The mud had barely dried from winter's thaw when the banners of Romanus moved again, this time not in straight lines of conquest, but in arcs — precise, deliberate, and dangerously quiet.
Joan's maneuver had been predictable, even noble in its defiance.
She intended to strike the artery of the Empire's incursion, the corridor, cut the lifeline of La Morienne, and sever Julius from his momentum.
But Julius had no intention of letting her swing first.
Instead, he stepped back.
And in stepping back, he set the bait.
~
Romanus Forward Command – La Morienne Ridge
"They're committing to the pass,"
Sabellus confirmed, his finger drawing a rough arrow across the eastern side of the war map.
"Their scouts believe we've weakened the southern garrison in favor of pushing westward. They're trying to flank us."
"They're trying,"
Julius murmured. He leaned forward, studying the placement of the XIV Legion near the base of the Tevrine Hills.
