Assignment 3

Born into slavery, Lucius knows nothing of a free life.  After being separated from his mother and sold when he was old enough to work, Lucius’ only family now is the one for which he works.  And while Lucius knows his technical rank among society, a lowly slave, he yearns for more; he knows he is meant to achieve great things in his life.  Growing up, he heard many stories about the Roman Legion and descriptive tales of war and death as told by his master, a former Senior Officer, to his eldest son, Primus.  Spoiled and malicious Primus, whose age was around the same as Lucius’, would be expected to enter into the military. The upper societal status of his family ensured he would be at the top of the picking pool when he comes of age.  Lucius dreamed of one day becoming a part of most powerful army in the world.  The ideas of the pride and the glory of victory were intoxicating to him.  Forced to practice military tactics and defenses with Primus to help him prepare for his future interview as a recruit, Lucius was also able to secretly prepare himself for that very same interview.  With their 18^th birthdays and the beginnings of Caesar’s civil war on the rise, that day is coming increasingly closer.

There is just one thing standing in the way of Lucius and his dream: only Roman citizens are permitted to participate in the army.  Not too far off to remind him constantly of this is Servius, Lucius’ cynical and all too realistic best friend, another slave for a family close to Lucius’ own.  Lucius must concoct the perfect plan of deceit and brilliance to get himself into one of the most honorable ranks in society, and avoid the risks of being caught and the repercussions that may ensue.