Mediterranean Hegemon of Ancient Greece

Chapter 861: Marching West

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Compsa is situated atop the Ofanto River, south of Lake Conza. In contrast to the relatively flat terrain around Compsa and Lake Conza, the upper reaches of the Ofanto River had a somewhat unusual topography with high mountains on the northern bank to the east is high and difficult to climb, while the southern bank is more gentle, which is why the Samnite Tribal Alliance forces gathered in the Compsa area during the South-Italian War to invade Potentia.

It was only the following morning that Xanticles, Polet, and Garni, who were carefully observing the enemy's movement, received a report from the scout: Six to seven thousand Samnite warriors appeared in the mountains to the north and marched southeast.

With Compsa being more than fifteen kilometres away from the riverbend, the army only arrived to the west of the riverbend after more than four hours of marching. Seeing the terrain on the northern bank become more level, Garni made a suggestion just as Xanticles was about to order his army to cross the Ofanto River and move towards the northern bank.

Polet expressed his opposition without explaining his reason and only winked at Xanticles. He didn't trust the Abellinum people to be left alone, afraid they would go and tell the enemy.

Half an hour after the Abellinum army's departure, the Potentian army began crossing the river…

Alexius' expression eased up a little after listening to the trio's explanation; after all, the battle's final result proved that their actions were correct. Thus, after looking at the sky, he said, “We should immediately lead the army back to the camp to the south as it would soon be dusk so that the soldiers could rest after fighting the whole day.”

Xanticles was staring at the mountains to the east when he suddenly asked, “What's your plan for tomorrow? Take Aquilonia first? But it seems it wouldn't be easy to attack it.”

After observing that Aquilonia showed no signs of movement even after the Samnite army arrived and surrounded the Theonian army, giving them the opportunity to encircle them, Alexius concluded that Aquilonia didn't have many defenders.

Xanticles naturally agreed, with only Garni being lost in his thoughts.

Garni hurriedly explained after coming back to his senses, “I was wondering if I could persuade Aquilonia to surrender because we have captured a few people from Aquilonia from the previously captured Hirpini warriors(because of its proximity to Dauni and Peuceti; they naturally contributed the most during the previous attack on Dauni). Moreover, they've once again witnessed the Samnite army's defeat…I know the chieftain of Aquilonia, and he's an old man who doesn't care about friendship but only about strength-”

“In the current situation, there is a high possibility for the people of Aquilonia to surrender,”

This wasn't Alexius acting on his own initiative. In fact, after the Ministry of Military briefed the five rotating speakers on the attack plan, they seriously considered the issue of ‘What if some Samnite towns seek to surrender to the kingdom?’ Understanding that most of the towns in the Samnite mountains had poor environmental conditions and limited output, they decided to allow the Samnites to manage their own affairs rather than drain the kingdom's resources by directly incorporating them. For example, Aquilonia, due to its high altitude, limited transportation options, and only relying on herding for its livelihood, had made most of the Theonian statesmen and officials hesitant to take up positions as Aquilonia's praetor and civil servants.

“Wait!” Polet stopped him and said, “I suggest to bring this with you when persuading the Aquilonians!”

Upon closer inspection, Garni couldn't help but gasp for breath. He recognised the deceased; it was Usebek, the chieftain of the Caudini tribe. Usebek had held a high reputation among the Caudini and was a strong contender for the position of Caudini's great chieftain. However, he had voluntarily withdrawn from the competition against Segobani.

Alexius immediately spoke while Garni remained silent, “I think this is a great idea.”

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

Alexius felt overjoyed and immediately comforted the Aquilonians with good words, promising that Theonia would soon release the previously captured Aquilonian warriors once they arrived in Thurii.

And thus, they passed the evening uneventful.

Here, Alexius dispatched two thousand soldiers to escort the captives while bringing the Aquilonian hostages back to Thurii. In addition, he also discussed the supply and transportation of military rations with the praetor of Compsa, Kesima.

In the afternoon, the Theonian joint army left Compsa, bypassed Lake Conza, marched northwest and entered Abellinum by dusk.

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

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