The Very Old Folk
Several Goblins for Legate Gnaeus Balbutius
The legate of the Twentieth Legion, a senior military officer appointed by the Emperor to command a Roman legion. As legate, he is a seasoned commander, typically of senatorial rank, responsible not only for leading troops in battle but also for maintaining discipline, logistics, and overall strategic operations. He is openly opposed to meddling in local religious rites or provoking the native tribes, fearing that such interference could stir unrest or even rebellion in the region. Despite his reservations, joins the expedition into the hills to provide seasoned leadership and ensure order.
BALBUCIUS (crying out enraged): Scribonius! No—no! Show yourselves, demons! Cowards! Come for me!
BALBUTIUS (cont’d) I understand the Tribune’s position. I share his confidence in our arms. But this is not a question of strength. It's a question of timing. If the Vascones join the Cantabri and rise in rebellion, they’ll pick us apart from the underbrush, cut our supply routes, and leave us stranded.
BALBUTIUS (speech, commanding) We march north. Two days. First through the outer passes, then along the trail the locals fear to name. We will not provoke. We will not burn. We will observe, confirm, and return. If the rites are held, we will see them. If not—we will have shown Rome’s vigilance. By the grace of Jupiter Optimus Maximus, by the will of Mars Gradivus, and by the shadow of the Eagle under which we stand—Fortuna Redux! Hold formation. Hold silence. Hold discipline.
