It was mid summer, I remember. The month, day and time is but a mystery to me, but I remember the bright violet flowers which bloomed on the wild endless grassy fields of Gaul. It was a summer I wish to forget, for I have seen more blood than a man should see, more carnage than I can bare say. I have heard the dying moans of great valiant soldiers and heard their last words. The outcome of war had always fallen on my shoulders and I must save the lives. They say if a man cries when he is about to die he is a coward, I call them human. I did not fight the enemies of Rome but bore its fallen soldiers. My Name is Matthias, physician of the roman army and this is my story.

      I was but a young fool to think the field of war was all of glory but I did not listen. My fathers told me not to join the army but I payed no heed. I was just a young doctor, forced by my father. I was ever dreaming to venture to war. Once I had just finished my studies and decided to use my talents of anatomy to aid those who are fallen on the field of battle.

      Within a month I was in Gaul, marching with a legion of fresh soldiers. I marched towards the end of the column with a mule carrying all my tools and books, the tools of my trade. Behind me were the cook’s wagon and supply wagons. I was just seventeen, finished my studies and wanted to see the field of battle, the damned fool I was.

      I was one of three doctors. Another young new doctor was Gaius, he too wish to marched with the soldiers but his father forced him the life of the Hippocrates Oath. He and I soon became firm friends. The other doctor was a man called Appius. He was a seasoned doctor who travelled with the army battling the Spaniards in the hot barren lands of Spain. He says “the field of battle is not as horrific as a field hospital,” of course I and Gaius just laughed but he was right.

      It was another month before we reached the Germanic boarder. The land was of wild woods and open grazing. It seemed such a pleasant place, nothing like the grand marble city of Rome but I carried a air of mystery and magic around it.