Maximus looked at him, the corners of his mouth slightly raised, and said casually, "You just said that Spartacus’s side has nearly 100,000 people now. Food and supplies must be tight. I’ve already run into conflicts with Cleonis even from this distance. If I were any closer, wouldn’t we be fighting every day?"
Okmar was momentarily speechless, then chuckled awkwardly twice. "You have a point."
The messenger’s notification had already been received, so Fesaros led his subordinate officers early to stand outside the camp gate to welcome them.
Although Maximus’s army recruited soldiers with strict standards, its growth rate was still fast. It now numbered 15,000 soldiers, and including non-combat personnel, the total exceeded 20,000.
To facilitate more effective command in battle, Maximus reorganized his army at the end of last month into two legions and a personal guard. The legion structures were almost identical to the Roman Army’s, with six battalions totaling 6,000 men each, while the personal guard temporarily consisted of three battalions. Based on seniority within Maximus’s army, Fesaros and Torrelugo were appointed commanders of the First and Second Legions, respectively. Camillus and Oluus were made captain and vice-captain of the personal guard.
At this moment, Fesaros strode forward and delivered a firm military salute: "Leader Maximus, First Legion Commander Fesaros salutes you!"
Maximus returned the salute, then smiled and said, "Fesaros, you’ve done quite well leading the First Legion here. The Barians have even proactively offered to increase their tribute to us."
"That’s all thanks to the brothers’ efforts, and honestly, the group coming from the south is just too easy to handle." Fesaros, who had risen from his origins as a sailor, had developed a bit of a commanding aura after nearly a year of honing. Though inwardly proud, his words remained modest.
"Looks like you’re quite comfortable here." Maximus eyed Fesaros and said with a half-smile, "How about next month you stay here with the First Legion and continue your post?"
"That won’t do! Next month, it’s the Second Legion’s turn to station here!" Fesaros immediately raised his voice in protest. "Apart from training and patrolling, there’s nothing else to do here. The brothers are already eager to return to Sarabia."
Maximus laughed heartily as he walked past Fesaros and approached the captain of the First Battalion. With a smile, he asked, "Lufus, what do you think of relocating your battalion from guarding Sarabia’s city walls to this area?"
"The people coming from the south are too weak," Lufus replied succinctly.
"To be fair, they’re just pastoral herdsmen who’ve recently picked up weapons. But when the Romans arrive, that will be the true test for you," Maximus said seriously.
"Don’t worry, leader. When the Romans come, the First Battalion won’t back down. We will form up and be the first to charge into battle against them," Lufus replied resolutely.
Maximus patted his shoulder in encouragement and continued with a smile toward the next battalion captain...
Standing off to the side, Okmar quietly watched this scene of Maximus meeting with his subordinates. Unlike Spartacus’s army, where everyone lived in harmony without concern for rank or hierarchy, Maximus, though similarly talking and joking with his team officers, exuded a distinctly hierarchical dynamic. The reverence and obedience from the officers toward their leader in their every gesture reminded Okmar somewhat of the Roman Army. It surprised him...
"Okmar, long time no see," Fesaros’s voice interrupted Okmar’s thoughts.
Okmar looked at this young man who had once been unremarkable among the gladiators and responded, "Indeed, it’s been a long time. In a blink, you’ve become a legion commander."
Fesaros straightened his chest, adjusted his feather helmet with his right hand, and said modestly, "I still can’t compare to you. You’re the only cavalry captain in our Free Italy forces."
Okmar snorted lightly in self-deprecation and replied, "Cavalry captain in name only. More than half of my men don’t even have armor or shields. Their equipment isn’t even as good as the cavalry from the Gaul Tribe I used to belong to. While we have more people, it’s closer to being a group of mounted herdsmen."
"My brothers are in the same situation as yours. Don’t worry; we’ll gradually get all the gear needed," Fesaros said in a consoling tone while leaning in a bit closer. "I heard that Enomai, the leader, has fallen in battle. Is this true?"
Okmar nodded solemnly and replied, "It’s true. This time, I’ve been ordered to invite Leader Maximus to Uriya primarily to discuss this matter."
Having gotten Okmar’s confirmation, Fesaros didn’t appear surprised. Being in a camp so close to Spartacus’s main forces, the news had already spread. Fesaros adopted a serious demeanor and said, "Some people from your side have... been quite unfriendly toward us. If our leader is heading to Uriya, how will his safety be ensured?"
This is all the fallout from you driving back Cleonis’s forces... Okmar thought to himself but kept a stern expression as he replied firmly, "Rest assured. Spartacus would never allow such a thing to happen!"
..........................................
After entering the camp, Maximus visited each tent to greet the soldiers of the First Legion. He also instructed the kitchen to slaughter sheep and chickens, making that night’s dinner extraordinarily lavish. The camp was filled with laughter and joy.
Early the next day, Maximus led his troops out of the camp. Fesaros, concerned for his safety, suggested sending an additional battalion to guard him, but Maximus declined.
As the column marched along the road and left the zone controlled by the First Legion, the scenery before them began to change. Although the green fields stretched out as far as the eye could see, during this season of agricultural labor, there were no farmers working the land. Wild grass dominated the wheat fields, growing unchecked. Occasionally, among the vegetation, there lay scattered bodies, partially hidden. Wild dogs and small animals scavenged among them. In the midst of this sea of green, patches of silent black death appeared—villages burned to the ground...