Gaius Antonias Hybria vs. Catiline : the Crows of Death (Jack Sampson ACTA 2)
Marching towards Rome, then marching north again was weary and tiresome, as our troops, under the great Gaius Antonias Hybria, gave pursuit to Catiline’s forces. Traveling the roads in rank, we encountered many deserters fleeing Catiline’s army upon hearing of the death of Publius Cornelius Lentulus Sura and the other co-conspirators in Rome. By our own estimates, Catiline’s forces had been reduced to around 3,000 strong, no where near the 10,000-man army Catiline commanded a mere three weeks prior. Seeing all these deserters bolstered our troops’ confidence, and allowed us to continue marching through all conditions, eager to destroy the enemy of Rome. They have continually tried to flee towards Gaul, however Quintus Caecilius Metellus Celer had blocked their escape route with his three legions. As we back them into an ever-shrinking corner, I can only assume that the ensuing battle will take place near Pistoia.
On the precipice of battle, our soldiers camped out near Pistoia. On a nearby farm, a quarter-days walk from our camp, I found a pig, a sheep, and a bull. Realizing my luck, I brought the animals back to camp and summoned my unit. We commenced with the Suovetaurilia sacrifice, blessing the ground below us with this Suovetaurilia. Just as we finished with the ceremony, twelve black crows flew overhead, and our unit took great solace in the omen. Feasting on fine meats, I wondered which of my most trusted comrades would survive the battle.
The day of the fabled battle has come. Our soldiers are at ease, having seen good omens the previous day and completing a sacrifice to the gods, ensuring that the battleground would be blessed for them. Peering over the wide field, I can see Catiline and his legions preparing for conflict. With our ranks assuming the testudo formation, we avoided arrow fire as we inched our way towards Catiline’s front line. Viewing our insurmountable force, I noticed Catiline jump on a horse and charge towards the front line with his troops. Just then, another 12 black crows flew above our troops. Seeing this, our troops were spurred to break formation and rush forward onto the field of battle, cutting down the supporters of Catiline. Slashing and cutting through enemy lines, I charged onward with my unit to encounter Catiline head on. Seeing Catiline on my right, I saw him pierce the skull of my friend. I turned and grabbed a spear out of the innards of a fallen soldier and threw it towards him with all my might. Watching the spear pierce his armor, I had no time to celebrate, as I continued to cut through the last of Catiline’s forces. Standing over his lifeless body, looking out at a sea of hacked off limbs, fallen soldiers, and screaming injured, I felt a sigh of relief wash over me. The dignitas of Rome and the Roman people had been saved, and I was glad I could help contribute to victory.
