Melianna leaned against the ship's railing, her gaze fixed on the receding shores of Venetia. The wind whipped through her hair, carrying away fragments of the life she had known. Unwillingly thrust into this journey, she felt a sense of resignation settle within her.
The crew moved about the ship, paying her little attention as they busied themselves with their tasks. They were Venetes, like the captain, and she felt like an outsider amidst their tight-knit community.
Days passed and the monotony of the sea weighed heavily on Melianna's spirit. She found solace in her solitude, brooding over the circumstances that had brought her here. The captain observed her from a distance, watching as her melancholy grew.
It wasn't until they approached the port of Medullicus that the captain decided it was time for Melianna to snap out of her reverie. He approached her, his voice carrying authority tinged with concern.
"Recruit," the captain called, his tone demanding her attention. "You've been idle for far too long. It's time to earn your keep."
Melianna's eyes widened, realizing that her passive role had come to an end. She was given a mop and set to work, mopping the deck under the captain's watchful gaze. It was a mundane task, but it kept her occupied and distracted from her own thoughts.
In the following days, Melianna found herself assisting in the ship's kitchen. She learned to prepare meals, chop vegetables, and work alongside the ship's cook. The crew began to acknowledge her presence, albeit with subtle nods of approval. Slowly, she started to earn their respect through her willingness to contribute.
As the ship docked at Medullicus, Melianna stood on the deck, her mop resting against the railing. She looked out at the city's skyline, a newfound sense of purpose budding within her. The captain approached, his voice filled with a hint of pride.
"You've proven yourself capable, Recruit," he remarked. "From here on, you'll have a role to play in this journey."
Melianna nodded, a glimmer of determination shining in her eyes. She had taken the first step towards finding her place aboard the ship and discovering her own potential. The voyage was far from over, but with each passing day, she would continue to grow, earning her place among the crew.
★☆★
The ship sailed away from the port of Medullicus, its hold now filled with fresh amphoras of wine from the region. The crew's spirits were noticeably uplifted, their laughter and banter filling the air. The anticipation of savoring the wine on their journey energized them all.
As Melianna went about her duties, mopping the deck with renewed purpose, a drunken sailor stumbled in her direction. He slurred his words as he approached, his breath heavy with the scent of alcohol. Melianna braced herself for an unpleasant encounter.
"Well, well, if it ain't the Brit Lass," the sailor slurred, a mocking smirk on his face. "What are ya doing here? Lost your way to your soup and crumpets, have ya?"
Melianna's temper flared, her fists clenching at her sides. She retorted with equal ferocity, "My ancestors may be from Britannia, but I'm not one to be trifled with. Mind your words, sailor."
The drunken sailor's eyes widened in realization as he caught her accent. He chuckled, the tone shifting from mockery to amusement. "Ah, a fiery one, aren't ya? Brit Lass it is, then. Welcome to the crew."
With those words, the sailor stumbled away, his laughter echoing in the air. Melianna stood there, a mix of frustration and acceptance settling within her. The crew had found their nickname for her, and it seemed it was there to stay.
To avoid further conflicts, the captain intervened, redirecting Melianna's suppressed anger towards a more productive task. He assigned her the responsibility of removing barnacles from the ship's hull, a task that required focus and determination. As she scraped away the stubborn growths, her frustration found an outlet, channeling her energy into the physical labor.
Days turned into weeks, and Melianna's nickname spread among the crew. But the term "Brit Lass" had slowly lost its derisive tone, morphing into a term of camaraderie. It became a testament to her resilience and unwillingness to back down. Melianna, in turn, embraced the nickname, wearing it like a badge of honor.
★☆★
The ship sailed along the coast of Viscaya, its stunning scenery captivating Melianna's attention. She stood at the railing, her eyes wide with wonder as she took in the interplay of the azure sea and the rugged mountains. It was a sight she had never seen before, her heart filled with a mixture of awe and curiosity.
Noticing Melianna's fascination, the captain joined her at the railing, a warm smile on his face. "Viscaya is indeed a breathtaking place," he remarked, his voice filled with a touch of nostalgia. "The beauty of this region never fails to amaze me. The way the mountains meet the sea, creating a landscape like no other."
Melianna turned to the captain, her voice filled with a sense of wonder. "Captain, I've never seen anything like this before," she said, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "The mountains, the lagoon... It's all so different from my home."
The captain chuckled softly, a glimmer of understanding in his eyes. "Indeed, Viscaya has a unique charm. But remember, Melianna, every place has its own magic. You've left behind the familiar, and now you embark on a journey to discover the wonders of new lands."
Curiosity sparked within Melianna, and she found herself eager to learn more. "Tell me, Captain," she asked, her voice filled with genuine curiosity, "what can you share about Viscaya and the places we've visited? I want to know more about the lands I've left behind."
The captain's eyes twinkled with nostalgia as he began to recount tales of his travels. He regaled Melianna with anecdotes of his visits to Britannia, particularly the bustling city of Londinium. He spoke of its grandeur, its sprawling markets, and the vibrant mix of cultures that thrived within its walls.
As the captain shared his experiences, Melianna's sense of longing for home mingled with her growing anticipation of the journey ahead. The realization that she was on her way to Rome, to a whole new world of possibilities, started to settle within her.
In the midst of their conversation, Melianna found the courage to question the captain about his use of the term "recruit" to address her. "Captain," she began, her voice filled with genuine curiosity, "why do you call me 'recruit'? Is there something more to it?"
The captain's gaze softened, and he paused for a moment before responding. "You have much to learn, Melianna," he replied, his voice gentle yet filled with purpose.
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★☆★
The ship sailed into the familiar port of Brigantium, seeking refuge and assistance after the harrowing pirate attack. After waiting out the battle on the mess cellaras per the captain order, Melianna watched as the crew expertly guided the vessel to its designated berth, their faces etched with relief mingled with weariness. The ship's damaged hull bore witness to the recent encounter, a stark reminder of the perils they had faced.
As the crew worked swiftly to secure the ship and prepare for repairs, Melianna noticed a somber atmosphere enveloping the deck. Word had spread about a wounded sailor, his life hanging in the balance. The captain's frustration was palpable as he engaged in a heated discussion with the Brigantium priest.
In this region of North West Hispania, religious tensions ran deep. The locals adhered staunchly to their ancient pagan Religio Romana, resisting the influence of the Nicene Christian faith that had become prevalent in other parts of the Roman Empire. The protection of their religious practices was fiercely guarded, sometimes resulting in clashes with those of different faiths. The priest vehement refusal of conducting the funerary rites for the sailor, should the worst happen, casting a solemn cloud over the ship.
The wounded sailor lay on a makeshift stretcher, unconscious, his pale face reflecting the seriousness of his condition. The ship's medic, having arrived from Brigantium, hurried to assess the sailor's injuries as Melianna helplessly watched. The medic's experienced eyes scanned the wounded man's body, his expression grave.
The captain, his voice strained but determined, turned to Melianna. "Recruit, assist the medic in any way you can," he instructed. "Fetch water, salt, and alcohol. Prepare the tools he needs. Our comrade's life hangs in the balance, and we must do everything within our power to save him."
Melianna nodded, her heart pounding with a mix of anxiety and determination. She quickly gathered the requested supplies, her mind focused on the task at hand. The weight of responsibility settled upon her shoulders as she approached the medic, offering the necessary items and standing by his side.
As the medic worked tirelessly to stabilize the wounded sailor, Melianna observed with a mixture of awe and trepidation. The skilled hands of the medic moved with precision and purpose, navigating the delicate terrain of life and death. Time seemed to stretch as they labored, their collective efforts focused on the preservation of a crew member's life.
Finally, the surgery concluded, leaving an air of anticipation hanging over the ship. Melianna held her breath as the medic turned to the captain, his face a mixture of exhaustion and guarded hope. "He should be okay," the medic stated, his voice carrying a glimmer of reassurance. "The worst seems to be behind us, but he'll need time to recover."
Relief washed over the crew as they absorbed the medic's words. The captain's tense shoulders relaxed, gratitude evident in his eyes. Melianna's hands trembled slightly, a mixture of exhaustion and gratitude coursing through her veins.
★☆★
The ship sailed under the watchful eye of the Roman Navy as they approached the port of Gades for inspection before entering the Mediterranean Sea.
However, since their recent visit to the pre-Roman ruins of Olissipo, the crew had spent most of their time inventing ghost stories or daydreaming about what the world would look like without Rome's shadow towering above them all. So, the captain gathered the crew, reminding them of their role as corsairs working for the Roman Legions. He cautioned against discussing dissenting topics, emphasizing the consequences of treason.
Once he was done, the captain turned his attention to Melianna. Recognizing her curiosity and desire to learn, and with the upcoming inspection providing time to spare, he saw this as an opportunity to prepare the girl for her stay at the academy.
"Listen closely, Melianna," the captain began, his voice commanding attention. "The Roman Army is a well-organized force, with a hierarchy that ensures discipline and effectiveness."
Melianna nodded, her eyes fixed on the captain, eager to absorb every detail.
"At the very core, we have the squad or contubernium, which is the smallest unit within the legion. It consists of approximately eight soldiers who work closely together, forming a tight-knit group."
Melianna nodded, picturing a squad of legionaries collaborating as a cohesive team, supporting and relying on one another.
"Moving up the ladder, we have the century or centuria," the captain continued. "A century is comprised of around 80 legionaries, led by a centurion. It is the basic tactical unit of the legion and acts as a building block for larger operations."
Melianna envisioned the centurion, a figure of authority and leadership, guiding the century with precision and discipline.
"Now, a group of six centuries forms a cohort or cohors," Captain Pertinax explained. "Each cohort, totaling around 480 soldiers, is its own self-contained unit with administrative staff and support personnel. It operates as a cohesive fighting force within the legion."
Melianna imagined the cohort, a formidable entity on the battlefield, working together seamlessly to achieve their objectives.
"And at the highest level, we have the legion or legio," the captain declared. "A legion is composed of several cohorts, typically ten, along with non-combat personnel. It forms the backbone of the Roman military, numbering anywhere from 4,000 to 6,000 soldiers."
Melianna felt a surge of pride, knowing that the legion stood as a powerful force, capable of overcoming challenges and securing victory.
"Now, within these ranks, there are various positions and roles," Captain Pertinax continued, delving into the specifics. "At the recruit level, we have the tiro, newly enlisted soldiers who are undergoing training to become legionaries. They are the foundation upon which our legions are built."
Melianna grasped the significance of the tiro rank, understanding that it represented the starting point for all aspiring soldiers.
"As recruits progress, they become full-fledged legionaries, forming the backbone of our infantry," the captain explained. "These legionaries are the lifeblood of the legion, utilizing their training and skills to execute missions and defend the Roman Empire."
Melianna admired the legionaries, recognizing their dedication and bravery as they stood united in the face of adversity.
"Among the legionaries, we have specialized roles that contribute to the legion's effectiveness," Captain Pertinax elaborated. "For example, we have the decanus, who leads cavalry squads known as turma. They provide strategic support and mobility during operations."
Melianna envisioned the decanus leading his cavalry, swift and agile on the battlefield, their presence a testament to the legion's versatility.
"Additionally, we have the tesserarius," the captain continued. "The tesserarius is responsible for maintaining order and distributing watch duties within the legion. Their meticulous attention ensures the smooth operation and security of our forces."
Melianna recognized the importance of the tesserarius in maintaining discipline and vigilance, allowing the legion to function efficiently.
"Furthermore, we have immunes," Captain Pertinax said. "These soldiers have specialized roles exempt from certain duties. They include skilled craftsmen, engineers, medics, and other essential personnel who provide crucial support to the legion."
Melianna appreciated the immunes, recognizing their pivotal contributions to the legion's overall success.
The captain concluded, his voice filled with pride and determination. "Melianna, as you continue your journey, remember that you are no longer just a recruit. You are part of something greater—the Roman Legion. Embrace your role, learn from those around you, and strive to become a valuable asset to the legion."
Melianna nodded, her eyes gleaming with newfound understanding and a sense of purpose. She would dedicate herself to mastering her skills, not only for her own growth but also for the legion she now called her own.
★☆★
As the ship sailed on, its course set toward the grand city of Rome, Melianna stood on the deck, her gaze fixed on the horizon. The sun cast a warm glow upon the waves, its light reflecting the promise of new adventures and discoveries to come.
She had come a long way since leaving Venetia, and the crew had become her family, each member playing a vital role in her journey. From the mundane tasks to the life-or-death struggles, every experience had shaped her, building her resilience and forging bonds of camaraderie.
Melianna's heart swelled with gratitude as she turned to the captain, a smile tugging at her lips. "Thank you, Captain Pertinax," she said, her voice filled with sincerity. "Thank you for giving me the chance to be a part of this incredible journey and teaching me about the Roman Legion. I will make you proud."
The captain's eyes softened, his voice carrying a mixture of pride and encouragement. "You've come a long way, Melianna," he replied. "Your growth and determination have not gone unnoticed. Continue to learn, adapt, and forge your path. The legion awaits, and with each passing day, you become more than a recruit. You become a true legionary."
With those words resonating in her heart, Melianna turned her gaze back to the horizon. The wind caressed her face, carrying with it the echoes of ancient tales and the promise of a future yet unwritten. Her journey had only just begun, and she was ready to embrace it.