The Rise Of An Empire In Ancient Europe-Chapter 150: Peace Agreement and Alliance with Tula Union

"Are you serious, Captain? This is clearly taking advantage to settle a personal score," Shenotimas protested, his voice rising in disbelief.

Olivers chuckled, unfazed by the outburst. "Let’s go, brothers. Back to patrolling the city—and perhaps teaching a lesson to those freemen brawling over women."

"Yes, Captain!" a group of soldiers responded in unison, their laughter filling the air as they marched toward Thuri City.

Inside a large tent, a long wooden table stood at the center. Around it sat several figures, with a young man in the middle who commanded the room’s attention. Lysias, taking his seat, immediately recognized this as Juleios, the governor of Amendolara. Next to him was a bearded man—Kunogorata, the former chief general of Thuri. Lysias’s gaze shifted to another individual who did not appear Greek, sparking a flicker of curiosity.

Kunogorata, familiar with Lysias, leaned over and whispered an introduction into Juleios’s ear. As Juleios listened, his eyes studied Lysias carefully. The Crotonian envoy was a tall, dignified man with a well-groomed beard that gave him an air of refinement. According to Kunogorata, Lysias had held onto his position as a general for ten years despite the decline of the conservative faction he represented in Croton—a testament to his political acumen.

"I am Lysias, here to negotiate on behalf of Croton with the Tula Union," the envoy announced, his voice steady.

"Welcome, General Lysias," Juleios replied, extending his hand and gesturing for Lysias to sit. Without preamble, Juleios fixed his sharp gaze on the envoy and said, "We’re pressed for time, as you can imagine. The reconstruction of Thuri City and the reception of other envoys leave little room for prolonged talks. State your demands directly."

Lysias was caught off guard by the bluntness but quickly composed himself. After clearing his throat, he adopted a serious tone and began, "Croton requests that the Tula Union release all Crotonian prisoners and those of its allied states. In exchange, Croton agrees to a ceasefire to secure peace."

Juleios threw back his head and laughed. The sound was sharp, almost mocking. "The Crotonians killed our citizens, destroyed our city, and looted our resources," he said. "Now you expect us to act as if none of it happened, release the very people responsible for this catastrophe, and accept nothing in return but a mere promise of peace? Are the Crotonians naïve or simply shameless?"

Lysias’s face darkened. "Governor Juleios, you should remember that this war was not initiated by Croton."

"Enough! I have no interest in debating who started this war," Juleios interrupted, his voice cutting. "You may leave now."

Stunned by the abrupt dismissal, Lysias struggled to contain his anger. "Governor, are you not afraid of another war with Croton? We can easily muster an army of twenty to thirty thousand soldiers. This time, we will not repeat our mistakes!"

Juleios’s expression hardened. "War does not frighten me, nor does it frighten the Union. If Croton dares to invade again, we will begin by executing all prisoners and offering their blood to the gods. Then, we will defend our city walls with unyielding ferocity. Every Crotonian step forward will cost a life. If the young die, the old will take up arms; if the old fall, the women will fight! If Laos is overrun, we will retreat to Heraclea. As long as one of us breathes, the Union will resist!"

Juleios’s impassioned words filled the tent with a fierce energy. Even Kunogorata, who typically abhorred war, was stirred. "Exactly! This is how the Tula Union will face any invader," he declared.

Lysias could feel the steely resolve of this new alliance. It was clear that provoking war with the Tula Union would be a grave mistake. Searching for a way to de-escalate, he began, "Governor, perhaps we can discuss terms more—"

Juleios cut him off with a sharp command. "Kunogorata, recall the Locrian envoy immediately. We must renegotiate the terms of our alliance with them!"

The mention of Locri jolted Lysias. He suddenly remembered the familiar face he had glimpsed earlier: Metrophenes of Locri, a skilled negotiator who had represented Locri in past dealings with Croton.

"Governor, state your demands," Lysias said, his tone subdued.

Juleios motioned for Kunogorata to pause and turned to Marigi. Sitting upright, Marigi spoke clearly, "The Tula Union demands the following:

As reparations for the burning of Thuri City, Croton must pay 2,000 talents to aid reconstruction.Croton may ransom its prisoners at a price of 500 drachmas per soldier. However, these prisoners must first serve one year of labor in Thuri to atone for their actions.Croton must allow Crimisa and Castron to become formal allies of the Tula Union.A peace treaty lasting five years must be signed, during which neither side will engage in hostilities.

These are our conditions."

Lysias shook his head in disbelief. "Your demands are excessive. Croton cannot possibly agree."

Thus began a grueling negotiation, with Marigi representing the Union’s interests. The talks dragged on, both sides unwilling to yield easily.

Meanwhile, Juleios left the tent to meet with Amyklis, the chief general of Castellon City. Amyklis’s personal presence at Thuri underscored his goodwill. As soon as they met, Amyklis greeted Juleios warmly. "I’ve heard much of you, Governor Juleios—a hero blessed by Hades himself. Meeting you today, I see you are truly extraordinary."

Juleios smiled faintly. "What brings General Amyklis to Thuri?"

Amyklis spoke with emotion. "Thuri, Amendolara, and Castellon share a deep connection. We are all descendants of Sybaris, bound by common roots. Castellon has enjoyed peaceful independence for decades, but times are changing. Perhaps it is time to reconnect with our brethren."

Juleios nodded thoughtfully. "Maintaining neutrality must be challenging for Castellon, caught between the Tula Union and Croton. Why not join our side? You would retain autonomy in domestic affairs and pay no tributes. We ask only two conditions: do not form alliances with other powers, and contribute troops when the Union goes to war."

Amyklis’s eyes lit up as he considered the offer.

After more than a day of negotiations, a ceasefire agreement was finally reached:

Croton agreed to pay 30 talents as reparations—a reduced sum compared to the Union’s initial demand.The ransom for each captured soldier was set at 200 drachmas, and the prisoners would serve six months of labor within the Union’s territory.The Union guaranteed the prisoners’ safety and health, with family visits allowed.

Though reluctant, Lysias accepted these terms. The Union, having secured a significant diplomatic victory, emerged from the talks stronger than ever.

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