Chapter 4: The Might of Rome
My name is Maximus Licinius Scipio, Roman Centurion of the Felix Legions. I was born in the city of Capua, into a prestigious and famous family, the Scipii. There is a legend that the Scipii are descended from Mars, the Roman god of war. My ancestor, Publius Cornelius Scipio, was the most famous and successful member. He was the conqueror of Carthage and he defeated the Carthaginian general, Hannibal, at Zama. He was thus named, Scipio Africanus. My family had lost much of it prestige by the time I was born but my mother had great expectations of me.
Germania Superior, 46 BC
"Glory will be yours, my son. They will write stories about your victories for thousands of years. The world will remember your name, Maximus Licinius Scipio."
I was a centurion of the 31st cohort of the the 2nd Felix Legion. Julius Caesar had trusted me to hold the Germans in Germania as to prevent their interference of the siege of Alesia in Central Gaul. I would not disappoint him.
"Quintus?"
"Yes, Maximus."
"Any word?"
"Not a sign."
"How long has he been gone?"
"Nearly two hours."
A rider came galloping out of the forest.
"They say 'No'."
The rider was dead. His head was gone and his body was strapped to his horse.
A German came out of the forest, holding the head.
"Romans, haben sie unser land genommen, unsere frauen genommen und behindert in unseren plänen lang genug. Tod zu allen römischen hunden."
The German threw the head into the mud before him. A large German army emerged from the forest, screaming war cries and banging their weapons against their shields.
Quintus watched the pitiful sight. "People should know when they are conquered."
Maximus looked at him "Would you, Quintus? Would I? Follow the plan. Strength and Honor."
"Strength and Honor." Quintus replied.
Maximus mounted my horse and rode into the forest. He would lead the cavalry charge that would hit the Germans from behind. As he rode, Maximus saw a figure moving quickly though the forest. He didn't know who it was, it may have been a German or Gaul, but he did not have time to find out. Maximus met the cavalry contingent in the woods about a mile away from the main army.
"My men, 3 weeks from now, I will be home, harvesting my crops. Imagine where you will be and it will be so. Hold the line! Stay with me! If you find yourself alone, riding through green fields with the sun in your face, do not be troubled, for you are in Elysium and you're already dead!" A roar of laughter went up from the ranks and from Maximus. "Remember! What we do in life, echoes in eternity." Maximus got in line and waited for the battle to begin.
After a few minutes, a large explosion occurred and we heard the screams of dying Germans. Maximus gave the signal to begin the charge and they began moving at increasingly fast pace. "Hold the line! Stay with me!" That was very difficult since there were trees all over the place. As they got closer, there were more signs of battle. The cavalry neared the main battle where the Germans had already engaged the Roman Legionaries in combat.
"Roma Victor!" Maximus's cavalry were almost on top of the Germans when they finally noticed them. He killed a German against a tree, his head cut clean off. The Germans were completely unprepared for this attack from behind. Most were cut down but a few were able to flee. The survivors put up a fierce fight. Maximus was knocked from my horse and a German attacked me while he was on the ground. Maximus blocked the German's blows and then cut off his leg and killed him. He felt someone behind him. Maximus took his sword and turned to stab him but he was a fellow Roman and he stopped my blade before I hit him. The battle was over. Maximus raised his sword and shouted "Roma Victor!" His fellow Romans followed suit. It was then that He saw that figure again.
"Gather our wounded and fallen. I'll be back." Maximus mounted my horse and rode into the forest.
"Who goes there?" Maximus shouted.
"My name is Rorek, Maximus."
"What, how do you know my name?"
"I know much about you, Maximus. Now I must tell you this. You are no longer needed here."
"What do you mean?"
"A war is brewing 2000 years in the future. You are to lead the side of light."
Suddenly, a large portal opened behind him and Maximus was sucked into it. "Nooooooooooo!"