Chapter 805
Quintus and Frius were so tired that they did not even have time to catch their breath before they met Mejus.
"What did you say?! Rome has fallen?!! "The two generals felt as though they were hit by a head-on blow. They staggered and almost fell.
"How is that possible?! The walls of Rome are so tall! And there are so many people in the city! They could not even hold on for a day?!! " Frius couldn't believe what he was seeing.
Quintus grabbed Mejus' clothes and asked angrily, "What are the Senate doing?! What are you doing?! Did you not do anything?! Did you just watch the enemy attack our city?! … "
"I did! Of course we did! We did our best, gathered reinforcements, and attacked the enemy recklessly, trying to relieve the pressure on the defenders in the city … For this, our army was defeated, even … Paulus died in the battle … "
Mejus explained with a pained expression, but the five-year-old man cried helplessly like a child, "… But the Diónia made a lot of siege weapons that we have never seen before, they … They even used warships to build dozens of pontoons on the Tiber River … And their soldiers are very elite, but what about us! We … We … Not only Rome! Even the elite citizens of the surrounding allies were brought to Helniki, how could we win?! "
Mejius's rebuttal left Quintus and Frius speechless and guilt-ridden.
"Let's go! Let's take back Rome immediately! "Quintus suddenly roared and stormed out.
Frius was stunned for a moment, then he followed him.
Mejus immediately stopped them and advised, "I understand your feelings, but your army is less than 10,000 people, and you are attacking the Diónia. It is too risky! Let's wait for the dictator, Lord Camillus, to arrive with his army before attacking! "
"Although we only have 6,000 people, the enemy has just occupied the city of Rome. They must have suffered great losses, and the order in the city must be in chaos. They will not be on guard against us, just like when Camillus ambushed Prinister. We might succeed!" Quintus retorted loudly.
"The people of Diónia are different from the people of Volsci and Marsi. They are more disciplined and would not make such a mistake! Besides, there are still dozens of miles from here to Rome. You must be very tired after the long journey. Do you still have the strength to fight when you reach Rome? "
Despite Mecius's persuasion, Quintus refused to listen and even called him a "coward who's afraid of death." Under his insistence, Frius, who was a little shaken, naturally joined him.
"Damn Clodius's stupid ass!" Mecius stomped his feet and cursed. It was said that the people of the Claudius clan were stubborn and stubborn, and he had finally seen it for himself today.
Mecius helplessly watched the two figures disappear into the distance. He squatted on the ground dejectedly. After a while, he came back to his senses and suddenly remembered something. He immediately turned around and ran to the Senate in Prinister.
… …..
At this time, the people who lived in the villages outside of Rome and had fled to Rome before the war arrived in batches at the place where the army was staying. They cried and complained to the soldiers.
The news of the fall of Rome swept through the entire army like a sudden storm. The soldiers were shocked and shouted that they wanted to defeat the people of Diónia and take back Rome. The scene became very chaotic.
In fact, at this time, even if Quintus and Frius wanted to act safely, it was already impossible. The entire army was almost out of control.
But this was in line with Quintus's requirements. He stood on a high place, waved his fists, and shouted at the soldiers, "Citizens of Rome, our home is being trampled by the enemy! Our loved ones are being bullied! Do you hear them, they are shouting for help! You are the only ones who can save them now! Pick up your weapons and continue to move forward. Drive away the enemy and save Rome. You will be the heroes of the people! "
As soon as he finished speaking, the soldiers waved their spears and shouted angrily, "Save Rome! Save Rome!! Save Rome!!! … … "
The thunderous roar reverberated outside Prinister, raising the morale of the soldiers. They forgot their fatigue and, under the leadership of Quintus and Frius, they rushed towards Rome.
… …..
After consoling the medical camp, Cloto Catax no longer had an excited smile on his face. Instead, his mood was a little heavy.
Devers saw this and felt that it was a good thing, but he didn't say much. Everything depended on Cloto Catax to experience and comprehend it himself.
After returning to the Senate of Rome, which had temporarily become the command center of the Dionysian Army, he immediately summoned Tapirus.
Because Tapirus had been on a diplomatic mission to Rome, Devers did not leave him in Ostia. Instead, he followed the army to Rome and was ready to consult him at any time.
"Congratulations on capturing the great city of Rome, Your Majesty!" Tapirus immediately congratulated the Devers respectfully when he saw him.
"Capturing the city of Rome is indeed worthy of celebration, but indulging too much in this victory may put our army in a difficult position later on," Devers said faintly, then pointed to the wooden chair next to him. "Sit down, Tapirus. Can you tell me what kind of enemies we're going to face here?" Tapirus said calmly, then pointed at the wooden chair next to him, "Sit down, Tapirus.
Upon hearing the question raised by Devers, although Tapirus did not understand why the wise king suddenly asked this question, it was obviously related to calling him here. His mind raced, and he said in a low voice, "The army of Rome that is returning, the Latin city-states around Rome, and … uh, the Etruscan allies in Rome …?"
Devers did not give an immediate response. Instead, he continued to ask, "How much do you know about Etruria?"
Etruria?! Tapirus roughly understood what Devers wanted him to do. As an official of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, his department had a lot of information about the surrounding areas of Rome. Some of it was even confidential. Most of it was collected by the intelligence department led by Aristiras, so that diplomats could learn and understand it, so that when they went on diplomatic missions, they could have a clear target.
Tapirus immediately said humbly, "Your Majesty, I know a little about it. The Etruscans are a major force in central and northern Italy. They are an Etruscan alliance formed by 12 important city-states. They used to be the enemy of Rome for a long time, but the invasion of the Celts greatly weakened the Etruscans a dozen years ago, causing the Etruscan city-states north of the Tiber River to be conquered by Rome … "
Devers nodded, leaned back, and said seriously, "Although we have conquered the city of Rome, the real elite army of Rome is coming soon. We must do our best to deal with their attack. However, if the Etruscans on the north bank of the Tiber River respond to the request of Rome again and attack again, we will be in a dilemma of fighting on two sides.
But … the Etruscans were once very glorious, even Rome was ruled by them for a long time. Now, the people of Rome want to be their master, and want them to listen to the summons and obey the orders of Rome. I think these Etruscan city-states that have been conquered by Rome will not be satisfied. So, I need a diplomat to go to Caesrella, Volci, and Tarzona, to bring them the goodwill of Diónia. We are willing to form an alliance with them and help them regain the land that Rome has taken away.
However, we have never had any formal dealings with the Etruscans before, so I can't guess what kind of attitude they will take towards the messenger we send. So, this mission is more risky … "
Tapirus immediately stood up and made an impassioned plea to the Devers, "Your Majesty, the first day I entered the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, I knew that being a diplomat was a dangerous job. For the success of this expedition, for Your Majesty, I am willing to go to the Etruscan city-states and do my best to complete the mission!"
The Devers looked at him with approval, and after a moment, he said in a clear voice, "I am very lucky to have bought you and given you freedom. You will definitely become an example for all slaves of Diónia to liberate!"
Tapirus' heart was beating wildly, and he immediately responded sincerely, "Your Majesty, it is my greatest honor to be your slave!"
"Good! Good! " The Devers smiled and nodded, then said, "In this battle, we have captured some Etruscans. You can choose some of them, and when you go to the Etruscan city-states, release them to show our sincerity."
Tapirus' eyes lit up, and he quickly said, "Your Majesty, can I see these captives now? I can find out more about the Etruscan city-states that I will be going to. "
"Of course." The Devers was happy for his subordinate's diligence.
After Tapirus left, Heniboris smiled and said, "Your Majesty, your ability to liberate slaves is very strong. I think this Tapirus will not be any worse than Aleidochrad in the future."
"Aleidochrad is now a new senator," the Devers glanced at him, and said calmly, "Hurry up and bring that senator of Rome in."
Pubrius Manlius was brought into the Senate of Rome.
Seeing that the center of power in Rome had now become the enemy's office, with wooden tables and chairs in the center of the hall, surrounded by enemy soldiers in shining armor, his face twitched a few times. He walked straight over, pulled a wooden chair, and sat down.
The Devers sized him up, and he stared back at the Devers without showing any weakness.
"This is the king of the powerful Kingdom of Diónia, Devers! People of Rome, please show your respect immediately! "Heniboris shouted loudly. ()
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