9 March!

9 MARCH! "From the future?" said Jack. He and Annie looked at each other. "How could that be? That's amazing," Annie said to the emperor. "Unbelievable," said Jack. "I do not understand," said the emperor. "Is this a sign from the gods? A gift from Mars? Perhaps it means that the legion should confront the enemy on the frozen Danube—take them by surprise—and stop their invasion." "Sounds like a good plan to me," said Jack. "It does," said Annie. The emperor looked at them with wonder.

"I do not know what to say to you," he said. "I would like to talk further. About your country. Your tribe. Perhaps you can stay awhile with the legion. I feel you may have much to teach me." "I'm afraid we can't. We have a family back home," said Annie. "We really need to be home by moonrise," said Jack. "Ah," said the emperor. "I understand. But I am sorry to hear that. The moon rises early in winter." The centurion Junius entered the tent. "My Lord Aurelius, the warriors are waiting. Shall I cancel the parade?" "Of course not," said the emperor. "My honored guests, Jack and Annie, will march with you." We will? Oh, no! thought Jack. "Wait here," the emperor said to Jack and Annie. He stepped outside to talk with Junius.

"I hope he doesn't want us to carry shields and weapons," Jack said to Annie. "Or wear armor," said Annie. "No way!" said Jack. "We need an excuse!" The emperor returned. "Go with Junius," he said to Jack and Annie. "He will show you what to do." "Oh—" said Jack. Before he could think of an excuse, Junius beckoned for him and Annie to follow. The centurion led them out of the tent. They silently walked with him back to the parade line. Jack's heart raced. We can't march, he thought. We're too small! We're not strong enough! At the field, the legion was still standing in formation, waiting for the order to march. Junius walked over to the standard-bearer and flag-bearer. He turned to Jack and Annie. "The emperor has ordered that the two of

you shall carry the eagle standard and the flag. Which one of you wishes to carry the standard?" he said. Oh, man, thought Jack. He knew this was the highest honor a Roman warrior could have. "You should carry it," he said to Annie. "No, you," she said. "You deserve it more," said Jack. He looked at the centurion. "Annie's very brave, and she never loses hope." The standard-bearer handed the eagle standard to Annie. "Wow, thanks," said Annie. She held the pole high and smiled. The gold eagle's wings shone in the cold sunlight. The flag-bearer handed Jack the flagpole. Jack raised it beside the eagle standard. The red flag with the ram flapped in the winter wind.

Trumpets sounded. "You are to lead the legion once around the field," Junius said to Jack and Annie. "All the soldiers will follow you. March!" Jack and Annie marched around the field with all of Legion Gemina XIV following them. Annie carried the eagle standard. Jack carried the red flag with the ram. They were followed by trumpet players who were followed by centurions who were followed by thousands and thousands of Roman warriors.

Jack and Annie returned to the emperor. They gave the standard and the flag to Junius. "Well done," said Emperor Aurelius. "I know you must leave us now. I will ride with you as far as the riverbank." The emperor gestured to a warrior standing beside a beautiful white horse. The horse had a red blanket draped over its back. The warrior led the horse to Jack and Annie and helped them climb on. Jack took the reins. Emperor Aurelius mounted his black horse. As both horses started toward the gate, Jack gripped the reins and Annie held on to Jack. The white horse carried them down the main road past the armory, past the rows of barracks, and out through the front gate of the Roman legion camp.