calvary," said Quadir. "I intend to request the Emperor for more horses to form cataphracts of our own and to implore to increase our number of Calvary."
"I agree, you have my support on this matter," said Publius.
"Thank you Centurion," said Quadir.
"Please call me Publius," said Publius as they continued down the street. "Quadir another matter that intrigues me, how did you convince General Albina to take the Hobbits with him?"
"They need more experience, Hobbits are known for their stealth, that and their small size would give them an edge on the enemy, if used correctly," explained Quadir.
"Let us hope your right, otherwise we will have more dead Hobbit," said Publius with concern. "However at Grey Flood despite the terror of battle, they fought with the utmost bravery."
"Yes," agreed Quadir.
Neopolis…
On the Northgate of the city a militia captain looked out and suddenly saw an army.
TAAAAARRRRRN!
"Open the gates," he ordered. "Get word to the general."
Legio IV with Legate Servile Marius has arrived, fresh soldiers ready for battle. They marched into the city getting cheers as they continued through the ruined streets.
Eventually Marius arrived at the Governor Mansion. Standing in wait was Brutus, Catulus and Titus along with the other Legates.
He stopped in front of them and dismounted form his horse walking up to the three men, "Legio IV Abila reporting sir," announced Marius.
"Good to see you Marius, but did I not order you to guard the River Fort?" asked Brutus.
"Emperor's order, the fort is secured by Legio X," pulling out his orders and handing them to Brutus.
Brutus took the scroll and read it. "I see, welcome Marius, get the rest you can and await further orders," ordered Brutus.
"Thank you for coming Legatus," said Titus.
"Yes sir," said Marius as he turned around. "Dismissed!" he ordered.
"AYE!"
The Legionaries began to disperse around the city to find whatever place they could to make camp.
Marius then turned around back to his superiors. "General, Admiral, I have something for you," he said he turned towards his Prefect. He then walked up with a scroll putting it out for Catalus.
Catulus took the scroll to look at its content. "What sort of sorcery is this weapon?"
"It is called Greek Fire," said Marius.
Brutus also took a peek at it, "Admiral you are to make this weapon and that we shall attempt a breakout at sea," he ordered.
"Agreed," said Catalus rolling up the scroll to oversee the creation of this weapon.
Roman Marines were similar to their Legionary counterparts. Historically were small up until the War of the Ring, most drawn from cohorts. Armed with blue, oval shields with a trident and SPQR. They wore blue tunics under their armor instead of the usual red of the Legion, black or purple of the Praetorian. All around a part of the Roman Navy. Carried the the standard Gladius with some arming themselves with boarding axes. They were trained in protecting and boarding ships.
Rohan…
The five hunter's continued their pursuit determined to save their friends.
Gimli was near short of breath from all the running. "Keep breathing," he said trying to breath, "that's the key, BREATHE! HO!"
"They run as if the very whips of their master were behind them," said Legolas.
"Then we must keep pressing," said Decima.
The five hunters continued on as the sun began to go down. They had ever intention to continue the pursuit through the night. They would not stop until their friends were rescued.
Hope you enjoyed this chapter. Looking forward to all reviews.