"Great! Now every one of our brothers can wear armor, have shields, and wield short swords!" Fesaros exclaimed happily, high-fiving Torrelugo. Even the usually grim Camillus and Oluus managed a slight smile, although Pequot looked at Fesaros with a complex expression.
"Camillus, Oluus, I am very saddened by the heavy losses suffered by the Third Legion!" Maximus's words quickly wiped the smiles off Camillus and Oluus's faces.
"I have discussed this with Quintus and Flanitnus; it's not your fault. Anyone in your position couldn't have done better. Our only mistake was not having enough forces to prevent the enemy's surprise attack, and that's my responsibility, not yours!" Maximus's sincere words gave them some comfort.
"The Guard is the same, fighting bravely despite being outnumbered!" Maximus loudly praised them. He wouldn't openly criticize the Guard's tactics for causing heavy casualties, but he planned to rigorously train them later.
