The Rise Of An Empire In Ancient Europe
Chapter 45 A Moment of Spring Breeze

Chapter 45: Chapter 45 A Moment of Spring Breeze

In the command tent, Davers Juleios held an emergency meeting with his officers to discuss treating the wounded. In this battle, Juleios’ unit had 19 fatalities and 185 wounded, far exceeding the capacity of the medical camp. The entire camp would need to mobilize to provide treatment.

Amyntas dismissed the concerns, saying, "There’s no need to make such a fuss. We’re soldiers. We knew we might die when we joined. Arrow wounds? Just patch them up like we always have. We’ve dealt with worse."

Juleios looked around and noticed that not only Amyntas but many others shared this attitude. He spoke earnestly, "Comrades, we are far from home and family, fighting in foreign lands. Are we only united in battle? No! We see our companions as family, and the camp is our home. Can we watch our brothers suffer and do nothing? If so, who will help us when we are wounded? We must uphold a belief: we will never spare an enemy, but we will also never abandon a comrade. We live and die together!"

"Well said!" exclaimed Philesius, clapping enthusiastically. The other officers joined in with applause.

Moved by Juleios words, the entire camp sprang into action.

A large open area in the camp’s center was designated as the medical camp. Juleios categorized the wounded into three groups: minor injuries, moderate injuries, and severe injuries. The assisting soldiers were divided into four teams:

Hardworking soldiers to maintain the medical camp’s hygiene, cleaning blood and waste, and driving away flies and insects.Physically strong soldiers to carry and support the wounded.Dexterous soldiers to assist the doctors and nurses in removing arrows, cleaning wounds, and bandaging.Carpenters to cut branches and make stretchers.

Severely injured soldiers were sent directly to Helpus, the only one capable of treating them. Lightly and moderately injured soldiers had their arrows removed, wounds cleaned, and bandages applied. Most of the lightly injured could return to their units, while others stayed in the medical camp for observation and further treatment if necessary.

Under Juleios direct command, the entire operation proceeded in an orderly and efficient manner. By the afternoon, all the wounded in Juleios unit had been treated.

Meanwhile, Juleios stirring words in the command tent, spread by the likes of Antonios, reached the ears of the soldiers. Initially, Juleios had gained his position through his reputation as the "favored of the gods," a natural reaction from soldiers desperate for divine intervention. Later, by defeating Mithradates and Artoxus , he earned respect for his courage and leadership. But this time, his heartfelt speech and practical actions won the soldiers’ hearts entirely. They gave him a new nickname, "The Merciful One," and affectionately began calling their young leader "our Juleios."

This large-scale medical operation also drew attention from other camps. Initially, individual soldiers brought their wounded companions to Juleios camp, seeking help. Juleios agreed. However, as word spread, more and more wounded came, overwhelming the medical camp’s capacity and resources. Some of Juleios soldiers began arguing with outsiders.

At this point, Cleanor and Timasion arrived. After inspecting the medical camp, even Timasion , who often clashed with Juleios, showed respect. They acknowledged that such an efficient and innovative medical setup was beyond the capabilities of an ordinary person—something they had previously dismissed about Juleios being the "favored of the Divins."

Juleios readily agreed to treat their wounded but, given the sheer numbers (over 500 wounded between the two rear-guard units), he requested manpower and additional supplies such as linen, clay pots, wood, and tents. He even allowed their doctors to observe and assist. While Juleios generosity was genuine, he also had a personal motive: he believed his knowledge of medicine from his previous life could attract these doctors to stay and expand his medical camp.

Grateful, Cleanor and Timasion left. Later, other commanders also approached Juleios, and he made similar agreements with them.

On the way back, Clearchus deputy praised Juleios abilities and generosity. But Clearchus was lost in thought, puzzling the deputy.

Finally, Clearchus said bluntly, "I admit I was biased before. Juleios is indeed an exceptional talent! Especially his creation of the... medical... medical camp. It’s a significant asset for combat. Sparta needs this to prepare for the coming war."

"War? What war?" the deputy asked in surprise.

"The war between Persia and Sparta," Clearchus said gravely. "With Darius the Younger dead, we’ve been dragged into his rebellion against the Persian King. Now, Tissaphernes, who has a grudge against Sparta, has taken power in Asia Minor. Don’t forget the disagreements in our treaty with Persia over Asia Minor. The new Persian King is likely to exploit this... All signs point to trouble."

The deputy fell silent. Sparta had fought Athens for over twenty years, emerging victorious but suffering great losses. Now, facing Persia—a far stronger adversary—even a brave Spartan felt the immense pressure.

Clearchus glanced at him and changed the topic: "Do you think Juleios would join us?"

"Of course! We’re Sparta—the hegemon of Greece!" the deputy replied proudly.

"Let’s hope so," Clearchus nodded.

As the camp settled into a calm rhythm, soldiers moved about, some carrying supplies, others tending to their comrades. In the midst of the busyness, Juleios took a moment to stand near the edge of the medical camp, observing the soldiers’ determination. Though the groans of the wounded and the smell of blood filled the air, there was also a sense of resilience and unity. For the first time, he felt the full weight of his responsibility—not just as a leader, but as a caretaker of lives.

He turned to Antonios , who was assisting nearby, and said, "We’ve seen the worst of what war can do to men. But if we can care for each other like this, we may see more victories than losses."

Antonios nodded, his expression thoughtful. "Your actions today, Juleios, will be remembered. Not just for saving lives, but for showing us what it truly means to fight as one."

Later that evening, as the fires burned low and the soldiers shared quiet conversations, whispers of Juleios new nickname, "The Merciful One," spread further. Some spoke of it with reverence, others with pride. Unknown to them, the seeds of something greater had been sown—a bond forged in compassion, destined to endure beyond the battlefield.

Helpus was deeply immersed in treating patients, his sole focus on saving lives. He had neither the time nor the inclination to manage the medical camp or maintain order. Management wasn’t his strong suit; his passion lay in exploring the intricacies of medicine and experimenting with treatments.

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