Chapter 405
"It's over! Our port is going to be sealed, Lijim is finished!! "
"Atilitus, you must immediately let Diónia send a fleet to chase away the people of Messina!!"
"Immediately send a messenger to negotiate with Dionysius! Dionysius's enemy is Diónia, not us! As long as we offer him gold and silver, he'll accept Lijim! "
…
"Enough! All of you, be quiet!! "Atilitus roared, shocking everyone.
"The people of Syracuse are still at sea, and you're already panicking like this! If you wait for them to disembark, won't you have to surrender immediately? Look at you, you're not even comparable to an ordinary militia! Dionysius has long wanted to occupy Lijim so that he can monopolize the Strait of Messina and obtain a huge amount of wealth. He won't agree to our negotiation! Whoever dares to betray the interests of the city-state, I'll let the guards feed him to the fishes! " Atilitus scolded angrily. Not only did he scare the people who wanted to "negotiate" to lower their heads, but the others were also ashamed.
Then, he looked at the only man in the city hall who wasn't shouting or panicking. He asked with a serious expression, "Fedun, facing this terrible situation, do you have any suggestions?"
Fedun was known as the citizen of Lijim who was the least like a Lijim. He was tough, serious, and decisive. When he was first elected as a general, he didn't listen to anyone's advice and intercession. He strictly investigated the tax evasion at the port and offended a large number of merchants in Lijim. Lijim was originally a city-state with a developed trade. Many members of the council made up of rich people made things difficult for him. Since then, Fedun was never elected as a general or a council again. Until last year, when the army of Syracuse had reached the other side of the strait, the panicking people of Lijim remembered this courageous citizen, and he was elected as a general again.
At this moment, he said with a serious expression, "Syracuse's army landed at Rockley. Although it's not too far from Lijim, the Montalto Mountains (the southernmost part of the Apennines, the highest peak is nearly 2000 meters) are very difficult to cross. If Syracuse wants to attack us, they can only use the rugged mountain path along the coast to reach Rockley. Therefore, as long as we send troops to guard the mountain pass, Syracuse's troops won't be able to do anything … "
Atili Cruz said excitedly, "You think the same as me!"
Fedun didn't mind the chief general's attempt to flatter him. He continued, "Of course, we have to be careful of Syracuse. They'll go west from Locry, pass through the famous ancient road that connects the east and west coasts, and reach Medmar. They'll then go south to attack Taurina and open up a path to attack Liguim!"
"This is indeed a very worrying problem!" After Fedun's explanation, Atili Cruz's messy thoughts were cleared up. He frowned and thought for a while, then said loudly, "We have to remind Taurina to strengthen its defense, and be on guard against the enemy that might attack from the north! Also, we have to send reinforcements to Taurina. Otherwise, with its strength, even with the Maro River as a barrier, it'll be hard to defend against the attack of Syracuse's army! "
The people who were panicking before now nodded in agreement.
Atili Cruz ignored them, and asked in a hurried and humble tone, "Fedun, is there anything else we need to consider?"
"With the outbreak of this war, our trade route will definitely be cut off. Sirs, don't worry about your own trade anymore. " Fedun said seriously, "Even if our original warships stay here, they won't be a match for Syracuse's fleet. It's better to leave it to Diónia. At least they can form a stronger fleet and cause some trouble for Syracuse … "
Fedun's words made some people feel ashamed.
"You're right! That's why I want to leave the warships to Diónia! "Atili Cruz immediately followed up.
Someone retorted, "Syracuse are not idiots. They might use their fleet to bypass the coastal path and land near Lijim!"
Fedun shook his head and said, "We all know that the coastline near the Strait of Messina is mostly steep cliffs and covered with reefs. There are very few good beaches and bays, and the best two are already occupied by us (referring to the city of Lejim and the port, which are located in two different places). That's why we're only going to defend the remaining few beaches. I believe that no matter how strong Syracuse's army is, they won't dare to land in front of our well-fortified formation and sacrifice so much. "
Fedun's words made the fear in the people's hearts dissipate. Atili Cruz seized the opportunity and said, "Now, I suggest that Fedun be the commander of Lijim's army."
Almost no one objected.
Fedun accepted the appointment with a solemn expression and said to the chief general, "Sir Atili Cruz, while we strengthen our defense, we must immediately ask for reinforcements from Diónia! If Syracuse and Rockley attack Taurina with full force, even if the soldiers from both cities work together, it will be difficult to defend against them! "
"Don't worry." Atili Cruz had already thought it through. He forced a smile and said, "I believe that Diónia, Crotone, and Siletina will soon find out that Syracuse has landed on Rockley. The Southern Alliance will be formed soon. How would Syracuse dare to attack us with full force in the face of a war?!"
"That's right! That's right! " The others also echoed in agreement.
"Of course, we must quickly contact Diónia and inform them of our current situation. We must discuss our next step with them … Considering that the enemy's fleet is already patrolling the eastern sea of Greece, we must immediately send an emissary on a fast ship to the port of Knapetitia and head for Turií …" Atili Cruz made his decision.
… …
The shocking news of Syracuse's army landing on Rockley spread across Greece. The citizens of Diónia were much calmer than the citizens of the other cities. They had never suffered a defeat before, and they firmly believed in their army, their Senate, and especially their magical Consul.
Cunogorata and Colnerus bumped into each other on their way to the Senate.
"The worst has happened. Syracuse is really here. I heard that Dionysius is leading an army of no less than a hundred thousand!" Colnerus said gloomily as he walked.
"That's why we must get Hieronymus to form the two new armies immediately!" Cunogorata's mood was not much better than Colnerus'. "Felicius and Ancetanos should have received the news by now. I hope they can urge Crotone, Siletanos, and the other allies to form their armies as soon as possible!"
"The storm is coming. Everyone is on the same boat, and no one can hide from it. I believe that Crotone and Siletanos will not hesitate this time. "Colnerus was more certain of this.
"Yes, we can only rely on them for now!" Cunogorata sighed. At this critical moment, he realized that the citizens of Diónia, the Senate, and himself were all relying on the young Consul. "Where is Sir Devers? Has he received the news of Syracuse's army's attack? "
"There was an urgent report from the north yesterday. Sir Devers has arrived at Fort Laos with his army and is preparing to head to Laos and take a boat to Picossis … It will take a day for the messenger to travel from Fort Laos to Turín at full speed. I believe he has already arrived at Picossis and is with Antalys. He will soon receive the news of Syracuse's invasion of Greece," Colnerus said.
The elders of the Senate were paying close attention to the Devers' movements. Cunogorata had been busy helping Sykerian build the military port and had forgotten to ask about the Devers.
"I hope he can defeat the Samonians as soon as possible! Come back as soon as possible! "Cunogorata said with anticipation.
At this time, they were about to cross the Victory Square where a group of children were playing. Some young people were practicing running around the square (mainly because the arena and other venues in Turín were occupied by the citizens for ball games, causing the rapidly expanding city of Turín to be unable to accommodate the citizens for fitness and sports training). Some old people were lying on the ground basking in the sun while leaning on the steps or memorial pillars. Some people were reading books that they had just copied from the library …
There was a temporary wooden platform in the center of the square. The teachers from the Faculty of Mathematics were teaching simple arithmetic knowledge to the public, attracting many people to listen and learn. This was a good habit developed by the two disciples of Pythagoras in Amendolara and had been persisted since then. This was because the dean of the Faculty of Mathematics, Mentoticus, had always thought that this was the best way to expand the influence of their Faculty and attract good students.
Ever since Lysias became the dean of the Faculty of Arts, he did not want to be outdone. Every day, he would also send teachers to the Victory Square to stand in front of the bill announcement board under the steps of the Senate to read the contents of the newly issued bill announcement to the public, explaining the application of some common grammar, pointing out some rhetorical errors in the announcement (this made the scribes in the Senate very careful, fearing that they would make mistakes), and also talking about the legal provisions of Diónia as well as debating skills. Naturally, this attracted many people to listen and learn.
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