ancient greece mediterranean ruler

Chapter 137 Repaying Resentment with Virtue

"Yasi, you have collected comprehensive information about Melanthius, the commander of Crotone, and you have done a great job!" Davos praised after hearing this.

"The main reason is that he is so famous in Crotone. When our people arrive at the port, we can find out about his deeds everywhere..." Asistes said truthfully.

Davos nodded: "I can see that this Melanthius is a proud man. In such a battle that is related to the life and death of the city-state, why should he be appointed as the commander-in-chief of the army?"

Asistes replied: "Maybe it's because Melanthius has never failed in a battle. Besides, he fights bravely and likes to attack quickly. Crotone must also hope to resolve the conflict with Thurii as soon as possible." In addition, they also sent the older and more stable Timaras as their adjutant, which I believe will make Melantheus more stable..."

"Well... your analysis makes sense!" Davos thought about it, and asked again: "What are the characteristics of the Crotone militia combat?"

“The citizens of Crotone are keen on physical exercise and have produced many famous athletes. In every four major sports games, athletes from Crotone always win the championship, especially in wrestling, boxing, and discus. They have always had advantages. . Therefore, the citizens of several city-states responded that in battle, their citizen soldiers were powerful, aggressive in attack, and quick in action..."

Davos rubbed his chin: "That is to say, their individual combat effectiveness is very strong, but what about the group? Do they often conduct military training?"

Asistes smiled: "My lord, not every city-state trains as frequently as Amendolara, and the training is so intense. The Crotones spend more time on the training ground than in competitive sports." Much less time on the field!”

"It seems that you are dissatisfied with our training." Davos also smiled.

"How could it be? I like training the most! Especially football!" Asistes immediately defended himself.

"Isn't football a sport?!" Davers continued to pursue him.

After a burst of laughter, Asistes asked: "My lord, will the war between Crotone and Turui affect us?"

"It's impossible not to have an impact!" Davos sighed: "A weak neighbor is always much safer than a new powerful neighbor. At the critical moment, Amendolara had no choice but to pull Thurii. Stupid Thurii does all the stupid things. It seems that the plan to attack Lucania will be postponed again... Hey, things are so unpredictable!"

..............................

Burkes rushed to Amendolara and asked Davos for reinforcements.

In the senate meeting, the senators argued fiercely.In general, the old citizen senators such as Cornerus and Laphias did not agree with sending reinforcements. They believed that Thurii brought the Crotone army to them because they asked for it, not to mention Amendolara. It is a nominal alliance with Thurii, but has actually broken off the alliance. There is no need for Amendolara to offend a powerful city-state for a neighbor who frequently causes trouble for itself, and the army sent by Crotone looks very good. Powerful, even if Turri unites with Amendolara, the possibility of defeating Crotone is extremely slim.

New citizen elders such as Capos and Hilos believe that Crotone is currently strong and Amendolara should wait and see and make decisions based on changes in the situation.

The new citizen elders such as Alexis and Antonios had other opinions. They felt that Turiyi must be protected to ensure the safety of the surrounding environment of Amendolara.The walls of Turui City are high and thick, and Amendolara can completely help Turui defend the city without having to fight.As long as Crotone's attack is blocked, Crotone may have no choice but to retreat in less than a month. After all, the daily food consumption of tens of thousands of soldiers is not a small amount.

The words of Alexis and Antonios were still reserved, but Epithenes loudly said without scruple: "We would rather our neighbor be the weak Thurii than the powerful Crotone. That would make us You will be restless day and night unless Amendolara joins Crotone's alliance, but are you willing?"

If Burkos, the envoy of Turui, heard this, he would probably be ashamed.But at this time Bourquez was arranged in the side hall of the Senate, waiting for the final decision of the meeting.

Epithenes' words touched the elders present, but after everyone discussed it for so long, the final decision still had to be made by Davos.

Davos looked around at everyone and said solemnly: "You have already analyzed the situation very clearly just now, so I don't need to go into details. What I want to say is that we have signed an alliance treaty with Thurii. This is A sacred treaty sworn in the name of the gods under the gaze of the gods! Before, we laughed at Turiyi for his treachery, but now when greater danger strikes, can we stick to our promise?!"

Davos paused and saw that some of the people were ashamed and some were pensive. He raised his voice again and said: "Of course we can! We want to prove to all the city-states in Magna Graecia that as an ancient city-state with a long history, Amendolara can We will stick to our commitments under any difficult circumstances and maintain the glory and tradition passed down from ancient heroes such as Hercules, Theseus, and Agathius!"

When Davos found Bulcos, he announced the Senate's decision to him: "Amendolara decided to abide by the previous covenant and send reinforcements."

Burkos burst into tears.

...........................

Due to the flooding of rivers, swamps and tidal flats in the area north of Crimea, the marching speed of Crotone's army slowed down. It took a day for them to reach Castron, which was once in Subaris After being destroyed, the city that had been attached to the Crotone League also did not resist. Instead, it opened its gates and welcomed Melantheus into the city.

In the city of Castellon, he met the envoys of Thurii and Tarantum who were waiting here.

Facing the envoy of Thurii's plea, he didn't even have the patience to listen to the end, and said impatiently: "Crotone's saber has been unsheathed, and it will never be taken back without blood."

Melanthius showed some respect for Tarantum's envoy, but he asked: "If a city-state violates the agreement and kills Tarantum's envoy, what will you Tarantum do?" Do?! Can Tarantum regain the lost dignity by just compensating some property?!"

The Tarantum messenger was speechless for a moment.

Melanthius looked at him with disdain and said firmly: "So Tuliyi will definitely be punished!"

When night fell, the Tarantum general was preparing to go to bed, and the guard hurriedly reported: "General, there are two people outside who want to see you, saying that they have important information about Thurii that they want to... trade with you."

Important information about Thurii? !Melanthius became interested: "Bring him in quickly!"

Two men dressed as sailors, under the supervision of guards, timidly walked into Melanthius's bedroom.

"Tell me, do you have any important information to trade with me?" Melanthius propped his head on one hand, lying on his side on the bed, looking at the two of them disdainfully: "If it is really valuable, I will consider you. request."

The two looked at each other, and one of them made up his mind and whispered: "Honorable General, I am a free citizen of Thurii..."

Following the sailor's words, Melanthius's eyes became brighter and brighter. He actually turned over and sat up, with a look of excitement on his face...

..............................

Although Davos promised to send reinforcements, he didn't immediately summon the troops to set off. After all, it was Turui who asked for help. If Amendolara rushed to help immediately, the world would only laugh at him as naive Davos.

He first agreed to it in order to stabilize the military and people's morale in Thurii, so that the people of Thurii could inspire fighting spirit to fight Crotone, but he wanted to wait and see first: first, to observe the battle between the two sides. situation, and understand the Crotone army; secondly, reinforcements can only appear when Thurii needs them most, in order to reduce the casualties of Amendolara soldiers, gain the gratitude of the people of Thurii, and at the same time increase the chance of defeating Crotone. .Anyway, Amendolara and Turii are not far apart, only half a day's walk.

Amendolara's response made Neonsis temporarily relieved. At this time, he was full of gratitude to Amendolara, and also felt a little regret for his extreme behavior at the beginning.After the news came to the attention of the people of Turiyi, their low morale began to rise, and they all praised Amendolara.But news from the south made their hearts tighten again: Crotone's army arrived in Castron in just two days, and neither Crimea nor Castron made any resistance. , took the initiative to open the door to greet them, and also strengthened Crotone's troops. More importantly, Crotone rejected the peace proposals of Thurii and Tarentum...

The ensuing bad news frightened Neunces. While cursing Crotone, Crimesa and Castellon in his heart, he asked Burx to go to Amendolara again and urged them to send reinforcements quickly. , and at the same time, let the citizens reorganize their armaments, strengthen their defenses, and even begin to consider whether to implement Ancitanos's suggestions and mobilize free people to participate in the war at this moment of crisis.

But on the next day, the Crotone army stationed outside Castellon did not continue to advance. They even sent people to chase back Thurii's envoy, saying that the matter of peace could be discussed.

When the news reached Thurii, the generals and the people were relieved of their nervousness, and then they looked forward to the messengers bringing back good news about the armistice.

In the afternoon, Melancius declared that the negotiations had broken down and expelled The messenger from Turiyi immediately ordered the already prepared troops to march towards Turiyi.

When Neances received the news, Crotone's army had already arrived at the southern gate of Turi.

　Today, my wife is helping me design a map related to this volume, which will probably be released tomorrow or the day after tomorrow.

　　
　
(End of this chapter)