Months had passed since the Eastern Roman Empire had learned of Marcellus's rise to power, and it was now the dead of winter. For whatever reason, the leader of the Huns, who was a man by the name of Uldin, did not desire to meet with Aulus Pontidius Frugi until this very moment. After months of currying favor with the barbarians, Frugi was finally granted an audience.
Frugi currently stood in a Hunnic tent where the leader of their people sat in silence, facing the opposite direction. The man was surrounded by while by bodyguards who glared at the intruder with menacing gazes. It was only after several moments of waiting did Frugi dare to speak.
"Allow me to introduce myself. I am Aulu Ponitdius Frugi, Magister Militum of the Eastern Roman Empire. I have come to you on behalf of the Emperor Theodosius II to negotiate an alliance with your people.
