Augustus Road

"Don't be stupid. The enemy's main force must be on the way. If you stick to it, you will die. Now listen to my order and get on the boat quickly and go to Utica." This was Brother Ma's suggestion, and he was very quick. Turning this idea into reality, he quickly abandoned the city and port. Some of his men were unwilling to flee before the battle, so he took a cavalry guard and boarded the large decked ship left by Hittius, and hurriedly set sail. Run towards the coast of Utica City.

So the remaining Hittius party and Marco's cavalry, led by an Italian knight named Fabius, dug defensive trenches around the city wall and port, consolidated the towers, and stockpiled Supplies and provisions were prepared to hold on - but if Rabinus really brought the main force to attack the city, no one was sure whether the Port of Hippo would be safe.

You know, Rabinus has a huge military strength of ten legions, and has easily captured key points such as Kilta City and Tara City. Half of Numidia is in his hands. If he wants to attack Port of Hippo, that's really easy to do.

In fact, in front of the palace gardens of Kilta City where fire was everywhere, Rabinus discussed the next strategic direction with Lelias and other generals.

Rabinus's plan is: sack the cities of Kilta and Tara, but leave the city walls and warehouses behind. Then I will lead seven legions myself to reach the Tumur River, and attack the cities of Wagga and Suyato along the way. There was a place where Celeste's supplies were stored and where Lepidus could be defended; and General Laelias led three legions and marched along the desert east of the city of Tara, in conjunction with the Getulians and Mauritanian. To threaten Lepidus' men on the flanks - if Lepidus came to attack the Tumur River. I will occupy the mountains there. Fight hard to contain and consume him, while you go back to the rear. If he stays still, we will join forces to defeat him from the front and rear. If he advances, you will rush into Numidia and Africa and cut off his food routes. He will fall without a fight; if he comes to attack you, lure him deeper. Guide him to the barren land, and I will arrive in time, trap Lepidus in the desert area, and annihilate all enemies.

"However, there is still a port of Hippo that has not been captured, which will pose a threat to our retreat." Although the one-eyed Lelias was eager for revenge, he still fiercely opposed the coach's plan out of caution, "The enemy We can use the transport fleet to increase military strength and supplies to Hippo. On the other hand, if we are given three legions to seize this important port first, our rear troops and supplies can be continuously transported here from Spain. ”

"But in that case, you and the three legions will not be able to participate in the attack on Lepidus in time. Lilias and we will be too late. If we cannot occupy the Tumur River and the southern desert as soon as possible and deploy favorable subordinates, Lepidus' military advantage will be lost. It will be highlighted that the key to this war is 'quickness'."

The one-eyed general pondered for a while, and then said to Rabinus, "I believe in you. Since the gods have entrusted you with the fate of all the legions and the Pompeian party, let us recreate the Battle of Zama in this area." Scipio’s splendor is gone.”

Rabinus was also very excited, "No one who bears the name of Scipio has ever failed in Africa."

However, he quickly remembered the tragic death of his "great father-in-law" and swallowed the second half of his words.

So in the end, everything was planned by Labienus. He led 5,000 Spanish cavalry as the vanguard, galloping wildly in the narrow wilderness of Numidia, while Lelias took charge of all the infantry. The legions were divided into three echelons: the first two followed Rabinus and aimed at the Tumur River, while the three legions of the last echelon, according to the predetermined plan, attacked the desert area of ​​southern Numidia. , push forward hard.

Soon, Rabinus's troops approached the city of Suyato. This city was originally the place where the royal family accumulated treasures. It is now the seat of the envoy Celeste Provincial Executive Council, and most of the supplies are also here. , when Celeste got this military information, he was in the city of Wagga receiving Hitius and the former Queen Selene of Numidia, who came from the city. He also learned that most of the western city had fallen, and the port of Hippo The news of being alone behind enemy lines made me feel anxious at first, but now when I learned that the Rabinus cavalry had arrived like lightning, I couldn't help but be shocked.

"Don't worry about Suyato. With our current strength, it is difficult to compete with Rabinus. It is better to hold on to the capital city of Wagga and wait until the main force of the high priest arrives." Hitius suggested, "In addition, if the city of Waqa is lost, from here to the Tumur River, we will not have a strong stronghold and fortress, and secondly, we will not have sufficient water sources - you know, on the west bank of the Tumur River, there is only Waqa There are streams passing through the city, as well as meadows and forests, and the rest to the east is desert area. The city fell into the hands of Labienus. In the future, if the high priest attacks him, he will have to fight across the desert. That is really It’s even more difficult.”

But Celeste hesitated. He had his own ideas. The millions of sestes he had collected since he became the envoy were originally for safety and to prevent being accused by the provincial Knights Chamber of Commerce after leaving office. They were mixed with public funds. If the people who were stationed in Suyato City together sat idly and did nothing, then wouldn't the position he had obtained in exchange for a bribe of two million sesterces from Caesar be in vain?

"This..." Celeste rolled his eyes, stood up and said, "I have been working hard to write a history book about the Jugurtha War. In the process of collecting information, I think I am familiar with the local geography. Besides, there is a local legion and 600 allied cavalry in the city of Vaga. If we get your help, can we win a small victory under the city of Suato? In this way, Suato and Vaga, no, even the entire area on the west bank of the river can be protected. Isn't it better?"

"But this is impossible!" Hitis shrugged and rejected it. "You and I are not Labinus's opponents, not to mention that his armed forces are much stronger. More."

"As long as we occupy the water source, we will not lose the war. In addition, if we hide in Vaga and do nothing, we will be reprimanded by the high priest in the future." Celeste seemed determined, "You and I are equal. I am the provincial envoy and you are the monarch of the four-division, so I will not force you, but I will resolutely fight."

"Then let's do this. I will take 1,500 cavalrymen and stand in the central area between Vaga and Suato, ready to meet you at any time." Hitis was a shrewd man. He would not harm the unity and cooperation before the war because of differences in the plan. That would only bring more fatal consequences than a wrong plan. (To be continued...)

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