A Medieval Story: The Italian Rivalry

Chapter IV

The five envoys had arrived at Naples and had already informed Andronikos of the Caesar's decision. He was glad to hear that, it was like music to his ears. He decided, to personally command the Legio IV Italica, which was stationed in Naples. Furthermore, he put Hassan as overseer of the province, meanwhile he would be away, leading the legion.

After some preparations, he left Naples along with the Quarta Italica. They headed to the frontier with the Holy See. The Legion was, every time they set up a camp, instructed by the officers. They were also listening to a speech given by either Andronikos or the Legatus Marcus every Sunday. It was, to keep their morale always high. Only Andronikos had implemented said tactic, even though he had told the Caesar about it.

Some time later, after marching day after day, be it sunny, cloudy or rainy, they finally were in the frontier. The Quarta Italica, then, entered the enemy's territory. The Legion marched further towards the cities, villages, in order to take them from the enemy. Not only this Legion was marching towards the opponent cities but the rest too, such as the Legio II Victrix and Legio V Augusta; these two being commanded by the Governor of Serbia Novak and Arcadius Caesar, respectively.

Russia had accepted the call to arms, but they had to get some land, such as Poland. The Catholic nations, except for the Iberian kingdoms, had joined the war. This was most likely a World War...

The Eastern Roman legions and the Russian armies relentlessly kept advancing, taking over as much as they could, and not retreating from any battle. The Catholic armies could do stand against them, but they were greatly disorganized, the war had surprised them; even though they knew it was going to happen, it was unknown when.

Lombardy had supposed a threat for Austria, which slowly began to fall as the Lombard armies attacked from the West. Bavaria was attempting to help Austria. Meanwhile, the Tsar of Akhens, the King of Scanvia and the Consul of the United Provinces of Ireland, Scotland and Iceland were quietly watching as the countries fought for supremacy. They knew the Eastern Romans were most likely the ones who would win, but the war would also weaken them and make the people unlikely to want more battles.

There was an important achievement from the Eastern Romans when they captured the city of Constantiana, in the Hungarian Kingdom. The siege lasted for a couple of days until they finally managed to take the city. From there, they went to Scythia. As that happened, the Russian armies had been battling against the Poland and Hungarian armies; the Slavs had won most of the combats.

However, as that happened, the Quarta Italica led by Andronikos had fought in several places, already. They had one target in mind: Rome. Another also accompanied the Legion; Michael, who was the cousin of Andronikos, led it. He had recently joined along them. There was a long way to Rome, yet all roads lead to there, right?

Something that Andronikos desired was to be the one who would take over Rome, feel the pride of doing so was his objective. His cousin, Michael, wished the same. Maybe the Caesar would build a Triumphal Arch in Rome honoring those who fought and made it to retake the city.