Rome Must Perish

Maximus leaned forward and looked. The area Quintus pointed to was near the northern edge of Gonami Lake, situated on the west bank of the Sava River. It bore the mark of a Segestica Tribe, below which was a small note reading "more than 1000 people." This was not an exact number, indicating that the tribe had not yet been stationed by the Centurion of the First Legion. This number was merely their population prior to the war, provided by Casinos and others. Following the war and possible escapes, it was certain that the tribe's current population was less than 1000.

Regardless, it was a small tribe, suitable for transforming into a camp and convenient for relocating its limited population to other villages.

Maximus thought for a moment and asked, "Is your choice of this riverside tribe for ease of transporting supplies and soldiers from Ophelia to this camp in the future?"

"Yes, leader," Quintus explained earnestly. "You previously mentioned to me that the Gonami Lake Region had special terrain. The people there used to be a thorn in the side for the Segestica Tribe. To conquer them would require considerable effort and time. Rather than marching into the Gonami Lake Region for now, or even pushing into Brochi territory, it would be wiser to temporarily use the Gonami Lake Region as a buffer zone between us and the Brochi people...

Since we won't advance further into Gonami Lake or Brochi territory in the short term, it might be prudent to invest extra effort into turning this tribe into a strong military camp. Normally, only several hundred soldiers and a small cavalry unit would be needed here to monitor the southern activities. If the southern Segestica people attempt to disturb our villages, this camp can dispatch troops to repel them immediately. Meanwhile, if Brochi or Mazi troops advance northward to attack, the camp can defend itself and delay the enemy's assault, buying us time to gather our forces for a counterattack.

This camp's location along the Sava River makes it convenient for transporting soldiers and grain via water routes, reducing food consumption and ensuring the camp won't be entirely surrounded by enemies, thereby cutting us off from communication."

Maximus looked at the map and contemplated for a moment before saying, "Building a military camp here is feasible, but first we need to relocate the villagers. Arrange for an emergency meeting in the Political Affairs Hall later to discuss this matter and finalize the plan...

Once the villagers are moved, direct the First Legion to dispatch 2000 soldiers to quickly overhaul this village. Meanwhile, your Military Department should swiftly draft a plan—how many soldiers will be stationed at this camp? From which units will they be reassigned? What's the rotation schedule? ... Submit your troop deployment plan to me for review and authorization."

"Yes, leader."

"By the way, has the fleet you mentioned last time been established?"

"Initial preparations are complete. The fleet consists of 80 ships, averaging about six sailors per ship, a total of 500 men. Among them, 80 are Third Legion soldiers with previous experience as sailors, and they have now been assigned as captains of each vessel.

The crew members are newly integrated Skodisqi slaves, all of whom have extensive experience following their owners during years spent fishing or transporting goods along the Sava River.

The fleet commander is Anfeltaas from the Third Legion. He has already reported this situation to you."

"Yes, I remember," Maximus said, stroking his chin.

Anfeltaas, originally a Centurion of the Third Legion, was once a slave sailor from Campania. Having earned notable battle merits in the past, he proactively requested to join the fleet and take charge as its commander upon learning of its formation.

While sailing at sea and navigating river routes are vastly different, as are naval battles and river skirmishes, it's still preferable to have someone with prior experience steering the fleet than someone inexperienced. Moreover, Anfeltaas's enthusiasm ensures he will actively study riverine combat tactics... Thus, Maximus agreed to let him command the fleet and entrusted him with safeguarding the Nix Tribe's waterway security on the Sava River Plain.

Quintus added, "In recent days, Anfeltaas has been leading the fleet on shifts to patrol the Ophelia waterway day and night, ensuring the safety of the Public Works Department's bridge construction."

"Understood," Maximus nodded before asking, "How is the situation up north today?"

"Still no movement," Quintus replied.

"Quintus, what do you think is the reason behind the northern Segestica Tribe's prolonged calm?" Maximus asked again.

What sparked his interest in the northern situation was current intelligence suggesting that within the fragmented Segestica Territory, the area north of Ophelia was the only region capable of fielding 2000 to 3000 warriors.

After confirming the authenticity of this information, Maximus and the various departmental chief officers grew tense. If northern Segestica tribes deployed their warriors to disrupt the territory controlled by the Nix Tribe, it would severely hinder construction and development in the occupied villages. As such, Third Legion soldiers stationed within Ophelia Western Fortress have remained vigilant, prepared to strike northward at a moment's notice.

Additionally, should northern Segestica tribes dispatch ships downstream, they could pose a considerable threat to the Nix Tribe's bridge-building operations. This prompted Quintus to quickly assemble a fleet to guard against northern enemy vessels from infiltrating.

Despite Maximus's painstaking efforts to guard against northern Segestica forces, the anticipated threat remained conspicuously absent, leaving him to question the reasoning.

"Leader, I believe the continuous tranquility of the northern Segestica tribes is due to their fear of the Yabod people," Quintus analyzed. "According to Casinos, the northern region of Segestica Territory borders the Yabod people, who used to frequently invade and loot Segestica lands. When Andres became the Great Chief, he immediately led troops northward to attack the Yabod people.

The Yabod suffered a crushing defeat, losing portions of the flatlands along the upper reaches of the Sava River to Andres. Since then, the Yabod people have avoided conflict with Segestica, but that doesn't mean they've forgotten their grudge.

Recently, when Cabdes assembled forces to attack us, he refrained from demanding additional warriors from the northern Segestica tribes. Allegedly, they had learned of abnormal movements among the Yabod people and were compelled to conserve strength for northern security.

Now that Segestica's central forces have been obliterated and its core region occupied by us, northern Segestica tribes are likely trembling in fear. If the Yabod people were to raid them, they would be left without reinforcements and forced to confront a ruthless enemy alone...

Under such dire circumstances, these tribes likely wouldn't dare provoke us further. Instead, they might hope we avoid attacking them, maintaining the current calm to keep the Yabod people in check."

"Your analysis is quite reasonable," Maximus began pacing and reflected aloud: "... It's plausible that the northern Segestica people and some newly integrated Segestica Tribe foreign auxiliaries share the same naive hope—that the Pannonian Tribe Alliance will drive us out, allowing them to reclaim Segestica Territory and restore their sense of security..."

Maximus chuckled coldly twice: "Still, this period of relative peace in the surrounding areas will allow us to complete our annexation and consolidation of Segestica's core region! ... Quintus, in recent years, the Yabod people have coexisted peacefully with Segestica, but now they are exhibiting unexpected movements. Do you think the Yabod people are aware of Segestica's repeated defeats and impending collapse?"

"The Yabod people only border a small portion of Segestica Territory to the northwest, with the rest divided by numerous mountain ranges. Their two tribes are also enemies with no interaction. If the Segestica people were intent on sealing off information, then the Yabod people would likely remain unaware of Segestica's internal situation. Should they truly know of Segestica's plight, it's likely they would have already launched a full-scale invasion into northern Segestica tribes..."

Quintus hesitated momentarily before saying, "However, I think... the Yabod people might have vague suspicions, prompting them to make tentative moves. Leader, last year, a group of Scodisqi slaves we rescued formed a squad that roamed Segestica's lands for several months. Eventually, Segestica organized forces to encircle them, driving them out of Segestica's core region and into the northern mountains. Is it possible they made contact with the Yabod people?"

Quintus's words immediately struck a chord with Maximus, who plunged into deep thought, gradually formulating a new plan. Yet before implementing it, he needed to clarify one thing.

"Marcus, tomorrow ride to Todleduo and ask Legion Commander Torrelugo to find a soldier named Gowes. Ask him if, during his roaming in Segestica Territory with his clansmen last year, he had any contact with the Yabod people. If he says 'yes,' bring him to me."

"Yes, leader!"

..........................................

Today, the central hall within the Aldean Main Camp was filled with elders from subordinate tribes.

In recent days, Alistacas had been leading forces to 'resettle' the lands along the Kolana River. He had been preoccupied with aiding the returning tribesmen in rebuilding their homes. He also negotiated tirelessly with elders from other tribes, urging them to provide resources to help ensure the Kolana River tribes had enough for the winter.

In truth, Cleobrotas had contributed the most effort throughout this process. However, as acting Great Chief of the entire tribe, Alistacas claimed the bulk of recognition for these accomplishments. With the initial resettlement completed, he called for a tribal elder meeting, hoping to use these achievements as leverage to ascend fully to the position of Aldean Great Chief.