[color=ed1c24][u][b]Caesar's Tent - Camp of Legio I Arizona[/b][/u][/color]

Lucius's hands trembled slightly as he quietly read the report that he'd only moments ago been handed by a courier from the east. Despite his wounds, he had risen from his rest to take the Courier's message. Standing before him was his legate, Aurelius along with recently returned head of his Frumentarii, Vulpes Inculta. The two men stood silently waiting their Caesar's command, intrigued at what could have provoked such a reaction in their Imperator: a veteran Legion soldier and officer who had seen every horrid aspect of war first-hand. A man who had been nearly at death's door only days before.

When Lucius finally put down the note, he rubbed his forehead and gave himself a few seconds of collective thought before raising his head towards his two trusted subordinates. 

"Do either of you know what this is?" He asked.

"No, I don't Lucius, but I'd be grateful to know what has captured your concern so," Aurelius replied frankly. Among the company of lower officers, Aurelius would never dare to use such a familiar tone, but as they were now: friends and comrades-in-arms, it was permitted. 

"Its a report from one of my Frumentarii, is it not? Follows-Chalk, the eastern scout we sent along with a contubernium of legionaries to embed themselves in The Brotherhood's vanguard and observe the war."

"Correct," Lucius replied with a nod, "But more than that, its a work of horror that only the most depraved soul could have conjured in his mind. I would have it burned if not for the simple fact that its real. Follows-Chalk is an excellent Frumentarius and experienced scout, and he does not suffer from the superstitious beliefs that plague most tribals. I do not doubt anything he says."

"So then... the rumors of the Cult were true," Vulpes said with trepidation. 

Lucius nodded slowly in agreement.

"So what is our response?" Aurelius asked, stepping forward, "What will The Legion do?"

"How soon can you march?" Lucius's words came without a moment's thought.

Aurelius grinned,

"By first light." 

[color=ed1c24][b]Sometime Later - Colorado Border, Along I-70[/b][/color]

The long column of the marching legions snaked along the old I-70 interstate, disappearing and reappearing over the meandering hills behind it while the leading vanguard approached the border and the Brotherhood outpost stationed there. Well organized and disciplined, the column marched in formation seven men abreast, each Legionary carrying all his necessary gear and arms with him on his back, along with a makeshift shield fastened from Denver PD riot gear and painted red with the symbol of the bull. To keep in time and ensure a steady pace, the Legionaries sang in latin a [url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VLfzvUvTXgY]Legion march[/url] alongside accompanying drumbeats.

At the head of the column amidst a group of heavily armored riders, sat Legate Aurelius and Vulpes astride two fine Legion war horses, a grim determination on both of their faces. As the legions approached the outpost, Vulpes broke away and rode up to one of The Brotherhood commanders on duty.

"Tell Lord Barnaky," Vulpes began, as his horse stamped the ground before him, "That the Legions of mighty Caesar have come. We march to the east, and to war."

With an acknowledgement from The Brotherhood officer, Vulpes grabbed the reigns and spurred his horse back to the formation, his cloak and dog's head hood catching in the bleak wind of the plains behind him.