Chapter 1280
When Niketani Persia learned of the change in the city and angrily led his army to reinforce the city gate, the Dionysian Army had already rushed into the city under the leadership of the Memphis officials.
After a day of fierce fighting in the city, the rebels were defeated. Niketani Persia was also captured, and the Dionysian Army entered the city.
On the second day, Tapirus, the foreign minister who followed the army to Egypt under the instructions of the Devers, began to frequently meet with the Memphis officials and the priests of the several temples in the city.
… …
It was already the middle of August. The news that the Holy Kingdom of Diónia had officially declared war on Persia and was forming the Greek Coalition Army to attack Asia Minor had reached Babylon, shocking Artaxerxes. The King of Persia, who had suffered many military setbacks and was incapable of achieving anything, had developed a sense of fear towards the Kingdom of Diónia in the far west that continued to win and expand despite encountering any obstacles. He could not help but say in front of everyone, "It's finally here! … "
Then he stood up abruptly and shouted, "Go and get Terebassus!"
"Your Majesty, Lord Tribassus has been sent to conquer Egypt by you!" A minister reminded.
Artaxerxes seemed to have woken up from a dream. He stood there for a moment, then asked, "Where is he now?"
"He is still gathering troops in Syria."
Artaxerxes sat down again, clenched his fist, and pondered for a moment. He then said nervously, "The order to attack Egypt is temporarily canceled. Let him come back first. The most important thing now is to defend against the invasion of the Dionysian Army! Send out all the secret spies to monitor the movements of the Greek mainland at all times. At the same time, inform the governors of the various regions to immediately mobilize the troops. Gather the garrisons in the various regions and wait for my orders! "
"Yes, Your Majesty!"
… …
Artaxerxes knew that although Diónia had officially declared war on Persia, it would still take some time for the Greek coalition army to finish forming and invade Persia's territory.
But he did not expect that Leotychides had already led the Tenth Legion and the Eleventh Legion to Thessaly. Moreover, after the Diónia commander had a detailed understanding of the enemy's situation on the other side of the Aegean Sea, he decided not to wait for the Greek armies to converge before attacking Asia Minor. Instead, he would send a vanguard to land in Asia Minor before the Persia army could complete their defensive preparations. The vanguard would occupy a foothold and provide protection for the subsequent landing of the main army.
The commander of the Tenth Legion, Stefos, was the adopted son of Amyntas, a famous figure in the Dionysian Army, a good friend of Patroclus, and an old subordinate of Leotychides. Stefos had a deep understanding of Stefos' abilities, so he gave him this task.
Stefos, who was in his prime and eager to make another contribution, did not hesitate to take over this important task. After discussing with Leotychides, they set the landing target at the beach of the Misia region in the western part of Asia Minor.
The reason why they chose this place was simple: from the port of Philae in Thessaly to the east, across the Aegean Sea, to the western part of Asia Minor, the closest place in a straight line was Misia. It was also the westernmost region of Persia today. Naturally, Persia's rule here was the weakest.
As Misia was relatively close to the Greek mainland, there were many colonized towns built by the Greeks in the area. All along, Persia's rule here was not very stable. In the tide of rebellion against Persia's rule in Asia Minor, Misia was one of them. Because Artaxerxes issued some decrees that were beneficial to the Greek colonized city-states in Asia Minor, such as giving them more autonomy, lower taxes, and more freedom in their religious beliefs … Therefore, most of the Greek city-states in Asia Minor did not participate in that rebellion, nor did they support the rebels. On the contrary, they cooperated with the Persia's army to suppress the rebels.
However, after the rebellion was quelled and the new governors in the western part of Asia Minor took office, many of them did not implement the decrees announced by the king of Persia. The governor of Misia, Theopompus, was one of them. This caused dissatisfaction among the Greek city-states within his territory. The Persia noble from Susa obviously did not expect that the Greeks within his territory would dare to oppose his decision. The other local races, including the Persia, mostly looked on coldly from the sidelines. Very few people were willing to get close to this outsider. As a result, Theopompus's rule over Misia remained very weak for more than a year. The political situation in Misia was very chaotic.
A few days later, the well-prepared Tenth Legion of Diónia, with a total of more than 8,000 soldiers, boarded a troopship at the port of Philae. Under the escort of the Fourth Fleet, they sailed straight east. Two days later, they successfully landed on the beach of Misia. At the same time, they quickly captured the defenseless island of Tenidos, which was not far from the beach.
… …
In September, the news that "King Devers will personally lead the army to attack Persia" had just been officially announced to the public. A few guests had already arrived at the office of the palace.
When the Devers saw these guests, he pretended to be surprised and asked, "What's the occasion today for all of you to come and visit me?"
"Your Majesty!" Felicius, who had been retired for many years, replied respectfully. "We heard that you will personally lead the army to attack Persia, so everyone was very excited. We made an appointment to come and see you. We hope that you will allow us to go with you to the land where we once fought side by side!"
"Yes, Your Majesty! After so many years, I can't forget those comrades who died in Persia. Back then, because we were in a hurry to escape, we hurriedly buried their bodies. We didn't even put a copper coin in their mouths … This time, when we go to Persia, I must transport their bodies back home and bury them properly, so that their wandering souls can smoothly return to Underworld Purgatory … "Alexis, who had always been relatively calm, also said emotionally.
"And Krulkus, Procesinus, Menon, and the others. I heard that their heads were sent to Babylon, and the people of Persia simply threw them in the garbage. Even if we spend a lot of effort, we may not be able to find them. But … collecting their bodies and bringing them back home is everyone's common wish!" Then, when Hieronymus finished speaking seriously, Tormid, Agathia, and the others immediately echoed loudly.
"Everyone's common wish?" Devers heard something from these words.
"Your Majesty, we are here on behalf of most of the old mercenaries who are still alive and idle at home. We hope to follow you back to Persia!" Epitenis said loudly.
Devers's eyes swept across the faces of Felicius, Alexis, Hieronymus, Tormid, Marigi, Agathia, Epitenis, Martius, Giogris, and the others. Finally, their eyes fell on Amyntas.
This once outstanding and exceptionally brave general of Diónia could not stand at all now. He could only sit paralyzed in a wooden wheelchair and be pushed into the palace by his trusted servants. Since he could not walk for a long time, his burly body had become very fat. When everyone was talking, he actually closed his eyes and began to snore.
Devers could not help but say softly, "Amyntas."
"Phew …"
"Amyntas!"
"Huh? … "
"Are you going to Persia too?"
Amyntas finally woke up after being pushed by the servants. He put his hands on the armrests of the wooden chair and tried to sit up. Panting, he said, "Your Majesty … Even if I die … I will die on the way to Babylon! … "
Devers looked around at the crowd again and asked solemnly, "Do you all think the same?"
Felicius looked back at the others. After getting a nod, he replied with a serious expression, "Your Majesty, we have followed you for decades and won countless victories. Our only regret is that we were chased back by the Persia like dogs in Persia. This time, we want to follow you to make up for this regret. Even if we die on the way, it will be the glory of our lives!"
"Your Majesty, I have another request!" Epicthenis shouted from behind. "If I really die on the way, please allow my servants to carry my body into Babylon so that I can see with my own eyes what the Babylonians boast of the Hanging Garden looks like!"
Martius immediately complained to him in a low voice. "We discussed it in advance. You have gone too far by suddenly making such a request to His Majesty in violation of the agreement! What can you see when you are dead? Quickly apologize to His Majesty and take back your unreasonable request! "
"I'm happy. I don't think His Majesty will blame me." Epicthenis looked so indifferent that Martius grabbed his clothes and wanted to hit him.
"Alright, alright." Devers waved his hand and looked at the crowd. He said seriously, "I can allow you to follow me to Persia, but — you are all veterans who have followed me for many years and are familiar with the military laws of Diónia. You should understand that this war against Persia will decide the fate of the entire Mediterranean Sea. It is related to the rise and fall of both countries, so there is no room for neglect. Therefore, you must have the mentality that you are going to fight, not to play. You must obey all orders and commands! If anyone can't do it, then it is best that you withdraw now. Otherwise, if someone violates the military laws, I will not show mercy! "
"Rest assured, Your Majesty. We have fought for our entire lives. We will not ruin our reputation at the last moment, nor will we let the younger generation look down on us!" Felicius, Alexis, and the others said in unison.
Comments