The Rise Of An Empire In Ancient Europe
Chapter 78 Before the Battle

Chapter 78: Chapter 78 Before the Battle

The light of dawn cast a golden hue upon the rolling plains, where wildflowers trembled in the gentle breeze and birds flitted through the endless azure sky. But the serene beauty of late April 399 BC belied the storm of war gathering on the Sybaris Plain. Scouts patrolled tirelessly, their silhouettes mere flickers on the horizon as tension suffused the air, thick and unrelenting.

Within the heart of the camp, a decisive conversation unfolded. Bourkos, his voice steady yet expectant, broke the silence. "Go ahead and speak!"

Juleios’s gaze was unwavering, his tone calm but imbued with confidence that spoke of countless battles won. "I will take the left flank, with Tarantum securing the right, and Thurii holding the center—this arrangement shall remain unchanged. However, I propose that all 2,000 mercenaries from Adriankes, Adras, and Sesta, along with 200 cavalry, be assigned to my command on the left flank. With this force of over 4,000 infantry and 200 cavalry, I will strike the enemy’s right flank swiftly and decisively. Once broken, we will join the center to encircle and annihilate the Lucanian middle forces. Victory will then be but a matter of time."

Bourkos’s brow furrowed slightly as he weighed the audacity of the plan. "Are you certain that, with 2,000 mercenaries and 200 cavalry under your command, you can rout the enemy in the shortest time?"

Juleios’s expression did not falter. "No general can guarantee the outcome of a battle before the first clash of steel. Unexpected factors will always arise. But in my judgment, this strategy offers a significantly higher chance of success compared to the current plan." His voice was resolute, each word spoken with the conviction of one who had dedicated his life to the art of war.

Bourkos was silent for a long moment, the weight of Juleios’s words pressing upon him. Finally, he sighed and spoke in a low voice. "The generals believe their plan has a greater likelihood of success. Nevertheless, I will convey your suggestion to General Pheres and the General Executive Committee. They will decide whether to adopt it."

A trace of disappointment flickered across Juleios’s face but was quickly replaced by his usual composure. "If I cannot have the 2,000 mercenaries, I must at least be granted the 200 cavalry."

Bourkos shook his head with a rueful smile. "Dividing the cavalry equally between the flanks is a long-standing military tradition, as you well know. Furthermore, half of the cavalry are Tarantines. They will not abandon their compatriots to bolster your flank."

Juleios’s mind churned as he absorbed this response. He paced briefly, the embers of determination burning brighter in his eyes. "How effective is the Tarantine reinforcement force?"

"Quite formidable," Bourkos replied. "Archytas himself has twice led them to repel the Messapians—a tribe as fierce as the Lucanians."

"Archytas..." Juleios murmured the name thoughtfully. After a moment, his gaze sharpened. "In that case, assign all 200 cavalry to the right flank."

Bourkos blinked, startled. "Are you speaking out of frustration?"

Juleios stopped pacing and fixed Bourkos with a piercing stare. "To me, war is not a game of egos. It determines the rise and fall of city-states and the fate of countless lives. That is why I have thrown myself wholly into this conflict, which holds little direct consequence for me, with neither selfishness nor carelessness. Can the same be said of the Thurian generals? Have they taken the time to fully understand the composition of the Lucanian coalition forces? Have they unified their troops through rigorous training to ensure seamless cooperation in battle?" His voice rose as he unleashed a torrent of pointed questions, each one cutting through the air like a blade.

Bourkos, caught off guard, shifted uncomfortably. Yet he saw the earnest passion in Juleios’s outburst and knew it was born of genuine concern. After a moment’s hesitation, he nodded decisively. "Juleios, rest assured. Once I have visited Drakos’s camp, I will immediately return to convey your proposal to Phrynis and plead for it to be given the consideration it deserves."

With that, Bourkos departed, leaving Juleios deep in thought. Summoning his lieutenant, Asistes, he spoke with urgency. "How are the brothers progressing with climbing stone walls using the grappling hooks?"

Asistes’s face lit with pride. "They’ve mastered the technique. With the hooks you designed, they scale walls with ease."

Juleios allowed himself a rare smile. "Excellent. Go to the market immediately and inform Mariji that I require 20 additional grappling hook sets. Urge the blacksmiths to complete them within two days."

"Understood. I’ll see to it at once."

The morning sun bathed the Sybaris Plain in a radiant glow. Wildflowers stretched toward the light, their delicate forms swaying in the breeze. Yet the beauty of the day was overshadowed by the grim specter of war. Scouts moved like shadows along the hills, ever watchful for signs of the Lucanian advance.

In the mercenary camp, Juleios convened his officers. Hieronymus, Antonios, Kapus, Hironius, Agassias—all gathered around him, their expressions solemn as they awaited his words.

"The Lucanian army is advancing toward Thurii," Juleios began, his voice steady but brimming with resolve. "We have been summoned to join forces with the Thurians. Brothers, the moment has come to show the world the might of the Greek expeditionary army!"

A resounding "Hah!" erupted from the officers, their spirits lifted by his unwavering confidence.

"Xilos," Juleios continued, "you will lead the fifth heavy infantry unit. Alpensus, you will command the third light infantry unit—composed of mercenaries from Byzantium, including archers and slingers. You’ll remain here to guard the camp against potential raids from Amendolara. The rest will march with me."

The officers saluted, their voices unified. "Understood!"

When the Thurian army finally emerged from their city, they found Juleios’s mercenaries already assembled. The sight of the Greeks—some lounging, others idly chatting—drew a sneer from Kounogolata. "So this is the Greek expeditionary army? They look more like a rabble. Squatting and lying about, their spears discarded carelessly. What a waste of coin."

Phrynis ignored the remark, preoccupied with the battle ahead. But a young man nearby, his voice steady and sure, spoke up. "The messenger we sent has barely returned, yet these men are already prepared. Their discipline is evident in their swift mobilization. As for their behavior, conserving energy before battle is a mark of experience. I have no doubt they will hold the left flank admirably."

Kounogolata fell silent, begrudgingly acknowledging the wisdom in the youth’s words.

At that moment, Juleios, accompanied by Bourkos, rode forward to greet the Thurian generals. "General Pheres," Juleios said with solemnity, "I, Juleios, leader of the mercenaries, offer you my sword."

Pheres studied the young leader, his expression softening. "Though I heard of you from Bourkos, your youth still surprises me. Thank you for standing with Thurii. Today, we fight as one."

Juleios inclined his head. "As you wish, General Pheres." Turning to Kounogolata, he added, "Salutations, General Kounogolata."

Kounogolata’s tone was more measured than before. "Your proposal was bold—so bold it tempted me. But the generals deemed it too risky. I hope you’ll understand."

"A soldier’s foremost duty is to obey orders," Juleios replied with a faint smile. "Rest assured, I will follow your command."

Archytas of Tarantum, his eyes bright with intelligence, stepped forward. "Leader Juleios, I’ve long admired the legendary Greek expeditionary army. Meeting you today has not disappointed me."

Juleios returned the greeting. "The honor is mine, General Archytas. I believe mathematics and warfare are deeply intertwined. Each soldier is a point, each formation a line. Victory lies in their precise arrangement."

Archytas beamed. "A fascinating perspective! Perhaps after the battle, we can discuss it further."

Phrynis interrupted gently. "Come, we must clarify our roles and prepare for the task ahead."

The leaders gathered, their voices steady as they prepared to shape the fate of the Sybaris Plain.