Salvatoria: The Memoirs of Lucretia Aurelia

ᑕᕼᗩᑭTEᖇ ᙭᙭᙭II: ᖇOᗰE'ᔕ ᒪᗩᔕT TITᗩᑎ

September 14, 35 B.C

Alexandria, Ptolemaic Kingdom of Egypt

Alexandria had been under siege for two months, and the only reason the city held out was because Antony and Octavian were not directly cooperating. Yet, they knew they were cut off by land. Whoever took Alexandria took Egypt, and could then use the position to secure victory when fighting inevitably broke out between their armies.

Of course, things were never so simple. In the scorching heat of July, the vast army of Phraates descended upon the lands of Syria and Judea like a relentless tide. With a force numbering 50,000 men, comprising skilled cavalry, archers, and infantry, Phraates honored his part of our alliance. His claimed casus belli was eliminating the threat posed by the Caesarians and gaining revenge against Antony.

The Parthian invasion sent shockwaves through the region, striking fear into the hearts of those who dared to oppose the might of Phraates and his formidable army. Towns and villages trembled at the approach of the Parthian host, their inhabitants fleeing in terror or hunkering down behind fortified walls in a desperate bid for survival.

As Phraates' forces marched relentlessly onward, they left a trail of destruction and devastation in their wake. The news of the Parthian advance sent ripples of panic throughout the court of Arsinoe, who was unaware Phraates was marching to her aid and perceived her kingdom stood on the brink of invasion. With Octavian and Antony embroiled in their own power struggles in Egypt, the Parthians likely could inflict severe damage before attempting their hand against the triumvirs.

Meanwhile, as Phraates' army crossed into Egypt's borders, his commanders laid out their plans for the conquest of the ancient land. With strategic brilliance honed through years of military campaigns, they plotted their advance, targeting key cities and strongholds along the Nile Delta. The march on Egypt was fraught with peril and uncertainty, as Phraates and his warriors faced off against determined resistance from Arsinoe's forces. Battles raged along the banks of the Nile, as Egyptian and Parthian troops clashed in fierce combat until it became clear that the Parthians were there to help. Arsinoe was relieved, and the defenders morale rose and their stubbornness stressed Octavian and Antony.

As I approached from the west, I joined the fleet itself, having studied naval warfare tactics since my failure in Sicily. I would not lose this battle, and my sacrifices to the Gods have been favorable so far.

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September 15, 35 B.C

Battle of the Levantine Sea

As the moon hung low in the night sky, casting a silvery glow upon the waters of the Mediterranean Sea, my fleet approached stealthily from the west, their intentions veiled in secrecy. On board my flagship, I stood resolute, my eyes fixed on the horizon where Marcus Agrippa's fleet lay unsuspecting, their guard lowered in the cover of darkness. This would be my revenge against Agrippa for his betrayal eight years ago.

With the element of surprise on my side, I ordered my fleet to advance swiftly and silently towards the unsuspecting Caesarian fleet. Each ship was armed with the Scorpio Navalis, a formidable weapon designed to disable and destroy enemy vessels with devastating efficiency. Despite having the element of surprise on our side, one could never be too careful. This is what I had learned from my twenty years of military leadership, many victories and many defeats.

As the Optimate fleet closed in on the Caesarian ships, the night air crackled with tension, the only sound the gentle lapping of waves against the hulls of the warships. Then, with a sudden burst of activity, the Scorpio Navalis were unleashed, their massive projectiles hurtling through the air towards their unsuspecting targets.