Hello all!
New photo-story, hope you enjoy!
120 A.DThe Roman Empire had reached it's peak. It stretched from the northern reaches of Europe to the vast deserts of the east. While things in the eastern side of the empire were relatively peaceful - save for a few pockets of resistance, the marauding war bands of the desert had been pushed back as the result of a series of decisive battles - a military presence was required. The governor of the eastern provinces was joining a detachment of legionaries and other high ranking officials on a tour of new forts recently constructed along the empire's eastern-most frontier.
The camp bustled in anticipation - tomorrow, nearly 50 legionaries and other Roman officers would be departing on a month-long trip, a trip spanning dozens of kilometres, and one that could potentially pass through hostile territory. The prospect of battle always excited the soldiers, and the increasingly agitated mood of the men inside the fort was palpable.
Near the command tent, the general in charge of the mission was briefing the officers. "Right. So, to recap, at the crack of dawn tomorrow, we're off - we can't lose any time under the governor's schedule. Our first stop will be the garrison at Antioch, after that we loop back to Alexandria, and then visit the forces based in Jerusalem. Afterwards, we'll travel to some smaller detachments based along the frontier, then, we're back home. Any questions?"
A junior officer piped up - "Sir, what's the plan should we encounter any hostile forces en route to our destination?". The general considered the question momentarily. "The intelligence we've gathered suggests that we won't encounter any resistance during the trip, but if we do, you all know the score. Should we be trapped by an ambush, form a defensive square, should we encounter enemy forces in the open, engage in a set-piece battle. It can't imagine any other scenarios". The officer was satisfied and nodded his head.
The governor had attempted to keep up in the conversation earlier on and play army officer, but now contented himself in a jug of wine and some assorted berries. Perhaps too much wine. "Yes, lets give those barbarians a kicking they won't forget in a hurry, general!" the governor stammered. The general recoiled instinctively. "Yes, sir." he smiled politely. To the others, he spoke - "Alright, dismissed! Report to me at the crack of dawn tomorrow." The officers streamed out towards the barracks, as did the general, leaving the governor to his drink.
The sun began to peek over the horizon, and the general awoke, as did the rest of the legionaries and officers. As usual, the camp was hectic with soldiers filing into the parade ground and beginning to form up. The general stepped out of his tent and observed the scene. He was having trouble adjusting his eyesight to the early morning, especially as a thin layer of sand, whipped up by a storm that occurred during the previous night settled over the campgrounds. He called out to a nearby orderly - "Torch!". The man emerged with the torch which bathed the immediate area in a warm glow.
Slowly but surely the legionaries formed up into a dense column. The general was worried about the effectiveness of this formation if they were forced into a battle, but it was certainly an impressive sight, he mused.
The sun was clearly visible now and it occurred to the general that he had seen no sign of the governor. He approached a junior officer and asked if he had seen the governor emerge from his tent. "None, sir." the officer spoke with a tinge of frustration. Clearly everyone was ready to get on with the mission.
Finally the governor emerged from his tent, bleary-eyed. "Lets get a move on, shall we?" he announced. "Yes, sir." the general replied. "Now, where is my wagon?" he asked irritably. "Uh, sir, we have prepared a horse for your travels. "A horse? Nonsense! You must have at least some form of transport apart from a horse." the governor spoke with distaste. "Well, I suppose we could organize something..."
Moments later, the governor returned, having removed his toga and only wearing a light tunic. The general had selected two reliable infantry-men to build a makeshift stretcher in order to carry the governor. The men did their best not to show their resentment at being appointed to the task. The officers struggled to suppress their laughter as the governor nearly fell off the makeshift construction.
The general passed on the order to advance, and the column began to move forwards. He was aware that the detachment was already falling well behind the schedule and so he ordered the men to move at double time. He wondered what the consequences of such a delay could be. If there were enemy forces massing to meet the column, any extra time for them to prepare would give them an advantage in battle. Did the opposing forces even know about the detachment's travels? Maybe not, but in any case, the army would have to be on their guard.
To be continued... 
A new instalment should be posted by the end of the day, or beginning of tomorrow.
