spies told the Suevi they were traveling south to escape their tribe, the Cimbri, and were hoping to improve their lives in a warmer climate. They said they meant no harm to the farmer from whom they had stolen food, but were starving. The Suevi believed their story and allowed them to walk south and over the Brenner Pass. Now, the Suevi knew that they were really spies sent out by the Cimbri and Teutons.
*******
Not wanting to get captured again by the Suevi, Ansi and Atta kept walking south. Soon they entered Raeti territory and were told in no uncertain terms to keep moving. Farther south, the Cenomani proved even more hostile. The two kept walking south and periodically worked with local farmers for room and board. Their trip was turning into an adventure and thoughts of attempting to return home were beginning to fade.
Along the way, they heard about Hannibal and the Romans. From the Veneti, they learned about Cannae and the disastrous Roman defeat. They grew more cautious as they continued south for the land was swarming with bandits and mercenaries traveling to join Hannibal.
Eventually, they arrived at Rome itself and had no problems getting past the guards at the gates. They communicated that they were at Rome to help in the war against Hannibal. When they got inside the city, they were amazed. They had never before seen such a city with its building, monuments, baths, and abundant supply of water. Being young and strong, they quickly found work as day laborers and spent their earnings on prostitutes and gambling. They enjoyed Rome. To them, it was Valhalla and they were living in Asgard despite being 1,300 miles (2092km) and many cultures away from their homeland.
*******
211 BC Four Years Later
For the last four years, Ansi and Atta were living the good life until one day they were approached by two members of the Roman military garrison who were searching for Army deserters and possible recruits. They were questioned extensively as to why they were not in the Army. Not having a good answer, they were both taken to Campus Martius and inducted into the Roman Army. By now, they both spoke Latin and appeared to be Roman citizens. Their protestations to the contrary were simply dismissed and they began Legionary Basic Training. Initially, they were reluctant trainees, but after a few beatings from the Centurions, they developed a more positive attitude and threw themselves into it. In time, they actually began to enjoy the life of a soldier. They were paid well and fed. They also enjoyed the challenge that the training presented. Because they were a few inches taller and stronger than most of the other recruits, they felt inherently superior.
During their basic Legionary training, they met a fellow trainee named Joseph who was assigned to the same Maniple, but they never became friends, simply acquaintances. They knew he was the son of a Quaestor of Rome and a personal friend of the Commandant, Manius Tullus. Months later, ever inquisitive Joseph asked them about their accent, but they dodged the question. Six years later, he would learn their true identity along with their fascinating history.
After their graduation from Basic Training, Ansi and Atta were both assigned to Praetor Manius Tullus’ Legio XVII for a special mission to the Cisalpine Gaul and Austria. They soon realized that Austria meant Innsbruck, which they had left just five years earlier. They marveled at the strangeness of it all. They were both assigned to the Hastati and remained with the main body of Legionaries unlike the Legion’s Triarii which was divided into two parts and sent to Patavium and Clastidium by boat.
The two marched to Brixia with the Legion, then to Trento, where they helped with the wedding ceremony between King Timo Bosettius of Rhaetia and his Roman bride Rosa. Once Ansi and Atta crossed the Brenner into Austria, they were back where they
*******
Not wanting to get captured again by the Suevi, Ansi and Atta kept walking south. Soon they entered Raeti territory and were told in no uncertain terms to keep moving. Farther south, the Cenomani proved even more hostile. The two kept walking south and periodically worked with local farmers for room and board. Their trip was turning into an adventure and thoughts of attempting to return home were beginning to fade.
Along the way, they heard about Hannibal and the Romans. From the Veneti, they learned about Cannae and the disastrous Roman defeat. They grew more cautious as they continued south for the land was swarming with bandits and mercenaries traveling to join Hannibal.
Eventually, they arrived at Rome itself and had no problems getting past the guards at the gates. They communicated that they were at Rome to help in the war against Hannibal. When they got inside the city, they were amazed. They had never before seen such a city with its building, monuments, baths, and abundant supply of water. Being young and strong, they quickly found work as day laborers and spent their earnings on prostitutes and gambling. They enjoyed Rome. To them, it was Valhalla and they were living in Asgard despite being 1,300 miles (2092km) and many cultures away from their homeland.
*******
211 BC Four Years Later
For the last four years, Ansi and Atta were living the good life until one day they were approached by two members of the Roman military garrison who were searching for Army deserters and possible recruits. They were questioned extensively as to why they were not in the Army. Not having a good answer, they were both taken to Campus Martius and inducted into the Roman Army. By now, they both spoke Latin and appeared to be Roman citizens. Their protestations to the contrary were simply dismissed and they began Legionary Basic Training. Initially, they were reluctant trainees, but after a few beatings from the Centurions, they developed a more positive attitude and threw themselves into it. In time, they actually began to enjoy the life of a soldier. They were paid well and fed. They also enjoyed the challenge that the training presented. Because they were a few inches taller and stronger than most of the other recruits, they felt inherently superior.
During their basic Legionary training, they met a fellow trainee named Joseph who was assigned to the same Maniple, but they never became friends, simply acquaintances. They knew he was the son of a Quaestor of Rome and a personal friend of the Commandant, Manius Tullus. Months later, ever inquisitive Joseph asked them about their accent, but they dodged the question. Six years later, he would learn their true identity along with their fascinating history.
After their graduation from Basic Training, Ansi and Atta were both assigned to Praetor Manius Tullus’ Legio XVII for a special mission to the Cisalpine Gaul and Austria. They soon realized that Austria meant Innsbruck, which they had left just five years earlier. They marveled at the strangeness of it all. They were both assigned to the Hastati and remained with the main body of Legionaries unlike the Legion’s Triarii which was divided into two parts and sent to Patavium and Clastidium by boat.
The two marched to Brixia with the Legion, then to Trento, where they helped with the wedding ceremony between King Timo Bosettius of Rhaetia and his Roman bride Rosa. Once Ansi and Atta crossed the Brenner into Austria, they were back where they
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