At this time, Bourkos was in Thurii’s city hall, answering the pointed questions of the city’s generals.
Thurii’s political system bore a strong resemblance to Athens’. The city-state’s administrative management was governed under the "Ten Generals System," a structure heavily influenced by Athens, which had spearheaded the city’s founding. However, unlike in Athens, where generals were elected directly by the citizen assembly, Thurii’s generals were selected based on the city’s unique multicultural roots. Thurii’s settlers hailed from ten regions across Greece, including Arcadia, Achaea, Boeotia, Ionia, Athens, and Dorian territories. Every year, citizens from each region would elect one general to represent them. The Chief General, however, was traditionally chosen from Athenian descendants.
This tradition endured until the end of the Peloponnesian War, when Athens’ defeat altered the political landscape of Thurii. To avoid retaliation from Sparta and its allies in Magna Graecia—powerful city-states such as Tarentum, Croton, and Syracuse—Cunograta, leader of the Arcadian group, spearheaded the expulsion of all Athenian descendants from Thurii. From that point onward, Thurii had only nine generals, with the Chief General elected by the council from these nine. For four consecutive years, Cunograta himself held this position, a testament to his influence and reputation among the Arcadian citizens. However, last year’s disastrous defeat against the Lucanians led the citizen assembly to place their faith in Phrynis, a general widely regarded as a military expert. Though Cunograta lost the Chief Generalship, his enduring prestige among the Arcadian faction ensured his re-election as one of the nine generals.
Now, standing before the council, Cunograta held the mercenary agreement signed by Bourkos in his hands and began questioning him with a sharp tone.
"Bourkos," he said, "as the person responsible for recruiting soldiers, you should be familiar with the standard wage rates for mercenaries across Greece. What is the typical monthly pay?"
"Usually about half a daric gold coin per month," Bourkos replied without hesitation.
"Good, that aligns with the information I’ve gathered." Cunograta nodded slightly before raising the agreement for everyone to see. "Now, let me bring your attention to something troubling. The first agreement stipulates a monthly wage of half a daric for the mercenaries. But in this second agreement—" he paused dramatically before continuing, "for the same number of mercenaries, over 2,000 men, the wage jumps to two darics per month!"
The generals gasped audibly at this revelation, their surprise quickly morphing into concern and disapproval.
Before Bourkos could defend himself, Cunograta pressed on, his voice ringing with authority. "And it doesn’t stop there! You signed these mercenaries on for a six-month term. According to this agreement, regardless of whether the war ends, we must pay them two darics every month. That adds up to 15,000 gold coins!"
"Outrageous!" exclaimed another general, Neonsis, his voice filled with indignation. "Last year, we spent 300 talents of silver from the treasury to fund our failed campaign against the Lucanians. Afterward, another 50 talents were spent compensating the families of fallen citizens. On top of that, 150 talents were used to repair city walls, forge weapons, and mobilize citizen militias. This year alone, we’ve already spent 120 talents on food supplies for Tarentum reinforcements, mercenaries, and rebuilding villages and farmland. And yet, the treasury is nearly depleted! We’ve even discussed imposing a special wartime tax on citizens to cover the shortfall. This wealth represents years of Thurii’s savings and the hard work of its citizens. As the general responsible for the city’s finances, I absolutely cannot accept such an absurd agreement! I refuse to pay these mercenaries!"
"I agree! We cannot recognize this mercenary agreement!" several generals chimed in, echoing Neonsis’s sentiment.
The Chief General, Phrynis, finally intervened, his voice calm yet firm. "Cunograta," he began, "we’ve all received confirmation that the Lucanians are gathering troops in Laos. We know that maintaining a large army requires a significant supply of food, and the Lucanian region cannot sustain such a force for long. If they were to disband after gathering, it would only undermine the prestige of their tribal alliance’s leaders. Unless extraordinary circumstances arise, their attack will happen soon. At such a critical time, we need more soldiers to defend Thurii against their inevitable advance."
"Phrynis," Cunograta countered, his tone sharp, "you cannot ignore the possibility of unforeseen events. Last year, we all believed the Lucanians would besiege us after their great victory, but instead, a plague forced them to retreat. The issue isn’t whether the enemy will attack—it’s this agreement, which guarantees the mercenaries profit regardless of circumstances, while Thurii shoulders all the risks. Look at the terms:
’The mercenaries under Juleios are responsible only for defending Thurii and repelling Lucanian attacks. Any additional tasks must be negotiated separately.’
"Tell me, Bourkos, are these really just mercenaries? Or are they some kind of Spartan warriors in disguise? This agreement reeks of favoritism. I demand an investigation into any under-the-table dealings!"
"Enough, Cunograta!" Phrynis’s voice boomed, silencing the room. "Bourkos was my recommendation, but his mission was approved by all of us. Don’t forget—you were the second person to support it! His efforts have alleviated our manpower shortage, reassured the citizens, and safeguarded the city’s security. Instead of gratitude, he’s subjected to your baseless accusations. Is this how Thurii treats those who contribute to its survival? If so, who would ever volunteer to serve Thurii in the future?"
Bourkos seized the opportunity. "I didn’t anticipate the city’s financial constraints, but I signed this agreement because the situation was urgent. More importantly, these mercenaries are worth it! They may not be Spartan warriors, but they’re no less formidable!"
The room fell silent.
Neonsis, clearly skeptical, sneered. "Everyone knows Spartans are trained from childhood to be warriors. Are you telling us there’s another place with similar training? Or are you suggesting they’re like Herodotus’s Persian Immortals?"
Bourkos fixed him with a cold stare. "These soldiers do have a connection to Persia."
"Oh?" Phrynis leaned forward, intrigued. "What’s the story behind this mercenary group?"
With all eyes on him, Bourkos glanced briefly at Polyxis, who remained silent, before calmly beginning his explanation:
"After receiving your orders, I set sail immediately. While crossing the Adriatic Sea, I encountered two pirate ships. I narrowly escaped capture, thanks to Poseidon’s blessing and a fierce storm that nearly capsized my vessel. After days at sea, I finally reached Crete, where I stopped to rest and repair the ship. While there, I learned that most mercenaries were now gathering in Asia Minor. I was advised to go there to recruit, but it was also suggested that I secure Spartan permission before proceeding..."
The mention of Sparta made the generals tense. Though Thurii had expelled Athenian descendants to appease Sparta, they still feared the Spartan League’s attitude toward their city.