Published at 18th of August 2023 7:22 am

Chapter 825: Reinforcements to Ostia

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“Whether my words are true or not, you can find out yourself in the future once you become a citizen of Theonia,” said Davos nonchalantly. Then he asked, “What's the important thing you wanted to inform me?”

Sextus remained silent as he pondered Davos' words. However, Davos' calm gaze weighed heavily upon him, forcing him to speak reluctantly, “We had over sixty thousand soldiers when we set out from Praeneste this morning. However, I noticed that the number of soldiers had significantly decreased when constructing the camp outside Rome…at least twenty thousand soldiers had left the camp quietly.” After saying that, Sextus carefully watch Davos' expression.

Davos felt a chill in his heart as countless thoughts flashed. Then he said as if he wasn’t concerned, “So Camillus used peace negotiation as a camouflage while he covertly sent his army to attack Ostia. Unfortunately for him, he had underestimated the current Ostia, which is difficult to capture quickly with just twenty thousand men! I believe I will receive news of the defenders of Ostia repelling the Roman army's attack by tomorrow!”

After saying that confidently, Davos looked at the little lost Sextus and reassured him, “In any case, I would like to thank you for your warning! The fact that you could serve as a centurion while being a Roman plebeian shows your outstanding military abilities, so have you applied to become a citizen of Theonia?”

“…I already did,” Sextus muttered. In fact, he was still hesitant when the official of the Census Department asked him. However, he could only agree under his father's strong urging.

“Excellent!” Davos gazed at him approvingly. Then he said loudly, “I am now appointing you as the senior centurion responsible for organising the plebeians of Rome, creating a reserve unit while preparing to engage in combat at a moment's notice. And once we form a new Theonian legion after we pacify Latium, you can become a strong competitor as its legatusIf you earn enough contributions by that time. So are you willing to accept this appointment?”

As a young and passionate man, Sextus possesses great bravery and an eagerness to achieve remarkable feats. So despite his initial melancholy upon entering the city of Rome, he found himself interested in Davos' appointment and the vast opportunities it presented for the future. Without any hesitation, he declared, “I am willing!”

“Martius,” Davos turned to look at his guard captain and said, “Take Sextus to find Tolmides and personally convey to him the appointment I have granted to Sextus. Then have him assist Sextus in establishing a Roman reserve unit.”

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

“Sextus,” Davos asked again, “It seems there are more soldiers within the Roman army stationed outside the city who come from a plebeian background. However, I am curious why you are the only ones who have chosen to leave the camp.”

This time, Sextus became more serious when answering, “The strict regulations imposed by the Roman army regarding camp construction dictates each legion must remain separate from one another, and it is strictly forbidden to roam about during the night…

Although I managed to tell the plebeian soldiers of my legion about the changes in Rome while the soldiers ate dinner, I could not pass on the news to other legions. In addition, some of those who received the news decided not to leave with us. Still, I believe the chaos in our camp will spread throughout the entire army tomorrow.”

Davos nodded quietly and said with concern, “Sextus, I am grateful for you coming to remind us. Even though we have already prepared for that, that is still an outstanding achievement! In addition, you had led the plebeian soldiers to leave the camp and flee back to the city, which is already a significant contribution. Per Theonia's Code of Military, the kingdom would bestow more land and other rewards to soldiers who contributed.

I am sure you are exhausted after working hard all day today, so you can go home first to reunite with your family and enjoy a sound sleep. Tomorrow, I will assemble all the citizens in the city at the Roman Forum to personally present your well-deserved rewards. Furthermore, I will publicly announce your appointment, making it convenient to do your task. By the way, you will also receive a house, although considering your exceptional merits, you truly deserve a grand house.”

Sextus hurriedly said, “My father told me that our family had already moved to a large house.”

“Oh,” Davos laughed, “Will you be able to find your home tonight? Otherwise, you can stay in the First Legion's camp tonight. You can meet them tomorrow once we gather everyone in the Roman Forum. In addition, your family will be happier when you return home with your reward and appointment.”

“Your Majesty…I know where it is located and can find it!” Sextus said.

Then after leaving the Senate Hall in a hurry, he reached out to wipe away the fine sweat from his forehead and took a deep breath. He initially thought the King of Theonia would be a majestic and domineering person, so he never expected him to be so kind and enthusiastic to him. Thus he no longer questioned Theonia's system of governance, which he loathed, or even argued for getting imprisoned. And at the end of the day, he had started copying the others in addressing the king with his honorific title, making him feel ashamed and confused.

He then turned his head and looked at the Senate under the pitch-black sky. Under the flickering candlelight, the previous gate he found sacred and insurmountable was now so dilapidated to his eyes.

Only after a long time had passed did his legs start moving as he walked forward faster and faster…

.............

“Father, having the Roman soldiers who had just fled back to the city take up arms again to form a reserve unit is too risky!” Crotokatax, who had listened silently, anxiously said after Sextus left.

“It's wonderful for you to have this level of vigilance!” Davos praised his son before patiently explaining, “Just like what I said to Asistes earlier, with our more than forty thousand legion soldiers, they wouldn't cause much trouble for the city of Rome even if the Roman reserve that consists of just over a thousand men were to rebel completely. On the contrary, we will have an easier time to train and supervise them. Meanwhile, we will take this opportunity to show the Romans our attitude, and using them with confidence and boldness will allow the plebeians to throw away the hesitation they felt. Also, Heni!”

Davos remembered something and said, “Remember to inform Asistes that during the gathering in the Roman Forum tomorrow morning, he would also bring the family members of the Roman nobilities since we will not only reward Sextus but also bestow land and houses to those Roman plebeians who fled back and applied for Theonian citizenship.”

“That would be wonderful, Your Majesty!” Henipolis began praising it, “By doing that, we will influence more Roman plebeians to join Theonia while those who have already joined will become even more loyal to the kingdom while hating the noble houses!”

Davos looked at Crotokatax, who was lost in his thoughts and asked, “Croto, what do we need to do most now?”

Crotokatax pondered a little and replied, “…reinforce Ostia?”

“That's right! Camillus must have realised Ostia’s importance to us since he had covertly sent his army there. And once he learned his army's difficulties, he would certainly attack Ostia with all his strength. Despite Theris' recent reports highlighting efforts to bolster the city's defences, the height of its city walls remained inadequate for effectively safeguarding the soldiers within. Additionally, the three reserve brigades from Thurii stationed in Ostia lacked combat experience like Theris. Thus I am a bit worried!”

Davos walked back and forth before stopping, “Croto, immediately rush to the Fifth Legion's camp and ask legatus Giorgris to lead five brigades to quickly take a boat towards the dock across Pons Aemilius and rush to Ostia overnight to give Theris reinforcements! Meanwhile, have him temporarily place the remaining troops of the Fifth Legion under the command of the Fourth Legion's legatus – Olivos.”

Instead of immediately answering, Crotokatax had a hesitant expression before suddenly saying aloud, “Father, I request to follow the Fifth Legion to fight in Ostia!”

Hearing that took Davos aback.

Henipolis then advised, “You can also participate in the battle here without needing to go to Ostia.”

Crotokatax, however, didn't say anything and just straightened his chest while looking at his father firmly.

Davos felt his fervent desire from his sparkling eyes, so after pondering for a moment and said, “You can go, but you must promise me one thing.”

“I’ll do anything as long as you let me go, Father!” Crotokatax replied while feeling excited.

“You must obey the orders of the praetor of Ostia – Theris and legatus Giorgris! You must also not act on your own! Can you promise me that?”

“Yes!”

“Then take fifty palace guards with you.”

“Thank you, Father!” Crotokatax excitedly hugged Davos and then left the Senate Hall quickly.

“Your Majesty, letting His Highness Croto go to Ostia alone would be dangerous!”

Davos then looked at the door and sighed softly, “If a fledgeling eagle remained under the care of its parents, they would never learn to fly. And since being determined to take risks is rare, we should just let him go!”

.............

On that night, candles also illuminated the command tent of the Roman camp while dictator Camillus engaged in intense discussions with his generals.

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