Chapter 99
Vesba did not expect things to turn out this way.
Yesterday afternoon, when his messenger arrived at the Xubari Plains, the Lucanian Alliance had already retreated. Fearing an attack by the Greek army, they had no choice but to retreat to the city. Today, Vesba was waiting anxiously for the Lucanian Alliance to arrive at the Xubari Plains, but they did not come. Unexpectedly, in the afternoon, the spy hurriedly reported that the Greek mercenaries had completely wiped out the Lucanian Alliance at the big bank of the Tino River!
Wesba was stupefied and terrified. He wanted nothing more than to run away from this terrifying mercenary army, as far away as possible!
The powerful tribes of Lucania had suffered heavy losses, and their control over the surrounding tribes would inevitably weaken. Vesba's tribe should not be oppressed for the time being after returning to the Lucanian Mountains. However, he could not bear to leave the city empty-handed. His people were so poor that they were afraid of losing the mountains of supplies.
At this time, the spy's other words calmed him down. The Greeks had also suffered heavy losses, at least a thousand casualties.
Yes, after such a big battle, did the Greeks not need to rest and reorganize? Vesba scolded himself for being foolish. He ordered his people to start packing their luggage and loading supplies. Depending on the situation, they would be transported in batches.
After a busy afternoon, the clansmen were so tired that they fell into a deep sleep at night.
This delay was one of the little regrets of Vespa's life. But decades later, when his people and descendants talked about this day, they would all be glad that they did not leave immediately …
… …
Late at night, a full moon hung in the sky, bringing a glimmer of light to the dark night.
The moonlight was like water, quietly shining on the Xubari Plains. A long line of people silently advanced north of the coast, crossing the Xubari River, the abandoned vineyards, and the Saraceno River. Not only did they not slow down, they even picked up speed. Only when they crossed the Sisnoo River did the entire army suddenly stop.
Every warrior looked at the silhouetted city of Amendorara in the distance, feeling very excited.
The Devers took a deep breath to calm themselves down, then waved at Hilos.
The attack had begun!
… …
That night, Wesba had a good dream. He dreamed that he had not left Amendolar, but had lived there for many years. Every day, he would patrol his herds of cattle and sheep, wander among the olive trees full of fruit, and drink sweet wine.
"Great Leader, this is bad! The Greeks have entered the city! "The guard rushed in in panic.
"What did you say?!" Vesba was startled.
… …
Early the next morning, Acheta, who had just woken up from his sleep, received a strange news from the guards: the mercenaries who lived next to them had disappeared!
He immediately went to check, and sure enough, there was no one there.
Immediately Achetta felt that something was wrong. Then he went to the Devers' camp. There were people in the camp, but they were all the Devers' supply camp, medical camp, wounded soldiers, women and a large number of slaves (mainly from Turií). They were all loading their luggage and preparing to leave.
Archita strode forward and grabbed Mercies who was shouting and commanding the slaves. "Mercies, where did the Devers and his soldiers go?"
Mercies stammered and did not respond, which made him even more suspicious.
At this moment, a familiar voice came from behind. "Acheta, I'm really sorry. I came late and made you worry."
Acheta turned around and saw the Devers smiling. They looked a little tired but seemed to be in a good mood. "Where did your soldiers go?"
"I have good news for you." The Devers dismounted and handed the reins to Asistes. Then, he said calmly, "We took back Amendolar!"
"When?" Acheta was shocked.
"Last night."
They took down a mountain city in one night?! Looking at the Devers' expression, they did not seem to be faking it. Attacking a city was a big problem for any city-state army. Yesterday's battle had already amazed Acheta with the Devers' grand spirit, creative battle plans, extremely strong commanding ability, and the ability to combine different troops. The fact that they took down a mountain city in one night made Acheta, who had many battle experiences, completely convinced. He smiled bitterly and said, "Devers, you have completed another difficult mission. I'm really jealous!"
Acheta's straightforwardness made the Devers laugh. "In fact, we also relied on the blessing of the Goddess of Fate. The Lucanians' defense was lax and completely defenseless. "
"Oh, I see." Acheta was curious and wanted to listen to what he had to say. Unexpectedly, the Devers changed the topic and said solemnly, "There's something I want to get the support of you and Tarantum."
"What is it?" Acheta looked at the serious expression of the Devers and was stunned.
The Devers stared at him and said word by word, "We mercenaries want to become citizens of Amendolar!"
Acheta was stunned again. He asked with uncertainty, "All mercenaries?! Are you serious? "
"This is the wish of all mercenaries!" The Devers said loudly in an unquestionable tone.
Acheta's expression became serious. He looked around. Whether it was Merses, Asistes, or the busy guards, they all stopped what they were doing and looked at him with expectant eyes. Acheta hurriedly turned his head and looked at the Devers. He said in a deep voice, "It seems that taking down Amendolar was not a spur of the moment move."
Dafus did not answer directly. Instead, he said emotionally, "Acheta, you were born into a noble family in Tarantum and live a good life. You can't understand the situation of us mercenaries who wander around and have no control over our life and death. Having a home is our greatest desire!"
Acheta was silent for a moment before asking, "Does Archon Marcheres of Amendolar agree?"
"The day the Lucanians occupied Amendolar, he was seriously injured and died a few days later. The other Archon, Glatt Baflor … Last night, when we attacked Amendolar, the people of Amendolar who were imprisoned in the Temple of Zeus at the top of the mountain led by Glatt Baflor attacked the Lucanian guards before we even reached the top of the mountain. As a result, a fierce battle broke out between the two sides. When we arrived, Glatt Baflor was already dead, along with some members of the Senate … "The Devers said in a heavy tone.
Acheta looked at the Devers, and the Devers continued calmly, "According to our statistics, there are about a thousand people who survived in Amendolar, and they are not in good health. Nearly half of them are old, and many of them are injured. Even if we leave, I'm afraid they won't be able to maintain the normal management and labor of Amendolar, let alone protect this mountain city."
Acheta understood. The Devers not only wanted the mercenaries to become citizens of Amendolar, but they also wanted to become the masters there. He was surprised by the Devers' ambition and said, "You should ask for Turií's opinion first. After all, Amendolar is their ally."
"Acheta, to be honest, Turií has suffered two crushing defeats and has lost a lot of strength. I'm afraid they don't have the ability to take care of Amendolar. Although the weak Amendolar is not rich, its position is still very important. I'm afraid it will also attract the attention of other forces. At least in our hands, we can defend it and are willing to become allies with Tarantum to maintain the security of this area and ensure that Heraclea will no longer be threatened by the indigenous people! "The Devers solemnly promised.
Acheta was a little moved when he heard that. After all, Turií's performance in the war with Lucania was too poor and almost caused a disaster in this area. Therefore, he cautiously said, "I don't have the right to decide whether you can have Amendolar or not. This needs to be approved by the Senate of Tarantum! I will immediately send someone to rush back to Tarantum by boat. I hope you will also send someone to go with you and express your wishes to the Senate of Tarantum! "
"Thank you very much, Acheta!" The Devers said excitedly.
"My only regret is that you can no longer be a citizen of Tarantum," Acheta said sincerely.
The Devers was greatly moved and quickly said, "But we will be allies. Maybe one day we will fight side by side again!"
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