"Sir, it is with sadness that we have to inform you that Marius Manus is dead. After he killed General Vitellius, he was slain by the General's loyal retainers."

Maxus seemed to be shocked about Marius death, why on earth would he have killed the General?

Perhaps he found something out about Vitellius, perhaps some plans, but what for plans…

Immediatly Scipio took action and wrote 6 letters, to every legion of the rebel forces. Normally there would have been 7 but the state of the XIX Legion (Vitellius') was questionable.

A few days later the Praetor received 6 replies, all confirming loyalty to his command. Praetor Maxus was in control of Marius Manus' "core legions". But he had another concern.

"Prepare my horse, officer."

"Yes sir" a young man answered.
The Praetor took all of his gear with him, towards the stables.

‘Sir, do you really think it is safe to ride alone? Allow me to come with you…’ The officer seemed to be worried about the Praetor's safety.

"Yes, alright, you can come", Maxus responded, and both rode out of the camp.

‘Sir where are we going?"

‘We are heading for the camp of Legion XIX, we need that legion.’

Many hours later, they arrived at the camp of legion XIX.

‘Hail! It’s Praetor Maxus!’

The Praetor and officer entered the camp, and an elderly officer walked towards the two soldiers.

Officer: ‘Avé Praetor, we have been expecting you.’

Maxus: ‘You were officer? Why is that?”

Officer: ‘We expected that you would take command after the death of our General and Marius. Sadly, the men are not happy about situation."

Maxus: ‘You seem to read my mind Officer, what is your name?’

Officer: ‘Rufus of the House of Scipii’

Maxus: ‘Aaaah yes, a strong family, honorable Romans, yes, I’ve known some Scipii, but that was a long time ago. Let the legion gather at the middle of the camp’

Officer: "Yes sir"

The officer nodded his head, and got on his way to gather the legion.

30 Minutes later they alll stood in the middle of the camp. Some of them were whispering

“Soldiers of Rome! I know that there have been some problems, but it is time to move on! I’m not Marius Manus, I’m Praetor Scipio of the House of Maxus, I do not wish to be compared with your previous leader, although he was a great leader. So was Vitellius, it is a shame that both left us so fast!

I know that some of you do not wish to fight any longer, I understand that! But what about your families, your children, your parents, friends… Will you let them live in an Empire that is ruled by a tyrant? Will you let them die? Because currently people are dying.. There is not enough bread, and the state doesn’t interfere, they sit back in their fancy chairs, drink whine, and eat the best food!! Even I think that is not fair!

I ask you to keep fighting, like I will, I have a son, I will fight for my son!! I eat the same food as you do, I sleep in an equal bed as yours, and I fight as all of you have done for so many years.

If you want to see your family again , alive, you will have to keep fighting for a better Rome, a Rome where brothers don’t kill eachother, a Rome where a son never raises his hand towards his father, and where a child, our future, can learn, grow, and enjoy all the beauty of Rome!!

Rumors are a disease gentlemen, they slowly betray you, and when it is too late you know why you shouldn’t believe things so fast. Nations have been whiped out for the smallest rumors.

We are strong, WE CAN WIN THIS WAR, gentlemen!! WE CAN WIN THIS!! We have got support that reach deep down in Rome itself, we have Gauls backing us up! I mean, gentlemen this is not the time to quit, you could make a difference in this war for justice!

SOLDIERS WILL YOU JOIN ME !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"

The troops were wary, cautious.... they did not immediately respond. But a group of soldiers led by the Centurion Sarianus raised their swords high and chanted "Hail Scipio! Hail Scipio!"

Praetor Maxus looked over the crowd, holding his sword high up in the sky.

And the soldiers followed this sign.

Soon the sky was filled by swords that had seen more death that life.

Legion XIX remained with the rebel forces. However, some of Praetor Maxus' advisors warned him that its loyalty was questionable. The Praetor's dramatic appeal had received a favorable response, but the men of the legion were not deeply committed to the rebel cause. Legion XIX might prove to be the rebel army's weak link... or it might safe the rebellion.

Praetor Maxus was pleased with himself, but he knew that he still faced a very difficult challenge....


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By: Antoninus Scipio Maxus