Chapter 129
Amendolara. Heraclede had once been there to help a family build a courtyard. Recently, the name of Amendolara frequently appeared in the mouths of the free people of the port of Turía. The mercenaries who had wiped out the Lucanian tribal army and won their fame had all become citizens of Amendolara. Their leader, the Devers, had even become consul. They had also turned the slaves who followed them into free people, and it was said that they would give them citizenship in the future. These days, with the resumption of trade with Amendolara, many things that happened in Amendolara recently spread among the free people of Turía. Some magical things that the lower class of Turía did not even dare to think about had happened there! The originally numb and peaceful lives of the free people and even the slaves in Tulici were like a big, lively fish thrown into the water, stirring up the silt and sand that had been deposited under the calm surface of the water for many years …
Even the experienced Heraclede could not help but be tempted. Since it was an invitation from Amendolara, there should be no problem with their promise, right?!
Thus, Heraclede asked eagerly, "Can I bring my son?! His talent in construction is no less than mine! "
"Of course."
Under the envious gazes of others, he and his son hurriedly packed their luggage and followed the man to Amendolara. When he saw Alexis, the first thing she said made Heraclede excited. "I am Alexis, the supervisor of construction in Amendolara. I am responsible for the construction, maintenance, and supervision of all buildings in the city. There is no supervisor in any other city in Greece. This shows how much importance Amendolara places on construction. As long as you have the talent in this area, we will put you in an important position! "
Feeling the importance Amendolara placed on construction, Heraclede's old heart began to rekindle his youthful passion for construction.
Heraclede's first task was to design and build warehouses and hotels. This was not difficult for him. His plan was quickly approved by the Senate. Then, he and his son led a dozen craftsmen and nearly a thousand Lucanian slaves to start construction under the city of Amendolara.
Although Heraclede was a skinny old man, he was full of energy and meticulous in his work. Every day, he would wander around the various construction sites, supervising the speed of construction and checking the quality of the project. If he found any slack in the work, he would severely criticize it. If the operation was improper, he would immediately correct it. He would even personally demonstrate it. If there was any deviation in the measurement, he would immediately retest it until it was accurate. The craftsmen and slaves were both respectful and afraid of this old man.
Today, Alexis found Heraclede, handed him a roll of sandpaper, and said, "This is the next construction task, to build a road from the Sinni River crossing to the city of Amendolara, and then to the Saraceno River crossing. You go ahead and make the preparations. His Excellency the Consul requested that the road be built like the one he drew. "
"Your consul knows everything!" Heraclede couldn't help but reply. As a craftsman who had been engaged in construction for many years, he had his own persistence and pride. What he hated most was being told by ignorant people.
"Take a look at the Magistrate's blueprints first," Alexis reminded him.
The Ignorant Bystander was the only Life Consul of Amendola! He was the key person directly related to whether he and his son could become citizens of the city! Heraclede suddenly thought of it and broke out in a cold sweat. Decades of suffering had bent his back. He thought, As long as the Magistrate's design is not too out of line, I'll just make some slight changes and do as he wants.
At this moment, survival won over nobility.
He unrolled the roll of sandpaper and casually glanced at it. Unexpectedly, his eyes seemed to be glued and couldn't be pulled out.
Alexis saw that he was looking at it seriously and smiled. She got up and looked around. The construction site was dusty, and the craftsmen and slaves were working in full swing. He hadn't been here for two days, and the entire construction site had changed greatly again …
This made him excited. "At this speed, can it be completed in half a year?!"
"Half a year?! Only four months will be enough! If those Lucanians are a little smarter, three months will be enough! "Heraclede said without raising his head.
"Looks like you're not very satisfied with these slaves." Alexis laughed.
"They don't know anything about construction. I don't know how much I've talked to them, but my voice is hoarse. If I'm not satisfied, can you give me another batch?! "Heraclede complained.
"You know that's impossible."
"However, the Lucanians aren't as scary as I thought. Perhaps you can say that they're more afraid of you, which is why they're so obedient!" Heraclede sighed. Only those who had experienced the chaos of war knew what was the most important safeguard in troubled times.
"These Lucanians aren't afraid of us. It's mainly because Sir Devers's method is working!" Alexis exclaimed.
At the mention of the Devers, Heraclede's gaze turned back to the blueprint. He pointed at the design on the paper and said seriously, "The construction of the road that Sir Consul drew is more complicated than usual. But if you think about it carefully, it makes sense. First, the dirt road is compacted, then a layer of silt, then a layer of gravel, and finally a tightly-knit slate. Ditches are dug on both sides of the road, and a wall is built around the ditches … I can imagine that if this road is built, not only will it be waterproof and sand-proof, but it will also be sturdy and tough. Even a cart carrying goods won't be able to damage it easily. I've never seen a road like this before. It's an amazing design! If this is your consul's idea, then he's an amazing road builder! "This time, Heraclede was speaking from the bottom of his heart.
Alexis was already numb to the Devers' miracles. Since Heraclede approved of the blueprint, he was relieved. He said, "So, you agree to build the road according to the blueprint?"
"Of course! I also want to see what the finished road looks like as soon as possible! "The wrinkled old man said excitedly. But then he pointed at a paragraph on the paper and asked doubtfully, "We all know that the mortar used for construction is made by mixing limestone with water and then adding sand. But this blueprint emphasizes that the mortar used to join the gaps between the slates is not only made of limestone mixed with water and sand, but also a certain amount of volcanic ash. Sir Consul called this mortar … called it … mud. Is it really useful? "
"The citizens of Amendolar all know that Sir Consul Devers is favored by Hades. This must be another inspiration from Hades. I believe that after you try it, you'll understand the magic of this thing," Alexis said seriously.
"You're right. How will we know if we don't try?" Heraclede was interested. "I remember that there are many volcanoes on Sicily and its nearby islands. Legend has it that in ancient times, it was the place where the fire god Hephaestus forged his weapons. We can send a ship to fetch a load of volcanic ash. It shouldn't cost much."
"Heraclede!" Alexis suddenly became serious. "Based on your and your son's previous performance, Sir Consul Devers proposed a motion. After the Senate of Amendolar's approval, you and little Heraclede have become probationary citizens of the city of Amendolar. During the two-year probation period, if you perform well and continue to contribute to Amendolar, you will become official citizens of Amendolar. Congratulations!"
Heraclede was stunned. He moved his dry lips, but no words came out. In the blink of an eye, tears flowed down his face.
Alexis was touched, and her tone softened. "As a probationary citizen of Amendolar, you must know that Sir Consul Devers has repeatedly told me that the method of making cement is the highest secret of the city of Amendolar! Other than you and your son, no one else can know about it. If it is leaked, the Senate will send a censor to hold you responsible and may punish you severely. I hope you can think of a way to use it and protect its secret! "
Heraclede immediately became nervous. He hurriedly stuffed the blueprint into his pocket …
… …
It was the second time for the 18-year-old Arsinis to participate in military training. As a young adult, it was also the second time in his life to participate in military training. In the past, he only learned how to hold a shield and wield a spear under his father's guidance. The rest of the time, he was either learning to read or training in the arena with other friends. His life had changed dramatically since the war between Turi and the Lucanians: his father had been killed in battle, his mother had died of illness in captivity, and Arsines, at the age of eighteen, had inherited the family fortune.
According to the "City-State Military Service Act", which was promulgated after the Devers became life consul, adult citizens of the city must participate in military training every six days during the busy farming season, and every three days during the slack farming period after the autumn harvest and before the spring sowing. Arsinis could not wait to learn the skills so that he could defeat the Lucanians and avenge his parents on the battlefield as soon as possible. But the first training was beyond his imagination. Except for the football game taught by the consul, which was very interesting, the rest of the training was not only arduous but also boring.
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