"I know, but look at them—young, strong, with years of fighting experience. What’s more, they understand why they’ve joined us! That’s much better than when we first joined the ranks! With just a bit of training, they’ll make a fine group of soldiers!" Bubius’s eyes lit up as he looked at the men from Casaridaoa.
"But we’re about to leave!" Stags reminded him again.
"Here’s what I’ll do—I’ll take a few of them to the Legion Commander right away and seek his approval."
Seeing that Bubius was set on this, Stags refrained from persuading him further.
.............................................
"Chief, the marching plan we’ve currently arranged is ... The First Legion will lead, followed closely by the Second Legion. Next, you and the Guard will position yourselves in the center of the formation, while our enormous Supply Camp will bring up the rear, protected by the Third Legion. (Before the rebel army turned north, the number of soldiers in the Maximus Army had already expanded to 15,000. Maximus reorganized the 3,000 extra soldiers from two legions and the 1,000 Guards to form another legion, with Camillus appointed as Legion Commander and Oluus as Deputy Legion Commander. Initially named the Guard Corps, it was later renamed the Third Legion after Quintus and others suggested the change for operational convenience. The 1,000-man Pequot unit then became the new Guard.)
Given this march, with the Roman Army pursuing us from behind, it won’t be as easy as last time when we traveled from Campania to Apulia. Also, the personnel in our Supply Camp have multiplied, many of whom lack long-distance marching experience. We’ll need to dispatch part of the Third Legion to form a retrieval team placed at the end of the marching formation, responsible for daily collection of those who lag behind or lose their way..."
Quintus held a wooden map board, gesturing as he spoke. "Our forces will march along the coast to Sipotum, then follow the edge of Gallanum Cape to reach the town of Apulum at the northern border of Apulia near Fluentani. This whole route consists of existing roads and relatively flat terrain, making it easier to travel... Chief, are you certain Attutmus’s army will meet with us at Apulum?"
"I’ve coordinated with him well in the past. This time, we’re both serving as vanguards and have already planned accordingly. We set forth today, and they will also depart today, maintaining contact through cavalry at all times. I trust that by the time we reach Apulum, they’ll be close by and won’t keep us waiting." Maximus said resolutely.
"If that’s the case, things become much simpler." Quintus pointed at the map. "Fluentani and Apulia are different—Fluentani is entirely mountainous. Even if we follow the coastal route, the narrow roads will stretch our formation significantly. Should we face a sudden enemy attack, it could cause serious trouble. If Attutmus’s army can march alongside us, it will ensure our flank’s safety."
"Rest assured, Attutmus will keep his promise." Maximus reassured confidently once again.
It wasn’t just his good relationship with Maximus that motivated Attutmus to maneuver his army across rugged mountain paths instead of flat coastal roads. The key reason was an agreement: should Attutmus’s forces face food shortages, Maximus’s troops must prioritize providing aid.
As a neighbor, Attutmus knew well how effectively Maximus had managed his territory in recent months—wealthy and substantial, making others envy him.
"Chief, has Spartacus’s army already set out?" Quintus asked again.
"Just received word—they departed early yesterday morning."
Quintus lowered his head, studying the map as he muttered, "If their marching speed is fast enough, they should almost be at Bari by now... With the size of our Supply Camp, even if we stick to the main roads, covering 25 li a day is the best we can hope for. That should leave Spartacus’s forces half a day ahead of us, enabling timely support—it’s a pretty good setup."
"You and your team have been working tirelessly these past few days to ensure our northbound journey goes smoothly—thank you!" Maximus said sincerely, looking at the exhausted Quintus.
"It’s our duty." Quintus replied calmly.
"From your words, you seem to believe the Romans will intercept us ahead?" Maximus asked.
"Absolutely," Quintus responded without hesitation. "From what I know of Rome, the Senate would never tolerate us escaping Italy. That would be a grave humiliation for them. They’ll undoubtedly deploy troops ahead to block us—they’ll likely command the governor of the Northern Italy Province to lead elite forces southward, forces otherwise stationed against northern barbarians. With pursuers behind and a formidable enemy ahead, breaking through their encirclement will be a significant challenge!"
Quintus sighed, appearing troubled. Though he was initially pleased about the rebel army’s rapid expansion, the arrival of the Roman forces revealed that many rebel soldiers lacked the courage to face them in battle. Forced into flight and abandoning direct confrontation, what was the use of sheer numbers?
"Trust me, not only will we ultimately break through the encirclement, but we will also defeat all enemies who come at us!" Maximus responded with conviction. His words were not merely for comfort—though history did not record specific details of Spartacus defeating the Roman Army, the rebel forces successfully reached the Alpine region. Now, with his involvement, Maximus firmly believed the rebel army would grow even stronger, making victory over the enemy more achievable.
Quintus was momentarily stunned, unsure where Maximus derived such confidence. He thought of persuading Maximus to avoid undue optimism, but before he could speak, Flanitnus strode in hurriedly. "Chief, all the legions are ready—just waiting for your orders to depart!"
"Let’s go to the military camp!" Maximus said. No sooner had he spoken than Akegu, standing nearby, promptly handed him his helmet. Maximus placed it on and took the lead outside. Just as he reached the door, someone rushed in and almost collided with him.
"Ch... Chief, I’ve brought Karsipengpas!" Pigeris said urgently.
Maximus felt a surge of joy upon hearing this. "The heavens are truly on our side! Karsipengpas arriving before our departure—it’s perfect timing. I have important matters to discuss with him! Flanitnus, Quintus, you head to the military camp first—I’ll join you shortly."
The two complied and left. As they exited the Governor Mansion, they found Karsipengpas and his entourage waiting outside. Flanitnus glanced at their attire, recognizing their identities and muttering irritably, "The Chief delaying our departure just to meet a bunch of pirates—it’s frankly outrageous!"
Quintus said nothing, quietly observing the group and pondering Maximus’s intentions in receiving them at this specific moment.
.......................................
Under Spartacus’s leadership, the rebel army that had camped in northern Calabria for several months finally began moving northward.
By midday, the Cross army from northern Bruttium also marched northward. Hearing the news, Spartacus was delighted, speculating that Cross had come around. To spare Cross any embarrassment, Spartacus refrained from sending someone to contact him directly.
After days of continuous marching, they finally approached the northern border town of Apulum in the Apulia Region. At dawn, Spartacus was preparing to muster his troops and continue his march northward when sudden news arrived: the Cross forces, originally trailing 20 to 30 li behind, had abruptly vanished.