Depeitimas, a Roman veteran residing near Brindisi, has a story somewhat similar to Quintus. He brought a group of people who had previously served in the Roman Army to join the rebel army, significantly boosting their strength;
Cleonis, a horse herder from the southern Calabria, is the rebel leader who led his team into conflict with the First Legion of Fesaros.
However, when Spartacus introduced Cleonis to Maximus, the former horse herder didn’t display any radical behavior. He acted quite composed. Maximus was originally prepared to handle the criticism from some individuals, but so far everything remained calm. It seems Spartacus has made considerable efforts to reconcile the differences among the leaders.
While Maximus was quietly observing everyone, Cross suddenly struck the table forcefully and said, "I say, Spartacus, since we managed to gather today, shouldn’t we have something good to eat and celebrate? You wouldn’t say there’s not even a bit of meat here, would you?"
Spartacus put down the bread in his hand, wiped the crumbs from his mouth with his finger, and quietly remarked, "I do have some meat here, but there are tens of thousands of brothers outside. If I stew meat here, should I share it with them? If given, it won’t be nearly enough; if not given, we’re all suffering brothers, and no one is nobler than the other. If just because we are leaders, we can eat more meat while they only drink porridge, would they be willing to to the battlefield against the Romans?"
Seeing everyone’s eyes on him, Cross laughed a few times: "I’m just making a suggestion, you’re still the same, giving a lecture. Alright, alright, no meat, then no meat, but we can at least have some wine, right? This time you don’t need to provide it, I brought a cartful, all fine wines from Turi, tasting no worse than those from Campania."
When Cross finished speaking, a few leaders instinctively swallowed.
"Tomorrow is Enomai’s burial, drinking at this time might not be appropriate." Hamilcar gently reminded.
Spartacus saw Cross’s face change slightly, and he quickly added, "Since Cross went through the trouble of bringing the wine, of course we should drink it. However, this moment isn’t quite suitable. After we’re done with our current affairs, we’ll gather to enjoy the wine from Turi properly. Cross, what do you think?"
"Whatever you all say." Cross leaned back in his chair, folded his arms, and with a low tone said, "Since Enomai is brought up, I have something to say. I’m deeply pained by Enomai’s death! You all know that in the Gladiator School, I had a good relationship with him. Later in Campania, because we shared similar ideas, we often acted together, and even our campsites were adjacent. He even came to me proposing a joint move south to Turi...
But, as people stay together for long enough, arguments are inevitable, especially since both Enomai and I have hot tempers. We once fought over a trivial matter. Fighting among ourselves in the Gladiator School was common, and I was planning to drink with him and make some compromises the next day, and the matter would be resolved...
But I didn’t expect... didn’t expect he would lead his team away from Turi... and even more unexpectedly, he would die at Metapontum..."
Cross’s voice choked with emotion, and Maximus clearly saw tears flowing down his face, dripping onto his breastplate.
Is this true sorrow, or just an act?... Maximus watched with intrigue from the sidelines.
Cross took a deep breath, wiped his eyes, and suddenly glared wide-eyed: "But when I arrived here, I heard some rumors, saying that I killed Enomai, that I should atone for Enomai. What kind of bullshit is this!"
Spartacus was a bit surprised. Hamilcar whispered a few words in his ear, and his expression became serious. In a deep voice, he said, "These are likely words of anger spread by Enomai’s fellow brothers. After Enomai died in battle, they came here, and some hold resentment against you, believing that if it weren’t for you, Enomai wouldn’t have led his team away from Turi to forcefully attack Metapontum, leading to his death...
I spoke with them twice, and they promised not to speak recklessly anymore. It seems they’ve broken their promise. I will send someone to warn and punish them, ensuring no more rumors will spread—"
At this, his eyes shone as he looked at the others in the room, emphasizing his words: "Our Free Italy is composed of poor people and slaves from across Italy. To defeat the powerful Romans, we must unite as one. We absolutely cannot allow anyone to speak carelessly or spread rumors, as this will only lead to mutual suspicion in our vast army and eventual dispersal!"
"Spartacus, you’re right! This should be made a decree of Free Italy, so all soldiers know!" Cross followed up grimly.
"I support Cross’s proposal." Maximus seized the opportunity to speak, agreeing with Cross for a rare moment, as they both had similar troubles in this regard.