The war council chamber buzzed with activity, after the king Julius had agreed to Serena's request.
Maps sprawled across the central war table, detailing every river, mountain, and stronghold of the Ramie Kingdom, created from information sent back by the tree operatives and previous maps from the Carthaginian kingdoms own wars in the region.
Pins marked Romanus' legions' positions, with fresh lines drawn to illustrate invasion routes.
Julius stood at the head of the table, his gaze cold and calculating.
The choice had been made.
Romanus would march.
"Serena's fleet will spearhead the coastal invasion,"
Julius began, his voice steady, echoing through the hall.
"We'll transport the fresh recruits and the newly integrated Parthian legions by sea. Let them taste blood and steel. Those who prove worthy will remain as Romans. The weak will be left on the sands, where they belong."
Elheat, standing to Julius' left, grinned.