"Rest assured, leader, the soldiers of the Personal Guard Team train day in and day out without slack. They will definitely become the sharpest short sword in your hand, ready for you to use them to slay the enemy!" At this moment, Oluus spoke with considerable humility.
Camillus followed closely in expressing his stance.
Maximus merely nodded.
"Leader, besides Turrunum and Bari, why don’t we advance southwest, threatening Rubi, Buton, and other towns to surrender? That way, we would obtain more resources," Fesaros asked.
"Attutmus and I have a private agreement that the southwest inland region is his forces’ target to conquer," Maximus explained seriously. "Moreover, once we accept these towns’ surrender and gain their offered resources, we must fulfill our promise to ensure their lands and people remain unharmed.
With our current strength, we can only incorporate these few closer towns along the southern coast. Going further south might enter territories controlled by Spartacus and Antonix’s forces.
The way they treat the local people is different from ours, potentially leading to conflict, which we all wish to avoid. Therefore, we will halt at Bari, quickly force the surrender of these coastal towns, and refocus our conquest efforts northward. If we can conquer Cips and control the area around Sinus Lake, we won’t have to worry about a shortage of food and resources..."
The six Great Captains listened thoughtfully, while Quintus and Flanitnus remained composed, as Maximus’s plan had already been discussed with them.
The commanders exited the administrative chief’s mansion, each heading to their respective camps. Quintus, lagging behind, called out to Oluus, speaking bluntly in a low voice: "Oluus, you shouldn’t have confronted Flanitnus just now; it can easily lead Maximus to question the Lukaiya people’s loyalty!"
"You misunderstood me. I didn’t mean anything else; I was merely influenced by Camillus, expressing some grievances to Maximus, hoping to change the current situation where the Personal Guard Team seldom goes to battle," Oluus defended himself.
"Change? The primary mission of the Personal Guard Team is to protect Maximus and the entire command echelon. As a seasoned soldier, you should know this!" Quintus reminded sternly. "Don’t be fooled by Maximus’s youth; he is very shrewd and has great means. I’m sure you already experienced his acumen just now.
Focus on training your soldiers and don’t meddle in other affairs. We must unite as one, preparing to face the imminent threat of the Roman Army."
"Quintus, whether you believe me or not, I was merely complaining, nothing more. I really don’t care about your and Flanitnus’s matters!" Oluus, somewhat irritated, said angrily, turning to leave in broad strides.
As he passed Flanitnus up ahead, Flanitnus gave him a slightly puzzled glance, then turned back to look at Quintus standing at the bottom of the steps.
Quintus nodded in acknowledgment.
He nodded back in return.
After seeing off the commanders, Maximus did not sit down to rest but summoned Volenus: "In my absence over the past two days, is there anything in the city that requires my attention?"
"Spartacus’s leader sent a messenger, informing us that their army has reached north of Tarentum and taken Uriya, using it as a central base to build their camp. They are now splitting forces to attack nearby towns, expanding their encampment..."
The messenger brought Spartacus’s leader’s command, believing our forces are still too far. It was suggested we continue moving south, preferably setting camp near Bari. This way, when the Roman army strikes, we can mobilize together faster..."
After Volenus finished speaking, he noticed Maximus sitting at the table, looking at his hands, as if he were not listening and couldn’t help asking again: "Leader, should we follow Spartacus’s leader’s command to move our army south?"
Maximus flicked his fingernail, slowly saying, "Volenus, you’ve been part of our army for years. You should know that Free Italy’s highest authority is the Military Commander Conference. Although Spartacus has the most say, he does not have the right to interfere in other leaders’ management of their armies, so what he gave is not a command, but only a suggestion."
"Leader, it’s my foolishness for getting this wrong!" Volenus hurriedly admitted his mistake.
Maximus explained earnestly: "There is a road connecting Sarabia to Uriya City. The army can reach there in a day or two. Even if the Roman Army strikes, it wouldn’t matter much. Moreover, being in Sarabia, we can ensure both supply and safety, making it the best camp location.
But if we camp near Bari, we would be too close to Spartacus’s forces. These days, many people from all over Free Italy are joining us. Spartacus’s forces would undoubtedly accept any newcomers, quickly expanding their ranks. As their numbers grow, they are bound to occupy more land. By then, our camp will border theirs, leading to many complications, similar to what happened in Pompey..."