The Rise Of An Empire In Ancient Europe
Chapter 72 The Objective

Chapter 72: Chapter 72 The Objective

"Is Castrolon a large city?" Asistes asked curiously.

The guide shook his head and replied, "No, it’s a small city, built by the former Sybarites. Now, it’s independent."

Hearing this, Juleios gazed southward, deep in thought. "To think that Sybaris once controlled such a vast territory—north to Amendolara and south beyond Castrolon... Such a powerful city-state, yet it was destroyed by Croton, a much smaller rival. It’s a living example of the saying: ’Adversity breeds survival, while comfort brings destruction.’"

After a long silence, Juleios said, "Let’s return."

When the guide had left, Juleios turned to Asistes and Ledes and asked, "Have you ever seen what happens when a hunting dog confronts a bear?"

Both shook their heads. Bears did not exist in mainland Greece, and it was only after arriving in the Lucanian mountains that they realized such strong creatures roamed the land.

Juleios explained, "The dog’s fur bristles, its sharp teeth bare, and it barks loudly, all while assuming a threatening posture. But deep down, it knows it can’t defeat the bear. It’s all an act to show the bear that it’s not to be trifled with."

Asistes, ever perceptive, quickly made the connection. "Leader, are you saying... that the Lucanians in Amendolara are like the hunting dog?"

Juleios nodded. "Exactly. The Lucanians tried to scare us off, but instead, they revealed their strength and intentions. From their display, I estimate they have no more than a thousand warriors in the city."

Ledes, now understanding the implications, became visibly excited. "Leader... are you planning to lead us to capture Amendolara?!"

Asistes’ eyes widened in realization. Both men had attended the secret military meetings before their departure to Magna Graecia and were well aware of the mercenary force’s true objectives.

Juleios’ tone turned serious as he addressed them. "Brothers, any plan must remain a secret until it’s executed. If the soldiers catch even a hint of this, the information could spread, even by accident. Thurii might try to stop us, the Lucanians could strengthen their defenses, and other factions might sabotage our plans because no one wants an outside force to take root here. Do you understand me?"

"Understood!" both replied firmly.

"I’ll even cover my mouth while I sleep," Asistes joked, lightening the tension.

Seeing their enthusiasm, Juleios nodded and continued. "Now, I have tasks for both of you. Ledes!"

"Here!"

"Lead your men to monitor the Lucanian camp to the west and the city of Amendolara to the north. I want daily reports. Also, gather as much information as you can about Amendolara’s defenses—every detail matters. But don’t let the Lucanians become suspicious. Can you handle that?"

"I can!" Ledes saluted sharply.

"Asistes!"

"Here!"

"Your job is to secretly find any citizens of Amendolara who might have fled. Once you find them, bring them to our camp quietly. Make sure Thurii doesn’t know about it."

"Understood!"

Meanwhile, Bourkes was listening intently as the guide recounted his time with Juleios. The guide’s description of Juleios’ thorough reconnaissance around Thurii surprised Bourkes. Even Cleandridas, the famed Spartan general who had once served Thurii, had never personally scouted the region with such diligence or taken such risks.

Bourkes couldn’t help but ask, "Moras, what do you think of this Juleios?"

Moras, an Egyptian slave trusted by Bourkes, paused before responding. "Master, Juleios treats people well."

As a slave, Moras often faced disdain from the citizens of Thurii. Yet with Juleios, he had felt none of that condescension. Juleios treated him with respect, speaking to him as an equal and never ordering him around.

Bourkes nodded, agreeing. "For a mercenary, he has remarkable manners."

"And?" Bourkes pressed further.

Moras added, "He’s always thinking, always asking questions. I can’t quite figure him out. He seems... mysterious."

Bourkes found this observation intriguing. He, too, had felt a sense of mystery surrounding Juleios but had dismissed it, attributing it to the young man’s age. Perhaps this was what the mercenaries meant when they called Juleios "the Divine Protégé." Bourkes chuckled at the thought, finding it hard to take such claims seriously.

"And he’s very bold," Moras continued. "He doesn’t seem to fear the Lucanians at all."

"That’s what you’d expect from someone who’s seen the chaos of war," Bourkes replied. "Charging at the front in battle and guarding the rear during retreats—those are the marks of a true general. That’s how Cleandridas operated. But Juleios is only nineteen!"

Bourkes then reflected on his recent visit with Philes to Archytas, a young noble from Tarentum. Despite his youth, Archytas had displayed an impressive intellect, engrossed in mathematical calculations when they arrived. His humility and sincerity had left a strong impression, especially when he pledged full support for Thurii in their fight against the Lucanians.

This promise carried immense weight. Archytas had already led successful campaigns for Tarentum, repelling the fierce Messapians. His soldiers respected him deeply, much like Juleios’ men revered their leader. Bourkes couldn’t help but compare the two young commanders, both brimming with talent. Why, he wondered, didn’t Thurii have such figures? Reflecting on Cleandridas’ son, Achyrodoios, Bourkes felt a pang of disappointment. Suddenly, a thought struck him: What if Thurii granted Juleios citizenship?

A few days later, the mercenary camp was finally completed, allowing the soldiers to rest.

Adrian and Cesta visited Juleios during this time, and he warmly welcomed them. Their conversation was lively, and past tensions were quickly forgotten. As Juleios often said, both mercenary groups were "on the same boat." Only by working together could they complete their mission and return home with their pay.

Even before this meeting, the soldiers from both camps had begun mingling. Adrian’s men were curious about the famed Greek expeditionary army, while Juleios’ men found kinship with their counterparts, many of whom were fellow Ionians. This camaraderie deepened as soldiers from both sides helped build each other’s camps, forging bonds in the unfamiliar land.

Juleios and Adrian even agreed to construct a passageway connecting their camps, ensuring mutual support in times of need. Though both leaders understood that Adrian’s inexperienced troops were more likely to need help, Juleios readily agreed to the arrangement, solidifying their alliance.

When Adrian and Cesta departed, they expressed sincere gratitude and respect for Juleios.

As they left, one soldier pointed toward Juleios and said proudly, "Look, that’s our leader, Juleios the Divine Protégé!"

Another soldier, from Adrian’s camp, asked in surprise, "That’s Juleios? He’s so young!"

"What does age matter? Several Persian generals fell to his sword. When he charges, he’s like a lion—so fierce that even Spartans fear him! Didn’t you see how respectful your leaders were toward him?" the soldier replied proudly.

Another soldier chimed in, "And Juleios treats his men incredibly well! Even if you’re severely injured, he won’t abandon you. I was hit by a Persian arrow once. My body burned like fire, and I thought I’d die, but Juleios pulled me back from the brink of death." He pulled up his shirt to reveal a scar, wearing it like a badge of honor.

Hearing this, the soldier from Adrian’s camp said with admiration, "I wish Juleios were our commander!"