Chapter 141
"Asi, you've collected a lot of information on Crotone's commander, Melansius. Well done!" The Devers praised.
"It's mainly because he's so famous in Crotone. As soon as our people arrived at the port, they could hear about him everywhere …" the Asistes said truthfully.
The Devers nodded. "I can see that this Melansius is a proud man. In such a battle that concerns the survival of the city-state, why would they send him as the commander of the army? "
The Asistes replied, "Maybe because Melansius has never lost a battle before. Besides, he's brave in battle and likes to attack quickly. Crotone must want to settle the battle with the Turís as soon as possible. They've also sent the older and more stable Timaras as their adjutant. I believe that will make Melansius more stable … "
"Hmm … your analysis makes sense!" The Devers pondered and asked, "What are the characteristics of Crotone's citizen soldiers in battle?"
"Crotone's citizens are passionate about sports and have produced many famous athletes. In every four major games, there are always Crotone athletes who win the championship, especially in wrestling, boxing, and discus. Therefore, the citizens of several city-states have responded that their citizen soldiers are strong, aggressive, and agile in battle … "
The Devers rubbed his chin. "In other words, their individual combat strength is very strong. What about their team? Do they often conduct military training? "
The Asistes laughed. "Sir, not every city-state trains as frequently as Amendola, and the training is so intense. The time that the people of Crotone spend in the training field is much less than the time that they spend in the arena! "
"Looks like you're not satisfied with our training." The Devers laughed too.
"How can that be? I love training the most! Especially rugby! "The Asistes immediately defended himself.
"Isn't rugby a sport?!" The Devers continued to pursue.
After a burst of laughter, the Asistes asked, "Sir, will the war between Crotone and the Turís affect us?"
"It's impossible not to be affected!" The Devers sighed. "A weak neighbor is much safer than a new, powerful neighbor. At a critical moment, Amendola might have to help the Turís. The stupid Turís are always doing stupid things. It seems that the plan to attack Lucania will have to be postponed again … Sigh, things are really unpredictable! "
… …
Burcos rushed to Amendola and asked the Devers for reinforcements.
In the Senate, the senators had a heated debate. In general, the old senators such as Cornelus and Raphaelas were not in favor of sending reinforcements. They believed that the Turís brought the Crotone army on themselves. Moreover, Amendola and the Turís were in an alliance in name, but in reality, the alliance was broken. There was no need for Amendola to offend a powerful city-state for a neighbor who kept giving it trouble. Moreover, the army sent by the Crotone looked very powerful. Even if the Turís joined forces with Amendola, the possibility of them defeating the Crotone was very small.
The new senators such as Capus and Hilos believed that the Crotone was currently powerful. Amendola should wait and see and make a decision based on the changes in the situation.
The new senators such as Alexis and Antonios had a different view. They felt that Turís must be protected to ensure the safety of the surrounding environment of Amendola. The walls of the Turís city were high and thick. Amendola did not have to fight at all. All it had to do was help the Turís defend the city. As long as the Crotone attack was stopped, the Crotone would have to retreat in less than a month. After all, the food consumption of tens of thousands of soldiers per day was not a small amount.
Alexis and Antonios' words were reserved, but Epicthenis said loudly without hesitation, "We would rather have the weak Turís as our neighbor than the powerful Crotone. That would make us uneasy day and night, unless Amendola joins the Crotone alliance. But are you willing?"
If the Turís emissary, Burcos, heard this, he would probably be ashamed. However, Burcos was arranged to wait in the side hall of the Senate for the final decision.
Epicthenis' words moved the senators, but after discussing for so long, the final decision was still made by the Devers.
The Devers looked around and said solemnly, "You have all analyzed the situation very clearly, so I don't have to go into detail. What I want to say is that we have signed an alliance treaty with the Turís. This is a sacred treaty that was signed under the gaze of the gods! Previously, we mocked the Turís for going back on their word. Now that a greater danger is coming, can we keep our promise?! "
The Devers paused. Seeing that some were ashamed and some were deep in thought, he raised his voice again and said, "Of course we can! We will prove to all the city-states in Greece that as an ancient city-state with a long history, Amendola will uphold its promise no matter what difficulties it faces. It will protect the glory and traditions passed down by ancient heroes like Hercules, Theseus, and Agelius! "
When the Devers found Burcos, they announced the Senate's decision, "Amendola has decided to abide by the previous agreement and send reinforcements."
Burcos' eyes were filled with tears.
… …
As the area north of Crimissa was flooded with rivers, swamps, and tidal flats, the march of the Crotone army was slowed down. It took them a day to reach Castellón. This city, which had once attached itself to the Crotone alliance after Sybaris was destroyed, also did not resist. Instead, it opened its gates wide and welcomed Melantius into the city.
In the city of Castellón, he saw the Turís and Tarantum emissaries waiting there.
In the face of the Turís emissaries' pleas, he did not even have the patience to listen to them. He said impatiently, "The Crotone's saber has been unsheathed, and it will not be retracted until blood is spilled."
Melantius showed a little respect for the Tarantum emissaries, but he asked in return, "If a city-state violates the agreement and kills the Tarantum emissaries, what will the Tarantum do?! Can some compensation in exchange for Tarantum's lost dignity?! "
The Tarantum emissary was speechless for a moment.
Melantius looked at him disdainfully and said with a firm expression, "So the Turís will definitely be punished!"
When night fell, the general of Tarantum was about to go to bed. A guard hurriedly came to report, "General, there are two people outside who want to see you. They say they have important information about the Turís to … trade with you."
Important information about the Turís?! Melantius was interested, "Bring them in quickly!"
Two men dressed like sailors were escorted by the guards into Melantius's bedroom, cowering.
"Tell me, what important information do you want to trade with me?" Melantius supported his head with one hand and lay on his side on the bed. He looked at the two men disdainfully, "If it's really valuable, I will consider your request."
The two men looked at each other. One of them made up his mind and whispered, "Dear General, I am a free man of the Turís …"
Following the words of the sailor, Melantius's eyes became brighter. He turned over and sat up, his face full of excitement …
… …
Although the Devers agreed to send reinforcements, they did not immediately summon the troops. After all, it was the Turís who asked for help. If Amendolara rushed to help immediately, the world would only laugh at the naivety of the Devers.
He agreed first to stabilize the morale of the Turís army and people, so that the Turís could be motivated to fight against the Crotone. However, he wanted to wait and see. First, he wanted to observe the battle between the two sides and understand the Crotone army. Second, reinforcements could only appear when the Turís needed it the most. Only then could he reduce the casualties of Amendolara's soldiers, gain the gratitude of the Turís, and increase the chance of defeating the Crotone. After all, Amendolara was not far from the Turís. It was only half a day's journey on foot.
Amendolara's response made Neonces breathe a sigh of relief. At this time, his heart was full of gratitude for Amendolara, and he also felt a little remorseful for his extreme actions. When the Turís heard the news, their low morale began to rise, and they all praised Amendolara. However, the constant news from the south made them anxious again. Crotone's army only took two days to reach Castellón. Crimissa and Castellón did not resist and took the initiative to welcome them. They even strengthened Crotone's army. More importantly, Crotone rejected Turís and Tarantum's request for peace …
The bad news frightened Neonces. He cursed Crotone, Crimissa, and Castellón in his heart. At the same time, he sent Burkes to Amendolara to urge them to send reinforcements as soon as possible. At the same time, he ordered the citizens to reorganize their armaments and strengthen their defenses. He even began to consider if he should carry out Ancitanos's suggestion and mobilize the free people to join the war.
However, when the next day came, Crotone's army stationed outside Castellón did not move forward. They even sent someone to chase back the Turís's messenger, indicating that the peace request could be discussed.
When the news reached Turís, the generals and the people were relieved. They then looked forward to the messenger bringing back the good news of a truce.
In the afternoon, Melantius announced that the Turís's messenger was not sincere in agreeing to Crotone's request (in fact, it was Melantius who asked too much and refused to budge) and announced that the negotiations had broken down. He expelled the Turís's messenger and immediately ordered the army that had been prepared to march towards Turís.
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