Chapter 24 Before the Battle
"Please tell me!" Bulcos said hurriedly.
"I am on the left wing, Tarantum is on the right wing, and Turiyi's middle wing, and this order remains unchanged. However, it is only a matter of the length of time to send the two thousand mercenaries of Adrianx, Adras, Sesta's two thousand mercenaries to the left wing and to be commanded by me. I will lead more than 4,000 infantry and two hundred cavalry to defeat the enemy's right wing in the shortest time. In the middle wing, the middle wing will be used to attack the enemy's middle wing, and it is only a matter of time to win the entire battle!" Davers said confidently.
"Are you sure that after you hand over these two thousand mercenaries and two hundred cavalry to your command, you can defeat the enemy in the shortest time?" Bulcos asked with a little heart-warming look.
"There are too many unexpected factors in the battle, and I cannot be sure of it before the official engagement. However, in my opinion, this plan is much more likely to win than the one you gave!" Davers tried his best to convince Bulcos.
Burkos was silent for a long time and whispered: "But in the hearts of the generals, the possibility of their plan being successful is greater... In any case, I will report your suggestions to General Ferris, and the General Executive Committee will decide whether to adopt it."
Davers understood the implicit meaning of Bulcos's words, and a trace of disappointment floated on his face. But he quickly cheered up: "If two thousand mercenaries can't give it to me, two hundred cavalry can give it to me."
Bulcos shook his head: "The two wings of the cavalry division are military traditions, and you should know better than me. What's more, one hundred of them are from Tarantum, and they can't leave their compatriots without helping them, and run to your left wing."
Davers couldn't do anything, and thought for a while and said, "How powerful are the Tarantum reinforcements?"
"It should be very strong. Achita once led them to repel the Mesapi people twice. The Mesapi people are a race that is as strong as everyone in Lucania." Burkos said affirmatively.
"Acheta..." Davers said resolutely, "Since that's the case, then send all these two hundred cavalrymen to the right wing."
"Are you sure you're not talking angry?" Bulcos asked in surprise.
"For me, war is the most important thing that determines the rise and fall of a city-state and the fate of countless people! Therefore, I devote myself to this war that is not closely related to me, without any selfishness or carelessness! However, it is hard to say about the generals in Turiyi. Have they learned in detail about the composition of the Lucanian coalition forces? Have they trained all the troops in advance so that they can cooperate in tacit understanding during battles?..."
Davers' dissatisfaction was finally vented through questions one by one, which made Bulcos ashamed. He felt that Davers had really put his energy into this battle. He wanted to speak up several times but stopped. Finally, he said resolutely: "Days, don't worry. After I have been to Dracos' camp, I will rush back immediately to convey your suggestions to Ferris, and plead for him to think seriously!"
After Burcos left, Davers immediately called Ascesters: "How are you practicing climbing the stone wall with rope hooks?"
"They can already easily climb up the stone wall. The rope hook you designed by the leader is such a great tool for climbing!"
"That's great!" There was a smile on Davers' face: "You go to the market now and tell Maliji that I'm going to order twenty more rope hooks, and ask him to urge the blacksmith shop to do it in two days as soon as possible!"
"Okay, I'll go right away."
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One morning in late April, 399 BC, was as warm as before, with a warm climate and bright sunshine, and flowers blooming all over the mountains and fields. It was a good day for outings.
However, there were scouts everywhere on the Sobari Plain, and the air was filled with a tense atmosphere of killing.
The mercenary leader was full of team officials in the tent, and Davers looked around: among them were his old comrades who had been following him, such as Hilos, Antonios, Cappus and others; there were also acquaintances who had just joined, such as Hironimus, Aggarcia, etc. Now everyone looked solemn, as if they were facing a great enemy, waiting for his instructions.
"The Lucanian army has advanced to Turiyi. Turiyi has informed us and immediately go out to camp to meet with them. Brothers!" Davers said with a smile with confidence: "Let these ignorant and arrogant Turiyi see the real power of our Greek Expeditionary Army soldiers!"
"Huh!!!" The team officials were full of fighting spirit.
"According to the previous deployment, the fifth infantry company led by Hilos and the third light infantry company led by Alpuens (which consisted of mercenaries joined by Byzantine, with archers and stone-cattered soldiers, totaling more than 200 people) remained in the camp to prevent Amendorala's enemies from sneak attacks. The remaining troops left the camp in order."
"yes!!!"
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When Turiyi's army left the city, they saw Davers' mercenaries waiting early outside the city.
"Is this the Greek Expeditionary Force?! I think it's an exaggeration. Look at these soldiers either squat or lie down, throwing their guns and shields aside, and they don't look like soldiers at all!" Kunogorata looked sad that he had spent a high price but bought inferior products.
Phiris was worried about the upcoming war at this moment and had no intention of arguing with Kunogorata for this ordinary military common sense.
At this time, a young man next to him spoke without hesitation: "We sent out to inform them that the messenger should have just returned, and this army was already standing here waiting for us. It can be seen that this army has strong mobilization ability and ability to execute orders! As for lying and squatting, it is to preserve their physical strength before the war begins, which also shows that they are experienced and can still relax so much when the war comes! I now believe that they have the ability to support the left wing alone!"
Kunogorata snorted softly. After all, the young man was Turiyi's distinguished guest, so he had to keep silent.
At this time, Davers, led by Bulcos, rushed towards them.
"General Pherres, the mercenary leader Davers pays tribute to you!" Davers saluted immediately.
"Although I have heard Bulcos say that, your youth still surprised me! Young leader, thank you for your help to Turiyi. Let us kill the enemy side by side today!" Feiris also saluted solemnly.
"As you wish, General Ferris." Davers agreed, then turned to Kunogolata. With Bulcos's guidance, he could certainly call out his name accurately: "Salute to you, General Kunogolata!"
"Captain Davers, your proposal is very bold. To be honest, I was very moved, but after discussion, the generals thought it was too risky, so they did not accept it. I hope you don't care!" Kunogorata apologized slightly, made a statement on this, and drove him forward and patted Daves on the shoulder to show his closeness.
"Pre-war discussions are for brainstorming. Once a resolution is formed, you must resolutely execute the order. Don't worry, I am a soldier, and it is natural to execute the order!"
"What a saying, 'Soldiers are born to perform orders'!" The young man praised loudly and took the initiative to introduce himself: "Hello, Chief Davers! I am Acheta of Tarantum. I have been hearing the legendary stories of your Greek Expeditionary Force. I did not disappoint me when I saw you today!"
Davers looked at him and saw that although the young man in front of him was gentle and elegant, his face with a sincere smile was slightly deeper: "General Achita (Tarantum is a dual consul system, and he does not have the position of a 'general', this is just a respectful title), Tarantum's mathematical and military genius, it is my honor to be able to fight side by side with you!"
Davers returned the favor with a friendly greeting and continued: "I think mathematics and military are necessary to connect. Every soldier in the array is a point, and countless points form straight lines and blocks. The basic condition for victory is how to make every point play its full role..."
"You're right!" Acheta asked kindly, "Chief Davers also has a study of mathematics?"
"I don't know much about mathematics, but I'm full of respect for the Pythagoras school!" Davers said seriously.
Seeing that he spoke sincerely, Acheta suddenly felt good about him and was ready to speak again.
Phiris interrupted: "The other mercenary leaders are coming. Now let us clarify our respective responsibilities and unify our orders together."
Chapter completed!