The Rise Of An Empire In Ancient Europe-Chapter 165: Stepping Onto Lucanian Territory

"Of course, otherwise, we wouldn’t have found him so easily," Antilapolis answered eagerly, his enthusiasm almost brimming over.

Yet Aristiras, his sharper instincts tingling, pondered the deeper meaning behind Juleios’ words.

Juleios shifted his gaze to Aristiras, his expression hardening as he spoke. "This Crotonian spy simply wasn’t skilled enough. A true operative doesn’t just gather timely, accurate intelligence or verify its authenticity. They create chaos within the enemy’s ranks, sow discord, disrupt unity, and strike at vital infrastructure—city walls, shipyards, armories—all to ensure their city-state’s victory. Such individuals are the shadow warriors of the Thurii Alliance."

The weight of Juleios’ vision bore down on the two brothers, leaving them momentarily silent. Their thoughts raced, and Juleios seized the moment to press further.

"Aristiras, are you willing to take charge of such an organization? To build and lead a covert unit of exceptional skill, one that will secure our Alliance’s future in ways unseen?"

The proposition struck like a bolt of lightning, leaving both brothers stunned.

Antilapolis could barely contain his excitement, nudging his brother insistently, while Aristiras, though inwardly electrified, maintained a calm exterior. His hesitation was brief but significant. "But Assistes..."

Juleios nodded as though expecting this. "Assistes has been entrusted with an important task elsewhere. The leadership of this organization now falls to you, Aristiras."

Inhaling deeply, Aristiras straightened and declared with resolve, "I am willing to serve you, my lord!"

Croton Takes Notice

Half a day later, in the great halls of Croton, Chief General Milon received urgent intelligence from one of his spies: at dawn, a force of approximately 4,000 troops had marched westward from Thurii.

Milon’s brows furrowed as he processed the report. The direction west could mean only one thing—an advance into Lucanian territory. But where? Was Thurii targeting Laos or Niutum?

Excitement flickered in Milon’s chest. While the Lucanians were fierce and numerous, they had been humbled before by Thurii’s forces. Surely, though, even that audacious young consul could not hope to replicate his past triumphs with a mere 4,000 men? Could the Thurii Alliance withstand the consequences of a protracted conflict with all the Lucanian tribes?

The prospect of the Alliance overreaching itself filled Milon with a certain malicious glee. Perhaps Croton need not wait for the peace treaty to expire, he thought. The Lucanians might bring the fight to Thurii’s gates themselves. It’s time to prepare for the chaos to come.

Into the Mountains

Meanwhile, the Alliance’s army reached the threshold of the mountain pass that led into Lucanian lands. Here, the Thurii Alliance had established a rudimentary outpost, manned by three rotating sentries. Should danger arise, a beacon fire would alert Thurii to prepare for war.

Izam’s forest reconnaissance team had already scouted ahead, ensuring the pass was secure. With the all-clear given, the main force began its arduous trek into the mountains.

The trail ahead was narrow and treacherous, accommodating no more than four men abreast at its widest points. Steep ridges loomed on either side, their faces thick with towering trees. The path itself was a grueling ascent, strewn with loose rocks that tested the soldiers’ balance with every step.

A grim jest circulated among the ranks: If the enemy rolls a single boulder down this path, it could crush our entire expedition.

The autumn heat of Magna Graecia lingered in the air, oppressive even in the mountains. The trail was alive with threats—snakes slithered among the undergrowth, insects swarmed relentlessly, and wolves prowled unseen ridges. Laden with nearly 50 kilograms of rations, weapons, and equipment, the soldiers pushed forward, sweat pouring from their brows. To falter here risked more than humiliation—it could mean being left behind to face the mountains’ savage dangers alone.

At night, the inhospitable terrain offered no respite. With no proper campsite, the soldiers slept along the trail itself, fires flickering every ten meters to stave off the biting cold. Yet even the flames couldn’t fully banish the chill of the mountains or the lurking creatures. By morning, some awoke to find themselves uncomfortably close to hedgehogs, badgers, or, worse, venomous snakes.

Despite the hardships, a singular thought spurred them on: Capture Niutum, and let this march end in victory!

A Dangerous Intersection

After two grueling nights, the army began its descent. Acting on Bagul’s advice, Philesius ordered a slower pace to preserve their strength. Izam’s team, ever vigilant, pressed ahead, slipping through the shadows toward the mountain pass’s exit.

Izam himself darted beyond the outpost under cover of darkness, bound for Laos to meet Avinogis and relay the army’s progress.

Intrigue in Laos

In Laos, the tribal leader Tula felt a rare sense of ease. Avinogis had at last agreed to relocate his tribe to Niutum, and preparations for the move were well underway. Tula, who had long resented Avinogis’ defiance, relished the thought of his rival finally ceding control.

The next morning, Tula received word that Avinogis’ first caravan had already departed for Niutum. His laughter echoed through the hall. "Foolish Avinogis! If you had moved your entire tribe at once, Ram and his warriors wouldn’t have dared interfere. But now..."

Betrayal at the Pass

At the mountain pass’s exit, Alobumas led the first caravan into the outpost. The sentries, greedy for bribes, eagerly extorted payment. Alobumas complied without hesitation, his calm masking a brewing storm.

Once inside, he unleashed a swift and brutal attack, killing the ten Niutum warriors before they could raise the alarm. Hidden within the caravan, Izam’s team quickly secured the area, signaling the approaching army to advance.

When Bagul and the Lucanian Brigade arrived, Alobumas stared in astonishment. "I heard Thurii had a Lucanian force, but I never imagined it was this large!" he exclaimed in his native tongue. frёeweɓηovel_coɱ

Bagul responded in Greek, his grin widening. "May Asinu bless our cooperation!"

A Fateful Encounter

Not far away, a scout sent by Tula observed the caravan lingering suspiciously at the outpost. His unease turned to horror as he glimpsed Greek soldiers in armor emerging from the wagons.

"Avinogis has betrayed us! He’s working with the Greeks!"

Panicked, the scout fled toward Laos to warn his people. But Avinogis, anticipating such a scenario, had stationed guards along the route. The scout was swiftly captured, ensuring Tula remained oblivious to the storm about to engulf Niutum.

Dust clouds rose in the distance, heralding the Thurii Alliance’s advance. At its head, the soldiers marched with determination, their sights set firmly on their goal.

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