Chapter 256
Hearing that, Bagoule stood up and walked to the map prepared by the Devers. He pointed at the narrow path between the Ra River and the upper reaches of the Sinni River and said, "The people of Picossis once built a camp here, mainly to guard against us. After the people of Potentia occupied the Grumentum, they did not give up on it. Instead, they fortified it. According to the report from the reconnaissance team, there are about two hundred warriors of Potentia guarding the camp. Although there are not many of them, the narrow path is not conducive for the deployment of troops. It is impossible for us to take it in a short period of time. Instead, it will alert the people of Potentia in the Grumentum. If they come to reinforce us quickly, it will be a big problem for us!
After careful consideration, Master Sesta and I have decided not to take the narrow path. Instead, we will follow your previous suggestion and cross the Ra River directly to the north bank. We will march from the mountain path in the south and attack the Grumentum. "
"Although the Ra River is not wide, there are steep cliffs on both sides. Even the people of Lucania, who are good at climbing, will have to spend a lot of effort to climb over. How are you going to cross the river with thousands of people?" Hemont questioned.
Bagoule looked at the Devers.
The Devers smiled and nodded.
So, Bagoule said, "Master Devers asked Little Herakrid to send his men to follow us for a few days. They carefully surveyed both sides of the Ra River. They believe that they have the ability to build a rope bridge on both sides in one or two days. It will not be a problem for them to cross 6,000 warriors! Now, the materials for building the bridge, such as the ropes and wooden planks, have been made. We are just waiting for your order, Master Devers. "
Hemont and Vesba looked at each other. They had not heard anything about this matter. They had been thinking of ways to mobilize and plan the tribes outside the Grumentum to attack the camp guarding the narrow path, opening up a path for the attacking troops.
The Devers saw that their expressions were not right, so he quickly said with a solemn expression, "According to the Military Law of Diónia, military plans must be kept confidential. If they are leaked, they will be punished, and the more serious ones will even be executed. But because you are participants in this operation, Bagoule has told you the military operation plan. I hope you can keep it a secret when you go back and don't leak it out. "
When Vesba and Hemont heard this, the unhappiness in their hearts dissipated and they immediately made a promise.
"It will take more than a day to travel from Neutum to the Grumentum. No matter how well-hidden an army of six thousand people is, they will be easily discovered," Felicius reminded.
Before Bagoule could reply, Hemont said, "If Bagoule leads the troops to cross the river and take the mountain path in the south, there is no need to worry …" Hemont pointed at the Ra River on the map and said confidently, "Because of our efforts, the tribes in the southern settlements outside the Grumentum are basically willing to follow Diónia. When the time comes, I will follow Bagoule's troops. I believe that the tribes there will not leak our whereabouts, and they will help us reach the Grumentum faster. "
"If Master Hemont can go, it will be the greatest help to attack the Grumentum!" The Devers smiled and expressed his welcome. At the same time, he said, "To prevent any accidents, I will send Izam's scouting team to infiltrate the Grumentum area and try to block the mountain paths leading to the city from the south. They will intercept the Lucanians who may report back to the city. This will ensure that when you launch a surprise attack on the Grumentum City, the enemy will not know about it!"
"The few tribes in the city have promised us that as long as we launch the attack, they will gather about five hundred tribesmen and attack the southern gate guarded by Lusau." Hemont seemed even more excited after receiving the Devers' praise.
"With the joint efforts of the few sirs, we are well prepared for this operation." The Devers spread his hands and smiled relaxedly. He looked at Bagoule and said earnestly, "Bagoule, you are the frontline commander. The specific battle deployment and cooperation with the allies in the city are up to you. I will not interfere from far away in Turií. I just hope that you will think about the difficulties as much as possible. If there is an accident, you must have the corresponding measures."
Bagoule nodded solemnly. He felt the pressure. Vesba, who was sitting next to him, patted him on the shoulder and gave him encouragement.
There was excitement and envy in Hemont's eyes. This was the first time that the Lucanians led an army independently in the Diónia Alliance. Bagoule had a bright future. It was a pity that he was married. Otherwise, Hemont would have married one of his daughters to him.
"Do you have any other requests?" The Devers asked again.
Bagoule hesitated for a moment and said, "I have taken all the warriors in Neutum with me. The defense there is a little weak. I hope that some soldiers from Turií can be sent to temporarily protect the safety of Neutum."
The Devers were still considering it. Felicius immediately said, "Sir, I think we can let Zantiparis and the others go to Neutum to guard it, and —"
"And these mercenaries who came back from Persia with me have rich experience in fighting in the mountains." The Devers only remembered that there was an elite force in Turií who did not have to farm and did odd jobs at the port. "They can also help you seize the Grumentum."
"With their help, I am more confident in seizing the Grumentum!" Bagoule said excitedly.
The Devers stood up and looked around at the four of them. "Tomorrow, I will propose to the Senate that we attack the Grumentum. I hope that you will work together and bring news of victory as soon as possible!"
… …
After more than two days of trekking, the thousand mercenaries led by Zantiparis finally walked out of the mountains and arrived at Rahe Fortress.
For the sake of confidentiality, Rahe Fortress had sealed off the passage to the north. It was announced that there was a group of Lucanians who had escaped from the Grumentum and were hiding in the mountains. They had repeatedly robbed the people and merchants of Neutum, and Neutum had sent out troops to search for them. Therefore, there were few pedestrians on the road to Neutum, and no merchants who usually came and went to trade could be seen.
"Now that we're here, we can finally see the flat road. The rest of the journey should be easier." Tormid complained. "I heard that the road from Neutum to Turií has been under construction for more than a year, and it's still only this far!"
"After all, this is a mountainous area, not a road on flat land. It's not like you don't know how difficult the mountain road we just passed through was. The Devers actually wanted to make it a flat road. If it were me, I wouldn't even dare to think about it! It's normal for the road to be built slowly here, as long as it can be fixed in the end. "Zantiparis comforted him.
"Zantiparis, you've only been in Diónia for half a year, and you're already speaking up for the Devers!" Tormid teased.
Zantiparis glanced at him. "Aren't you?"
The two laughed.
"I hope this expedition goes well, and we can all become citizens of Diónia!" Tormid said expectantly. Previously, when they followed the First Legion to Coronia, Rockley sued for peace without fighting, causing the mercenaries' attempt to gain credit to fall through.
"I'm not worried about that. I'm worried that our brothers will change their weapons and equipment. Will it affect their battle and increase the casualties?" Zantiparis said worriedly as he looked back at the bare-chested, sweaty soldiers.
Because they had to march and fight in the mountains, the Devers suggested that Zantiparis let the mercenaries not wear Corinth helmets, thick and airtight linen breastplates, bronze gauntlets, and heavy round shields for the time being. Instead, they should change into the Lucanian warrior's attire, a leather hat, a short robe, and a wooden shield. (During the battle with the Lucaria Tribal Alliance and the battle to capture Neutum, Diónia seized a large number of Lucanian weapons and equipment and threw them into the Turií's arsenal. No one had used them.) Zantiparis, who had experience fighting in the mountains, finally accepted the Devers' suggestion after careful consideration.
"Don't worry. Our attacking force is much greater than the enemy's. Besides, we have spies. It won't be a problem to take Neutum. Also, our brothers have changed into the Lucanian equipment, so the march will be much easier. Otherwise, just climbing a mountain would be enough to tire us out. But here — "Tormid pointed to the flat but ever-increasing terrain in front of them and said," We've been climbing the mountain all this time! "
Zantiparis knew that Tormid was right. He was just old and not used to this new change, so he remained silent.
Tormid leaned close to him and whispered, "Recently, I heard from Agathia that the Devers, Felicius, and the three Legion Commanders have had several discussions. They are preparing to modify the weapons and equipment of the Diónia soldiers to make them lighter and more suitable for long-term long-distance and mountainous operations …"
Zantiparis was stunned and said with slight worry, "Is this news true? If they don't have bronze shields and heavy armor, are they still the Greek heavy infantry?! "
"Zantiparis, don't forget that the Greek heavy infantry still used bronze breastplates a few decades ago! It was because it was too heavy and not conducive to combat that they finally changed to the current linen breastplates! " Tormid reminded him, "This is not the point you should be concerned about. What you should consider is why the Devers want to improve the soldiers' equipment."
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