The Rise Of An Empire In Ancient Europe-Chapter 136: The Outbreak of War

The generals of Turii, gripped by panic, gathered in urgent deliberation with the city council. Their decision: to send an envoy to Crotone, pleading for forgiveness and offering any reparations necessary to avert war.

When word of this reached Amendolara, the news stunned Juleios and the Senate elders. The murder of an envoy—a representative of the city-state—was a grave taboo, tantamount to declaring war.

Amendolara responded swiftly, canceling its plans to participate in the Isthmian Games. Instead, they began closely monitoring the situation, recognizing its potential to spiral into a full-scale conflict.

In the courtyard of his residence, Konogorata lounged on a couch, recovering from his injuries. His eldest son, Sostatus, came rushing in, his excitement barely contained.

"Father! This is wonderful! The Turians are about to face divine punishment for their arrogance!"

But Konogorata’s expression remained somber. The former chief general of Turii sighed heavily. "I warned them. I told them again and again—Neonisis would bring disaster upon Turii!"

Meanwhile, Turii’s envoy arrived in Crotone, only to find that the generals there were already well-informed of the events through merchant ships. The envoy’s desperate pleas for peace and promises of reparations were met with cold indifference.

"We can take what we want from Turii ourselves, as much as we please," one general replied scornfully.

Crotone’s leadership had long harbored resentment toward Turii. Since defeating Sybaris nearly a century ago, Crotone had risen to become a dominant power in Magna Graecia. However, the establishment of Turii—an Athenian initiative—was a bitter compromise forced upon them. This incident provided a golden opportunity to settle old scores while replenishing their coffers.

That same day, the Crotone assembly unanimously passed a resolution to declare war on Turii. Citizen mobilization began immediately.

Within three days, Crotone had gathered an army of 7,000 citizen-soldiers. They were joined by 3,000 additional troops from allied city-states Asprustum and Siritin. Though Trina, still recovering from recent conflicts, contributed only 30 cavalry, Caulonia offered to join. However, Crotone declined, needing Caulonia as a southern bulwark against the Locrian Alliance.

On the fourth day, after offering sacrifices at the Temple of Apollo and receiving favorable omens, General Melanthius led the grand army of 10,000 soldiers toward Turii. The war between Crotone and Turii had officially begun.

When word of Crotone’s advancing army reached Turii, Neonisis was overcome with dread. On the advice of his colleagues, he convened an emergency citizen assembly.

Standing before the gathered citizens, Neonisis delivered an impassioned speech. He recounted the council’s failed attempts at peace and the Crotonians’ dismissive response. The news enraged the citizens, but their anger quickly gave way to fear when Neonisis revealed that Crotone’s army numbered 10,000 strong.

A heavy silence filled the hall. Though smaller than the Lucanian coalition they had previously faced, the Crotonian force was a Greek heavy infantry unit, renowned for their discipline and combat prowess.

Breaking the silence, a vineyard owner named Oriphes shouted, "Send another envoy to Crotone! Seek peace at any cost—even if it means surrendering to their demands!"

"But what can we offer?" countered General Polyxius. "Our treasury is empty. Unless we impose yet another war tax, we cannot afford reparations."

The mention of taxes drew groans from the assembly. The war-weary citizens, battered by years of conflict, reluctantly agreed to additional taxation, though doubts lingered that this would satisfy Crotone’s demands.

Plessinas, his voice fervent, declared, "We can regain lost wealth, but if we lose our loved ones, it will be too late for regrets!"

The proposal passed, offering Neonisis a brief reprieve.

"Why not ask Tarantum for help?" suggested Enianilus, the owner of Turii’s largest shipyard. "Tarantum advocates for unity in Magna Graecia. Surely, they won’t want city-states fighting each other. Their influence might compel Crotone to reconsider war!"

"An excellent idea, Enianilus!" Neonisis replied eagerly. He nodded in agreement, understanding the weight Enianilus’s words carried. "We’ll dispatch an envoy to Tarantum immediately!"

But another citizen, Ancitanus, stood and raised a pointed question. "What if peace negotiations fail? What if Crotone insists on war? What then?"

Neonisis swallowed his pride and asked, "Honorable Ancitanus, do you have any recommendations?"

"First, we must prepare our defenses. Turii’s walls are tall and strong—they’ve withstood Lucanian assaults twice before. They can hold against Crotone, too," Ancitanus said confidently.

The citizens murmured in agreement.

"Second," Ancitanus continued, "we should request assistance from Amendolara. Their soldiers are renowned for their bravery. With their help, we could bolster our defenses and stand a better chance!"

At the mention of Amendolara, Neonisis’s face tightened. His relationship with Juleios had been strained ever since the dispute over the escaped slaves. Yet, the citizens expressed unanimous support for Ancitanus’s proposal.

"I warned you before that souring relations with Amendolara over a few slaves wasn’t worth it," someone muttered.

Neonisis’s face flushed with embarrassment. Forcing a calm demeanor, he said, "This is an excellent suggestion. Bourkos, could you undertake this task?"

Bourkos, usually mild-mannered, refused outright. "I am not capable enough for such a mission. Let Plessinas go instead—he’s more suited to the task."

Plessinas, realizing the risk, kept his head low and remained silent.

Neonisis sighed, knowing Bourkos’s refusal stemmed from the council’s prior mishandling of the slave issue. Despite his frustration, he had no choice. "Bourkos, this is a matter of life and death for Turii. Only you can handle this. Please, go to Amendolara and appeal to Juleios!" freeweɓnovēl.coɱ

Bourkos finally relented, his satisfaction at Neonisis’s discomfort evident.

While Turii debated its next steps, Crotone’s army continued its advance. After half a day’s march, they reached the gates of Krimisa.

Krimisa, a former Sybarite colony, had joined the Crotone Alliance after Sybaris’s fall. When Turii was rebuilt, an agreement mandated Krimisa’s neutrality.

Now, faced with Crotone’s overwhelming force, Krimisa opened its gates without resistance. Not only that, but they volunteered 1,000 men to join Crotone’s forces.

Melanthius, the commander of Crotone’s army, was a man of legend. A two-time Olympic wrestling champion and victor of the Isthmian Games, he was celebrated for his strength and skill. Though unyielding on the battlefield, his soldiers often resented his tendency to claim all credit for victories.

As the war began to unfold, Juleios watched closely. He knew Amendolara’s role in this conflict could shape the future of Magna Graecia. Together with his allies, he steeled himself for the challenges ahead.

Foll𝑜w current novℯls on fre𝒆web(n)ovel.co(m)