The Rise Of An Empire In Ancient Europe-Chapter 122: Alliance with Thurii (Part 2)

Hearing Neonseis’s sudden declaration, many members of the Thurii delegation were visibly shocked.

Kuno Gorata, trying to maintain control of the situation, had no choice but to suggest, "Thurii needs to discuss this matter privately before making a decision."

Juleios nodded in agreement, his expression calm. As the Thurii delegation walked off to deliberate, Juleios turned to Stromboli with a sly grin and raised his thumb. ƒreewebɳovel.com

"Lord Stromboli, what you just said was excellent!"

"I meant every word of it!" Stromboli snapped, glaring defiantly.

"That’s exactly what I wanted!" Juleios replied with a hearty laugh.

Finally, Stromboli laughed too, feeling as though he had vented his long-standing anger at the Thurians.

Meanwhile, in the Thurii delegation’s camp, Kuno Gorata addressed his colleagues with a stern expression.

"Gentlemen, it’s clear Amendolara has already formed an alliance with Tarentum. They must have obtained Tarentum’s consent before presenting such a condition. If we do not agree, these talks will end here."

Neonseis, his temper flaring, burst out, "Then let’s not continue! The Lucanian threat has been dealt with. Why should we endure Amendolara’s arrogance any longer? Just a year ago, they treated us with the utmost respect, yet now they dare yell at Thurii’s generals? Damn Tarentum! We thought they were our allies, but they’ve been scheming against us all along!"

Ansitanos, ever the voice of reason, sighed deeply. "This is the price of defeat. A weak city-state commands no respect—history has proven this time and time again. Let us also not forget, the Lucanians hold grudges. Though they’ve been repelled for now, they will recover in time. When they invade again, who will be at the forefront of their attack? It will still be us. Can we defeat them then?"

His words struck a chord, leaving the group in troubled silence. Even Neonseis, though still simmering with frustration, had no retort.

"The real issue," KunoGorata interjected, "is whether Tarentum harbors ambitions toward Thurii."

He paused, gathering his thoughts, then continued with a measured tone:

"I don’t believe they do. Tarentum’s efforts to establish the Greater Greece Defense Alliance prove they are focused on uniting against indigenous tribes. If they sought to control us, allies like Locri and Heraclea would oppose them, collapsing the alliance. This would leave Tarentum vulnerable to three powerful threats: the Messapians, the Lucanians, and the Crotonian League. Their actions here may simply be a minor act of revenge for past defeats. But remember, our ancestors built Thurii into a powerful city-state within just a few years of its founding. We can rise again."

The conviction in Kuno Gorata’s words lifted the spirits of the delegation, reigniting their resolve. When they returned to the negotiation table, they readily agreed to Amendolara’s first condition.

As the talks resumed, Antonios stood and presented a parchment to the Thurii delegation.

"In early April, Consul Juleios signed a mercenary agreement with Thurii," he began. "Its primary terms were to assist Thurii in repelling the Lucanians, with a term of six months. Regardless of the mission’s outcome, Thurii was to pay wages and provide grain. The Lucanians have been repelled, but the agreement remains in effect. It is now time for Thurii to fulfill its obligations."

Antonios handed the parchment to Ansitanos, who began reading it.

Kuno Gorata nodded, prepared to respond, when Neonseis abruptly stood and declared:

"Thurii does not intend to honor this mercenary agreement!"

His outburst left not only the Amendolara delegation stunned but also his own colleagues. Before arriving, the Thurii delegation had agreed to honor the agreement, recognizing its strategic importance. Yet here was Neonseis, publicly reversing their decision.

Kuno Gorata’s icy glare bore into Neonseis, but the man, cornered and defiant, pressed on:

"The agreement was signed with mercenaries, but those mercenaries are now Amendolara citizens. This change in identity complicates the agreement. Furthermore, the agreement was signed by General Phrynis, who forced it through the council. He even pledged to cover half the costs personally. Now that Phrynis and his family have perished, the responsibility for this agreement should perish with them."

Stromboli, unable to contain his fury, exploded: "Thurians are not only selfish but dishonorable and shameless, even slandering a man who died fighting for their city!"

The Thurii delegation sat in uncomfortable silence as Stromboli’s outburst echoed across the table.

Meanwhile, Kuno Gorata leaned over to whisper urgently to Ansitanos. Across the table, Juleios caught Marigi’s eye and gave a subtle nod.

Marigi rose, his expression composed and diplomatic. "We agree to your suggestion to nullify the mercenary agreement. However, we hope Thurii will not impose additional special taxes to offset its empty treasury. Such measures would only add to the suffering of your grieving citizens. Amendolara and Thurii were allies for many years."

His compassionate tone struck a chord. Even Stromboli, known for his fiery temper, maintained a solemn demeanor, which deepened the Thurians’ sense of shame.

Marigi continued, "Amendolara and Thurii should not only defend against common enemies but also strengthen our cooperation in trade."

He laid out the terms he had discussed with Juleios, ensuring they addressed Thurii’s pressing challenges. One point caught the Thurii delegation’s attention immediately:

Thurii’s overcrowded port was bursting with freemen, merchant ships, and sailors. Housing was scarce, prices had soared, and the atmosphere in the port was volatile. Freemen, discontent with unmet promises of citizenship, had become increasingly unruly. The city council, already strained by a dwindling citizen population, was struggling to maintain order.

Amendolara’s proposal to build warehouses and inns would help alleviate the overcrowding, dispersing the population and easing tensions. Recognizing the mutual benefit, the Thurii delegation accepted the terms.

By the end of the talks, both sides reached an agreement. However, its finalization depended on Tarentum’s approval. Amendolara’s decision to seek Tarentum’s review was a calculated gesture of respect, ensuring their powerful ally’s interests were not harmed.

As the delegations parted ways, Juleios reflected on the day’s events. Thurii had bent to necessity, Amendolara had secured its position, and the foundations of a cautious but functional alliance had been laid.

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