Rome must fall.

Chapter 130 The final level—Aquileia

Calsipempas collected his thoughts and continued: "Well... he is still a very confident leader. When he was preparing to lead his army to leave Sarapia, I once worried about whether they could escape the pursuit of the Roman army. Although I was worried, he told me with confidence that they would be able to defeat all the Roman armies and then go north safely. Now what he said has come true.

Of course he is not an arrogant person. He once asked me about the situation of the Pannoni, as well as the situation of the Boii, Noriki, Dacians and other races around the Pannoni. He even asked me to draw pictures. He looked at the map of the distribution of the Pannoni tribe... He must have thought carefully before saying that he wanted to avenge the Illyrians against the Pannoni..."

"It seems that Calsipempas has a very good impression of Chief Maximus." After hearing this, Cleobrotus said something neutral.

Kalsipempas stared: "This is not only my opinion, all the Illyrian pirates who have come into contact with Leader Maximus have the same idea."

"Yes, yes, we think so too, but it's not as good as the leader said." Several pirates who followed Carl Sipimpas quickly expressed their stance.

"Okay, Kalsipempas, buying land is a big deal. I need to discuss it carefully with other elders before I can give you an answer." Akupagos raised the wine glass on the table and said with a smile: " Let’s not discuss this issue for the time being. It’s rare for you to come back and we have to have a good drink today.”

Kalsipempas did not raise his glass, but reminded him solemnly: "This matter does need serious consideration, but I hope that the great leader can make a decision as soon as possible, because that leader Maximus is not just asking me After making this request, he also made requests to buy land from the Otaliat tribe, the Dalmatian tribe, the Prerei tribe... and even the pirates in the Epirus region."

Akupagos's face twitched every time Kalsipempas said a tribal name.

When the banquet was over, Archupagos left Cleobrotus alone.

"Cliobrotus, what do you think of this land purchase?"

Cleobrotus noticed the look of expectation on Akupagos' face and asked softly: "Big Chief, do you want to agree to Maximus's request to buy land?"

Akupagos sighed: "You have helped me handle tribal affairs for so many years, and you are not unaware of the difficulties our tribe faces.

The Pannoni from the north invaded our territory year after year, forcing us to retreat southward. We have lost the land along the Kupa River, and now they are almost invading; the hilly areas to the east are also affected. The invasion of the Pannoni had to be given up; the Otaliat tribe in the south had a good relationship with us, but they fell out because of the salt farm, and conflicts have occurred frequently in the past few years.

Our tribe originally had a lot of territory suitable for farming, but in the past few years, we have lost most of it in the war with the Pannoni. The tribesmen in the north and east were forced to move to the mountains and make a living by grazing. But last year, a snowstorm destroyed them. We lost a lot of cattle and sheep, and if Carlsipampas hadn't sent a lot of food, I'm afraid many people would have starved to death...

Like Carlsipempas, because they couldn't support their people by farming and herding alone, they became pirates, which indeed made their people's lives better than before, but being a pirate was full of dangers! Especially now that the Adriatic Sea is controlled by the Romans, their fleet is very powerful. In recent years, some of our pirates have been captured by the Romans and made slaves. I heard that most of them were taken away to mine. , what a dangerous life that is! I heard that few people make it out alive! ...Watching our tribe getting weaker year by year, I feel anxious! "

Acoupagos became more and more excited as he spoke, beating his chest, not only bursting into tears, but also coughing non-stop: "Cough, cough, cough... Several tribes have perished in Illyria over the years... Cough, cough, cough... If this continues, our Aldi tribe will be like them, cough cough cough..."

"Big Chief, don't be anxious. It's important to take care of yourself!" Cleobrotus hurriedly stepped forward to help the shaky Acoupagos, helped him back to his seat, and called the servant to give him medicine and make him feel better. , waited until his face returned to normal, and then said with a guilty look: "Big Chief, this is all my fault! I couldn't do a good job -"

"What does this have to do with you!" Archupagos interrupted him and said through gritted teeth: "This is all the fault of the damn Romans! It's the fault of the damn Pannonians! It was they who took us away The tribe has become what it is now!”

"But now we have a good opportunity to save the tribe!" Akupagosio changed the topic and his voice became high-pitched: "That leader Maximus wants to buy our abandoned land, and that's 100 silver towers. Liante! How many fat cattle and sheep can you buy for our people! What sophisticated weapons can our warriors wear!... With these, at least we are no longer afraid of conflict with the Otaliat tribe!

If Chief Maximus buys our abandoned land and can really block the Pannoni from the north, then the tribesmen can farm and graze with confidence, and the tribe can slowly regain its vitality. And if they live next to our tribe, they can become allies with us, so that we will have more confidence in dealing with other tribes in the future! ...So allowing them to buy our abandoned land can have so many benefits, how can I not be tempted! "

Cleobrotus was silent for a moment and said: "But if that Maximus has malicious intentions, if we do this, we will let a beast into our home! You must know that he has 16 soldiers! "

"Of course I am very aware of the risks involved, but if this happens, our tribe will be destroyed a few days earlier! But if things go as I expect, our tribe will have hope of revival!" Akoupaguo Si's cloudy eyes flashed with light: "We have to believe Carl Sipimpas. He has been wandering outside for many years. I heard that he is very famous among pirates, and the pirate ships he commanded have almost never encountered danger. Those under him He has never had any disputes, which shows that he has a good eye for people and is good at avoiding danger. I believe he will not be wrong this time!"

"Now that the chief has thought it through, I have no objection." Cleobrotus responded.

Akupagos became happy: "Since you have agreed, the other elders should not object. Tomorrow I will hold a tribal meeting. With the insistence of me, you and Kalsipempas, this proposal to buy land It will definitely pass. When the time comes, I want you to take people to meet this Maximus first—"

Archupagos gently patted Cleobrotus' arm and said in a deep voice: "Take a good look at him and his men. If you think he is indeed trustworthy, you can go over there. Sign an agreement with him first and lead them to Ardei; if you notice the danger, just pretend that you need my permission and come back quickly, and then we will block the mountain road and no longer have contact with him!"

Cleobrotus suddenly felt a huge pressure, and he hesitated and wanted to refuse. Akupagos picked up the wine glass on the table, looked at his friend in front of him, and said sincerely: "Cleo, you and I grew up together and supported each other until today. You are like my biological brother." Same. Whether here or on the battlefield, you are always the person I trust most. This time I hope you can take over this burden and help me make this final determination! It doesn't matter even if I am wrong, so many tribes have already To perish, I, Aldi, will not be missing!”

Cleobrotus was inspired by this, reached out to take the cup, and drank it all in one gulp.

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

Maximus's army marched eastward around the Adriatic Gulf. When they were about to reach the top of the bay, they saw a tall city standing in front of them.

Aquileia is the name of this city. It was a military fortress built by the Romans after they completely occupied the northern Italian province. Its original purpose was to defend against barbarians coming from the east, especially the Boii. This once largest Gallic tribe on the Po River plain was driven to the mountains to the east by the Romans. They are likely to come back for revenge.

But a hundred years later, not even a shadow of the Boi people was seen, but Aquileia became the easternmost commercial center of the North Italian province.

After all, it is located at the junction of Roman civilization and barbarians, with flat and wide roads running through it. Wine, olive oil, and various luxurious handicrafts...are exported from here to the east, and ironware, leather goods, slaves, livestock...are imported from here to the west. , there are constant traffic of caravans every day, and the prosperity of its trade can be seen.

However, Aquileia has always shouldered the heavy responsibility of military defense. A Roman legion is permanently stationed in the city. Unfortunately, Cassius, the governor of North Italy, sent him south to encircle and suppress the rebels some time ago. As a result, the entire army was wiped out. Fortunately, there are still 500 soldiers in the city. Human city guards and 2000 soldiers urgently recruited. Aquileia is located on the border and is threatened by barbarians all year round. Most of its surrounding residents are highly martial, and even the newly recruited soldiers are not weak in combat effectiveness.

Velaius was the camp commander of the legion. He had an upright personality and was never liked by the legion commander. Therefore, the legion commander did not want to give him a chance to make meritorious deeds and appointed him to stay behind before going south. Unexpectedly, he was lucky enough to escape the disaster and became a One of the few survivors of the Legion.

Upon hearing the news of the approaching rebels, Velaius was not panicked. He sent people to notify the residents around the city to quickly take refuge in the city, and also asked the soldiers to go to the city fully armed to prepare for defense. As for the people in the markets outside the city, All caravans were turned away by him.

The caravans had no choice but to hide in the market in fear, and hastily ordered the guards to take up arms, preparing to resist the rebels who might rush in and plunder at any time.

Not long after, the rebels arrived.

Vilaius could see clearly on the city wall, and saw a group of cavalry appearing on the road far to the west. They were wearing leather helmets and holding round shields and spears. They quickly approached the city and then dispersed. The formation explored a circle around the city of Aquileia, and then separated into a group and rode back. Some of the other cavalry continued to explore the surrounding markets, while others stopped in the distance below the city to watch...

Velaius felt that the actions of this rebel cavalry were very familiar, and he suddenly remembered that this was how the legions usually dispatched, and the cavalry first explored, but now it was being used skillfully by the rebels. This was simply——

Velaius didn't know how to complain, and soon he saw a long dragon coming into view. The leader of the team held a flag with an embroidered pattern. Behind the flag was a row of soldiers carrying copper trombones, and then another A flag was held high, with a big "1" embroidered on the all-red flag. Four columns of soldiers followed in a relatively neat formation. They all wore helmets and segmented armor. , with a short sword on his waist and a long shield in one hand... Next to each section of the team is an officer wearing a horizontally crested helmet, who should be the centurion of the rebels. The rebel soldiers all wore armor, and the armor should have been well maintained, otherwise it would not have emitted such a dazzling light in the morning light.

Velaius squinted his eyes and stared at the city, his teeth chattering: These are not rebels, they are simply a replica of the Roman legions! How much of the armor they wore was pulled from their comrades? !

The rebels began to leave the road less than a mile away from the city, spread out their formation in the vast open space, and slowly formed a huge hollow square...

Later, Vilaius saw the rebel baggage team appear, one after another, there were countless pack cars...

Oh my god, how much wealth have these damn traitors robbed the people of our northern Italian province! ...Under the resentful eyes of Velaius, these carts, led by many unarmored rebels, slowly entered the center of the phalanx... He was shocked to find that there were many rebels among these rebels. Young women!

More than an hour later, the rebels began to march around the city in a wide frontal formation... Half an hour later, they had left the city of Aquileia behind.

At this time, Velaius had already rushed to the east city wall, and his cavalry general asked anxiously: "Sir, do we still want to attack?!"

Velaius has been dealing with the barbarians for many years. He knows that the barbarians are not afraid of death when fighting and are extremely greedy when looting. However, when they return with a full load, they have no fighting spirit and the team is seriously lacking in organization. Once they are violently attacked, If they make a surprise attack, they will be defeated quickly... He believes that this is a common problem of ignorant troops. This is the case with barbarians and the same should be done with rebels.

Moreover, there is a 300-man Gallic cavalry in the city of Aquileia. This is an advantage for the army of the North Italian province adjacent to Gaul. They can recruit some Gauls who are willing to serve Rome. Although these Gallic cavalry are Legion auxiliary soldiers, but their impact is quite terrifying.

(End of this chapter)