The route was complicated by endless lakes and circuitous rivers which were especially high at this time of year, and the Min-turnae Marsh was treacherous at all times, so they had to go some distance east to where the Albula narrowed. The pontonniers assembling the bridges were constantly harassed by a small band of butteri – but such a host could only be delayed, not defeated. Leto sent hundreds of skirmishers across in small rafts to protect the bridge, and supported them with a flock of annunciators. Stocks were perilously low but Leto was in no mood for half-measures. Soon enough the Grand Legion was assembled on the far side, complete with the carroccio displaying their banners. They had to cross the Allia before the day ended. Frustrated at their pace, retarded by wagons in need of repair, Leto declared that all unnecessary baggage was to be burnt, and to show a good example to his men, he set fire to his own books. But few were inspired, and the order had to be carried out forcibly.
