Chapter 53
The Persia were originally prepared to defend against the attack of the mercenaries, but they gradually realized that the mercenaries were running towards the mountain next to them. They were shocked and realized that they had made a mistake. Then, they gathered their troops and rushed towards the mountain next to them …
At this time, Tisafniss's army was approaching the mountain pass, and the mercenaries were in formation near the mountain pass. The supply camp and the wounded were concentrated in the rear, very close to the mountain occupied by the Persia. If the Persia fired arrows at full force on the mountain, they could barely hit the edge of the mercenaries' formation. But at this moment, these Persia and Xenophon's troops were rushing towards the top of the mountain from two directions at the same time …
… …
"Raise the shield formation!"
"Stone-Throwers, get ready!"
"Archers, get ready!"
The leaders looked solemn as they loudly gave orders to their troops. In front of the mercenaries' formation, the Persia approached like a tide and slowly spread out their formation …
… …
"Quick! Quick! Brothers, hold on, you are in a race for your survival! If you put in more effort at this moment, we can march more easily in the future and avoid a lot of troublesome battles! "Xenophon cheered them on as he led the troops up the mountain.
When they reached the mountainside, the soldiers felt obvious muscle soreness, shortness of breath, and slowing down. But when they saw the Persia on the side of the mountain doing the same thing, a sense of urgency made them not dare to relax.
Although the Persia were closer to the top of the mountain, the side they were on was steep, unlike the gentle slope at the back of the mountain, where the mercenaries were walking.
In the "mountain race" between the two armies, the Greeks had the last laugh. They were the first to reach the top of the mountain, and regardless of fatigue, they immediately threw javelins and stones at the Persia who were climbing.
The Persia turned and fled. They even abandoned their original position and ran all the way to the foot of the mountain …
… …
Tisafniss's long-range attacks continued. Although the casualties of his troops were increasing, he still did not give the order to retreat. This put a lot of pressure on the mercenaries. Just as they were struggling to hold on, the scouts came to report that Xenophon had sent a message that they had occupied the mountain and driven away the Persia!
"Retreat!" Colissops breathed a sigh of relief.
Thus, the mercenaries began to retreat in an orderly manner …
Persia's army pressed on …
When all the mercenaries retreated into the mountain path, the Persia soldiers who were still following them entered the attack range of Xenophon's troops. They were hit by stones and javelins falling from the top of the mountain, and only then did the horn of retreat sound …
… …
The mercenaries walked down the mountain path and entered a plain. There were quite a few villages here. The mercenaries began to set up camp, treat the wounded, and replenish a large amount of supplies. This was because the guides had said that the Dukaya Mountains were just ahead. For this reason, the leaders called for an important meeting.
"We Greeks rebelled against Persia, and the Ducians rebelled against Persia. According to the guides, the Persia had sent an army of about a hundred thousand men to attack Dukea, but had suffered a great defeat. Since we have enmity with Persia, then we should be able to get along well with the Dukayas. Moreover, we are only passing through Armenia, so we won't violate the Dukayas in any way. As long as we send an envoy to express our desire for peace, I believe that they will definitely accept it! … "Xenophon spoke with fervor and assurance. After this period of tempering, he had become more confident.
"Get along well with each other? That's easy for you to say! " Timason snorted disdainfully. He somewhat disliked Xenophon's flamboyance. Regardless of whether it was the Devers or Xenophon, they were both young and capable. Their sharpness was too conspicuous, causing some old mercenaries like Creano and Timason to feel jealous and dissatisfied. "An army of tens of thousands entering their territory, and one that has defeated the Persia many times, would the Dukayas not be nervous?! Would they not be afraid?! I don't believe it! Oh … you said that you are only passing through Dukea, but if you were to launch an attack while passing through the villages and settlements, the price would be too great. Would the Dukayas dare to take this risk? You must know that the Dukayas are ferocious and barbaric. Even Persia, which has a vast territory, is afraid of them. How would they agree to our request, which comes from thousands of miles away?! "
Just as Timason finished speaking, Creano continued, "A few days ago, my soldiers captured a few Persia Dukayas slaves. After inquiring, I found out that the 'Dukayas' is just a name that the Persia people use for the mountain people who live in this mountainous region. In fact, there are many tribes and different races in the Dukea Mountains. They often fight and kill each other for the sake of the tribe's interests. Some tribes are even mortal enemies. The problem now was — even if we could get the agreement of one tribe, after crossing a few mountains, we might be attacked by another tribe. If we had to negotiate with them one tribe at a time, we would starve if it dragged on for too long. You must know that the Dukea Mountains is an area with barren land and a lack of food! "
"Looks like we can only force our way through!" Hieronymus, who rarely spoke, said in an unyielding tone at this moment, "After we enter Dukea, we will not take the initiative to invade others. However, if someone dares to invade us, then we must teach them a lesson!"
"When the time comes, we don't know who will be the one to see who will be the one to teach who a lesson!" Zantiparis said helplessly, "Previously, the Persia people occupied the mountain ridges and caused us a lot of trouble, and that was only a few mountains! After entering Dukea, there are mountains everywhere. Most of us are heavy infantry, and we also have a lot of supplies. It will be difficult for us to march, let alone fight. The Dukayas people are familiar with the terrain, and climbing mountains is an ability they have practiced since childhood, while we can only rely on guides. The mountain roads are narrow, and I'm afraid our team can only form a long line. The Dukayas can attack us from any place, and we can't do anything to them … "Zantiparis' words made everyone fall into silence.
Xenophon took the opportunity to say, "So, we still have to negotiate with the Dukayas?"
No one paid any attention to him. They all looked at Kelley Thopes.
Kelissops looked at the Devers in the corner, who had not spoken, and asked, "Devers leader, what do you think?"
The Devers smiled and said slowly, "After listening to everyone's words just now, there are actually two opinions. One is to negotiate with the Dukayas. The advantage is that it is safe, but the disadvantage is that it will take too much time, and the Dukayas may not agree. The second is to force our way through. The advantage is that it saves time, but the disadvantage is that there will be many casualties. So, why don't we combine these two opinions into one solution? "
Into one solution? Everyone looked at each other, and even Kelissops was dumbfounded.
Felicius, who was next to him, saw their expressions and was secretly amused. In fact, last night, the Devers camp's officers had discussed this matter. When the Devers said his solution, everyone was amazed at his strange idea, but they also had to admit that the possibility of this solution being realized was very high. Now that he was facing the leaders, a sense of superiority inevitably arose in his heart.
Everyone asked in unison, "How do we change?"
"Find a tribe, cooperate with them, and let them open the way for us!" The Devers' words were astonishing.
Everyone was stunned.
Xenophon was the first to react. "Devers, you mean … let the Dukayas fight the Dukayas?! Is this possible? "
"Benefits, as long as there are benefits, everything is possible!" The Devers said with certainty.
… …
During the three days that the mercenaries camped, the Persia cavalry appeared many times, attacking individual soldiers who had separated from the army, taking away livestock, and attempting to set fire to the village.
After the leaders discussed, they believed that Tisafniss was doing his best to prevent the mercenaries from entering Dukaya, and did not hesitate to burn down the territory and people of the King of Persia. In order to prevent him from doing even more insane things, the army could only enter Dukaya in advance.
So, on the morning of the fourth day, the mercenaries broke camp and marched north.
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