The Consul soon set off for Taraconensis, he and his officers had set off a few weeks after the main army to give them time to arrive and prepare for battle. The journey had been uneventful to say the least and the sea had no been to much of a problem. At least, it had not sent their ships to the bottom as it was wont to do. "So Libanus," Gnaeus spoke as they approached the camp, "Have you ever fought before?"
...treasure, pleasure, leisure, les yeux;
It's all in your eyes.
I served as a legate in the German wars after my father secured a command with Longinus. Let's hope we fare better now with the Spanish then we did with the Cimbri ten ears ago. Our best battles were indecisive and our defeats left a miserable amount of dead Romans on the battlefield. I have learned from my previous military blunders, however. We will not be so timid this time.
Lucius did not like to recall these battles which went so poorly for the Romans
"No," Gnaeus mused, "We shall not." the horses kept up their pace onwards, "I come from a line of Legionaries, Quaestor, my father, he was a Legate, in the Balkans, my Uncle however, was an Equestrian in Rome, I gained his estate upon his death, and that led me into a career as a Senator." he sighed, "My first command, though I am sure with your expertise in the field of warfare, the Iberians will have no chance."
...treasure, pleasure, leisure, les yeux;
It's all in your eyes.
Gods willing. For my part I feel no fear for myself, but I do not wish to disgrace my family with further defeat. My grandfather's bust was destroyed when we learned of his treachery and betrayal of his unit in Africa. Since then my family's military reputation declined considerably, thoughwe amassed a large fortune and continued to be elected to magistracies. Nobody in my family has held the consulate in several hundred years, but with any luck this campaign will publicize my name yet again. I found the senate easy to manipulate, so hopefully it will continue to be swayed. The tribune, Herrenius, seems less likely to collaborate...we must not allow him to upset our careful balance, Consul.
"No, we must not of course." He stared at the dusty road before them, "I am glad of this position, it feels like I have a larger voice, like I can do something meaningful, I truly hope this campaign goes well, for both my honour, and your families."
...treasure, pleasure, leisure, les yeux;
It's all in your eyes.
We have a more accurate estimate of the forces arrayed against us, but nonetheless I would recommend I lead a detachment of cavalry into the surrounding territory to reconnoiter the area.
Lucius looked to his bodyguard and was pleased to see they looked grim and determined.
As the cavalry cantered through the valley they soon saw a large gate blocking the path, Gnaeus rode forward, and a voice from the wall camp, "Who goes their, speak now." Smiling slightly he spoke, "Consul Gnaeus Claudius Tranquillus, here to take command." He saw soldiers on the walls instantly snap to attention, and the gates slowly creaked open. The cavalry continued inside the camp, and were greeted by the sight of a hive of activity. Gnaeus nodded to Legionaries as they went past, before reaching the command tent in the centre of the camp. Dismounting he and some of his senior officers strode into the cool interior...
...treasure, pleasure, leisure, les yeux;
It's all in your eyes.
Once the legions arrive Gnaeus sets about preparing for the first offensive. After a couple of weeks the Legionaries and Auxilia are ready to move and the march begins. They march Westward towards the bordering province which intelligence told him belonged to the Lusitanians. Soon they reached the border and they could truly go to war. Unannounced they crossed an act of aggression against enemies they had yet to make...
...treasure, pleasure, leisure, les yeux;
It's all in your eyes.
As the Romans enter the lusitanian land, they meet no resistance. The few towns they find are empty, no troops, nor women or children. Caddle and food seem to have been taken as well, mostly, while piles of burnt grain and caddle can be found near their temples, most likely sacrificed to their gods or destroyed before allowing it to be used as food for their enemy. All seem to have retreated deeper into their land, across the mountains and forests that cover most of the territory, a land never seen before by any Roman.
Gnaeus surveys the trees with mild disgust. He knew that their legionaries would not figt well fighting amongst those. An idea springs to mind, however he'll have to wait for the return of the legate and his scouts first before he puts it into action...
...treasure, pleasure, leisure, les yeux;
It's all in your eyes.
Lucius and his contingent returned to camp covered in dirt and sweat. He gave the watchword and once the gates were open, continued to the praetorium to seek out Gnaeus.
Consul, we spotted several small groups of Lusitanians on our route. The main body remains hidden, but the enemy is scattered and dispersed along the countryside. This may be the right time to strike, while the enemy is foraging and spread out.
I am afraid not, the enemy is swift and they never stay in one area for too long. To instigate a fight we should move further into enemy territory and force their hand. If we challenge their honor, and not to mention their homes, these raiders should stop and rally to fight.
"Interesting... Have we a map of the area anyway? I wish to see what the lie of the land is like and whether there are any major settlements nearby. I am loathe to enter densely forested areas. Simply because our legions are not used to fighting in such conditions and it would leave us open to ambushes."
...treasure, pleasure, leisure, les yeux;
It's all in your eyes.
We cannot sit here indefinitely, however. I have no more information to give of the surrounding region. I don't think we can afford to prolong this conflict by lingering here. The Senate was already impatient when we left, with all these problems with the plebeians.
"Of course." He gestured to one of the commanders in the tent, "Prepare the men to leave." The man went off and Gnaeus returned to his Legate. "Take the cavalry and ride ahead of the army, scout a ten mile radius and do not enter into any prolonged combat. Indeed attempt to remain away from any enemy. The legions will follow with the archers."
...treasure, pleasure, leisure, les yeux;
It's all in your eyes.
What of the allied infantry and cavalry...why not call upon the client chiefs to augment our reserves? The Lusitanians boast a large contingent of cavalry, I think it would be unwise for my cavalry to stick its neck out too far. We can mobilize within the day and have them meet us along the route.
Capo
The Iberian Wars, 100-97 BCE
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