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THE LIGHTNING COUNT
Chapter I: Beginnings on the Rhenus



Spring 368 Anno Domini.



Snow fell around the limes, the vast swathes of trees that lay before them was intimating. The dark forests of Germania Magna were not meant for Romans. They were for the beasts and the Barbarians. There was restlessness amongst the men. The Franci and Saxones pillaged the northern shores and borders of the empire whilst Britannia was teetering on the brink. Painted faces and wild men from Hibernia and the north of the island had struck hard and fast Too fast.

He stood there, watching the last snow of winter give way to spring. The weather had finally turned in his favour. He was happy, his men were certainly happy. Roman & Illyrian legions under Comes Italiae Sebastianus formed ranks. They had been waiting for this day for too long. Winter was over and that meant they could fight. He watched over his men, he had assembled a great force to take the fight to the Alamanni. He spoke to himself, going over his plans in his head. He wanted victory and by any cost he would achieve this. An Emperor should want for nothing less.

“I bet those old men in the Senate would have a fit if they were here. The weather, the people... the smell. I think the better part of them need to come here and see the true face of Rome instead of giving into gluttony. Nevertheless we will maintain her borders and keep them in wine and their riches.”

“How are you faring?” a voice asked coming from beneath the ramparts where he stood. It was Severus, Magister Militum of his forces. One of three men he trusted absolutely. A rarity in these times.

“Never better Magister Militum, never better. Just sensing that change is coming”

“Change isn't always a good thing. We've had too much change and then not enough at times.”

“Smart words and none truer. Once we return home and make sure these borders aren't challenged again for a long time we will make change happen. And for the better. You have been loyal to me Severus. And in return you have asked nothing. You are a good man. A true Roman”

“Thank you Dominus. You are too kind.”

“Nonsense. Now tell me how goes the preparations for the fight ahead. Are we able to defend all the fronts?”

“Jovinus has his men readying for the incursions we hear are coming from the Saxones and Franci. And we head towards the Alamanni”

“And Comes Theodosius. How does he fare?”


Severus closed his eyes, his frustration at hearing that name. It was the name of one of Valentinian's most loyal subjects and much to the chagrin of Severus it seemed the Emperor’s favourite amongst his favourites. Swallowing hid displeasure at the name he continued on speaking, “He has made it to Britannia, His son and that Magnus idiot are waiting to cross from Bononia. Can we not recall them and make use of them here where they are needed instead of a backwater province that will cannibalise itself given time and be ripe for retaking”

“If life were that easy we would not be fighting battles, merely walking into Hell and asking for the keys. He is in the right places and so are we. Tell your men and Sebastianus and his to march out and cross the Rhenus. Those bastards will pay a price for Mogontiacum. Go now. I must ready my son to come with us. Gratian will be a great leader one day. I will make it so”

Severus nodded and headed off, barking orders at his men and the legions around him. They were on the move. Passing through the gates of their fort they would cross the Rhenus in force to meet with the Alamanni. Valentinian knelt beside his son, dressed in his own armour, designed specifically for him. Although less than half the size of a Legionary he was very inch a true Roman. Valentinian was proud. Knowing his son was young he did not wish any danger to come to him but he would be safe with Severus by his side.

“Son. You are the best of us. And one day this will be yours. All of it. Stay strong. You will see things no child should see but you will be better for it. I promise. If you get scared I will be right there. I'm not going anywhere my boy.”

The armies of Rome headed into hostile territory with one simple aim. To bring the Alamanni to their knees for their cruel sacking and burning of Mogontacium. To send a message to all those who opposed Rome that it would not bend nor break under his rule and nor would it when his son took the throne.​
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