The Writings of Titus Calpurnius Cornelius

[Calpurnius]

Some background info. (obtained from Wikipedia): Calpurnius, the name, was used by an ancient family in Rome(Gens Calpurnia). The plebian that became the patriarch claimed decent from Calpus. Calpus was the third of four sons of Numa Pompilius, the second King of Rome. The family isn't really mentioned until the First Punic War when Gaius Calpurnius Piso obtained consulship. There were also many others that contributed to the family, but alas, i dont wish to write them , not out of being disrespectful, but out of being lazy . There were also two laws, Lex Calpurnia in 149 BC and Lex Acilia Calpurnia in 67 BC. So here i go, hope you all like it.
The story starts as I get up from one of the earlier days of being in the C2G. More specifically, when we had that ceremony when Brudei attacked.
*By the way, im going to be updating this every now and then, and I do know that its probably pretty old, but did decide to, beacuse I had to start somewhere, so, why not here? *

This is a story of a man, wanting something, something that cannot be achieved in one day. He learns from past mistakes and failures, past achievements and accomplishments, and people who have given him wisdom in the things to come in the future. I start out now in the Cohors II Gallorum,being a man who is getting ready for one of the best days of his life.


I wake up with a sense of belonging, as I have been in many battles and have seen many things. I have seen the battles in Erring and have been with the Cohors through it all. I have worked so hard at giving help to both the 18th Legion and to Cohors II Gallorum that I am disheartened at all whether to continue foward or not, but I remember that it is for the greater good of the Legion and Cohors and ultimately to the Empire and I lift off the Fur that covers me and keeps me warm. I wake up to a sense of commotion and activity. Legate Vlad nailed to the front door of the Headquarters of the Legion when and where this ceremony is to take place.

"I guess Ill get ready", I said as I start to put on my Hidestrip Kilt. The I arm myself with the Longshield and the Pilum that was issued to me from Legate Vlad himself. As I put on the Helmet, I think again if Ive missed something again, because I'd hate to do that and have to have the "extra chores" that occur with slight mishaps with the Legion. I then put on my Fur Boots and head out. I see Torgonius getting ready for the sacrifice to the Gods that they are worshipping and I think to myself, "During this time I'll go and pray to God for strength so I may not be affected by all of this nonsense". Not that I was being mean or anything, but its just not my thing to pray to "the Gods". But alas, I had to ask many of the people that were there to give me a Caligae. Someone did, but my memory of that man has evaded me again. I said a quick "thank you" and headed over to the front of the Headquarters to talk with a few of the men from both the Legion and Cohors. Mostly it was just discussion about what happened about 3 weeks earlier, when the Lord of the Picts, Brudei, attacked us. He was vastly outnumbered and still happened to kill a lot of us. Before then about 3 weeks earlier than that Governor Ulpius told us that something was to happen and we weren't to cross the wall leading into enemy territory.

After everyone was ready, Torgonius decided to commence the ceremony to "the Gods". Many people prayed and focused on what happened as I prayed to my God asking for forgiveness of their sins. As soon as it was over, Elpidius gave a speech and then commenced the swearing in ceremony. Many people had given their oaths for becoming a legionnaire and then it happened. The watch guard sighted Brudei coming in from the South! "Men get ready for battle!", said the Legate. I gripped my Pilum and Shield with one of only a new raw recruit could, which was pretty tight, and focused myself on what was to happen next. And then we saw him.

He was one of the first barbarians I saw in battle. Very ragged, with a very large axe and a roundshield he came, with his "war cry" and such. Even though he may have looked like this, he was very strong and more than willing to give his life for his fellow Pict warriors that he brought with him. Many-a-time we died, one by one, until everyone was either down or sent back to Elysium. As I got back to my feet, fellow Legionnaires of the 18th were moving with amazing speed, but they too also fell. As he was getting ready to leave, I came to my feet in a rush of adrenaline and shouted to him, "Come Back!". He must have heard me because when I said that, he turned right around to face me.

It was one of the most gruesomest barbarians I have ever seen. Everything was ragged on him, he looked like a mess. As I moved in to attack, he also moved in. As I came in, the Pilum thrusts seemed to have no effect over him, except for a few glances to the arms, and then came his attacks. I was already tired at the moment, and it seemed that he almost moved with a superhuman sense. He then slashed me across my side and arm and I fell to the ground. As soon as I fell, the rest of the 18th got back up, and took him down. He then was sent to Elysium, where he came back and attacked, but alas was tending to my wounds so I could not have helped much more than being a moving target.

As they took Brudei out over and over and over again, I thought this would never stop, but then he retreated across the fields and into the wilderness where he was not seen for some time. A while after that happened Governor Ulpius came by to not only talk with the 18th and C2G recruits, but also with Vlad. After that he forgave everyone of their past dealings of hurt to other members of their kind during the battle and gave 2 men scutums for his mistake. He then left, leaving the Signum in our hands as a reward for killing Brudei.

I again and again think over that day as one of more accomplishment than of disappointment. I have gotten my first hits on a barbarian, a Pict, and Brudei at that!. I had also gotten to go to my first ceremony which was really nice. "All in all, it was a good day", I thought. As I sit back again under the fur covers that keep me warm throughout the night I think of what has happened and think of it all as a positive thing. I do hope again that I can do this, but for now must tend to my wounds and get some sleep.

[Calpurnius]

Second entry, im going to fast foward to me gaining citizenship.

"I've worked really hard for this day," I was thinking. It was pretty gloomy outside, but inside I was ready to become citizen. All of the work I've been doing and all of the combat training I experienced with Meinard, Corneilius, and Tyraccus seemed to have helped me so much. I needed to get a few things before I became citizen though. I had to get 50,000 Denarii so I had to ask the Legate for some. It turned out that he didn't have all that Denarii due to payments to the Empire for upkeep and such, so he had to ask many of the people that were pretty rich from the raids, etc. It was mainly bretheren from the 18th, but Im sure that some of the Cohors also pitched in. It turned out that after about an hour and a half that all of the money was there. So after I collected this money I had to travel to the Baths to make sure I was clean before going to the Govenor for citizen status. Unfortunately after what happened in the tavern, I came out really really drunk. I remember vaguely someone carrying me, and the only other person that was with me was Milites Tirones Mackena so it must have been her.

I hardly remember what happened, but the last thing I can remember from that moment was Governor Ulpius saying "Your citizenship status has been granted, may you serve Rome proud." The next thing I remember is an applaud from a crowd of people at both of us. As I lie in my bed that night I was so happy of that wonderful day. I not only gained citizenship, but I also gained a friend. Milites Tirones Mackena proved to be a convert from the perilous ways of the Barbarians as she gained citizenship as well this day.

[Calpurnius]

When I achieved the rank of Milites Exercitator, and had the first meeting of C2G

We have just finshed the guildhall and it's grandeur even stifles my speech to this day. It may not seem much, but all the stuff that I did to help accomplish this made it all the more better. I look at the wooden walls, the tent in the back, and the guards placed out there and I thought to myself, "I helped make all of this happen".
   "The meeting is supposed to be tonight" I thought. It didn't have a lot of people there, Prefect Tyraccus, (back then) Milites Tirones Mackena, and a few others. Unfortunately both Tribune Corneilius and (back then) Milites Tirones Clodianus were unable to attend. Tribune Corneilius was away to Corstopitum on a very important mission issued by the Prefect himself. Clodianus was unable to attend due to him being on a raid in Erring or somewhere near there.
   I was the first one there, being that I was getting my wounds tended to in the Auxiliary Fort. I was just talking to one of the soldiers when Prefect Tyraccus arrived, late, but arrived nonetheless. He had just woken up from the long day yesterday and had to get ready. Both the Prefect and I and everyone that was there now waited for a little while longer so that the last few stragglers could come in.
   And then it started. We talked about a lot of things, a few of them being kits and ceremonial gear for the recruits. Mackena came in a little late because she was actually in Erring herself, but managed to make it back in time for the last little bit of the meeting (and so did Clodianus). When everything was done and over Prefect Tyraccus ordered me to come to his side.
   He said, "You have done a great job at getting the ceremony together, but unfortunately we don't have too many junior officer positions so I will give you the rank of Milites Exercitator. You will be quartermaster, in charge of the security personnel, and many others. We will use the rank of Milites Exercitator for an officer position even though it really is not meant to be one." I was a bit overwhelmed at this promotion, but I did accept it wholeheartedly. As the sun strikes the horizon on this new day, I know that both my leadership and organizational skills have been put to the forefront and they will be tested. And with that I pull the fur around me and drift off into a deep sleep.

[Calpurnius]

Since I have not been in game, I am going to write about my travels in other places of the world. This one will be me leaving the Legion and Cohors Temporarily until I get back (Im just using my time off to make this story a bit more interesting and I do need to update it ).

I wake up to my Milites Tirones Calamitus calling me from the outside of my tent. He has just brought me word of my family in Italy. It seems that there has been a death in the family. His name was Lamenus Calpurnius Cornelius. He was my first cousin from my Aunt on my Father's side. He was most known for his status in the military. He was known to show leadership on past expeditions to Gaul, Hispania, and to Asia Minor.

Right after I got the letter from Calamitus, I had to see the Legate and the Prefect for admission to leave for a little while. "It would only be for helping out my family through this tough time, and hopefully I will be back within a year or so". Even though they knew that I could be gone for much longer, they were willing to give me leave for the next year and four months.

As I was getting ready to leave I packed some basic materials: flint and my trusty knife, a couple of tunics and trousers, my battle gear, my gladius, my toga and caligae, and of course besides other things a few amphoras of water and wine and some fish, bread, and fruit.

As I went to take my leave I noticed that the recruits and Milites Mackena and Clodianus had assembled a little going away party of sorts, basically it was just everyone saying goodbye and giving me a few gifts. One of them being a new pilum and a buckler and a spear. They also gave me a few medic things such as rags and different herbs for some various ailments that I would encounter on my way to Italy and Naples in particular.

Following that I decided to leave so that I could get on my journey to Naples as quickly as possible. "Hopefully when I get there I can get stuff done and hopefully get back to Britannia as soon as possible," I thought as I rode my horse out of the campus gate. Before I left I went to Corst to pay my dues to Magistrate Sabina. She wished me a speedy trip and hopefully being able to come back and fight once again against the Barbarians. Also before I left I bought a few extra horses for my companions to have so that they wouldn't be sore from the walking.

And before I knew it I was on my way to York and Magistrate Claminatus Maximius.

[Calpurnius]

This is when I got to York and the Magistrate there

A few days have passed since I have left the Legion and Cohors. I already miss them. I miss the hospitality in a cold, cold world. I miss the food and the campfire where we gather around and talk about what is going on for the week and what raids will be up during that time and many, many other things. "Hopefully Ill be back soon", I think to myself. "And I still have my Servants Lamenatus and Simillius and my Auxiliaries Calamitus and Armillius with me keeping me company, so I will still have someone to talk to". They looked at me with a heartwarming and reasurring smile.

A little later we came to a stream, and took a little time to tend to the horses and eat a quick snack and also gather supplies. While Simillius was out gathering fruit, I started to do a little fishing with Calamitus. We probably did that for a hour or so. In that hour we caught 3 fish. I got Lamenatus to cook them so we could have a little food on the way to York while we were riding when Armillius came back to me with a scouting report (have to stay vigilant!) that we were probably two miles from York. "When we get there", I said, "We are going to check with the Magistrate for clearance, then we will leave for Lincoln and take the next ship to the Port of Nantes."

When we got to York, we saw the magistrate Claminatus Maximius and talked with him for a little, you know, the basic stuff. After a little while he offered me a job as an Officer in Training. He wanted to put me in charge of the garrison, but I decided not to take him up on his offer. After such, he sent me on my way with a little more coin, well fed and refreshed, and with best wishes. As we left the place, it almost seemed like we could not go any further and decided to rest for the evening.

Next comes Lincoln and its self-titled port.

[Calpurnius]

Lincoln and its port, leaving Britannia

When I got to the gates of Lincoln we had to go through some clearances. First we had to give them our weapons, then came the horses. After that we sat in the tavern for a little to take a quick bite to eat. It was then when I met one of my brothers, he came all the way from Naples to escort me back to there. His name is Decimus Pollianus Calpurnius. He was in the legion for a short time before he too had to come back, he was stationed in the Alps, protecting the border from the people of Germania. While he was there he may have seen more horrific stuff that I have seen and will see in my life time.

"Salve brother!", I said. I went to him and gave him a firm handshake. "Salve Calpurnius", He said. He is a pretty tall fellow, being that most of us Italians are pretty short (he is 5ft. 10in.). He has a profound face, and you would know at least he has travelled a lot if you saw him for the first time. A full beard and mustache complement a full head of hair. It is already starting to show signs of grey, though. He came in a plain toga and come caligae. "So how fairs the family of Calpurnia?" I asked, anxious to know the happenings of my family. "It seems that they are in more trouble than I thought, I am afraid", He said. You see, he did not tell me that not only did he die, but he got murdered and I am the only one fitful to take his place until my cousin, Corneilius Laminatus Armillius could get there. I would be taking the place of Magistrate of West Naples, just for a few months so that Laminatus would get here.

"Hopefully I will not be took long away from the place, brother", I said. "I do realize that you want to stay here, but sometimes you have to do what you have to do", he said. "You are right, I just hope that I can get back into the swing of things when I get back", I replied. "Well, we had better get going", Pollianus said. "We had been sitting there for just a few hours talking, and I didn't even notice it", I thought.

When we went to the ports, I went and got everyone's stuff and got it ready in the cargo level and went back up to meet with my soldiers and my servants and my brother. Then we all went into a corner and got ready for a long ship sail to the port of Cadix.

[Calpurnius]

My boat trip and arrival to the port of Cadix and leaving to the port of Cagliari in Sardinia

"The boat trip has been harsh and weary on the bones," I thought. "I cannot wait until we arrive in Cadix," I said to Pollianus. He replied with a simple, "Yes, brother, me as well". "I wonder what is wrong with him," I thought. He had been thinking for the past few weeks, and rarely spoke much. The boat trip was actually pretty worthwhile; I learned a few things from some of the sailors on the ship. They taught me very basic first aid, reparing tattered sails, and how to fight aboard a ship. Other than me and my brother with my two servants and auxiliaries there were about twenty other people aboard the ship as people travelling to Cadix or getting onto another ship from Cadix.

Many of these men were merchants and citizens of various places. A few were retired soldiers, and one was a retired centurion from the Legio XXII Primigenia. He seemed to be in the middle ages of his life, and it really didn't show so much. Most of it was because of his dexterity and strength. He seemed to be one of the recruits coming out of training and moving to the front lines. His name was Maxcentius Marullius Hostilius.

"I know that you are one that is from the Legion of the 'Bold Twins', are you not?," he inquired. "Yes I am," I replied. "More specifically I am in their Auxiliary couterpart, Cohors XVIII Calendonia". "So you are," he said. He seemed that he wanted to ask another question, but was waiting for me to keep the conversation going. I said, "So where do you reside in?," I asked. "I am of Roman blood, my family is located in the heart of Rome", he said. "They are powerful magistrates and senators and guards for the emperor himself", he added. "Are you going back?," I asked. "Yes, I am returning to where I came from, where I was born and I lived until fit for the Legion," He said.

After that we just gazed off, looking at the scenery that was given to us in the afternoon. "I was wondering why you left the legion, I am sure you could have gone for a great time longer in the legion than you did, sir" I said. "My reasons are not usually told to others, but I will tell you", he replied. "The reason I left, other than various other reasons, was because I was not treated with as much respect as I should have from my superior officers". "My legate and the tribunes all disliked me for one reason or another". "Mainly it was because I had the affection of the legionnaires and more of the fighting men than did all of them combined."

"I gave a lot into making those recruits battle ready and getting their mentality ready for whatever was to come of the enemy forces". "I used to have so much respect, that many men wouldn't even answer to their superior, they would answer to me". "I spent just about every waking moment with my men, and when I went into battle with them, they were willing to fight to the last man for me, for the empire, but most of all, for each other". "When the Legate saw this, he saw to it that I got demoted, but of course that was to not happen because of what I had done for the recruits, so instead of demoting me, he took away my powers, one by one, until all I could do was doing the basic stuff and go out on patrols". "So I thought to myself and decided to leave the Legion, because if I didn't, I could be discharged, but if I transfered, it would take a long time for me to make the same friends and gain the trust of the new men that I would have under my command again".

"I completely understand, I used to do some of that myself when I was Milites Exercitator," I said. "Something you have got to understand, you must not only gain the favor of your officers, but of your men", he replied. "Even though you may be discharged or demoted because of the superior's jealousy doesn't mean that all of your work has gone to waste". "Even as I left I knew that the men would be fine, because I taught them to be who they are now". "I know that my men will still fight to the last man, it doesn't matter who is leading them now, because I have taught them the correct way of being a soldier of Rome". "Now I must be on my way, it is about time for something to eat," he said. "Thanks for the advice", I replied. And with a salute and a genuine handshake he was on his way to get something to eat.

When we got to Cadix we stretched out for a little, reagaining back our land feet. "I hope to maybe someday become a centurioun like Marullius", I said to my brother Pollianus. "I am sure you will, you have the qualities for such," he said. "I do know this much though, I know that my Legate and Tribune Laticlavian will always hold me with a high regard", I said. "I am sure they will," he replied. And with that we went back to the boat and got ready for Sardinia and the port of Cagliari.

[Calpurnius]

I make my way from Cagliari to Naples and to the Censor

"Master", said Simillius. "Master, wake up", he said again, this with more volume in his voice. He must have said this many times, because I didn't wake up until he was about ready to yell in my ear. I replied, "What do you need, Simillius?", I inquired of him. "We are here sir," he said. After that he got me my clothing for the day: my toga, caligae, and my red toga. After that I got dressed, but sensed something was different about the day, so I looked out the window. I saw shops, many ships, people, soldiers going on patrol, women selling the products produced by their husbands, children playing on the port as well. Then I knew, I was back in my home town of Naples.

The boat ride from Cadix to Cagliari was very uneventful, and so was the boat ride from Cagliari to the port of Naples. It had been at least fifteen years since I have even been near Italy and Naples. When I left we were just building the expansion to the city, and getting ready for a number of improvements to the city and its surroundings when I had to leave for duty at Hadrian's Wall. "Brother, we are back in Naples!," he cried, and interrupted my thoughts. "So we are," I said. "Are you ready to meet the Censor?," he asked. "I am," I replied. "Just let me finish putting on my caligae and make sure everything is in order". "Ok, take your time," he said. After I got finished with making sure I was ready to see the Censor, I got my servants to pack up my clothes and other assortments and take them to the Calpurnii villa.

After that I got my two Auxilliaries, Armillius and Calamitus, and my brother Pollianus and we went to Censor Gallio Gavius Italicus.

[Calpurnius]

Making it to Censor Gavius and his meeting

After the servants were sent to take my possessions to the Villa we left the boat and
started walking to the Censor's House. As we walked to the place, we saw many happenings
within the area. Back when I was here before, I had never seen such activity. Back then the
most people would see is men being led off to the arena or men going to their shops or
children going to get an education from the schoolteacher. Now there is a bustling of
activity. Men and women all going to the Arena games for the day (as this is a Saturday),
people selling their goods to others in the marketplace, children playing in the courtyards
and in the streets, and of course the Napoli Vigiles patrolling the area for any men wishing
to make a disturbance in the street.

"So what do you think Calpurnius?," Pollianus asked. "This is quite a different city than
the one I once knew," I said. "Activity is very prominent in this area now, is it not?," I
asked. "Yes, it is, and it is all due to the new Censor, Gavius," he said. "He is a very
powerful man now, Calpurnius," he said. "Yes, so he is," I replied. After a little more
walking and talking about the area we finally arrived at the House of the Censor, Gavius.
His house was probably the most distinguished house I have seen in a long time. Made of the
best brick and limestone, and with all the trinkets such as waterfalls and fountains and
such that you could imagine.

As we were walking up the path to the gate of the villa, a servant boy came from the villa
to the gate, let us in, and asked us for our weapons. We reluctantly gave him our weapons,
the little of which we had, and another servant came and took us inside. "You sure do have a
great master, Censor Gavius," I said. "I surely do, he keeps me clothed, feeds me and my
wife and children, and even lets them learn the basics of reading and writing." "Would any
of you like some wine?," he asked. "Sure, Pollianus and I will take some," I replied. While
he was getting the wine, my brother and I started observing the house. There were many
sculptures, and many windows showing the best of Naples. Many windows showed the town, the
farmland, and the sea. "Gavius must have had this planned," I said to Pollianus. "I am sure
he did, to get this type of scenery of the area," he replied.

After a couple more minutes looking around the house, or at least in the living area, the
servant came out with two amphorae and a container of wine. "Here is your amphorae and
wine," he said. "Thank you, servant," I replied. Then both Pollianus and I took a sip of the
wine. It was a sweet wine, and it must have been fermented for at least six months to a
year. After a little more drinking of the wine, Censor Gavius came into the room. He was
wearing everything that you would expect a regular Censor to wear, the toga, the tunic, the
caligae, everything resembled someone with a lot of power, and someone that knew how to use
it.

We then stood up and bowed to the Censor. "Take a seat, get comfortable," he said. We then
nodded our heads in agreement and sat down on the ornate couch. "First of all, welcome back
to Naples," he said with some excitment. "Thank you," I said. "It must have been a long
trip," he replied. "Yes it has been, but it was fun all the way though, so I really didn't
realize that all of this time went by," I said. "So, would you all like some bread and
honey?," he inquired. "Yes, I would," I said. "And me as well," said Pollianus. "Go get some
of the best bread and honey for our two guests Gavipor," he said.

Gavipor then left the room and went to get some bread and honey. "Well I guess you both want
to know why you're here," Gavius said. I knew that both of my Auxiliaries had to leave the
area, so I sent them to another room where they could get more food and wine. "Well one of
the main reasons that I wanted to see you two is that I have a job for you", he said. "I
need you all to take some men to Britannia with you when you all go back. You all will
truely benefit from this task, if completed," he said. "How many men are we talking about,"
said Pollianus. "Somewhere around two to three hundred men," he said. "You all will be
taking at least two ships to Britannia," he said. "You all will get the best crew, the best
equipment, the best ships, and of course the most pay out of this," he said. "How much money
are we talking about," inquired Pollianus. "Ten thousand denarii," Gavius replied. "You will
get half when you leave Naples, and half when you take them to the port in London".

"We need to get our brother, Amorianus, to help us, is that ok?," I asked. "That is
completely fine," Gavius said. "You all have to leave in two months time," he said. "What
happens if not all of the crewmembers get there?," we asked. "Then denarii will be taken off
with the second payment," Gavius said. After that we sat a little while longer, just being
silent, and eating the rest of the bread, honey, and wine.

"Well, is there anything else you need of us, Censor?," I asked. "Yes, there is," he said.
"I ask you to deliver this letter to Legio II Augusta, to the Legate there. His name is
Legate Tiberius Cominius Britannicus". "Consider it done," I said. We all then stood up, and
bowed once again to the Censor. "If you are in need of anything, anything at all, don't
hesitate to ask me," he said. "Thank you, Censor," I said. "I will see you soon," Gavius
said. And with that both Pollianus and I left the villa, got my Auxiliaries, and left to go
to the Calpurnii Villa.

[Calpurnius]

Leaving the Censor's Villa and heading to the Calpurnii Villa


As I walked from the Censor's villa, I noticed a few things. I noticed that my men were more burned out than usual. They had a more resilience partly because they had to look well for the crowds and other men that passed them by, and partly because I ordered them to do so, but you could see it in their eyes that they longed to be back in the Villa. I thought to myself, "I know they cannot wait until a nice bed and blankets that keep them warm are with them again". "Calpurnius!," Pollianus exclaimed. "What!?," I replied, wondering why he would yell at me in that fashion. "Hurry up!, we don't have time to waste!," Pollianus shouted back. "I hate him when he does this," I thought to myself.

I hated it when people used to yell at me for no particular reason. My Father, Decimus Calpurnius Cornelius, the Patrician that also partook in Censor for a short amount of time, was very commanding and demanding. He never realized that he was not in the Roman Army anymore. He had trouble distorting truth from fiction, and died just before my departure. He really didn't realize what he had done to me in my childhood until the very end. He was very abusive, sometimes throwing me against the walls in the house, and making me do very hard and greusome tasks. One time, he lashed me twenty times for not following his orders to the "t". He was very meticulous in the way that he worked, and always wanted things done his "way".

Right before he died, at his bedside, he asked for everyone else to leave, except for me. I was not very happy of this, as even though he was not able to hit me anymore, his words hurt still. "Come to me, son," he said softly. He knew he was dieing quickly, and I knew it too. I reluctantly came to his side. "Listen, my son, I am wholeheartedly sorry of what I have done to you. All this abuse, this hatred that I lashed upon you, my son, should have never been. It has been a long time since I have seen clear as I do right now, so long," he said. "It has been years since I have told you how much I care for you, my son," he said. "Yes it has," I answered, faintly.

"I know that you may have not seen the best side of me a lot during our time as father and son, but I do know this; I have made you into a man that is willing to take orders, listen to his superiors, walk humble, and, most of all, be genuine and truthful to others, and to yourself," he stated. Right when he said that, I knew that after all the years he was finally being genuine. He was finally being the father that was needed, but just at the wrong time. Who knows though, sometimes the best comes out of people when they know they are going to leave this place. "Yes, you have, and I thank you so much for it father," I replied. "I want you to listen to me now, because as I say this, it may be the last time that I have to talk to you about it," he said. "What is it?," I said, knowing that this may be the last thing he says to me. "After everything we have been though, one thing has always stuck in my mind. Your resilience to succeed, your perseverance to overcome the obstacles in your life, the way that you carry yourself in other's audiences, and the way that you show yourself in everyday life is pivotal in keeping yourself on the right path. If you keep reading that book that you're reading, and keep yourself the way that you always have been around me and others, I'm sure that you will go far. I approve of you going into the Legion, and I want you to have my armour, as it should be the right fit for you."

"I want you to know that no matter what was said between us, that I have always loved you and still and always will as a father does for his son. I know that you will succeed and keep the Calpurnii family name untarnished". "Thank you,........father," I replied, as I could find no more words other than those for what was just said. "No, thank you, my son," he said. And with that, he left this dreadful place. I realized then that I would turn out to be just fine after my father's death. The actions that I have done and the things that I have partaken in have only echoed this. As I was thinking to myself there for the time being as I was walking, we passed some Auxiliaries from the garrison that was in the city at the time.

They had glanced at us for just a second when we looked back. They knew it was us, the men from Britannia. They rushed over to us asking many questions. "Where were you stationed at?, what did they look like?, how many of them were there?, are you planning on going back?". They seemed to be very curious about the happenings in Britannia, so we decided (my Auxiliaries and I) to indulge their questions. "We were stationed just south of Hadrian's Wall. Many of the men were ragged and were very dirty, as they had no baths to clean themselves. There were many men, of different ethnicities and sizes, and yes, we are going back". "Are you taking anyone with you, and if so, who?" said one of the Auxiliaries, who seemed to be younger than the rest. "Well, my young lad, we are planning on taking whoever that wants to fight for Rome, and for themselves and their families," I replied, in a defined tone of voice. "May we go?," they asked. "You will have to gain passage from your Prefect and from the Censor himself if you want to go," I replied.

"You can count on us sir!," they replied with vigour. "I know I can, now get back to your post!," I ordered, but they knew that I was just joking around with them, not trying to be serious, but in the same sense being serious as well. As they walked back, Pollianus asked me, "So, are you really going to let them go?" "I am, if they have the proper paperwork, as I don't want to get stopped because of people that don't give a care about our mission," I replied. Pollianus then shook his head in knowing that I may regret what I promised those Auxiliaries. "I know brother, I know," I said. And with that, we went to the tavern to get a bite to eat and then got back on our horses and rode to the Villa.

[Calpurnius]

The trip back to Britannia

"Are you ready?" Amorianus asked. He was, of course up earlier than I was. Always had been. Usually since he was the youngest of the brothers of my family he had to wake up early to help out doing some of the regular tasks of the day, while I and my brother Pollianus went to our schooling and learning how to become a legionary and such.

I said to him "Now I am" very grougilly, having just woken up. "Today is the big day! I'm excited to leave this place!" he said in earnest. Having been told by me and a few others that his first deployment was to Britannia to Hadrian's Wall he was overjoyed to be leaving soon. "I'm sure you are; do you have everything on the ship?" I asked. "Of course I do, I'm always up early" he replied. "All right. I guess I should get my stuff on board as well," I said. We got everything on board and were now waiting for the Censor to give us the command to set sail. We took two ships, primarily because of how many men we were bringing to Britannia.

A little while after Noon a messenger came by. "The Censor decrees, by the power vested in him by our most true Emperor, Commodus, that you may now ship off and leave to Britannia! May the Gods provide you with great fortune!" Everyone started clapping, yelling, and rejoycing that we were going to finally ship off and fight the menacing Celtics once more.

Knowing that, I set my eyes forward looking to what will become of me and my fellow soldiers.

[Gerrich]

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