Chapter 527
"Since Dionysius wants to negotiate, what are his conditions?" The Devers asked calmly, as if Damocles' words had never happened. Damocles felt pressured instead.
He bowed and said, "Lord Dionysius's suggestion is, 'The army of Syracuse should return to Sicily and return all the lands and towns in Greater Greece, as well as the captives. However, the Southern Alliance must also promise not to start a war with the Lockley Alliance … "
"What?!" Henepolis could no longer hold back and shouted, "Do you think we're fools?! You've killed so many people of Diónia, turned the territories of Crimissa and Asprusstom into ruins, and incited civil strife in the Bruti region … Now that you've been defeated and trapped in the Syracuse, we're going to settle this debt of blood with you, but you want to escape to Sicily with just a peace negotiation? It's not that easy! "
This time, Damocles did not ignore it. He looked at the Devers and said seriously, "The peace negotiation is not decided by us, Syracuse. You can also state your conditions."
The Devers pondered for a moment and said slowly, "Come back tomorrow. I need to think about this seriously. I also need to discuss it with Triene and the Syracuse."
Damocles heard this and looked at the conflicted expression on the Devers' face. He was instantly delighted. It seemed that there was hope for the peace negotiation this time!
After Damocles left, Henepolis could no longer hold back and asked in surprise, "Your Majesty, you … You really want to negotiate with the people of Syracuse?!"
"Do you think that's possible?!" The Devers' calm expression suddenly became fierce.
"But just now … just now …" Henepolis seemed to have realized something.
"What the Syracuse emissary said just now reminded me that even if we eliminate the enemies here, Syracuse might still gather another army and continue to fight with us. So …" The Devers looked at the lively camp in front of them and said firmly, "We can't just focus on Greater Greece. There's a saying that goes, 'If you don't kill the wolf, you'll be hurt by the wolf instead.' We have to find a way to completely destroy this evil wolf of Syracuse!"
Henepolis suddenly became excited, "Your Majesty, you're preparing to attack Sicily?!"
The Devers nodded. Considering that this young man would be his confidant in the future, he revealed a hint of information, "Aristiras' subordinates have long been active in Sicily. With the victory of this battle, we need to add more strength …"
At this moment, Tormid came to report with a joyful face, "Reporting to Your Majesty, Syracuse has sent a messenger. His fleet has landed on the coast of Hibernian with 5,000 Lijim soldiers. They have already surrounded Hibernian!"
The Devers had heard about Syracuse's plan from Hilos before, so he wasn't too surprised. He rubbed his chin and pondered for a moment before giving an order, "Tormid, call Hilos, Antonios, and Hieronymus over."
"Yes." Tormid turned and left.
"Hernie, I'll dictate. You record it down and write a letter."
"Alright." This was the first time Henepolis had accepted a mission as a clerk, so he answered excitedly, "Yes." The tent hadn't been built yet. He looked around and quickly found a wooden plank. He cut out a papyrus and laid on the grass, asking, "Who should I write the letter to?"
"Lijim's chief general, Lord Atilius."
"Oh." Henepolis rolled his eyes. He knew that this was the father-in-law of the Devers.
… …
Not long after, a few generals had arrived.
The Devers didn't exchange pleasantries with them and said directly, "Time is of the essence! Lijim's army has landed on Syracuse's warships and surrounded Hibernian. Medma's garrison is likely to head north to provide support. I request that you lead your troops to Hibernian immediately, repel Locri's reinforcements, and seize Hibernian. I will send you a siege battalion. "
As the Devers spoke, his gaze swept across the faces of the generals he trusted, and finally landed on Hilos. Capturing Laos, rapidly marching to Triene, decisively heading north to cut off the return route of Syracuse's army … The series of military actions that Hilos had taken during this period of time amazed the Devers.
So, he said slowly, "This time, Hilos will be the general of the army. All of you must listen to his orders!"
Ledes didn't have any objections when he heard this. The cavalry had always been a subsidiary of the infantry, and rarely had independent military operations. The siege and attack of Siletina had rendered the cavalry useless. He was happy to be able to send them out to fight.
Hieronymus frowned and didn't say anything. Back in Persia, he was a general of the mercenary army, while Hilos was just a squad leader. He was much more experienced than Hilos, but now he had to listen to Hilos's orders. It was impossible that he didn't have any thoughts. However, as long as the commander valued Hieronymus and there was a place for him to display his talents, he didn't have much desire to fight for power. Moreover, in the past few years in Greece, Hilos's performance was obvious to all. Whether it was military or political affairs, he admired them all.
Antonius began to feel uneasy. After all, Hilos was his subordinate in the past, but now he had to listen to Hilos's orders. He felt very uncomfortable. Moreover, he thought that his ability wasn't inferior to Hilos's, and he was leading the strongest legion in Diónia. If those proud soldiers heard about this, they would probably make a scene.
Thinking of this, he was about to speak.
Hilos spoke first, "Your Majesty, I think Lord Antonios is more suitable to be the commander of this military operation. Not only is he experienced, but the First Legion under him is also the most reliable force in this operation! If he is the commander, all the brothers who are going to war will be willing to listen to him! "
Antonios glanced at him, and then turned to look at Devers.
Devers smiled. Hilos had been honed over the years, and even his words had become more tactful.
Devers shook his head lightly, "Antonios can't be the commander of the attack on Hibernian. The First Legion he leads has a more important mission!"
Hearing this, Antonios was puzzled. Was there anything more important than attacking Siletland and Rockley?!
"General Hieronymus, Commander Ledes, the two of you will do your best to assist Hilos in repelling the Rockley people, and take down Hibernian as soon as possible!" Devers clenched his fist and waved it forcefully, "Then we'll press on to Medma. If there's a chance, take it down, and make sure that the Rockley people have no place on the west coast of Greece!"
Hieronymus and Ledes immediately expressed that they were willing to listen to Hilos's command.
"What I just said was just my suggestion. The specific actions will depend on you to be flexible according to the situation on the battlefield. You don't have to ask for my permission. I believe that the results you will obtain will exceed my expectations." Devers encouraged the three of them, and then said to Hilos, "This trip to Hibernian involves the cooperation with the Lijim army. You have to handle your relationship with them well."
"I will, Your Majesty." Hilos nodded solemnly.
"But you don't have to worry too much. The commander of the Lijim army is called Fedun. I heard that he's a brave and good fighter, and he's easy to get along with. He knows the big picture," Devers comforted him.
Then, he looked at Antonios, and said solemnly, "After the First Legion arrives in Hibernian and assists Hilos in repelling the Rockley reinforcements, if it's easy to take down Hibernian, the First Legion will participate in the siege. If the siege takes a long time, the First Legion shouldn't stay in Hibernian for long. The Secklian fleet will be docked at the coast of Hibernian. The soldiers of the First Legion will board the ships and head to Lijim."
"The First Legion is going to Lijim?!" Antonios was a little surprised.
"Yes, to Lijim." Devers took a letter from Henepolis, passed it to Antonios, and instructed him seriously, "Pass this letter to Lord Atilikris of Lijim. If he provides you with military rations and other assistance according to the letter, then the First Legion's final destination will be Sicily. If he refuses, then the First Legion will have to return to Hibernian. "
"Sicily" — When the word came out of Dyvers' mouth, all the generals present were shocked.
"What? Are you afraid?! "Devers looked at Antonios mockingly.
Originally, Antonios was a little dissatisfied with the Devers' choice of Hilos as the expedition commander. Now that he knew that he would be leading the army to leave Greece and cross the sea to attack Sicily alone, he couldn't help but feel pressured. But after being provoked by Devers, he braced himself and said, "The First Legion … is willing to go to Sicily."
"The First Legion's combat power is the strongest in the Legion of Dionysia. Many of the soldiers are old brothers who participated in the Persia expedition. They have rich experience fighting in enemy territory. So, if the First Legion can't carry out this battle plan, the other legions won't be able to gain a foothold in Sicily! "Devers said to Antonios, full of hope.
Antonius forced a smile in response.
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