Chapter 1161
Instead of letting Arsineis and the others carry out the execution, Ctessus did it himself, because he could control his strength and the landing point of the blow very well, making Tepandes feel a lot of pain without injuring his muscles and bones.
After ten strokes, Tepandes still did not dare to groan loudly. He touched his butt and obediently returned to the team, following his teammates to carry out the rapid marching training.
The messy and heavy footsteps and the ear-piercing sound of armors colliding continued. Then, led by Arsinis, the young men sang the 'Song of the Legion' in unison, covering the noise.
After 50 laps, although the formation of the whole column was not in a mess, most of the young men were already panting, and a few of them could not even stand steadily.
When the young men wanted to catch their breath, Ctessus's stern voice sounded, "There is an enemy 100 meters in front of you. Immediately split the column into phalanxes, march steadily for 50 meters, merge into a continuous horizontal formation, and then charge!"
Hearing this, there was a small commotion in the team, and some people expressed their dissatisfaction in a low voice.
Ctessus glanced at the team with a dignified face and said disdainfully, "What's wrong? You can't even complete this little exercise?! When Legion Commander Amyntas led the First Legion to the first battle with the Rome in the Wolsey territory, in order to seize the opportunity, the entire legion of 8,000 people, whether heavy infantry, light armor, or light infantry, immediately went into battle after marching for more than 10 miles. You should know that the Rome army was very strong at that time, but the soldiers of the First Legion dragged their tired bodies and finally defeated the Rome army, obtaining the first victory against the Rome army. Of course, the casualties were not small … "
There was a flash of sadness in Ctessus's eyes, and he said in a serious tone, "You said that you want to become an excellent soldier of the First Legion, but you can't even complete this small task. What qualifications do you have to become an official soldier? I think it's better to take the kingdom's examination and become a public official of the kingdom."
The panting in the team disappeared, and every young man's face turned red, staring at Ctessus.
Arsinis shouted sternly, "Attention, brothers! Column into phalanxes!"
"Roar!!!" The youths responded in unison …
In the Kingdom of Diónia, the military trainers were also divided into ranks. The military trainers of the Ministry of Military Affairs were the highest ranking, followed by the military trainers of the barracks of a region, and then the military trainers of the towns. Some towns were too large, such as Catanay, which had several military trainers, and each of them was in charge of several Demos.
The reason why the military training officers were so detailed was to ensure that the citizens could receive adequate training during their military service. After all, the Kingdom of Dionia was vast. During the busy farming season, the military camps in a region would only train once every seven to eight days, and it would take an entire day for the citizens to gather at the military camp. That was why the military training was usually carried out by the military training officers of various towns and Dermo districts. They would seize all their free time to conduct strict military training for the citizens nearby, such as morning and night training, to help the citizens improve their military capabilities. This was an important manifestation of the importance Dionia placed on the military.
The military trainers in towns and Demos were basically retired soldiers of the Legion. Their pay was very low, and they took up the position mainly out of nostalgia for the military life and loyalty to the Kingdom. Despite years of development, Amendola was only a small town with a population of a little more than ten thousand. Therefore, there was only one military trainer, Ctessus. In the past, he had to train thousands of people, but because the First Legion was transferred to Peloponnesus to fight, there were only a few hundred young citizens left in the town.
Although it was only morning training today, they had trained continuously for two hours. When the red sun in the east leaped out of the sea, dispersing the morning mist between the mountains and spreading its scorching light, Ctessus announced the end of the training. All the youths were so tired that they collapsed to the ground.
At this time, Ctessus's serious expression changed. He walked in front of each youth and commented on their training performance. Most of them were compliments, and he even asked Tepandes if he felt any discomfort.
Although Tepandes repeatedly said that he was fine, Ctessus still let the doctor who had been acting as an ambulance treat his previous injuries. Only after all the youths had safely left did Ctessus get on his Bruti horse and leisurely go down the mountain.
Along the way, he occasionally greeted and chatted with the people of Amendola that he was familiar with. When he returned home, it was almost noon. Then, he heard the servant tell him that there was an important guest waiting in the living room.
"Lady Alexis, what brings you here?" Ctessus walked into the living room and saw the military minister. He was a little surprised.
Alexis didn't answer him directly. Instead, she looked at him carefully and said with relief, "Looks like you've been training even after your retirement."
Ctessus sat on the wooden chair and didn't care about Alexis's presence. He took off his breastplate and helmet, and the servant immediately came to carry them away.
Ctessus moved his sore body and said, "I can't help it. I'm a military training officer. If I want those brats to listen to me, sometimes I have to set an example."
"Looks like you're doing well as a military training officer." Alexis praised him and then said seriously, "This time, I'm here on behalf of His Majesty and the Ministry of Military Affairs to invite you to take over as the commander of the First Legion."
"Take over?" Ctessus was very surprised. "Isn't the First Legion commander Prososus?!" Although, after Leotychides became the commander of the First Legion, Ctessus retired after serving under him for a few years, he felt that this relatively young commander was still very capable.
Alexis sighed and briefly explained the matter of Prososus being the Prince of Sparta. Then she said sincerely, "I know that you've always refused to be a commander, but the situation now is special. The First Legion is on the battlefield, but it lacks a commanding officer. A battle could break out at any time, causing too many casualties. If I appoint someone else to be the commander of the First Legion, I'm worried that they won't have time to familiarize themselves with the legion, build up their prestige, and convince the soldiers. They won't be able to fully utilize the strength of the First Legion … I've thought about it, and only you are the most suitable. Are you willing to take over the position and help the First Legion overcome this difficult time?"
"Alright, I'm willing to accept this appointment." Ctessus didn't hesitate, but he emphasized, "But this is only a temporary appointment. When the war is over, I'll still have to retire and go home."
"No problem." Alexis nodded and agreed.
"When do we leave?"
"We'll have to wait for a few days, because the Ministry of Military Affairs is preparing to send the Seventh Legion and the First Cavalry Legion to Messenia."
"Is there a need to send so many soldiers to deal with Sparta?" Ctessus was confused.
"This is His Majesty's decision," Alexis simply replied.
"Right, Prososus resigned as the commander of the First Legion, and also resigned as the commander. Then who will be taking over as the commander of the expeditionary force?" Ctessus suddenly remembered to ask this question.
Alexis hesitated for a moment, then said, "Cloto Catax."
"Who?" Ctessus was stunned for a moment, then immediately realized who she was talking about. His eyes immediately widened, "How can he be the commander! Even if he is His Majesty's eldest son, he has never had the experience of commanding an army in battle — "
"Chief of Staff, Printos will be the temporary chief of staff for this army, mainly in charge of military affairs," Alexis interrupted him and said simply. Actually, with regards to this appointment given by the King of Devers, the other officers in the Ministry of Military Affairs didn't really agree with it. However, the army was under the direct control of the King of Devers, so under his insistence, Alexis could only obey.
"Although Sir Printos will be helping, it is still a bit rash to let Prince Cloto Catax be the commander …" Ctessus was still muttering.
"This is an order from His Majesty himself!" Alexis emphasized again.
Ctessus didn't say anything else.
"As an old general, this time when you go to Peloponnesus, you must properly help Prince Cloto Catax! This is also for the First Legion! " Alexis reminded again, "How about this, you go to Turín tomorrow and meet with His Royal Highness, and help him deal with the military affairs of the expedition."
"Alright, I'll listen to you," Ctessus reluctantly agreed.
… …
The next day, when Ctessus arrived at the Turín military camp, he was welcomed by Cloto Catax with great respect. This was out of Ctessus's expectations, and it made him have a good impression on him.
And in the process of dealing with military affairs, not only did Cloto Catax actively listen to the opinions of Printos and Ctessus, but he also showed his familiarity with military affairs, and began to change Ctessus's misunderstanding of his lack of military experience.
A few days later, the Seventh Legion went north and stationed at the Turín military camp.
A few days later, the Second Fleet arrived at the port of Turín from Lilibe. Under the warm send-off of the Devers and ministers, Cloto Catax led the Seventh Legion, the First Cavalry Legion, and some other troops, a total of more than 10,000 people, boarded the warships, and set off for Peloponnesus Peninsula.
In January of 370 BC (the 24th year of the Kingdom of Diónia), the fleet arrived at the coast of Messenia.
At the simple dock, Cloto Catax, who disembarked, was warmly welcomed by the senior generals of the expeditionary army and the Messenian councilors led by Tisias.
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