Rome Must Perish
Chapter 104 - 86 Mountain Area Marching and Camping_2

Chapter 104: Chapter 86 Mountain Area Marching and Camping_2

At this moment, under Capito’s command, the drivers had already maneuvered the horse-drawn carts, ox carts, and donkey carts into the lower slopes of the planned campsite for the Supply Team. They were arranged in a massive circular formation, then unloaded the cattle and horses, fed them forage in the center of the wagon circle, and began to construct simple stables.

Meanwhile, another group of supply personnel began unloading various camping supplies from the carts: tents, ropes, iron rods, wooden frames, hoes... These items were then distributed to soldiers from various units who came to collect them.

Acronis, on the other hand, led the kitchen staff in unloading cooking utensils and ingredients from the carts. They built several simple stoves nearby, placed the large copper pots specially crafted by Pessianaxis for the kitchen use on them, poured in clean stream water collected earlier, added a handful of husked wheat, and lit the firewood collected by the soldiers to begin making porridge. Then, diced bits of smoked meat were added, and toward the end, some freshly washed wild vegetables and a pinch of salt were thrown in... At last, a pot of field porridge, deemed both convenient and nutritious for the marching troops by Maximus, was ready.

Each soldier could fill two pottery jars with wheat porridge, using dry bread they carried to dip and eat, making for a simple evening meal.

As the sun began to set, the once wild and overgrown slope transformed into a bustling campsite with trenches and earth walls at its perimeter, and countless tents within. The lively and noisy atmosphere gradually settled into silence, except for the largest military tent at the center of the camp where candlelight flickered.

"Leader, all the battalion soldiers have settled in for the night, and the personnel and supplies of the Supply Team have been properly arranged..." Military Officer Flanitnus reported on the situation within the newly established camp to Maximus.

After listening, Maximus asked, "How is the night watch arranged for the camp? Any signs of enemy activity?"

"Tonight’s watch falls to the Second Battalion. I specifically reminded Torrelugo and deployed a Centurion to guard the highest watchtower on the slope. If any enemies approach, they will have the high ground to detect them early and notify the entire army to defend in time..."

Quintus, pointing to a camp map drawn by Spukala placed on the wooden table, explained in detail, "During the construction of the camp, the defensive duties were carried out by the First, Second, and Third Battalions. They did notice a few Samnites scouting near the slope, but they retreated when confronted and did not display any hostility. Our scouts also observed that the gates of Aquum City in the distance ahead were shut tight, without any signs of troop deployments... From these observations, it seems Ramdolos was right— the Samnites have no intention of making us their enemies."

Ramdolos was a poor shepherd from Samnium who had fought against Rome in the Marci War (Italian Alliance Civil War) in his youth. Recently, he led dozens of his compatriots to join Maximus’ army and was quickly appointed as a Centurion, serving as a guide for this southern expedition.

He had previously advised the Maximus Army leadership: as long as the army refrains from plundering in the Samnium Region, the Samnites will not oppose the rebel forces.

Additionally, he provided the rationale: around a decade ago, during the Roman Alliance War (90 BCE), although Samnium joined the rebellion late, when the Julian Citizenship Law was enacted and most rebellious regions laid down their arms, the Samnites continued fighting against Rome. It was Sula who ultimately subdued the Samnium Region through ruthless slaughter, sowing deep resentment among the Samnite populace. During Sula’s civil war with Marius, most Samnites sided with Marius. After Sula became Dictator, he severely oppressed the Samnites. Even many years after his death, the Samnites still harbor disdain for the Senate controlled by Sulla’s faction. The situation of the rebel forces repeatedly defeating the Romans and embarrassing the Senate is something the Samnites are delighted to witness...

Flanitnus remarked, "Thinking about it, we should thank Sula. If it weren’t for his hatred of the Samnites, marching through this mountainous region would surely be troublesome for us."

Quintus shot a glare at the old veteran of Marius but hesitated, ultimately refraining from defending Sula.

Maximus observed their interaction but chose to ignore it. He spoke cautiously, "Even though the Samnites have shown no hostility toward us, we must not lower our guard. The army must remain prepared for reconnaissance, vigilance, and defense at all times! Additionally, the soldiers must be strictly disciplined under Military Law, refraining from harassing or provoking the Samnites, so that we can quickly pass through this mountainous region!"

Flanitnus and Quintus both nodded in agreement.

"Based on our current marching speed, how many days will it take to exit the Samnium Mountain Area and enter the Apulia Region?" Maximus continued to inquire.

Flanitnus thought for a moment and replied, "Leader, you previously stated that this is our army’s first independent long-distance march, and all precautions must prioritize safety. Thus, today’s marching speed on the road was merely twenty-odd li, and given that the size of our army is not as large as the forces led by Spartacus and Cross, but the Supply Team carries abundant materials, the pace in the coming days won’t improve significantly. I estimate it will take three to four more days to traverse the mountains and reach the plains in Apulia."

"Yes, about three to four days." Quintus, despite personally clashing with Flanitnus, did not let it impede his agreement with the assessment.

Maximus pondered briefly, then smiled and said, "Compared to the marching routes of Spartacus and Cross, traversing the mountains and reaching the plains in just three to four days isn’t slow. Let the soldiers gradually adapt to this wartime rhythm."

After speaking, Maximus turned to Volenus, who sat calmly nearby, and asked, "Volenus, do you have any suggestions?"

Since departing Pompeii, beginning the march, Volenus, jokingly dubbed "Maximus’ Army Steward," found himself with little to do and spent his days with the Supply Team, assisting Capito and Acronis with their tasks.

"Leader, Capito and Acronis manage the Supply Team excellently." Volenus recalled something and added, "The children are doing well too, constantly helping out with the Supply Team’s work." Volenus knew how Maximus valued that group of children, and sure enough, his words brought a slight smile to Maximus’ face.

"Because you, Leader, ensured ample preparation beforehand, the grain reserves carried by the Supply Team are sufficient to sustain the entire army for three months..." Volenus continued, "When we first seized Pompeii, food supplies were abundant, but with the influx of new recruits, there was a period where our food reserves became strained... During our march, we haven’t had new recruits in recent days, but I worry that after entering Apulia, many might come to join us, and we should prepare accordingly..."

"Volenus, this issue you’re concerned about isn’t problematic." Maximus raised his brows and replied resolutely, "While we aren’t planning to plunder resources in the Samnium Mountain Area, once we reach Apulia—"

Maximus slammed his right hand on the table, "We must seize the opportunity and act boldly!"

The crowd’s spirits were lifted.

At that moment, Cavalry Captain Hagux entered the military tent: "Leader, Chief Attutmus has arrived with his men."