The Sicilian Revolt

There was little that could be done. Atellus knew he couldn't coordinate with the cavalry entrapped so was forced to do battle without their assistance. It seemed there were two detachments, one on the high grounds and another surrounding the encampment. The Roman chose the former. Perhaps, by attacking the other, those encircling the encampment may peel off, giving the cavalry a chance to sally forth and break the siege. With that, trumpets sounded, soldiers got into order, and the Propraetor went into battle. Keeping with the traditional formation, they attempted to storm the high grounds.

These string of victories was what Atellus certainly needed. The Pro-Praetor had acquired a much needed reputation to ensure the aristocracy complied with his requests for supplies and allied troops. The rigorous campaign, having started from Catania, had certainly tired the men from a couple days of hard fighting, which ensured the death of over several thousand slaves. Upon returning to the encampment, the Pro-Praetor gave the men a day's rest to clean their armor and weapons, get much needed sleep, feed the horses and themselves, and overall earn some much needed relief.

New messages were sent to Messina and Catania, giving reports of what victories had been gained. And, with them, a more stern request for allied troops to aid in finishing off these rebels. After all, Gaius had lost around several men and needed to replenish those numbers. Scouts were sent to find out the location of the nearest western encampment, divided into two groups of fifty cavalry.

Atellus states that the Senate had empowered him to see Sicilia rebuilt and put on the path to recovery once the rebels were defeated. Compensations would be handed out to regain from loss, efforts made to recover the economy, and rewards would be granted to those who participated in the campaign. The Pro-Praetor sought to ensure the continued loyalty of the region to Rome by giving back in exchange for their cooperation. Given his plans, this may require a bit more time in Sicilia however. That was another time to consider as western encampments of rebels still needed to be cleaned out. If this was agreeable, the Pro-Praetor would personally thank the leading men for their contributions.

There was little choice now. With the fresh levies added to his forces, and the men having their much needed rest, Gaius once more headed out to find the rebels and confront them. He hoped the Senate would be sending reinforcements, but he couldn't wait for them, least the rebel numbers double in size further. The legion marched for Enna to the West before veering northward. Along the way, formation was kept and the cavalry screened them. The freshly added cavalry, two hundred strong, was kept further away to watch out for possible movements by the enemy.

A rider is sent to Legio Cremona to march south to Catania before marching west to join with his forces.

---

It seemed the slaves planned an ambush and Gaius pondered on what to do. A plan is devised. The propraetor decides to march forward with the legion in formation, keeping an air of unawareness. His auxiliary infantry and allied cavalry would form up and seek to outflank the ambushers. The infantry would take the left while the cavalry went right. The two wings would then aim to hit the slaves from behind when the sounds of battle began. The Roman hoped that the would-be ambushers would become the ambushed. It was a risk, but he would hope the gods would favor his bold plan.

This was hardly what Gaius wanted, so he had to switch gears. Upon finding some place favorable, a camp is erected. The soldiers then began to clamor and blow their trumpets, trying to entice the rebels to them. Legio Cremona was likely nearby, but it was down to him and his soldiers trying to pull the rebels into a battle on their terms. Without his cavalry, he had little means to scout effectively, so the Propraetor hoped the noise would draw his enemy in.