Year 100 of the Roman Empire
Dearest Gaius, I'm sure by now you have heard of the dreadful happenings here in Panon province. I myself witnessed the raid of the Gothian hordes and massacre of the poor people of the village of Saint Marks. I want to assure you that I myself am unharmed and safe, but I thought you would like an eyewitness account of the happenings.
Two weeks after the full moon, the Gothians attacked the bridge over the river Kwai. Julius Crassus led the legions of our empire against the barbarian horde to defend the vital river crossing. 1200 legionaries set themselves to defend the bridge, while 1200 more stood atop Marcus hill in a more defensible position. 900 barbarians atop their mighty warhorses stormed at the bridge, while 600 of their brethen looted and burned the unhappy village of St.Marks. The legion and the horde first met in a hail of darts and javelins with many causalties. The battle for the bridge was then joined in earnest with many hundreds dying on either side until the waters of the river Kwai ran red with mens lifeblood. Eventually our heroic soldiers of the empire secured the bridge and took no less then 300 barbarians prisoner. The other 600 barbarians continued to loot the unhappy village of St. Marks, oblivious to the plight of their brethen. Julius Crassus ordered the legionaries set atop Marcus hill to cross the bridge and attack these dastardly raiders in the rear whilst they were distracted with slaughter and plundered riches. But before they could arrive the villains, sated at last with loot and wine, climbed atop their horses and left for their own lands.
Praise the gods for the hero Julius Crassus who saved our empire from worse devastation, and pray for the poor souls of St.Marks village, may they rest in peace. There is talk that Julius Crassus will lead a raid into the lands of the Goths, and I will of course keep you informed.
P.S. Is your wife still having trouble sleeping? The flowers of Astorious picked at dawn and eaten at dusk are sovereign against insomnia.
Your friend, Flavius Flachus.
