The wise elders such as Kunogolata and Cornerus all stood by, and the others did not come forward to answer.
Davos continued: "Then look to the north of Neutum, which is full of Lucanian territory, as well as several large towns, Grummentum, Pixis, Potenti. Asia and Caracas, it is said that the total population is more than 100,000 people, which is several times our population. Although they are still fighting with each other, when the Greeks occupied their traditional territories and threatened their own security , will they unite against us? Even if we defeat them, if they just dig into the mountains, we will have nothing to do, but will only make the Lucanians hate us even more, and they are familiar with every Mountains and rivers, they will change their tactics, quietly attack our citizens who farm and graze, sneak attacks on our baggage and caravans, the output of Niutum can not support a large number of people. We are small there, Lucca There are so many people in Leah, we can't conquer them, they will devour us. What should we do?"
Davos sneered when he saw that someone was hesitant to say anything, and said with a sneer: "Some people may say, 'Isn't there still Laos? They will help us!' Yes, Laos is our ally. But when our ally leader When I asked them again and again for military support and material assistance, it might be okay at the beginning, but after a long time, do you think that Laos will look down on our strength and have other thoughts?! Forgetting that Avinogis is not a pure Greek and has never worked with a Greek before, we cannot hope that he will always stick to the covenant!"
Davos paused for a while to give everyone a time to think, and then continued: "So we can only continue to transport food from Turii and Amendolara and increase soldiers to Niutum, not to mention the difficulty of the mountain road. Go, the war costs a lot. Do you think it makes sense to continuously invest and consume the precious manpower and material resources of the Tua Alliance into a city that does not get any benefits?! Besides, there is a powerful Crotone ready to take revenge at any time. !"
"Then we are going to attack Niutum, what are we doing to provoke the Lucanians?" Bulcos listened to Davos's words and began to retreat.
"Everyone here should be impressed. The Lucanians have invaded Turii many times. Although they suffered a defeat this time, they have a large population. If they don't attack it, weaken it, or wait for it. After regaining its strength, it will definitely invade us again, of course we want to keep them out of the alliance territory, not to let the war burn on our own land and destroy our hard-working farmland and houses!" Alexis Sis stood up to answer.
"Can the Lukarians help us stabilize Niutum and solve the difficulties mentioned by the consul?" At this time, Skombras stood up and asked.
A faint smile appeared on the corner of Davos' mouth: "First of all, Weisba and the others are Lucanians. After defeating Niutum, it will help us stabilize the emotions of the residents in the city. Lucanians There are also rich and poor, we will capture those stubborn rich and warriors, turn them into slaves, distribute the captured cattle and sheep to the poor, and let a mixed team of Greeks and Lucanians take charge of the whole building. City. At the same time, there are strong tribes and weak tribes in the Lucania tribal union. Some tribes, like Vespas, are unwilling to join the city-state, but they are wandering around because of the war and it is difficult to survive. We can Markets are set up on the border of Niutum, and we use our pots, iron products and other goods to attract those poor tribes to exchange cattle, sheep, furs, game, etc., and give them appropriate help when necessary. long, they will be happy to be close to us. In this way we not only facilitate our trade, and provide food for the soldiers stationed there, but also divide the strength of the Lucanians.
You must ask me why the Lucanians believe in us Greeks and are willing to be close to us? Davos said aloud: "Because Vespa, Bagul, they are there, they are involved in the management of every matter." In the eyes of the Lucanians, Bagule still worships the gods of Lucania, maintains the traditional customs of the Lucanians, and is still the real Lucanians! But they were citizens of the Tua Union, dressed in fancy dress, drank fine wine, lived in comfortable houses... Their way of life was bound to arouse the envy of Lucarians and eventually lead to other Lucarians willing to too Join our alliance! "
"But if the Lucanians like Bagul who have only been in the alliance for half a year are released to the land they are familiar with, what if they defect?" Stromglass asked.
"If we give them citizenship, Vespas, Baghule, the senator, we treat them as our own, and let them live in a place far beyond the reach of a Lucanian Among the civilizations, this is the splendid culture created by our ancestors with hard work and wisdom from generation to generation! I firmly believe that they will be assimilated by us, not us by the ignorant and backward them! Of course, there are also rebels. Slight possibility, but I think the risk is worth taking! Because if we fail, we only lose over a thousand slaves and delay the attack on Lucania; but if we succeed, we will get the vast land of Lucania And a population of hundreds of thousands of Lucania. With all this, do we still worry about Crotone?! No, Crotone is just a small stone on the way forward for our alliance, we can easily kick him out , we will be greeted by a wider world!"
Davos' last passionate speech made the hearts of the elders surge, and they began to whisper to each other excitedly.
Davos took the opportunity to announce: temporarily adjourn.
He then sought out two city administrators, Kunogorata and Cornerus, and hoped that they would take the lead in supporting his proposal.
"I have listened carefully to your plan to stabilize Niutum with the Lucanians from Vespa and Bagul, I think it is worth a try." Cornerus put aside his personal emotions, said in agreement.
"Lord Davos, is the situation you mentioned above really that dangerous and difficult without the help of the Lucanians like Weisba?" Kunogorata asked in doubt.
"Think about the worst in everything, and then work hard for the best." Davers replied.
Kunogorata thought for a while and nodded in agreement.
At another meeting, under the guidance of Kunogolata and Cornerus, most of the senators agreed, and Davos' proposal was approved: let Bagule lead nearly a thousand Lucania Warriors join the army, and after capturing Neutum, they can all obtain Union citizenship, and Vespas and Bagul enter the Senate.
Although the few elders headed by Polyxis lamented: This is an unprecedented shame for the Greek city-state! The sacred council will be defiled by the filth of the natives!
But most of the elders ignored their babble, still looking forward to the huge gain on the horizon for Lucania...
…
As soon as Felixius entered the house, he heard a great deal of activity in the courtyard.
The courtyard originally allocated to Felixius, his wife Delia was going to plant some apple and fig trees in the atrium. Felixius had no objection, but was opposed by his adopted son Melisanda: he wanted to plant some apples and fig trees in the atrium. Transformed into a training ground, so you can exercise your body and train your fighting skills at any time. In the end, the loving wife of her son agreed.
As soon as he heard this sound, Felixius knew that it was Melisanda who was looking for someone to practice again.
He walked along the corridor, and when he got closer, he saw that Melisanda's opponent was his friend Alcines. This young man from Amendolara is here, apparently because of the expedition tomorrow.
Felixius remembered the appointment Davos gave him today, and he couldn't help but feel nervous again. He never expected that Davos would let him serve as the commander of this trip to Neutum. As a mercenary up to now, he has only a handful of times when he commanded the battle alone, and under the dazzling halo of Davos, he felt even more pressure.
He leaned against the pillar, thinking about his thoughts, and watching the fight between the two young people on the field with erratic eyes.
"You're back!" His wife Delia's gentle voice sounded behind him: "This is the syrup I just boiled today. I added some dates. It should be sweeter. You quench your thirst first."
Felixius held warm water in his hands (because it was almost early winter), Delia said with a smile: "Today's dinner I made your favorite roasted cod, stewed mutton, and boiled wheat. Porridge, and bread... Because Alcines will be staying at home tonight, dinner will be bigger than usual.
Felixius took a sip of water and said, "It's rare to have a guest in our house, it's good to be lively."
Delia was busy going to the kitchen to make dinner again, and at the same time instructing the slave girls to set the table, Felixius looked at her busy back, and couldn't help sighing that his choice was the right one: Although Delia was a little old, she She is a hard-working, virtuous and good Greek woman who keeps things in the house in good order.
When the training on the field finally ended, Melisanda still refused to admit defeat and said, "Alsinis, you only beat me because you are two years older than me and stronger than me. When I am an adult, I will I won't lose to you again!"
"When you become an adult, I don't know how many real battles you have participated in!" Alsinis retorted without showing weakness. When he turned around, he saw Felixius outside the atrium, and shouted respectfully: " Lord Felixus!"
Thanks to the book friends Wind and Rain Big Book Fan, Tiger Shark, and don't repeat the reward!
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