Chapter 827
"Whether what I said is true or not, you can find out for yourself in the future when you become a citizen of Diónia."
The Devers said noncommittally, and then asked, "Is there anything important that you want to tell me?"
Sextus was still thinking about what the Devers had said. He was silent for a while, but the calm gaze of the Devers made him feel great pressure. He said reluctantly, "This morning, when we set off from Prinister, there were more than 60,000 soldiers. However, when we built the camp outside the city of Rome, I found that the number of soldiers had decreased a lot … At least 20,000 people had quietly left the camp," Sextus said as he observed the expression of the Devers.
The Devers's heart skipped a beat, and countless thoughts immediately ran through his mind. Then he said carelessly, "It turns out that Camillus used the peace talks to confuse me, but secretly sent troops to attack Ostia. However, he underestimated the current Ostia. It is difficult to capture it in a short time with only 20,000 people! I believe that by tomorrow, I will receive news that the garrison of Ostia has repelled the attack of the Rome army! "
After saying this confidently, the Devers comforted Sextus, who looked a little absent-minded. "Anyway, thank you very much for your reminder! As a civilian of Rome, you can be a squadron leader, which shows that you have excellent military ability. Have you applied to become a citizen of Diónia? "
"… I have," Sextus said in a low voice. In fact, when the officials of the Household Department asked him, he was a little hesitant at the time. However, under his father's strong request, he finally agreed.
"Very good!" The Devers looked at him with approval and said loudly, "Now, I have decided to appoint you as a squadron leader. You will be responsible for organizing the civilians in the city of Rome and forming a reserve team, ready to go into battle at any time. In the future, when Latin has been pacified and a new Legion of Dionysia has been formed, you will be a strong contender for the position of Legion Commander if you have achieved enough military merits. Are you willing to accept this appointment? "
After all, Sextus was a young man, hot-blooded and heroic. It was in his nature to yearn for achievements. Although he had been depressed since he entered Rome, he was attracted by the appointment of the Devers and the bright future. He no longer hesitated and said, "I'm willing!"
"Martius." Devers turned his head and said to the captain of his guards, "In a while, you will personally take Sextus to Tormid and tell him about my appointment of Sextus. Also, let him be responsible for helping Sextus build the reserve team of Rome."
"Yes, Your Majesty."
"Sextus." The Devers asked again with a pleasant expression, "I think there are many civilians in the Roman Army outside the city, but why are you the only ones who escaped from the camp?"
This time, Sextus answered the question in a much more serious manner, "Because the Roman Army has strict rules for building camps. The legions must be separated from each other, and they are not allowed to move freely during the night's rest.
I took advantage of the time when the soldiers were having dinner and quietly told the civilian soldiers of our legion about the changes in the city of Rome, but I could not pass the news to the other legions. Some of the civilian soldiers who received the news did not leave with us, but I believe that because of the chaos we caused in the camp tonight, the news will spread to the entire army by tomorrow. "
The Devers nodded calmly and said with concern, "Sextus, thank you very much for coming to warn us. Although we have taken precautions, this is still a great contribution! When you led the civilian soldiers out of the camp and escaped back to Rome, you have already made a great contribution. According to the Military Law of Diónia, the kingdom will reward the soldiers who made great contributions with more land and other materials.
You must be very tired after working hard all day. Hurry up and go home to reunite with your family and have a good sleep. Tomorrow, I will summon all the people in the city to gather in the square and personally award you the reward. I will also announce your appointment at the same time, so it will be more convenient for you to carry out your next task. Oh, yes, there is also a house. With your contribution, you deserve a big house. "
Sextus hurriedly said, "I heard from my father that our family has moved to a big house."
"Oh." The Devers smiled and said, "Can you find your home tonight? If not, you can stay in the barracks of the First Legion tonight. Tomorrow, you can attend the gathering in the square nearby. When you go home with the reward and appointment, your family will be even happier. "
"Your Majesty … I know where my home is. I can find it!" Sextus was a little incoherent.
He hurriedly walked out of the Senate, reached out to wipe the fine sweat on his forehead, and let out a long sigh. In his original imagination, the king of Diónia must be a dignified and domineering person, but he did not expect the king to be so kind and so caring and warm to him. He originally wanted to question the government of Diónia and even make a big fuss about being imprisoned, but in the end, he almost learned from others and said the honorific title of king, which made him feel ashamed and a little confused.
He turned back and looked at the Senate under the dark sky. In the flickering candlelight, he found that the door, which used to be sacred and insurmountable to him, was now so shabby in his eyes.
After a long time, he moved his legs and walked forward, faster and faster …
… …
"Father, don't you think it's too risky to let the Rome soldiers who have just escaped back to the city pick up weapons and form a reserve team?" Cloto Catax, who had been quietly listening, asked worriedly after Sextus left.
"It's good that you are vigilant!" The Devers first praised his son, and then patiently explained, "Just like what I said to the Asistes before, even if the Rome reserve team really rebelled, they will not be able to do anything to the city of Rome, which is guarded by more than 40,000 troops. On the contrary, it will be easier for us to supervise them if we gather them together for training. At the same time, we can also take the opportunity to show the people of Rome our tolerance. We can use them boldly, and we can eliminate the doubts in the hearts of the civilians. Also, Henri! "
The Devers suddenly remembered something, "Write it down. Inform the Asistes tomorrow morning to bring the families of the nobles of Rome here when the meeting is held in the square. Not only do we have to reward Sextus, but we also have to distribute land and houses to the civilians of Rome who have escaped back and applied for citizenship of Diónia."
"Your Majesty, this is a great idea!" Henriboris could not help but praise, "Not only can we let more civilians of Rome in the city be influenced to join Diónia, but we can also let the civilians of Rome who have already joined Diónia have no choice but to be more loyal to the kingdom due to the hatred of the families of the nobles!"
The Devers looked at the thoughtful Cloto Catax and asked, "Clotho, what do we need to do now?"
Cloto Catax pondered for a moment and replied, "Reinforce Ostia?"
"That's right! Camillus must have realized the importance of Ostia to us when he secretly sent troops to attack Ostia. Now that the army of Rome is in a difficult situation, he will definitely attack Ostia with all his might. Even though Teris has sent people to report to me that he has been strengthening the defense of Ostia, the walls of Ostia are not high and are of little help to the soldiers defending the city. Furthermore, there are only three reserve brigades from Turií in Ostia. These soldiers lack real combat experience like Teris. I am a little worried! "
The Devers paced back and forth worriedly. Soon, he stopped and said, "Clotho, immediately rush to the camp of the Fifth Legion. Let Legion Commander Giogris lead the five brigades to the pier on the other side of the bridge to board a boat and rush to Ostia overnight to reinforce Teris! The rest of the troops of the Fifth Legion will be temporarily under the command of Legio IV Commander Olivers. "
Cloto Catax did not immediately accept the order. He hesitated for a moment and suddenly said loudly, "Father, I request to follow the Fifth Legion to Ostia and participate in the battle!"
The Devers was stunned.
"You can participate in the battle here. There is no need to go to Ostia," Heniboris persuaded.
Cloto Catax did not say anything. He only straightened his chest and looked at his father with a resolute expression.
The Devers could feel the eagerness in his eyes. He pondered for a moment and said, "You can go, but you must promise me one thing."
"As long as you let me go, I can promise you anything!" Cloto Catax's face was filled with joy and immediately replied.
"You must listen to the orders of the governor of Ostia, Teris, and Legion Commander Giogris. You are not allowed to act on your own! Can you do that? "
"Yes!"
"Then bring 50 palace guards with you."
"Thank you, Father!" Cloto Catax excitedly gave the Devers a strong hug and quickly walked out of the Senate.
"Your Majesty, I think it is still a little dangerous to let His Highness Clotho go to Ostia alone!" Heniboris advised worriedly.
The Devers stared blankly at the exit of the hall and sighed softly. "If a chick is always under the protection of its parents, it will never learn to fly. It is rare that he is willing to take the risk. Let him go!"
… …
That night, in the big tent of the Rome camp, the candles were also brightly lit. Dictator Camillus was in a tense discussion with his generals.
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