The Rise Of An Empire In Ancient Europe-Chapter 164: The Spy

As Arsines spotted Philesius lingering outside the atrium, he immediately straightened and called out with respect, "Lord Philesius!"

Philesius waved off the formality with a kind smile. "This is home; just call me Uncle."

"Uncle Philesius!" Arsines replied dutifully.

Nearby, Melisander hesitated, his voice barely above a murmur as he muttered, "Father." Though he had begun addressing Philesius as such, the word still felt foreign on his tongue.

Philesius, ignoring the awkwardness, placed a reassuring hand on his son’s shoulder. "I watched your sparring with Arsines just now. Your strength and speed are impressive, but experience—especially on the battlefield—still eludes you. Once you’ve seen a few campaigns, you’ll understand the difference."

Melisander’s eyes lit up with determination. "But I have to be eighteen to go to war! Father, can’t you speak with Lord Juleios again—"

Philesius cut him off sternly. "You’ve tried several times already! Lord Juleios upholds military law rigorously. He won’t make exceptions, not even for you."

Frustration clouded Melisander’s face as he clenched his fists and struck a nearby column, the dull thud echoing in the courtyard.

Turning away from his sulking son, Philesius addressed Arsines. "Tomorrow is the expedition. Are you ready?"

Arsines beamed with excitement. "Uncle, I can’t wait to fight under Lord Juleios’ banner, defeat the Lucanians, and capture their cities!"

Philesius chuckled faintly. "Tomorrow, Lord Juleios won’t be leading the army. He’ll remain in Thurii to oversee alliance affairs and guard against Crotonian threats."

Arsines blinked in surprise. "Then who will command the army?"

Philesius gave a faint smile but said nothing.

"Father, is it you?!" Melisander exclaimed, his voice filled with astonishment and pride.

A sense of pride swelled within Philesius. In that moment, his earlier doubts and nerves vanished. Determination solidified within him—he would lead this campaign to victory, for his family, his city, and his own honor.

The Dawn of the Campaign

Before the sun had risen, a disciplined column of four thousand soldiers stood assembled outside Thurii’s northern gate. Soldiers from the Second, Third, and Seventh Brigades joined ranks with the newly formed Lucanian Brigade. For the first time, Juleios, the architect of this army, would not lead the campaign. And for the soldiers, it would be their first battle without their steadfast commander.

To instill confidence, Juleios mounted his steed and rode along the lines. His eyes swept over the ranks of men, and he called out, his voice firm yet inspiring: "Brothers, I await the news of your victory! By the time you return, Thurii’s triumphal arch will be complete. A triumph will be held in your honor, and the entire Alliance will celebrate your achievements!"

The soldiers, though instructed to remain silent, couldn’t contain the surge of pride and resolve sparked by his words.

Nearby, officers from the First Brigade exchanged banter with their departing comrades. "If it weren’t for us bearing the weight of defending the Alliance, you wouldn’t have the chance to march on Niutum! And now you’ll even get a triumph!" Beneath their jesting lay an undercurrent of envy that spurred the departing officers to prove themselves worthy of such honors.

When Juleios reached the Lucanian Brigade, he dismounted and saluted solemnly. "Congratulations, Lucanian brothers! You are about to become full citizens of the Thurii Alliance. From this day forth, we are one family!"

The Lucanian warriors, who had bonded with their Greek counterparts through shared training and spirited olive-ball games, responded in unison with the Alliance’s military salute—a symbol of their commitment. Juleios, observing their discipline, felt a surge of satisfaction.

Taking a crimson banner adorned with the bronze image of the god of death, Juleios handed it to Bagul. Though most Lucanians couldn’t read the Greek lettering, the banner’s symbolism was unmistakable. For Bagul, however, the inscription—"First Legion, Fourth Brigade"—was clear. This recognition of their status moved him deeply.

"Rest assured, Legion Commander," Bagul said, his voice steady with resolve. "The Fourth Brigade will fulfill its mission and inspire more Lucanians to join the Alliance!"

Juleios thumped his chest in a gesture of camaraderie. "Good! I trust you!"

Turning to Philesius, Juleios placed a hand on the new commander’s shoulder. "The success of this campaign rests with you now."

Suppressing his nerves, Philesius responded with a crisp salute. "I won’t let you down."

As the command to march rang out, the army advanced westward, the rhythm of their boots resonating with purpose. Juleios stood watching, his gaze lingering as the column disappeared into the horizon.

Shadows of Intrigue

While the army marched, Thurii’s fields stirred with murmurs of astonishment. Farmers, slaves, and prospective citizens paused their work, marveling at the sight of the Alliance’s military might on the move.

Unbeknownst to them, the Crotonian spy Telatus observed the scene from the cover of nearby bushes. He estimated the size of the force before casually making his way toward the port, blending into the flow of freemen and merchants.

Telatus, however, was unaware that he himself was being observed. Two Alliance agents, concealed in the distance, exchanged hushed words.

"Brother, he’s gathering intelligence again. We should capture him now before he reports back!"

"No, remember Arsistatus’ instructions. We mustn’t act prematurely. Let’s report to him first."

The two agents hurried to Arsistatus’ residence, only to discover he had already joined the expedition.

One of the slaves at the door interrupted their frantic deliberations. "Are you Aristiras?"

"I am," the taller of the two answered.

"You’re in luck. My master left instructions that, if urgent matters arise, you are to report directly to Lord Juleios."

The two men exchanged a glance before rushing to Juleios’ residence.

A Calculated Plan

Juleios received the report with calm detachment, his sharp eyes studying the two men. Aristiras stood tall and composed, while his shorter companion, Antilapolis, fidgeted nervously.

"Do you know why I haven’t ordered the capture of this Crotonian spy?" Juleios asked abruptly.

Antilapolis stammered, but Aristiras answered with measured confidence. "I believe, my lord, that you have a purpose for allowing him to act. Perhaps the intelligence he gathers serves a broader strategy."

A glimmer of approval flashed in Juleios’ gaze. "You are perceptive, Aristiras. Arsistatus spoke highly of your intellect, and now I see why. This Crotonian spy believes himself unnoticed, and in his haste, he will deliver only what we wish Croton to know."

Juleios paused, letting his words sink in. "Gentlemen, the success of our Alliance lies not just in battle but in the subtle art of strategy. Watch carefully, for in time, you will learn what it truly means to wield power."

Updat𝒆d fr𝑜m fr𝒆ewebnove(l).com