Chapter 6: Reunion between Legions
Coast of Lonely Light
The ships similar in both style and size to the anchored Roman fleet cut through the waves surrounding the Lonely Light with ease. They bared the golden eagle across a field of imperial red on their sails. The number of yet verified ships were of a similar makeup of the fleet of warships and support vessels of the Legio I Italica. No action was taken against them by the sailors of the anchored fleet for the incoming ships were barring the roman eagle. For these ships were carrying the Legio II Dalmatia. They were the split off reinforcements of the fleet sent to recapture the territory of Hispania from the Visigoths.
At the helm of the flagship stood the commander of the Legio II Dalmatia in all his glory. The man who led the legion and sought to reunite with Lucius was Titus Domitius Aurelianus or just Aurelian for those who earned his trust and loyalty. He stood at an imposing six feet; four inches and held a build of a common legionnaire. Not too bulky, nor too lanky, he held a decent amount of muscle to serve himself. His hair was cut in the classic military cut of the legion. It was cut short, just a few inches to warm his head, yet not too long to obscure his vision. It was a dark, midnight black almost like the color of a raven's feathers. His face was square jawed, and his face held no trace of any fat. His skin was olive toned due to his Roman heritage alongside with being in the sun for copious amounts of time. He was armored in the segmentate armor common in both the Legio I and Legio II, though his helmet which was held firmly grasped in his hand was different. He had made the choice to adopt the Aurelian style helmet of his ancestor. The helmet was similar to the regular legionnaire helmet, though it had five spikes surrounding the top of the helmet like the suns rays. The face of the helmet was closed and was similar to a mask. The choice was made to use this helmet in remembrance of his distant ancestor.
Aurelian gazed upon the assembled fleet before in relief as it had been many days since his section of the fleet was split off with Scipio's contingent. He turned towards the nearest sailor and barked an order to make landfall upon the small remote island in front of them. It had been enough time since he had seen his fellow commander and brother in arms.
Ruins of Castle Farwynd
Lucius gazed upon the ruins of the first obstacle in these new lands. Under the might of Roman discipline and ingenuity did his legion triumph over the deceased slavers. He was not so arrogant to see that the next few islands his scouting ships had spotted would be so easy. The two nearest islands his forces had seen were much larger than the one he found himself on. He could only suspect that the next battles would be much more difficult in both execution and resistance of the locals. It could only be an uphill battle for his forces and himself from now on.
Though what obstacles they would face would be seen in the future not today. His forces had defeated the remaining pockets of defenders who sought refuge in their fortress and had even found some newly freed thralls which were now rejoined with their brethren. It left him without pleasure as these people seemed to not yet notice they were freed, for they still held empty looks in their eyes, as if they had traded old masters for new ones. It would take time for them to adjust to being freed, for he knew himself that it would take more than giving them food or wine to change their demeanor.
Though some good news came from the end of the siege as his forces were able to loot the fortress. In its vaults the fortress contained a wide variety of goods such as gold, gems, and even other treasures. Though those would be next to useless if the Romans could not fully understand the native language. Yet, the legions would rejoice with news of better food as the fortresses larders were filled with the brim with salted meats, alcohol, and other foods. It had been awhile since his men had a meal not consisting of rations and it would be less of a drain on their already dwindling supplies.
Another treasure trove his men had found was a small library within the fortress. It was packed to the brim with scrolls, bound books, and even maps which would provide much needed intelligence of their new surroundings once they deciphered the language. What was even more fortuitous was his men finding a learned man among the freed peoples. His soldiers had described him as ancient though by his appearance it would seem he was a scholar of sorts. The elderly man had been found in a chamber atop the highest floor of the fortress surrounded by the invaluable relics of knowledge. Lucius could only hope the man would speed up their process of understanding the language and even become capable enough to both read and understand it. After all the tribulations the Romans faced it would seem the Gods shined their favor upon them.
His internal thinking were soon disrupted by the running of one of his soldiers. The legionnaire's face was contorted in an urgent expression, as he tried to regain control over his breathing. Lucius turned towards the soldier as the man's face lost some of its redness.
"Legate there is word from the shore. Another Roman fleet has been spotted drawing closer to our landing", said the legionnaire urgently, "We have need of you back in the castrum".
Lucius stood still as the news brought his mind to a standstill. There had been a few legions which had sailed alongside the Legio I in there quest to retake Hispania. The sea had been calm going till the fog had rolled in obscuring everything for miles. It had been what caused his part of the fleet to stray away from others. If another fleet or even whole legion had made it with them it could only mean that others may follow. With urgence surging through his body Lucius quickly thanked the exhausted legionnaire before he made his way from the fortress. It would seem he would need to see who just landed upon these strange shores that the Legio I conquered.
Roman Castrum, Shore of Lonely Light
Aurelian looked upon the castrum of the Legio I with a judging eye as he studied the legionnaires going around completing their set tasks. It seemed they were running everything efficient enough though he could make out some areas to improve upon. He could tell it was the Legio I by the shared armor of his. For only a few newly made legions had chosen to adhere to the armor style of the late republic and early empire.
His gaze traveled across the entire encampment till he locked eyes with someone he thought he wouldn't see till they were once again facing barbarians in Hispania. The man before Aurelian was none other than Lucius Corenlius Scipio. Both men had survived together during the reconquest of Italia under Belisarius. Aurelian could not tell why he sought out the comradery of his fellow Roman, whether it be their shared heritage of famous Roman figures or their passion to see slavers punished. Their time together during the reconquest of Italia had forged a brotherhood between them.
"It is good to see you once again my friend", said Aurelian as he looked upon the disbelieving gaze of Lucius.
Lucius was left speechless as he along with his legion had assumed they were the only Romans which drifted away from the fleet. It warmed his heart to see his fellow Roman and close friend once again.
"It is Aurelian though it would have been much appreciated to see you sooner when we first began to siege this land", laughed Lucius as he stepped forward towards Aurelian.
The two men laughed at the joke as they clasped their forearms in greeting, "It would have been easier I am sure, though it must be good experience for as you have already conquered this small island", said Aurelian with a smile.
"That is true though the process would have been expedited if we had the Legio II to stand with us", said Lucius.
"We may be late for this siege but from what I heard in the encampment there is more to come I suspect", said Aurelian.
"There is though there is much to discuss before then. Though if your legion will stand with mine I feel that we can progress much quicker", said Lucius.
" The second will stand with the first, but as you said there is much to discuss", said Aurelian.
The two men broke off their conversation as it seemed prudent to discuss the strange situation the Romans faced in private. It would not do to distract the legionnaires any more than they have already. Walking in unison both Lucius and Aurelian made way towards the command tent. For there was much to discuss and plan for the Romans. For they were caught in new lands with hostile foes all around them. Now was the time to plan and soon to hopefully turn those plans into actions.
Titus Domitius Aurelianus/Aurelian: He is a distant descendent of Emperor Aurelian. Has a knack for logistics and strategy. Aurelian served as a member of Legio II Dalmatia. His family was originally from across the Danube though through their connection with Emperor Aurelian saw the family settle into the province of Dalmatia. Aurelian would join the newly made Legio II Dalmatia when the Eastern Romans reconquered the province in their war against the Ostrogoths. Aurelian served with distinction and was rapidly promoted till he was in charge of the legion. He is known as a relatively calm, loyal, and calculating man. He despises schemers and corruption like his ancestor. He is known for his hatred if slavers and pirates as he grew to despise the Vandals for their piracy across the Mediterranean and slavers for the Roman-Dalmatians suffered under the rule of the Ostrogoths, with some Roman nobility and citizens being sold into slavery.
Emperor Aurelian: Aurelian was a Roman emperor, who reigned during the Crisis of the Third Century, from 270 to 275. As emperor, he won an unprecedented series of military victories which reunited the Roman Empire after it had nearly disintegrated under the pressure of barbarian invasions and internal revolts. While renowned as a gifted military commander he was also skilled as an administrator. His reforms would breath new life into the Roman Empire and help it go on for a few more centuries.
Legio II Dalmatia: Was a reformed legion from the residents of the former province of Dalmatia. The legion was made up of residents of the province who had a mixed heritage of Dalmatian tribes and Roman settlers of the region. Many pledged to join the legion when the region was invaded by the Eastern Romans during their war against the Ostrogothic Kingdom.
Hispania: The province of Hispania was once controlled by the Roman Republic and later Western Roman Empire. It encompassed the entirety of the Iberia peninsula. Though in later centuries the invading Visigoths would rule the entirety of Hispania and parts of Gaul to found the Visigothic Kingdom prior and even after the fall of the Western Roman Empire. During the Roman Republic, Hispania was divided into two provinces: Hispania Citerior and Hispania Ulterior located on the eastern coast and the southern coast of the Iberian peninsula.
Visigothic Kingdom: A Kingdom formed by the Visigoths prior to the fall of the Western Empire. It would go on to rule all of the Iberia peninsula and even parts of Gaul from between fifth and eight century. The Kingdom would fall during the Muslim expansion of the Umayyad Caliphate.
Guest: I am glad you have been enjoying the battles so far, for there are more to come.
Shade: I hope you enjoy the new character of Aurelian and I know with Romans there is constant infighting throughout its history. I don't want to spoil too much of the story since it is just getting started so you'll have to wait a bit more about the government style of the Romans for just a bit more. And next chapter will have them interacting with the maester. And thanks for the compliment about the speech. I felt like it was good though I am still learning how to write dialogue since it is not my strong suit.
Author's Note: Thank you guys are being patient with waiting for the latest chapter. I'd also like to thank ComparedDread12 for all the help with the latest chapter and creation of Titus Domitus Aurelian, also thank you for the help with ironing out the future plans for the story. Honestly I could not have gotten this chapter published without you! This chapter is a shorter one since this one was more of an introduction of the new character. The next one will be longer as it will cover the next offensive of the Roman legions and interactions with the freed thralls and maester. In the future regarding uploads for this story along with the rest the schedule will be quite sporadic. Work and school have taken most of my time, but I do not plan to abandon any of my works. Please feel free to leave a review or PM about the story. Your responses have really helped with creating this story and my growth as an author.