Although Dracos didn't particularly enjoy saying pleasantries, it didn't mean he wouldn't, especially with Davos's prior instructions. Otherwise, he wouldn't have dared to make any guarantees. However, his words were still too blunt, leaving Baceri Pii both saddened and delighted. He was saddened by the possibility that Bisinia, and even Bruttium, might not exist as an independent entity in the future. He was delighted by the hope that he might become a member of the Daonian Senate. As far as he knew, there were several Lucanian leaders in the Daonian Senate who seemed to have secured many rights for the Lucanians within Daonian territory. If that were the case, a new chapter for Bisinia would still be worth anticipating…
"And my vote too!" Adriacus also offered his goodwill.
While feeling grateful, Baceri Pii also resolved to cooperate well with the Daonians here, to seek a better future for his tribe and for Bisinia!
The Bisinians had built fortresses in the mountain passes to the west, for the purpose of defending against the Cosentians, so they were built in narrow mountain paths for ease of defense. The Second Legion built fortresses not only for defense but also for offense. Therefore, Adepigus led his soldiers to the exit of the mountain pass, where the plateau gradually opened up. Although the mountain pass was wider here, undoubtedly increasing the amount of labor, it had become second nature to the soldiers, who spent an hour in each military training session constructing camps and fortresses.
Engineers surveyed the terrain and drew up fortress blueprints.
The soldiers quickly divided into several teams: those responsible for logging, those responsible for leveling the ground, those responsible for assembling basic defensive installations, such as watchtowers and fences, and those responsible for digging trenches and setting up various traps, such as sharpened wooden stakes and meat hooks, in front of the soon-to-be-built fortress…
… … … … … … … … …
After learning that Adriacus had captured Bisinia City, Dracos immediately dispatched a guard to return and report the news.
The guard, after a difficult journey, reached the Turii sentry post not far from the river path, where a messenger was already waiting.
Upon receiving the good news of the victory, the messenger immediately rode his horse south along the constructed road, passing Castrum, Crimisa, Aspruustum, to Sillyon, and finally to Trina… By means of a relay race, changing people and horses, without stopping for a moment, day and night, it took a day and a half to finally deliver the news to Silus, the commander of the Fourth Legion.
Overjoyed, Silus didn't forget to continue sending a messenger, who immediately boarded a fast ship through the port of Trina and sailed quickly north to Laos.
… … … … … … … … … …
It had already been the 12th day of the war, and Davos was at the residence of Avinogis, receiving his lavish hospitality.
At this moment, they were discussing his son's performance in Turii: "Lord Ansitanus has praised Hynipolis to me several times, believing that he has a talent for historical research!"
Upon hearing Davos's words, Avinogis was both pleased and somewhat worried: "Of course, I would be very happy for him to become a historian, but Hynipolis… is my only son, and I hope that he will be able to succeed me in the future." Avinogis's words contained a hint of probing.
Davos seemed completely unaware and said without hesitation: "Rest assured, there is no conflict between being a historian and becoming a magistrate. Moreover, after learning in detail about the rise and fall of many city-states in the past, Hynipolis will know even better how to lead the people of Laos and make the city-state more peaceful and prosperous!"
"Lord, you speak so well!" Avinogis raised his glass with great joy: "I propose a toast to you, to thank you for taking care of my child for more than a year!"
Davos smiled and raised his glass in response.
At this moment, a guard reported: Capus, the commander of the Daonian Legion, has important business to see you.
"Quickly, invite him in!" Avinogis said to Davos, feigning dissatisfaction: "This Lord Capus, I have invited him several times, but he refused to come. Today, with you here, we must make him drink a few cups!"
As soon as Capus stepped into the hall, he shouted excitedly: "Commander, the Second Legion has taken Bisinia City!"
What?! Avinogis looked shocked.
"Excellent! Dracos did a good job!" Davos was obviously prepared. He excitedly downed the wine in his glass, stood up and said: "The brothers of the First Legion have been wronged during this time! Tell them to cheer up, we must immediately return to Turii and rush to Bisinia. The real battle is about to begin!"
"Yes!" Capus replied loudly, equally excited.
"Has someone been sent to inform Sesta?"
"Someone has already been sent."
"Very good. Sesta, Hieronimus, Bagulus, their plan can be implemented! Whether it succeeds or not depends on whether the other party listens."
Capus turned and left. Avinogis did not stop him. He was still immersed in this shocking news.
"Lord Avinogis." Davos turned to him and said: "I will lead the First Legion and other troops to leave Laos and return to Turii. I hope that you can lead the levied warriors to continue to maintain the offensive against Vibo, in order to prevent the Vibonians from withdrawing troops to rescue Bisinia. In addition, I hope that you can provide assistance to Sesta and their plan!"
"Rest assured, the affairs of Daonia are the affairs of Laos, and I will do my best to carry them out!" Avinogis spoke with the demeanor of a soldier facing a general, making a solemn guarantee.
Watching Davos's departing figure, Avinogis let out a long breath. Previously, when he saw Davos using allied troops plus some reserve soldiers to impersonate the Second Legion, he had been wondering: What had the real Second Legion gone to do? He didn't expect that in less than ten days, the Second Legion had actually captured the strategically important city of Bisinia! Davos… is truly a terrifying person! Fortunately, Laos is an ally of Daonia!
Avinogis had no interest in finding out how the Second Legion captured Bisinia. He only knew that with Bisinia breached, the defeat of the Bruttians was certain, and Southern Italy would be within the sphere of influence of the Daonians!
This made him feel slightly lost…
… … … … … … … … …
When Bisinia City fell, a very small number of Bruttians who escaped fled towards Cosentia.
Since Piannellus was leading the army at Vibo, only the High Priest Philotarus was in the inner city. Upon hearing this news, he was so shocked that he dropped his wooden staff on the ground, almost tripping himself. The news of Bisinia's occupation by the Greeks quickly spread throughout the city, causing panic among the people.
While sending messengers to Cletium and Vibo, Cosentia also sent people to scout the enemy's movements in Bisinia City.
The distance between Cosentia and Cletium, and Cosentia and Vibo, is not much different, but to Cletium, the terrain is downhill, so the messenger arrived earlier.
At this time, Pangerus, the chief leader of Cletium, was hosting Nicurus and Bergamus, because they had just thwarted a Daonian plot: the Daonians attempted to bypass Cletium from a more remote mountain path to the rear, but were discovered by the Bruttians, who had already increased their vigilance. Before the main force could arrive, the Daonians retreated in panic.
"The Greeks are cowards, only knowing how to sneak attacks, daring not to have a real fight with me, this war is really boring!" Nicurus complained loudly while drinking wine: "This Daonian general is really stupid! He had already tried once to take a shortcut to bypass Cletium, but was discovered by us, and he wants to try again, does he really think we are all fools!"
Bergamus laughed: "He is probably not having a mental issue, but has no choice. This Second Legion launched an attack on us the second day of their arrival, but retreated before even reaching the city. I saw from the city that they suffered many casualties."
"These Greeks have very good weapons and equipment, but they are too afraid of death! If we keep fighting like this, let alone defending for two months, there won't be a problem even for a year!" Pangerus raised his glass and said loudly, now he is also greatly confident.
"So, what Sedorum said about the Daonian army being powerful and their magistrate having strong command ability… I think it's all bullshit! He is also a coward!" Nicurus hiccupped, pounding the wooden table hard with his right fist: "Why don't we take advantage of the Daonians' low morale and sneak attack their camp!"
"This… is too dangerous! What if…" Bergamus was a little worried.
"Afraid of what!" Nicurus glared, interrupting him: "We have more than 7,000 warriors, the enemy has at most no more than 10,000, and they are all cowards. If we defeat them, we won't have to defend here to the death!"
Pangerus was somewhat tempted. Although Bergamus and Nicurus had brought some military rations, some still had to be supplied by Cletium, and their presence also caused trouble for the residents of Cletium. Pangerus spent most of his energy every day resolving these disputes and conflicts.
Just as he was about to say something, the guard burst in.
"Clang!" The wine glass fell to the ground, and wine spilled everywhere.
"What did you say?! Bisinia has been occupied by the Daonians?!" Nicurus rushed over, grabbed the messenger, his face flushed red, spewing alcohol, and cursed: "Don't talk nonsense! Don't talk nonsense! Bisinia cannot be conquered by the Daonians! Impossible! Do you believe I will pull out your tongue and feed it to the dogs!…"
"It's true, great chiefs! I have a letter from the High Priest for you! Help!…" The messenger struggled and shouted for help. Although Pangerus and Bergamus were equally shocked, seeing this scene, they had to stop Nicurus's rude behavior first. They stepped forward and pulled Nicurus away, and it was not easy to separate the two.
"That's right, this is the High Priest's mark!" Bergamus quickly glanced at the letter handed over by the messenger.
Bergam quickly scanned the letter and then carefully said to Niccolo, who had not yet regained his composure, "The letter says that some Bruttian survivors have fled to Cosenza… Niccolo, you can go to Cosenza first to confirm whether this is true."
After speaking, he handed over the letter.
Niccolo stared blankly at the papyrus that Bergam handed him, as if it were not paper but burning flames. He hurriedly avoided it, slumped back into his seat, his eyes dazed: "What should I do? What should I do?…"
Listening to Niccolo's helpless murmur, Pangellu and Bergam looked at each other, their eyes filled with shock and confusion: just now they were celebrating victory, confidently wanting to go out of the city to fight the Daunians to the death!
In the blink of an eye, this confidence and arrogance was shattered by this shocking news. What should we do?
They were also thinking painfully…
"I must go back! I must go back immediately! Retake my Bruttium and save my people!" Niccolo suddenly stood up and strode out.
Upon hearing this, Pangellu hurriedly stepped forward to dissuade him: "Don't be anxious yet. It is not yet clear what exactly happened in Bruttium. Let's send someone to scout first, and wait for news from Pianluri and the others.
It's not too late to take action after everyone has discussed it."
"It's not that Knapetia has been occupied, of course you're not anxious! If we wait any longer, all my people in Bruttium will be dead!" Niccolo unceremoniously left these words and left Pangellu's mansion without looking back.
"Chief Niccolo is right, now is not the time to wait," Bergam walked over and said to the somewhat absent-minded Pangellu, "Bruttium has fallen, and our defense plan against Daunia has already failed.
Now our biggest worry is that the main force of Daunia will break out of Bruttium, and we will all be in danger! I must immediately lead the warriors of Ambaria to Cosenza as quickly as possible, meet with Pianluri there, and then discuss what to do next."
"If you all leave, what about the enemies here?!" Pangellu said in a panic.
"Didn't you see, we have all been deceived by the Daunians!" Bergam said somewhat angrily, "The enemies here are just a bait for the Daunians to attract us. Their real focus of attack is in the direction of Bruttium!"
Bergam bid farewell and left. Pangellu stayed for a while, cursing a few times: "Damn cowards!…" It was unclear whether he was cursing the Daunians or the two chiefs.
… … … … … … … …
In Vibo Valentia, Chief Pianluri of Cosenza, Chief Petaluri, and Chief Sedorrum of Vibo Valentia were discussing the withdrawal.
It turned out that after the initial few fierce attacks by the Daunians and the capture of a camp, the Daunian attacks gradually weakened due to the tenacious resistance of the Bruttians, and in recent days they had almost stopped attacking.
Therefore, Sedorrum had an idea, and he suggested to Pianluri: "Chief, judging from the current state of the Daunian actions, their morale is weakening. We are fully capable of resisting their next attack, so I suggest leaving only a small part of the Cosenza troops to assist in the defense of Vibo Valentia, and the main force can return to Cosenza first to become the reserve force for the entire war, in order to cope with the Daunian attacks from other directions, and at the same time greatly reduce the pressure on food supply…"
Indeed, tens of thousands of Cosenza warriors were stationed in Vibo Valentia, and most of the time they had nothing to do.
It should be known that the union of the Bruttian tribes was only a matter of the past two years. The contradictions and feuds of decades would not disappear so quickly, and it was inevitable that conflicts and disputes would occur between the two cities after such a long first close contact.
Therefore, Pianluri believed that Sedorrum's proposal was acceptable, which would also help to reduce friction.
After discussion, he finally decided that he would lead 8,000 warriors back to Cosenza, and Petaluri would lead 2,000 people to continue assisting the Vibonians in defending the city.
Petaluri was a member of the "Council of Seven Elders," the highest authority of the Bruttian tribal alliance, and was the youngest one.
Pianluri had no sons, and there were no outstanding figures in the tribe.
Moreover, as a tribal chief with lofty aspirations, Pianluri had been working hard to unite the Bruttian tribes. Therefore, he was not narrow-minded. He married his daughter to Petaluri, the chief of the second largest tribe in Cosenza, and tried his best to help and promote Petaluri, insisting on making him one of the newly established tribal alliance elders despite the opposition of the tribesmen and other chiefs, not only because Petaluri was his son-in-law, so as to increase Cosenza's weight in the alliance elders, but also because he hoped that after his death, Petaluri could use his identity as his son-in-law to truly integrate the first and second largest tribes of Cosenza together to become the most powerful tribe in the Bruttian region, so that Petaluri's leadership position in the alliance would be unshakable, and the tribal alliance could continue to develop steadily.
Petaluri gladly accepted this decision. He was also willing to stay in Vibo Valentia for a longer period of time to deepen his understanding of Vibo Valentia and enhance his friendship with the Vibo Valentia chiefs.
Although Niccolo and the others despised Sedorrum, secretly scolding him as a "traitor and coward," Vibo Valentia's strength was not weak and was worth Cosenza's efforts to win over.
As the battle continued to the present, several chiefs felt that the situation in Bruttium was good, and their previous worries about the powerful Daunian forces had also been reduced a lot.
Therefore, several people had a pleasant conversation until a messenger rushed into the council hall in a panic.
The shocking news of "Bruttium's fall" shocked everyone present.
Even the always calm Pianluri showed a strong suspicion about the news, just like Niccolo. Even after confirming the letter from the high priest Philotalus, he still seemed unwilling to believe this fact.
If he was still like this, let alone the others. The entire hall fell into a silence…
After a long time, Sedorrum said bitterly: "We have been deceived!
The Daunians' attack on Vibo Valentia and Knapetia was just to disperse our forces and divert our attention. Their real target should be Bruttium!"
As Pianluri, the chief of the newly established Bruttian tribal alliance, had adjusted his emotions after the silence just now, he suppressed the pain brought about by this sudden blow and said loudly: "We still have hope!
It is certain that the main force of Daunia is here, and there are also nearly 10,000 Daunians in Knapetia, so the enemies in Bruttium should not be too many.
We should immediately mobilize a large army and quickly retake Bruttium before the enemies gather a large number of troops in Bruttium!"
Sedorrum also immediately said: "Even if we cannot retake Bruttium, we must at least block the road from Bruttium to the Cosenza Plateau!"
Pianluri glanced at Sedorrum. He felt that the chief of Vibo Valentia was somewhat pessimistic, but he obviously had no time to care too much at this time.
He said to Petaluri: "I will ride back to Cosenza first to urge the other tribes that have just joined the alliance to provide as many warriors as possible, and at the same time notify Niccolo and Bergam to lead their troops back to Cosenza to meet.
You lead 10,000 Cosenza warriors back as quickly as possible!"
"Understood, Chief!" Petaluri felt much more at ease after hearing Pianluri's arrangement.
"Elder Sedorrum, I'm sorry, you can only rely on yourself here!" Although the other chiefs were not used to it, Pianluri always insisted on using the alliance's new titles to address them.
"Don't worry, Chief," Sedorrum replied confidently, "Since Vibo Valentia is not the focus of the Daunian attack, I am confident that I can defend it!
However… I don't know what Chief Niccolo will do when he hears this news."
Sedorrum's words reminded Pianluri, and his face changed: "You're right, I must leave immediately."
Pianluri and Petaluri left one after another, and Sedorrum was stunned.
Saru, who had been silent on the side, stepped forward and said, "Chief, do you think… can we retake Bruttium?"
Sedorrum sighed: "Who knows… the Daunian consul has been leading us around by the nose.
After taking Bruttium, wouldn't he have made any preparations?"
Saru opened his mouth and stammered: "You mean… you mean… we will be defeated?!"
Sedorrum sighed again: "Perhaps only Amara and the god Brutus will know…"
… … … … … … … … …
As the war broke out between Daunia and the Bruttians, more than half of the citizens of Thurii went to war, and the city became somewhat deserted.
Only the Temple of Hades was overcrowded.
After the shock of the celebration ceremony and the tireless propaganda of the chief priest Praexinas and his subordinates during this period, the people of Thurii and Amendolara had become very trusting of this great god, who was known for his strictness, coldness, eeriness, and terror among the Olympian gods.
People were crawling and praying all over the hillside, hoping that the Daunian army would defeat the Bruttians as soon as possible so that their relatives could return safely.
Praexinas led the priests, priestesses, and vestal virgins of the Temple of Hades… to comfort the people who came to pray every day, doing their best to help them, providing drinking water, shelter, and even doctors…
For the safety of Thurii, the Senate decided to temporarily strictly check the pedestrians entering the city gate, and only citizens could enter and exit.
Compared to the desolation in the city of Thurii, the port and the market were still busy: carts of grain, salted fish, meat, and weapons were constantly pulled out of the port and the market, heading outside the city of Thurii, and then uniformly allocated by Melchis.
At the beginning of the war, a part of these supplies was sent to the military camp west of the city (the original hidden place of the Second Legion).
Most of them were sent to Laos through the mountains. A small part was transported by sea to Siris through the port, and then sent to Terina.
---
Christoia's restaurant in the market was still packed every day. Daonian's prospective citizens, free citizens, and merchants and sailors from all over the world tasted the food, drank the wine, and talked about current affairs. Of course, there were also some gossip topics, such as: rumors about Davos' mother having sex with Hades in her dream and then becoming pregnant with Davos, and whether the Turii patrol captain Olivus, who everyone both loved and hated, and his Persian wife adopted the Greek position or the Persian position when they had sex... and so on.
Of course, the most discussed topic during this period was the Bruttii War. The prospective citizens and free citizens had all participated in military training and had seen the power of the Daonian legions, and they firmly believed that Daonia would win. However, many foreign sailors and merchants expressed doubts because the war had lasted for more than ten days without any progress. In the end, the two sides either quarreled or fought, and the restaurant became the most frequented place for market patrols.
Dicopolis and Theos sat in a corner eating mutton hotpot and drinking beer, listening to the loud discussions about the ongoing war at the next table.
Dicopolis sighed: "That's the bad thing about the Daonian League, there are too many wars. There have been three wars so far this year, and my business has been affected."
Theos comforted him and said: "Where in this world is there no war! Even in Corinth, as the conflict between it and Sparta deepens, the people are worried about when a war will break out between Corinth and Sparta. Daonia is not bad, at least it has never fought a losing battle so far, and it has always been attacking other city-states..." Theos' face showed envy.
"You are now running a weapons workshop, selling weapons, so of course you hope there will be more wars! I heard that the Daonian consul visited your workshop some time ago."
Dicopolis also showed envy.
"That's right." Theos said smugly, leaning forward and whispering, "You are my good friend, so I'm not afraid to tell you that Daonia is improving their weapons and equipment. They have a large number of citizen soldiers, and their own weapon shops have too low production capacity. Even if they produce for five years, they will not be able to equip every soldier with new weapons and armor, and my weapon workshop is the only large weapon workshop in Daonia, so of course it will be favored by that war-loving consul!"
"That's probably... tens of thousands of sets of weapons and armor, you're going to make a fortune!" Dicopolis said enviously.
"This won't make much money." Theos shook his head and said: "Consul Davos may be young, but he is a shrewd man. He proposed to exchange old weapons and armor for new ones, and at most pay a little production cost."
"Old weapons? Are you talking about rusty ones?"
"No, the Daonian citizen soldiers no longer use the traditional Corinthian helmets, bronze shields, and greaves of the Greek city-states, but have designed a leather helmet inlaid with iron pieces and with a chin guard.
The shield is made of cowhide wrapped in wood, but it is half a person tall and curved. This kind of shield is a bit difficult to make. I don't know why they designed it like this..." Theos described his doubts and complaints.
"The Daonian consul is a famous general of Magna Graecia. He naturally has his reasons for designing it this way. Just do what he says, why think so much. Moreover, listening to what you said, you can resell those traditional Greek weapons and equipment to other city-states, and still make money."
Dicopolis reminded him.
"But you haven't counted the freight, the taxes paid for trading in other city-states, and the time spent..." Theos took a sip of wine, with a puzzled expression on his face: "I don't really care about these, I made some money anyway, and I also got on good terms with that consul, which is a rare opportunity! But Davos said something to me when he left the weapon workshop that has kept me awake at night..."
"What did he say?" Dicopolis asked curiously.
"He said, 'It's a pity you are not a Daonian citizen, otherwise we would have further cooperation with you.'"
Dicopolis was stunned after hearing this, pondered the sentence carefully, and suddenly his eyes lit up: "He means he wants you to become a Daonian citizen."
"That's what I think too." Theos sighed: "But according to the 'Daonian Law', if I want to become a Daonian citizen, I will no longer be a Corinthian citizen, and the time required to become a Daonian citizen is too long."
"What's so good about being a Corinthian citizen, can it give you land?"
"I don't have land in Corinth."
"According to what you just said, Corinth is likely to have a war with Sparta. Can Corinth defeat Sparta?"
"No."
"Instead of having your family destroyed at that time, it's better to prepare early now. You are not too old, and it doesn't matter if you wait a few years in Daonia. Moreover, becoming a Daonian citizen will allow you to own your own land and further your business. Such a good thing is truly a blessing from the goddess of luck. What are you still hesitating about!"
Dicopolis' words awakened the dreamer. Theos pondered for a while and finally made up his mind: "My dear friend, thank you for your reminder! You are right, I should have made a decision earlier!"
Dicopolis smiled and said: "Actually, I also have the idea of becoming a Daonian citizen. The longer I live in Daonia, the less I want to go back to Crete, which is small, has barren land, and a boring life. Here, I can watch exciting rugby and football games, eat delicious food, and get treated by skilled doctors when I get sick... When I have nothing to do, I can go hunting in the mountains and fishing in Lake Sinese. The political situation here is stable. Daonia is a vibrant city-state league. It is already very powerful, but it is still becoming more powerful. No other city-state dares to invade it, only it bullies other countries!"
After listening to Dicopolis's emotion, Theos raised his glass and said, "Why don't we go to the registrar in Turii to register together?"
Dicopolis was stunned for a moment, then laughed and said, "Okay, let's go together!"
The two drank it all in one gulp, wiped away the knot in their hearts, talked and laughed, and felt even happier.
The guests at the next table quarreled. Dicopolis listened carefully, but it was because of the Isthmian Games, so he joked: "Theos, you have to be careful, don't mention that you are a Corinthian here."
Speaking of this, Theos scolded with a look of anger: "Those idiots in the Corinthian Assembly, most of them have probably heard the name Daonia for the first time, so they simply look down on this emerging city-state league, but they don't know that the strength of this emerging city-state league is several times stronger than Corinth, and there is no benefit to Corinth to offend it!"
Dicopolis deeply agreed: "Not only Corinth, but many city-state citizens in mainland Greece have a contemptuous attitude towards the city-states in the western Mediterranean, always thinking that the city-states in the western Mediterranean are colonies and treating them as bumpkins from poor rural areas. In fact, they don't know that not only Syracuse, but Daonia's strength is also comparable to Sparta and Athens. Tarentum and Croton, these Greater Greek city-states, are also among the best in mainland Greece."
"Yes, offending a Daonia that is still growing stronger, Corinth's future may have some trouble..." Theos said with some worry.
"Why are you still worrying about these things, anyway, you have already decided to become a Daonian citizen."
"But I still have many relatives and friends in Corinth!"
As the two were talking, a huge cheer suddenly rang out in the market, deafening.
The people in the restaurant didn't know what had happened and were curiously asking each other. A patrolman walked in and said excitedly: "Cheer, Daonians! Our brave soldiers, under the leadership of the great Consul Davos, have captured Bisinia in Bruttii!"
"Great! We won again!"
"Isn't Bisinia the small city next to our Turii, on the south bank of the Crati River! No Greek has ever been there before. I heard that the terrain is very dangerous. We actually captured it?! It's only been a few days since the war started!"
"Attack, brave soldiers! Continue to attack and strive to take Cosensa as soon as possible!"
..."
Cheers erupted in the restaurant.
At this time, the waiter of the restaurant came out and said: "To celebrate this victory, my master has decided that the food and drinks ordered by everyone here today are free!"
"Long live! The generous Consul's wife, the beautiful Christoia!" The guests danced and cheered loudly.
"This is really great, please give me a drink too!" The patrolman said happily.
"Wine or beer?" the waiter asked.
"You see I'm covered in sweat, of course I'll drink beer to quench my thirst." When a full glass of beer was handed to him, the patrolman raised it high and said loudly: "Everyone, let's toast to our omnipotent Consul Davos! And to our brave participating citizens!"
Everyone in the restaurant, including Dicopolis and Theos, raised their glasses. The guests at the next table even came over to clink glasses with them and said: "Congratulations to you two for joining the ranks of Daonian citizens! This is undoubtedly the right decision!"
Dicopolis looked at him in surprise: "Did you hear everything?"
The man blinked: "Otherwise, why do you think I was scolding the Corinthians."
Theos smiled relievedly at this moment: "We made the decision and then received such good news. This is the arrangement of the goddess of fate!"
"That's right." Dicopolis nodded in agreement.
"Cheers!" Several wooden cups clinked together, and the wine splashed.
"In addition, the Senate has issued a notice—" The patrolman looked around and said solemnly: "Freemen who have participated in Daonian military training can immediately register at Victory Square. The Ministry of Military Affairs is conscripting two thousand freemen to Bithynia to assist the legions in combat—"
"Why didn't you say so earlier! There are only two thousand places, I'm afraid they will be snapped up in a while!"
"Let's go! Let's go!" Complaints arose in the restaurant. After a while of chaos, most of the diners in the house had run away.
Dicopolis and Theos looked at each other.
… … … … … … … … …
At this moment, Victory Square was crowded with people.
The household registration department must first confirm that the freemen who come to register are indeed registered in the past. Then, the court staff will investigate the files to confirm that they have no records of violating laws and disciplines during their residence in Daonia. Then, the training camp officers of the Ministry of Military Affairs will select freemen who are physically strong, younger, and have performed seriously in previous training. After these are passed, the household registration department will confirm, and make a note and sign on their files. This is the basis for shortening their time to become reserve citizens in the future.
After this set of procedures, there are hundreds of alliance civil servants on the scene, and various archives are piled up into small mountains. To prevent accidents, even thousands of legion reserve soldiers are transferred, fully armed to maintain order.
In fact, more than 10,000 freemen came to the square, but basically they can abide by the order, not because they are afraid of those soldiers who are watching, but because they know that it doesn't matter if they are not selected this time. There is no lack of opportunities to make contributions in Daonia. For example: the temple being built by Amendolara lacks labor and is also conscripting freemen; the construction of Crimisa—Aspolustum Avenue is also conscripting freemen... For such large-scale construction work, the alliance only provides three meals a day, and the salary is very low, but it can also help freemen achieve their wish to become Daonian reserve citizens as soon as possible.
However, if freemen disrupt the public order of the alliance and violate the laws of Daonia, then their road to becoming a citizen of Daonia will become extremely difficult, and they may even be expelled from Daonia. Therefore, even if they are not selected, these freemen will at most mutter a few words in their mouths, and dare not take any excessive actions. If anyone thinks that there is unfairness in the selection process, they can also appeal to the notary office set up by the Supervision Department on the other side of the square and request a review.
Standing outside the Senate's Grand Council Hall, looking at the bustling scene in Victory Square in front, Philicius suddenly said: "Actually, I think it is better to send the legion reserve soldiers to Bithynia to assist the Second Legion. They have all undergone strict training and are not much different from the legion soldiers. They are more combat effective and more obedient than these freemen."
Marigi next to him asked back: "If you send all the citizen soldiers out, Turii will be empty. What should we do if the enemy comes to attack or there is a major riot?"
Philicius was speechless for a while, and hesitated and said: "The cities around Turii are either cities of our own alliance or allied states. Where does the sneak attack come from?"
"We can sneak attack Bithynia, why can't others sneak attack Turii?" Marigi was quibbling. In fact, what he was thinking was: Philicius is completely an idiot in politics except for being good at military affairs. Lord Davos is leading a large army outside, and there must be an army guarding the home. Now the members of the Senate are more complicated than before, and if someone messes up, they can be suppressed immediately.
At this time, Melsis and Marigi stood in the same trench, but his explanation came from another angle.
"Send reserve troops?!" He screamed loudly: "It's easy to say! Philicius, you need to know how much effort Davos and I spent in preparing military rations for this war! Not only the silver coins in the national treasury were spent, but also huge debts were owed to the citizens, but this can only supply four legions to fight outside for four months. The military ration treatment of a reserve soldier is the same as that of a legion soldier, and at least three catties of grain and two salted fish must be guaranteed a day, while the rations of these freemen are much simpler, as long as they can barely eat enough. Philicius, use your brain, don't just know how to fight all day long. If there is nothing to eat in war, I think you will all starve to death!"
Melsis and Philicius are old acquaintances. Philicius understands the fat man's character, so he doesn't take it seriously, but humbly expresses his acceptance.
And behind them, Antaolis was still shocked by the news of the victory he heard in the morning.
"Antaolis, didn't you say that Bithynia City occupies a geographical advantage and is almost impossible to be captured, but how did the Consul take it so quickly?" Oricpus asked suspiciously.
"I don't know either. The messenger who came back to report the news did not tell us in detail the process of capturing Bithynia." Antaolis's mind still flashed the thrilling scene when he walked the riverside path. He said helplessly: "Bithynia does have natural dangers and is difficult to conquer, but who made our Consul a god favored by Hades, with the protection of the King of the Underworld, perhaps no matter how great the difficulties are, he can't stop him. When he returns triumphantly, you can ask him in detail."
"It seems that the Consul's command of the citizens in battle is indeed very impressive. Olyricus, why don't we apply to him to join those legions of Daonia as well?" Praeades suggested.
"I already inquired about it. The Consul's unique legion system is very different from the ordinary city-state military system. Every promotion in the army has strict assessments. Even if you and I, as members of the Senate, are completely unfamiliar with the tactics and formations of the Daionian legions, we must start training again from the recruit training camp…" Olyricus said with considerable annoyance. Just imagine, as a nobleman of Crimisa, and now a Senator of the Daionian Senate, his status is esteemed. According to Philius of the Military Department, who came from mercenary background, he would have to sweat and train with those poor freemen. It's simply outrageous!
"Training is just training. Are we really inferior to those freemen?!" Praeades didn't seem to care.
Listening to their argument, Antaolis felt somewhat emotional: It seems that not only he had accepted the fact of becoming a Daionian citizen, but so had Praeades and Olyricus. Thinking about it, although he had been the chief general of Crimisa for several years, a small Bruttian tribe descending from the mountains to plunder could cause him and the city-state's citizens a lot of headaches. But in Daonia, sitting in the Senate, they could decide the life and death of the entire Bruttian race! It really is true that 'the higher you stand, the more scenery you see; once you get used to delicacies, you naturally look down on hard, coarse bread.'
On the other side of the platform, Cunogolata and Cornelius were discussing different issues.
"With the occupation of Bicinium, it seems that the day we conquer Bruttium will soon arrive!" Cornelius had witnessed Daonia grow from weak to strong in the past two years, and couldn't help but feel emotional.
Cunogolata was considering a more far-reaching issue: "After defeating the Bruttians, how to deal with them is also a big problem!"
Cornelius thought for a while and said uncertainly, "Shouldn't we govern the Bruttians according to the way we govern the Lucanians?"
Cunogolata pondered for a while and said, "The Bruttians are still somewhat different from the Lucanians…" He stopped there, shaking his head. To what extent will the war ultimately progress? What kind of agreement will be signed? It's still impossible to predict. It seems a little too early to consider these things now. However, if the Bruttian region is conquered, Thurii will be completely safe from then on!
… … … … … … … … … …
On the island of Motya in Sicily, the war continued day after day in the same way. The people of Motya were all soldiers, and despite heavy casualties, they still did not yield. The Syracusans' offensive was advancing bit by bit, and although they paid a considerable price, they still failed to occupy the entire city.
As time went on, Dionysius became increasingly anxious. He even executed two of his guards for very small reasons.
Finally, he realized that storming Motya was not a good idea. After accepting the suggestion of the former mercenary leader Massias, he decided to organize a suicide squad to sneak into the Motyan defensive area in the dark of night.
Fortunately, his gamble succeeded. The suicide squad opened the city gate, allowing the main force of Syracuse to rush into the city. After a brief but fierce battle, the resistance of the Motyans was finally crushed.
At this moment, the Greek soldiers didn't want to seize the spoils of war. Too many comrades had been killed in the previous battles. They only wanted revenge, and they vividly remembered the atrocities committed by the Carthaginian general Hannibal (not the famous Hannibal of the Roman era, but another Hannibal from a different period of Carthage, a chieftain of the Magonid family) at Himera ten years ago. They decided to be as cruel and ruthless as the Carthaginians had been to the Greek cities, and a massacre began.
After a day of slaughter, Dionysius finally stopped the behavior, not because he was merciful, but because he believed that dead people were not as valuable as prisoners. So, the victors turned their murderous pleasures to looting, and they plundered everything of value in the Carthaginian city, selling all the prisoners into slavery.
Dionysius left a team of men to garrison the empty city full of corpses, and another team to continue besieging Segesta. He led the main force back to Syracuse. At this time, the Carthaginian forces in Sicily were only remaining in a few coastal cities in the northwest corner, such as Eryx, Solus, and Panormus. It wasn't that he didn't want to completely eliminate the remaining Carthaginians on the island of Sicily, but the army rations he had prepared for the army were almost exhausted, and it was already October, winter was coming soon, so he decided to return to the city for the winter and solve the problem of Segesta next spring.
The fall of Motya was a great honor for Dionysius, the greatest victory that the Greek city-states had ever had in the history of Sicily. However, for the Carthaginians, it was the biggest blow. With the loss of Motya, the city of Carthage on the African continent would face the Greek forces of Sicily directly, and its safety would be seriously threatened.
In the Carthaginian Senate, the pro-war faction led by the Magonid family, which had strong popular support, vigorously attacked the conservative faction led by Hanno. Their proposal to attack Syracuse and rebuild Carthage's northern security barrier was eventually passed.
Subsequently, the Carthaginian Senate reappointed Hamilcar, the head of the Magonid family and one of Carthage's Suffetes (similar to consuls, also two in number), as commander. They began recalling the army that had just been sent to develop the Iberian Peninsula, led by Hamilcar's brother, Mago, and also started preparing military provisions for the large army.
......
A major event occurred in Grumentum a day ago. The two small tribes under its jurisdiction in the north, the Lutei and the Brinates, clashed over territorial issues, even engaging in armed conflict. The city's magistrate, Bagulus, personally went to mediate but was suddenly ambushed by the tribesmen. Bagulus, caught off guard, only managed to escape back to Grumentum with the desperate help of his personal guards. Soon, news spread throughout the city that Bagulus was seriously injured and on the verge of death. The city gates were tightly closed, and the city was heavily guarded, but no troops were sent to attack the two tribes that had openly raised the flag of rebellion.
For a time, outside the city, the tribes under Grumentum's jurisdiction were in a state of panic, and rumors spread.
The news quickly reached Picentia and Potentia.
"Son, the old fox Puaemates has finally made his move! We can't wait any longer; we must immediately send troops to attack Grumentum!" Sinnaces said, both excited and anxious.
"Father, didn't you say before that we should wait for Potentia to send troops before we act!" Gnaeus asked, puzzled by Sinnaces' excitement.
"The situation is different now! Although Potentia hasn't sent troops, they've already taken action. Didn't you just hear that 'the lord of Grumentum was ambushed and seriously injured'? This must be the good work of Puaemates and his men secretly instigating those Grumentum tribes bordering Potentia! Logically, the Daunians should send troops to carry out a bloody revenge on those tribes, but the Daunians haven't. Instead, they've locked the city gates tightly. What does this mean?!"
Sinnaces waved his arms, excitedly saying, "It means the Daunians simply don't have enough troops to suppress those rebellious tribes; their soldiers have all been transferred to attack Bruttium. Why was the Bruttian envoy who came yesterday not as anxious as the last time he asked us to join the alliance? He made it very clear: 'The Daunians sent nearly 20,000 troops to attack the Bruttian mountains from the north, but they have been unable to reach the walls of Vibo, and their casualties are heavy; they also have 10,000 troops attacking Knappetia from the south, but they are similarly blocked outside the mountains and unable to advance.' The Daunians are caught in a difficult war with the Bruttians, so the Daunians here only want to hold Grumentum. Now, those tribes in Grumentum are like calves that have lost their mothers, terrified and uneasy. We must rush ahead of Potentia and immediately send troops to Grumentum's territory."
"Those tribes will inevitably submit one after another, and our forces will rapidly grow. By the time Puaemates arrives, it will be too late. Picentia will be the one calling the shots in Grumentum!" Thinking of his triumph, Sinnaces couldn't help but chuckle wickedly.
"Father, I'll go gather the warriors now!" Gnaeus, fired up by his father's words, immediately strode out of the hall, behind him still echoing Sinnaces' hateful voice: "Cunning Daunians, daring to seize my Grumentum, I have finally waited for this day of revenge! God Assinus, I, Sinnaces, will offer the blood of the Greeks as a sacrifice to you, hoping to receive your protection!"
......
"Brother, what are you still hesitating about!" Poletus shouted anxiously, "The Picentians have already made the first move. The cunning Sinnaces must have won over those Grumentum tribes and plotted to severely wound the Daunian Bagulus! Now, the Picentian army must have already set out. If we don't send troops, Grumentum will belong to Picentia!"
Compared to the impetuous Poletus, Puaemates—the over-fifty-year-old chieftain of Potentia—sat calmly on the wooden chair. After listening to these words, he didn't even twitch an eyebrow, slowly saying, "I still say the same thing—wait."
"Brother, if you're unwilling to take risks, I'd rather lead some of the warriors to Grumentum first—" Poletus was anxious and wanted to say more, but Puaemates' expression became stern. He looked at his brother and said coldly, "I'm still in charge of Potentia. If you want to give orders, wait until I'm dead."
Poletus dared not speak anymore. He was nearly 20 years younger than Puaemates. Their father had died early, and he had practically been raised by this older brother, so although they were brothers, they were more like father and son.
"Poletus," Puaemates' tone softened slightly, "Don't forget how we lost Grumentum."
Poletus didn't speak, but his expression clearly showed some disagreement.
Puaemates sighed, his face showing a bit more gravity: "I know that in recent years you have been complaining that I am too cautious in my actions, that I haven't intervened in the internal strife of Lucania, that I previously allowed Acclua to grow strong, and that now I am unwilling to take action on the fat meat of Grumentum… But you must know that we Potentians are different from Picentia and Grumentum. They are surrounded by Lucanians, while we have the terrible Samnites to our north. Don't forget the words that our ancestors constantly warned us, 'We were driven from the north into these mountains by these Samnites.' Don't think that these Samnite tribes haven't fought with us now; that's because we have enough warriors, and they still have to deal with the Greeks to the west, so we are at peace. But if our strength weakens, do you think those hungry wolves will let Potentia go!"
Poletus' expression shifted slightly.
"At the beginning of the year, I couldn't resist your repeated requests and sent troops to Grumentum, and in the end, you and the warriors were captured by the Daunians… Do you know… during that time, the Samnites sent an envoy to me to express their willingness to lend troops to help me defeat the Daunians."
This time, Poletus was moved. He couldn't help but ask urgently, "There was such a thing?! Did you agree?!"
"Agree?" Puaemates sneered, "If I had agreed, Potentia would have belonged to the Samnites long ago. Fortunately, we made peace with the Daunians in time and released you, and I was relieved. Now, the situation in Grumentum is complicated, and the war between the Daunians and the Bruttians is also unknown how it will eventually turn out. I can't see clearly… If I can't see clearly, I shouldn't send troops lightly. If Sinnaces wants to seize Grumentum, then let him seize it; the Daunians are not so easy to deal with."
After listening, Poletus was silent for a while, still a little unwilling, and asked, "Since this is the case, why did you agree to ally with the Bruttians?"
A glint of shrewdness flashed in Puaemates' cloudy eyes: "Forming an alliance is also to have another way out. May Assinus bless us! In case a very good opportunity arises… So we must calm down now and wait slowly…"
......
Pianren rushed back to Cosentia as quickly as possible and managed to intercept Nicurulus, who was hurriedly leading troops back from Knappetia. He barely managed to persuade him to stay in Cosentia and wait to gather the main army before attacking Byssinia together.
But not long after, he received a report from scouts: the Greeks were building a fortress on the road leading to the highlands in Byssinia.
Pianren couldn't sit still any longer. If the Greeks were allowed to build the fortress, it would undoubtedly make it more difficult to retake Byssinia. He had no choice but to let Nicurulus lead his warriors to obstruct them, adding a thousand warriors from other tribes to his force, and repeatedly instructing him not to fight the Greeks head-on.
After Nicurulus led his troops at a rapid pace for three hours, he could vaguely see the Greeks ahead, and his eyes widened instantly: they had turned the exit of the mountain road into a large construction site, digging pits, driving piles, moving wood… a scene of bustling activity, and a wooden wall three meters high and dozens of meters long stood there, with gates, crenellations, trenches, and chevaux de frise—all the essential facilities of a fortress were basically complete.
Nicurulus's actions could be considered quick, but a day and a half had already passed since the Second Legion occupied Byssinia. The legion commander, Dracontius, seized this advantageous time and divided his 7,000 soldiers into three teams, taking turns day and night to speed up the construction of the fortress. The soldiers also knew that time was short, and they put in their best efforts. With the addition of some simple defensive facilities that the engineering corps had transported and assembled, the fortress was already taking shape when Nicurulus arrived.
After the scouts who had been sent out discovered the Bruttian force, they immediately rushed back to report. The fortress sounded the bugle, and the soldiers working there slowly withdrew back through the city gate.
Although Nicurulus was surprised by the speed at which the Daunian soldiers built the fortress—it had taken seven or eight days to dismantle the fortress facing Cosentia—he was even more enraged that the Greeks were acting as they pleased in his territory.
"Kill those Greeks outside the city!" He gave an order, the horns sounded, and the warriors under his command, hating that the enemy had taken their homeland, rushed towards the Daunians who were not wearing armor and not holding weapons like fierce wolves.
Under the command of their officers, the Daunian soldiers did not panic, but orderly passed through the city gate and retreated inside the wall. The soldiers at the rear of the team even turned their heads to look back with leisure, expecting good things to happen.
At a place 50 meters from the city wall, the charging Byssinian warriors suddenly cried out in agony one after another, all falling to the ground. When they pulled out their feet, they were covered in blood, either pierced through the soles by sharp wooden stakes buried in the grass, or scratched by meat hooks, or their ankles were twisted by small foot traps…