The Rise Of An Empire In Ancient Europe
Chapter 47 Cristoia’s Appointment

Chapter 47: Chapter 47 Cristoia’s Appointment

"That’s a good plan, but I doubt the Persians have the courage to stick around and attack us again," Zantiparis said with a hint of regret.

"Yes, those cowardly Persians are like rabbits," Timasion cursed, his voice filled with anger and frustration over the losses among his soldiers.

"Let me lead the soldiers around the mountain ridge!" Xenophon volunteered eagerly.

Hieronymus ’ face darkened. He recalled Xenophon’s previous reckless sortie that had resulted in significant losses among the troops.

"I believe Xenophon can handle it," Juleios immediately voiced his support.

"We don’t have time to waste. We must act now, or we’ll have to spend the night in the mountains!" Cleanor said urgently, glancing at the sky.

With that, Xenophon’s proposal was quickly approved, and the leaders returned to organize their respective units.

Juleios lingered at the rear, lost in thought.

Seeing this, Clearchus stopped and turned back to ask, "What’s on your mind, Leader Juleios ?"

Startled by the usually reserved Clearchus initiating a conversation, Juleios hesitated for a moment before replying, "I was just thinking... it’s a good thing the Persians didn’t build defensive camps on the ridges. Otherwise, we would have suffered heavy losses."

"You give Tissaphernes too much credit. Sure, Persian cavalry and archers are quick to act, but their overall marching speed is much slower than ours. These Persian nobles, led by Tissaphernes , can’t endure the hardships we Greeks can. Their marches include luxurious tents, beautiful concubines, dancers, and large numbers of slaves. Even their soldiers only arrived here recently."

Juleios nodded in understanding. He had thought the mercenary column was bloated, but now he realized the Persians were even worse. After a moment, he added, "What if the Persians split their light infantry into smaller groups, hiding them in the forests along our rear, flanks, and front? Wouldn’t successive attacks create even more chaos?"

Clearchus furrowed his brow. "You’re suggesting..."

"Just like earlier, the Persians on the ridge attacked, and once we drove them off and thought we were safe, they could attack from the rear. Then again from another direction. This would not only increase our losses but also force us to exhaust our troops by running back and forth, dispersing our forces, and slowing our march significantly."

Clearchus looked at him in surprise. "You think about these things regularly?"

Seeing such an uncharacteristic expression on Clearchus ’ usually stern face, Juleios felt a bit embarrassed. "Well, since I lack experience, I have to learn and think more..."

Clearchus quickly reverted to his usual serious demeanor. "That’s a good strategy, but not one just anyone can execute. It requires highly trained soldiers with courage and capable commanders. Do you think this Persian army is up to the task?"

Juleios shook his head.

Clearchus gave him a long, thoughtful look. "In the future, if you have ideas like this, let’s discuss them together." With that, he strode away.

A single Persian attack had caused over a thousand casualties among the mercenaries, more than half of whom were non-combatants.

In Juleios’ camp alone, there were over 150 casualties, and many pack animals were also injured. As a result, he had to assign nearly half of his soldiers to assist the baggage train in carrying supplies and tending to the wounded.

The overall pace of the mercenary column slowed significantly, but the vanguard progressed smoothly. Xenophon ’s quick maneuver around the ridge unnerved the Persians, who feared being caught in a pincer attack. Consequently, they refrained from obstructing the mercenaries further, allowing them to pass through the mountainous region relatively unscathed.

By evening, the soldiers spotted a Persian village ahead. What followed was predictable—the mercenaries looted the villages and set up camp there. Fortunately, the villages contained a large stockpile of supplies intended for Tissaphernes’ army. The soldiers feasted on the abundant food, lifting their spirits. Meanwhile, Juleios’ medical camp was once again bustling late into the night.

Later that night, Cristoia lay beside Juleios, her golden hair spilling across the bedding.

"Helpus says you’re learning quickly in the medical camp,"Juleios said. "He also mentioned how well you’ve been managing the wounded and the female slaves. The injured soldiers listen to you. They’ve even given you a nickname: ’Persephone of the Mortal World.’"

"Juleios."

"Hmm?"

"Do you know why those soldiers listen to me?" she asked.

"No," he replied, though he had an idea.

"I had Xilos tell them, ’I am Juleios woman.’ Your reputation in the mercenary army is so high that they wouldn’t dare to disrespect me. And when one soldier tried to harass me, I had Helpus delay his treatment until last. His screams lasted well into the night. I think it served as a good warning." Her voice softened. "Juleios... do you think I’m..."

"You handled it wonderfully—better than I could have expected," Juleios said, burying his face in her golden hair. "Xilos won’t be able to stay in the medical camp forever, and Helpus is more focused on improving medical techniques. I want you to manage the camp."

"What? You want me to manage the medical camp?!" Cristoia exclaimed, her eyes a mix of shock and delight.

"Didn’t you say before that you helped your father manage the slaves on his estate in Miletus while he was busy with politics? Your performance in the medical camp shows you’re more than capable of managing this small team," Juleios said. Coming from a modern society that valued gender equality, he didn’t share the Greeks’ traditional view of confining women to the household. "Of course, Helpus will still be the official medical officer to maintain appearances, but in practice, you’ll be in charge."

"Juleios!" Cristoia threw her arms around him. "I’m so glad I followed you!"

"Don’t get too excited just yet—you have a mission. Convince the doctors from other camps who come to help to stay permanently. Do the same with the injured soldiers helping out," Juleios said, gently patting her back.

"Yes, Leader!" she replied with a playful salute. After putting on her chiton, she added, "I understand why you want to expand the medical camp—there’s clearly a shortage of staff. But why do you want to keep those injured soldiers?"

Juleios couldn’t reveal the deep insecurity he felt since arriving in this foreign world. The more soldiers he commanded, the more secure he felt. Instead, he offered a partial truth: "The road home is long, and we don’t know how many challenges we’ll face. It’s safer to lead soldiers ourselves than to rely on others. They’ll also perform better under our command."

Hearing this, Cristoia gazed at his youthful face in silence. This was a man of ambition and confidence. For a fleeting moment, his face overlapped with that of Darius the Younger in her mind, sending a shiver of fear through her. She stepped closer and tightly grasped Juleios hand.