The Rise Of An Empire In Ancient Europe-Chapter 133: Amendolara’s Healthcare Problem

"Since you said this Gennanet is from Pyxous, how could he possibly contend for the position of chief in Grumentum?" Asistes asked, his brow furrowed with puzzlement.

Izam, ever the showman, grinned slyly. "Because Akpiru, in an effort to secure an alliance with Pyxous, married his daughter to Gennanet. As a result, Grumentum’s and Pyxous’s chiefs became family by marriage. Gennanet, as Akpiru’s son-in-law, has gained the support of certain tribes in Grumentum, though others remain undecided."

Juleios’s mind raced at the revelation. The destruction of the Lucanian coalition had not just fractured their alliance but reshaped the power dynamics across Lucania. The once-unified region was now awash in intrigue and instability—an opportune moment for Amendolara to seize the advantage.

"Can you draw a map of Lucania?" Juleios asked eagerly, recalling that he had instructed Izam to document the geography before his departure.

"I can," Izam replied confidently.

The trio moved to the courtyard. With a stick in hand, Izam began sketching the map into the dirt. Asistes stood by, parchment and pen ready to transcribe the drawing into a permanent record. Juleios, leaning in, scrutinized every detail as Izam explained:

"The mountain paths west of Thurii don’t lead directly to Laos but rather skirt between Laos and Nerulum. Laos, positioned at the mouth of the Lao River, guards the land route connecting the Brutti region to Lucania. Meanwhile, Vigu, a Bruttian city, acts as a barrier preventing Lucanian incursions into Bruttian territory. Of greater importance to us, however, is Nerulum. It controls the northern passage into Lucania. If we can capture it, Amendolara will hold a key position for expanding further into the region."

Juleios nodded, his gaze sharp. "Izam, the intelligence you’ve brought back is invaluable! You’ve done a tremendous service for the city-state. I’ve decided to establish a reconnaissance squad, and you shall be its captain. The squad will initially consist of twenty men, and you may select members from any battalion. If anyone refuses, send them directly to me."

Izam’s eyes widened in disbelief. "Thank you, Consul!" he exclaimed, his voice quivering with excitement.

"You should return home now," Juleios said with a kind smile. "You’ve been away for more than ten days. Your wife must miss you terribly. Oh, and you’ll be pleased to hear that a waterwheel has been installed along the Sinni River. You won’t need to worry about hauling water to your fields anymore."

Izam, overwhelmed with gratitude, stood to leave, but Juleios called him back. A slave appeared, carrying two large jars of fine wine.

"Since you enjoy wine so much," Juleios said warmly, "take these home and savor them."

Izam bowed deeply, struggling to contain his elation, before departing with the jars in hand.

"That man is far too rude," Asistes muttered, his tone laced with disapproval.

Juleios chuckled softly. "He’s still a Dukayan tribesman. Don’t judge him too harshly for his mannerisms. What truly matters is here"—he pointed to his chest—"and here"—he tapped his temple. "Izam has proven his worth, completing a dangerous and difficult mission. Talent, coupled with integrity, should always be nurtured, don’t you think?"

Asistes lowered his gaze. "You’re right, my lord."

"Now that we have a clearer understanding of Lucania’s situation, spend some time thinking about how we should proceed with our plans. Tomorrow, we’ll discuss our next steps."

The morning light filtered through the windows of Konogorata’s residence as he rose from bed, feeling a sharp pain in his chest. With the assistance of a loyal slave, he made his way to Amendolara’s "hospital" to seek relief.

The hospital, established near the city gates, was a pair of adjacent houses repurposed for medical care. As Konogorata arrived, he was greeted by a chaotic scene: a line of patients stretched from the entrance down to the base of the hill. The sheer number—nearly a hundred—had created a bustling marketplace. Vendors sold food, drinks, and even rented chairs and hats to the waiting crowd.

Konogorata’s slave managed to rent a chair, allowing his master to sit while he approached the hospital staff to seek priority service. However, a patrolling guard stopped him.

"Apologies," the guard said, "but many here are in critical condition. Everyone must wait their turn unless the situation is life-threatening."

Forced to take a number and wait, Konogorata soon found himself recognized by former citizens of Thurii. Insults erupted, and tension escalated. Humiliated and unable to bear the hostility, Konogorata abandoned the hospital and returned home. freewebnσvel.cѳm

That night, his chest pain worsened, leaving him sleepless. By morning, desperation drove him back to the hospital, only to find it closed. He learned from a nurse on duty that Juleios himself was conducting a seminar for the city’s doctors, and no patients were being seen.

At midday, Konogorata’s condition became critical. His chest pains intensified, and his breathing grew labored. In a panic, his eldest son, Sostatus, forcibly interrupted the seminar to plead for help.

Juleios, startled by the interruption, immediately dispatched Helpus, Amendolara’s leading physician, to Konogorata’s residence. Helpus conducted a thorough examination, eventually diagnosing a fractured rib that had punctured a lung—a remnant of the brutal attack Konogorata had endured in Thurii. Strenuous activity, including the mountain trek to Amendolara, had worsened the injury.

With skilled hands, Helpus began treatment, stabilizing Konogorata’s condition. The former general, deeply moved by Helpus’s expertise, lavished praise upon him.

Back at the hospital, the incident highlighted several pressing issues. Juleios convened an emergency meeting to address them:

Access for Citizens: With the influx of patients from other city-states, Amendolara’s citizens found it increasingly difficult to receive timely care. To restore their sense of privilege and protect their faith in the city-state, Juleios proposed prioritizing citizens, regardless of the severity of their condition.

Emergency Preparedness: Recognizing the need for continuous medical services during lectures, Juleios resolved to assign doctors to remain on duty during such events.

Overcrowding: The overwhelming number of patients risked damaging the hospital’s reputation. Juleios proposed increasing the number of doctors to manage the demand effectively.

To address the shortage of physicians, Juleios suggested recruiting skilled doctors from other city-states. Incentives included:

Immediate Amendolaran citizenship.Access to advanced medical theories and research.Recognition as students of Amendolara’s esteemed hospital.

Juleios extended similar benefits to educators, emphasizing their importance to the city’s future.

Konogorata’s ordeal, though harrowing, catalyzed critical reforms in Amendolara’s healthcare system, ensuring it could meet the growing needs of its people while setting a standard of excellence for the region.

Under Juleios’s visionary leadership, challenges were transformed into opportunities, guiding Amendolara ever closer to greatness.

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