Rome Must Fall

After Hamilcar returned, he told Spartacus in detail how he met Maximus.

Spartacus thought for a long time before asking: "What do you think of the suggestions made by Maximus?"

"I thought about it carefully on the way back..." Hamilka said seriously: "Maximus suggested that after we capture a few towns, we should allocate the land to the soldiers, and then manage it well... This suggestion is acceptable. It doesn’t make sense.

Let’s not talk about whether we have the ability to manage the town well. Once we stop moving and stick to one place, this is exactly what the Romans want, because they will have enough time to prepare for the attack. Even if we, Free Italy, try our best Even with full defense, it would be difficult to block their attack for a long time. "

Spartacus sighed: "Indeed, the Romans have very strong siege capabilities. When we first saw the huge siege machines made by the Romans, everyone was shocked..."

"As for Maximus's other suggestions, I think they still make some sense." Hamilcar looked at Spartacus and reminded softly: "Our advantage over the Roman army, apart from having more people, is action. Flexibility. The small terrain south of Thurii is really not conducive to our strengths.

In addition, we know nothing about navigation, but the only way to get to Sicily is by boat. No matter who we find, this approach of putting our lives in the hands of others is indeed very dangerous, and we need to think carefully! "

While in Tarantum, Spartacus learned from others that a great riot against Rome had taken place in Sicily decades ago that was no less than theirs. At that time, he had wanted to rekindle Sicily. The flames of the uprising had quietly discussed with Hamilcar several times in private.

So when Maximus mentioned the suggestion about Sicily, Hamilka was shocked. He didn't know how the other party knew this secret matter.

Spartacus was silent for a moment, slowly shook his head, and said: "Perhaps what Maximus said makes sense, but things on the battlefield change too much, and no one can accurately predict it, so it is best not to predict it before the battle. Limit yourself, sometimes disadvantages can turn into advantages...

Hamilcar, don’t forget, our goal is to eliminate as many Roman troops as possible and create as much trouble for Rome as possible. As for life and death...it’s nothing to us, so why worry about ships and Sicily? As for the problem, if it succeeded, it would give the Romans a headache, but if it failed, it would just be death. "

"...You're right." Hamilcar was relieved.

"But Maximus said something right. We made a promise at the beginning to let everyone be free..." Spartacus said in a leisurely tone: "You will call the other leaders later, and we will start another one." Yes, I hope they can tell their soldiers that if they are willing to leave Italy, they can follow Maximus’ team.”

"OK."

"To be honest, I really don't want Maximus to leave. He is a very capable man and has been of great help to Free Italy!" Spartacus looked in the direction of Maximus's barracks with a somewhat confused expression. Regret: "But since he insists on leaving, I can't force him to stay. I think with his ability, he will definitely be able to live well even if he goes to the north... That's fine. If one day we fail, At least there are still people who can remember us...remember what we have done..."

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The three of them left Spartacus' military tent. After walking a certain distance, Cleonis couldn't help but said hatefully: "Hate! This Maximus is really cunning. When he saw that the situation was not good, he wanted to Run away alone. If he stays for a day or two more, our plan will be implemented. When the time comes to capture him, his team will have to follow us south! "

"Things are not that easy." Depetimas reminded: "Spartacus, Hamilcar, and Altonix all came out of the Gladiator School with Maximus, and they have always had a close relationship in the past. Well, although they don't agree with continuing to go north, they will never allow us to insult Maximus like this. Besides, his army is not a vegetarian. If it can't be controlled well and things get serious, it will be harmful to our entire team. not good!"

"That's right, just let him go north alone in despair. We in Free Italy will no longer have quarrels. It's good to stay in Italy with peace of mind and deal with the Romans with all our strength." Fitodoras interjected. : "But Spartacus and the others are quite biased. They even asked us to inform the soldiers below that anyone who wants to leave can leave!"

"This has no impact on us." Cleonis said meaningfully: "Our soldiers are either from Calabria or Picenum. They will never leave Italy. But Spartacus There are many slaves and barbarians in the ranks of Si, Altonix, and Attumus. I am afraid that some people will choose to leave, but this is a good thing for us, isn't it?"

Fitodorus and Depetimas looked at each other tacitly, neither of them spoke.

"Even if these people join Maximus' team, his strength will not be enhanced." Cleonis sneered and continued: "There are also many new members from Picenum in his team. Poor people, they will never go north with him. Also, after he leads his army out of Italy, without the threat of the Romans, will the barbarian soldiers and slaves in his team be willing to continue to follow him? It's a pity that I couldn't see him surrounded by Gauls."

Cleonis looked to the north with a look of gloating. He always remembered the shame of Maximus' team defeating him.

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"Brothers, we will set off tomorrow morning. Are you all ready?" Staggs walked into the military tent.

"It has been prepared for a long time!" The soldiers in the military tent responded in unison.

Staggs looked at Casaridoa, who yelled the loudest, and said half-jokingly, half-seriously: "Hey, why are you still here?! Didn't some of the Italian soldiers in our team leave? !”

"They are them, I am me, I am fine staying here, why should I leave!" Casaridoa said impatiently. Several comrades had asked him similar questions before: "Not only do I not Let’s go, even my brothers who joined our team with me are not leaving either!”

"Captain, do you think these people are stupid? Leader Maximus has said many times before that there is no hope for staying in Italy, and the only possibility is death in the end. But by following our leader, we can get a piece of land that belongs to us outside Italy. Let everyone get their own land! It’s a pity that they don’t want such a good thing!” A soldier looked regretful.

"I think the main reason is that they have been in our team for too short a time. They have never chatted with our leader or listened to his stories, so they don't believe that he can do it." Pulokang, the tenth commander on the side Suss expressed his own opinion: "It's not like we didn't have Italian soldiers before. I heard that most of them chose to follow the leader north, including me of course, captain, is that right?"

"That's right." Staggs nodded.

This immediately aroused discussion among other soldiers. Everyone expressed their opinions, and the military tent became very lively.

Casaridoa did not participate in the discussion, nor did he listen carefully to what his teammates were saying. He made this choice only because after the battle on the Vomanus River, no one in the team looked at him differently. For him, everyone is a comrade who shares weal and woe, caring and helping each other. He enjoys such an atmosphere.

"Oh, why is it so lively inside?!" The curtain opened and another person came in.

"Captain, why are you here?" Staggs looked at the visitor in surprise.

"I've been looking for you for a long time, but I didn't expect you to be hiding here in broad daylight." Bubius scolded with a smile.

"Is there a problem?"

Bubius waved to him and motioned for him to follow him out. There was a strong man standing outside the tent.

Bubius pointed at the strong man and said: "A new recruit has been assigned to your team. Oh, no, he is not a new recruit. I am afraid he joined Free Italy at about the same time as you, but he was originally under the leadership of Spartacus. in the team.”

Staggs looked at the strong man and pulled Bubius aside. He complained softly: "Captain, my hundred-man team is short of several people, why did you just give me one! I heard that thousands of people were transferred from other teams this time!"

"There are thousands of people. They are also following the Third Army first. Besides, some people are just willing to follow our team north, but are not willing to join our team." Bubius said unceremoniously: "I can It’s good to give you one, but Onomax’s team doesn’t even have one. If you are not satisfied, I will have to transfer this person to their team, and you can go to the leader to find someone.”

With that said, he was about to walk out, but Staggs quickly stopped him: "No, no, no, captain, it was my fault. Thank you for taking care of our team. I will accept this recruit."

"Let me tell you, don't really treat him as a recruit. He is a centurion in the team of leader Spartacus just like you!" Bubius reminded him seriously: "It's just the leader's request. , everyone who joins our team must start as a recruit. Because of this, some people are unwilling to join our team, but he agreed without hesitation, so you have to take care of them! "

"I understand, don't worry." Staggs promised immediately, then walked up to the strong man and stretched out his right hand: "I am the 200th Battalion of the 2nd Battalion of the 1st Army of Maximus. Captain Staggs, welcome to join our team!”

"My name is Polycamus, a Thracian. I used to work with Spartacus, but now I am very happy to become a soldier of leader Maximus!" The strong man grinned and held Star's hand firmly. Gus's hand.

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In the early morning of the second day, the sky was blue, the sun was rising, the sea breeze was blowing, and the weather was pleasant.

While most of the other rebel soldiers were still immersed in sleep, Maximus' army had already left the camp.

As usual, the first legion, the second legion, the baggage camp, the third legion... the personnel of each team lined up in the open space in front of the camp, and then stepped onto the road ahead in order.

There was no sound of drums and trumpets, no noise of personnel, and they marched quietly and quickly, just like they did in the past when they were the vanguard of the entire rebel army. However, this time there were no other teams following them, and naturally no other teams got up to see them off.

Only the leaders Spartacus, Hamilka, Altonix, Attumus and a handful of old gladiators quietly watched the team go away amidst the whimpering of the sea breeze...

The avenue that Maximus' army took was not the Via Popilia along the coast, but the Via Emilia starting from Rimininum and leading straight to Piacenza in the northwest. Because the road was extremely flat, , the army marched very fast, and by noon a river appeared in front.

This is a small river with a width of only 10 meters and a depth of no more than knee. The water is gurgling and the banks are green. It is no different from other rivers they pass through.

Quintus pointed to the river and said with a sigh: "This is the Rubicon River. After crossing it, we have entered the province of North Italy. Strictly speaking, we have left Italy."

Maximus reined in his horse and instantly remembered the famous historical event of crossing the Rubicon River in his previous life. After being stunned for a while, he suddenly stretched out his hand and made a throwing motion: "Throw the dice."

"Chief, what did you say?" Quintus didn't hear clearly.

Maximus smiled: "I said we are changing history."

"Let's cross the river!" Maximus raised his hand in high spirits, clamped his legs, and the horse took four hooves and galloped towards the stone bridge not far away.

In this life, the great Caesar didn't know if he would have a chance to throw the dice.

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The province of North Italy is the closest province to Rome. It covers the entire Po River plain and is a fairly fertile and fertile area.

Once upon a time, this place was mainly inhabited by the powerful Gauls, who herded horses and sheep, cultivated and planted crops, and from time to time went south to plunder, threatening the safety of the Romans many times. They even captured Rome more than 200 years ago and became the The nightmare of the Romans.