The Rise Of An Empire In Ancient Europe-Chapter 161: Collaboration

Juleios urgently summoned his most trusted senior officers—Philesius, Kapus, Drakos, Hieronymus, Epitenes, and others—to deliberate on the proposed alliance with Laos. Around a map of the western mountains, the room buzzed with strategic discussions. Each officer contributed their insights, weighing the risks and rewards of involving themselves in Laos’s volatile political situation.

Hours later, Juleios called an emergency Senate meeting. Though many senators voiced concerns about the dangers of aiding a Lucanian city, Juleios’s carefully laid-out plan swayed the majority. The proposal passed, and by evening, Juleios was ready to meet with his visitor from Laos.

A Bold Proposal

That night, Alobomas was brought back to Juleios’s residence. The flickering light of oil lamps illuminated the hall as Juleios greeted his guest with a smile.

"How did the distinguished guest from Laos find his accommodations?" Juleios asked, his tone light yet calculated.

Alobomas shifted nervously, his rugged face betraying a mixture of hope and apprehension. "Chief Executive, have you made a decision?" he asked anxiously.

Juleios leaned back in his chair, a calm and composed figure. "Yes. After deliberation, the Senate has decided to accept Laos as an ally of the Tula Alliance."

Alobomas’s face lit up with relief and excitement. "Wonderful!" he exclaimed, unable to hide his enthusiasm. Before departing for Turii, his brother Avinogis had cautioned him that Greek negotiations were often slow and arduous. To have secured an agreement within a single day was beyond his expectations.

Juleios, however, quickly brought him back to reality. "But," he said, his voice carrying a weight that commanded attention, "I’ve heard that Neutum has stationed 700 to 800 warriors in Laos. Are you and your brother confident about reclaiming the city?"

By now, Alobomas was accustomed to Juleios’s unnervingly detailed knowledge of Lucanian affairs. Straightening his posture, he replied confidently, "Reclaiming Laos is not a problem. We have over a thousand warriors, and the port slaves, who are descendants of Sybaris, are ready to fight under our command. We know every alley and corner of the city, unlike the newly arrived Lucanians. Once we strike, they’ll be overwhelmed.

But..." His confidence wavered as he continued, "After we take Laos, we’re likely to face retaliation from Neutum or even Grumentum. That’s why we need your support."

Juleios nodded thoughtfully. "So, the challenge isn’t taking Laos but defending it afterward?"

"Yes," Alobomas admitted, his voice tinged with concern.

Juleios’s lips curved into a faint smile. "Then let me propose an alternative plan—one that will not only secure Laos but also eliminate the risk of retaliation."

Alobomas leaned forward eagerly. "What plan?"

Juleios’s gaze was steady as he said, "First, help us take Neutum. By cutting off the Lucanians’ ability to reinforce Laos, the warriors stationed there will lose hope. They may even surrender without a fight."

A Strategic Gambit

Alobomas was visibly tempted by the proposal but hesitated. "Neutum may not be a fortress, but capturing it won’t be easy. If we fail to take it quickly and Grumentum comes to their aid, our entire plan will be exposed..."

Juleios’s calm confidence did not waver. "We won’t storm Neutum," he said simply.

Alobomas blinked in confusion. "Then how..."

Juleios continued, "How many warriors does Neutum have?"

"Just over 1,000," Alobomas replied. "They had 6,000 before you defeated them, but only about 2,000 survived. With 800 sent to Laos, their numbers are greatly diminished."

"And beyond those warriors?" Juleios asked. "Are there others capable of fighting?"

Alobomas shook his head. "The rest are elderly, women, and children. Neutum is a poor city; it doesn’t have much land to support a large population. Their warriors rely heavily on the grain we send from Laos every year."

Juleios’s smile widened. "Then my request is simple: help us trick Neutum into opening its gates. Leave the rest to us."

Preparations for War

With the plan in motion, Alobomas departed for Laos the next morning. Accompanying him were Asistes, Juleios’s trusted secretary, and Izam, the captain of the mountain reconnaissance team. They carried the alliance treaty for Avinogis to sign, confirming his commitment to the Tula Alliance, as well as detailed instructions for executing the deception.

Meanwhile, the Tula Alliance began secretly mobilizing its forces. Using the map of Neutum provided by Alobomas, Juleios and his officers devised a meticulous strategy. Though Alobomas claimed Neutum had only 1,000 warriors, Juleios, ever cautious, decided on a "lion-hunts-rabbit" approach. Three brigades—totaling 3,000 men—were assembled for a surprise attack, each carrying five days’ worth of dry rations. The First Brigade remained behind to defend the Alliance’s territory.

A Personal Appeal

As preparations for the campaign intensified, Juleios invited two special guests to his residence: Chief Vespa, the former Lucanian leader, and Bagule, his son.

"Chief Vespa, please, take a seat," Juleios said warmly as the two entered. fɾeeweɓnѳveɭ.com

"Chief Executive, you’re too kind. I am no longer a tribal leader—just a prisoner of the Tula Alliance," Vespa replied stoically.

"That’s only temporary," Juleios said, his tone both reassuring and firm. "Once you become a citizen of the Tula Alliance, you’ll still be the leader of your tribe."

Vespa’s stoic expression softened, a flicker of hope crossing his face.

Turning to Bagule, Juleios grinned. "And how is our famous olive ball star? Working on the roads has made you even stronger, hasn’t it?"

Bagule, flustered by the attention, scratched his head and mumbled, "Chief Executive..."

Juleios laughed and gestured for them to sit. "Today, we set formalities aside. There are no outsiders here—just friends. Let’s enjoy a meal together."

A New Dish for Old Allies

The slaves brought out a series of dishes, but it was the centerpiece that captivated Vespa and Bagule: an iron stand holding a boiling clay pot. Thinly sliced lamb and beef were served alongside small bowls of dipping sauce.

"This is lamb?" Vespa asked, inspecting the striped red-and-white slices.

"Yes," Juleios replied. "This dish is called thinly sliced boiled lamb and beef."

As the water boiled, Juleios demonstrated how to cook the meat. The guests followed suit, their initial skepticism giving way to delight as they tasted the tender, flavorful bites.

"This is incredible!" Bagule exclaimed. "How is it made?"

Juleios explained the meticulous process of freezing and slicing the meat, then gestured to the dipping sauce. "This is made from fermented shrimp, shellfish, and seaweed, mixed with Indian spices. It enhances the flavor."

Bagule shook his head in amazement. "This dish may look simple, but it’s incredibly complex!"

Juleios turned to Andrea with a sly smile. "What do you think? Will this dish be a hit at the restaurant?"

Andrea grinned. "I think we’ll need to expand the dining hall to accommodate the crowds."

As laughter filled the room, Juleios’s thoughts remained sharp and focused. Beneath the convivial atmosphere, plans were already in motion—plans that would soon reshape the balance of power in the western mountains.

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