The 14 Roman Generals

The Seige of Alesia

September 3, 52 BCE

Kalvin's Pov

"Senators of Rome you are here today to address the campaigns of Julius Caesar." Pompey, the consul of Rome, stands in the centre of the room. His toga adjusted well. His mouth has been set in a frown since he's arrived. "He forced his armies into Gaul. This conquest of his has not been approved by the senate. If he returns will his army and crosses the Rubicon he will become an enemy of the state."

'High Generals of Olympus.' I tune out Pompey. The prayer's owner is familiar to my ears. Who is he? 'Give me, Julius Caesar, strength to pursue the Gallic General Vercingetorix.'

Maximus slightly turns to me. His expression tells that he heard Caesar's prayer. I give a half-smile. 'Thoughts on Caesar?'

'You know I'm going.'

'I know.'

'How fast can you get to Gual?' I ask Maximus. He frowns as if calculating his pace. If he takes Julia he would get there faster. Although she may not want to go. Julia rather enjoys the luxury of Rome. We all do.

'By tonight.' Maximus keeps his hand down. Pompey called for a vote. Him against Caesar, that is if the Roman General crosses the Rubicon. 'It shouldn't be too hard to find him. I have an idea when he may be.'

'Good. How many do you suppose Vercingetorix has?'

'Who knows. Gual is, so to speak, vast and unpredictable in the might of their forces.' Maximus strains his neck to look at Pomey. 'I'll speak to the Generals after this.'

'Get their thoughts. You should stay in Rome you've always been better at dividing Pompey's attention.'

I agree with Maximus. He lets out a dark hum.
_____

Three Hours Later

Maximus' Pov

"Kalvin tell the rest where I'll be. I expect them to be ready in half an hour." I leave Kalvin to deal with the rest of the 14 and head to the forum. There I construct a letter to send ahead to Caesar. It will do him good to prepare for us.

Julius Caesar,

My name is Maximus, son of Neptune and Minerva. I am currently on my way to Gaul. With me, I bring Cassia, daughter of Apollo and Victoria. Hadrianus, son of Venus and Mars. Gemma, daughter of Pluto and Juventas. Esme, daughter of Fortuna and Jupiter. Donato, son of Apollo and Venus. Lucius, son of Ceres and Somnus. And lastly my sister. Sidonia, daughter of Minerva and Neptune. I hope to arrive sometime in the early hours of the night.

Maximus, son of Neptune & Minerva

"Maximus are you ready?" Sidonia asks. I nod and flick my sealed letter into a portal. I know Caesar will open my letter when he gets it.

"Yes, I am."

"Where in Gaul are we going?" Sidonia asks.

'Maximus son of Neptune and Minerva. Thank you for answering my prayer. Vercingetorix has taken shelter in the town of Alesia.' Caesars bold, rich voice tells me.

"Alesia."
_____

"Announcing the 14 Generals." A Hoplite announces to Caesar's war council. Several heads turn our way. Caesar's pricing eyes meet mine.

"Ah General Maximus, I am glad you could make it." Caesar motions me over to his side. He points at a mountain. It's labelled Mount Rea.

No matter how great Roman engineering is that mountain cannot be moved. It will be a problem. "Any thoughts on how to tackle this?"