Chapter 5:
The battered troops of the Roman legions arrive back to the main battle group under the command of Marcus Julius. The remnants of the old fighting divisions mix in with the idle ones that have not seen combat yet.
Marcus Julius turns to Flavius "Do you hear them Flavius? The stomping feet of death approach us. Soon Aristoxenus and Amopaon shall be upon our ranks. What have you of this?
Flavius responds "We shall fend them off, Macedonian armor and men are no match for the valor of our legionnaires."
Marcus Julius responds, "Yes Flavius, as always you calm my thoughts, you are right, this day will be won not by brute strength but by the bravery within our units and of us as well."
Over the constant noise of the footsteps from the Macedonian phalanx men cries a voice yelling "Marcus Julius! Marcus Julius! Show yourself!" Marcus runs with the rest of his cavalry to the front of the line, standing 200 meters from him is Aristoxenus yelling his name, and Amopaon standing next to him bearing his weapon.
Aristoxenus yells at Marcus "Marcus Julius, for too long now has our soldiers bloodied their swords with us standing back! It is time now to prove our honor and battle one another…face to face! Do you take my challenge and defend the so called glory of Rome or do you spit in its face and deny my request!?"
Marcus yells back "Noble Aristoxenus, there is no reason that the general of an invading army should at all have the honor of such a duel with me! But I am not one to turn down challenges, and I always defend the glory and honor of my dear Rome! If you so wish, our men will do battle around us. We shall soon figure who is the better man!"
Aristoxenus yells, while pulling on his helm "Let it be than, we fight!"