"Yes, perhaps during this process, other city-states and kingdoms outside Italy may rise to rebel, but so what? They can’t possibly come to Italy to help us, and under the continuous attacks from Rome’s elite army, we may never see the day Rome falls!"
The military tent suddenly fell silent. It wasn’t because everyone was convinced by Maximus, but rather the mention of various contemptible methods Rome would employ left those who hadn’t yet experienced them feeling uneasy.
At this moment, a man in the corner of the tent shouted, "In any case, my brothers and I absolutely refuse to continue heading north, to those barbarian lands north of the Alps! If you insist on going, then we’ll detach from Free Italy and head south to fight desperately against the Romans!"
The speaker was the newly joined leader of the Marsi, Demolius. As soon as he finished his words, two other leaders who had recently joined from the Pisenum region also firmly declared their stance: "We feel the same way. We won’t go north either; otherwise, we’ll lead our troops to leave!"
The statements of the three leaders abruptly rendered the military tent unusually quiet. Some people’s faces displayed tension because it reminded them of the scene months ago when Cross detached from the troops.
Cleonis suddenly laughed. He looked at Maximus and sarcastically said, "Spartacus leader, we cannot continue listening to the advice of some foolish individuals. If we keep heading north, Free Italy will fall apart!"
"I suggested earlier that the troops should turn south and return to Great Greece, where trade flourishes and supplies are plentiful. Moreover, there are countless slaves and impoverished people urgently needing our help. Especially Sicily—decades ago, the people there instigated a massive revolt, almost capturing the entire island, though in the end, they were crushed by the Roman Army...
Since the Military Commander Conference has been unable to reach a final decision on this matter, I propose convening a soldiers’ assembly to let all the soldiers decide where we should go next!"
Maximus felt a tight pull in his heart.
Since the formation of the rebel army, the soldiers’ assembly had only convened a few times. With the rapid expansion of the troops, organizing such an assembly had become much more complex, and it hadn’t been held since they moved south earlier this year. However, it was originally established as the highest authority during the rebellion; once a decision was made by the assembly, it could not be overturned.
"I agree to convene a soldiers’ assembly and let all the soldiers collectively discuss the direction our troops should take!" Several leaders who had joined later vocally expressed their support. They understood well that the majority of the rebel troops now consisted of poor townsfolk from Italy. As long as there was a sliver of hope, these people would be unwilling to leave Italy easily.
Maximus was fully aware of this as well. He cast a pleading gaze toward his former comrade-in-arms, Attutmus, hoping he would speak up to deny this seemingly reasonable request.
However, Attutmus lowered his head, avoiding any eye contact.
Antonix did not evade his gaze but slightly shook his head, signaling his refusal.
Hamilcar and Spartacus were whispering seriously to each other about something, seemingly oblivious to his plea for help.
At that moment, Maximus suddenly felt: despite the crowded tent, he was utterly alone.
Over the past period, due to his insistence on moving north, he increasingly felt distanced from the other leaders. This time, he indeed felt disheartened.
"Ahem! Ahem!" Spartacus coughed heavily twice, sweeping his gaze over everyone before finally landing on Maximus. With an enigmatic tone, he said, "Everyone has deliberated for so long today; we’re all tired. Let’s go back and rest well, then discuss with our subordinates properly. Tomorrow, we’ll reconvene to decide whether the troops should continue northward or head southward."
"Another postponement till tomorrow?!" Cleonis grumbled in dissatisfaction.
"Relax—tomorrow, we’ll come to a definitive decision, no more delays!" Spartacus assured firmly, putting Cleonis at ease so he stopped pushing the matter further.
Maximus, his face darkened, stood up and walked out. Hamilcar called after him twice to no avail. He was about to chase after him when Spartacus stopped him: "Forget it, don’t chase him. Earlier, I quietly signaled for him to stay back after the meeting so we could discuss privately... but it seems he’s already understood our choice and has no intention of discussing further."
"Sigh..." Hamilcar let out a long sigh.
"Hamilcar, go see him on my behalf." Spartacus said listlessly.
Maximus returned to his own camp.
"Leader, how did today’s discussion go? Are we able to continue marching?" Attendant Akegu stepped forward and asked.
Maximus didn’t answer but instead said in a deep voice, "Go summon Vorenus, Acronis, Pigeris, Capito, Quintus, and Flanitnus... Have them all gather in my tent for a meeting!"
"Yes!" The attendants replied in unison, not daring to dawdle. They understood this was the first time Maximus had convened all the heads during the march, indicating something significant.
At this moment, a guard entered and reported: "Leader, Attutmus has arrived."
"Maximus, you walked too fast; I called out to you several times from behind, but you didn’t hear me." Attutmus complained as he entered the tent.
"Leader Attutmus, why have you come looking for me?" Maximus looked at him, speaking with formality rather than his usual casual tone.
"Uh... well..." Attutmus hesitated, scratched his head, then guilt-riddenly said, "Back at the meeting, I knew you wanted me to speak up for you. But... you know my soldiers are either Apulians or from Pisenum, and if I openly voiced support for moving north, they’d probably start causing trouble..."
"What about your own thoughts? Northward or southward?" Maximus asked indifferently.
"My soldiers are —what difference would my thoughts make? Could I possibly abandon them all and head north alone?!" Attutmus responded earnestly, then persuaded in a solemn tone, "Not just me—Antonix, Hamilcar, Spartacus... they’re all in the same situation. Otherwise, why didn’t they stand up for you when Cleonis and the others besieged you today? Maximus, don’t waste your energy opposing everyone alone—"
"Leader Attutmus." Maximus impatiently interrupted him, "I won’t persuade you to head north with me, and you shouldn’t persuade me to go south with you. Out of respect for our past camaraderie, remember: if, one day, you find yourself surrounded by Roman forces near the sea, perhaps I’ll send a ship to save your life."
"Ugh?" Attutmus was stunned once again. When he finally came to his senses, he tried to speak.
Maximus waved his hand dismissively. "I have a meeting to convene; we’ll discuss no further."
Attutmus was escorted out of the tent, still dizzy with confusion. As he lifted his gaze, he saw Hamilcar approaching and waved energetically to greet him, "Hamilcar, are you here to persuade Maximus too?"
Hamilcar pointed toward the tent. "Is he inside?"
Hamilcar didn’t say much and quickly stepped past Attutmus, walking toward the tent flaps. He addressed the guards: "I need to see Maximus."
"Please wait a moment."
Attutmus watched Hamilcar head inside and lingered for a while before exhaling deeply and walking away briskly.
As soon as Hamilcar entered, Maximus immediately said, "Teacher, you’ve come to bid me farewell, haven’t you?"
Hamilcar showed no surprise. He calmly asked, "Are you really determined to lead your troops north alone? Will you not wait a little longer, in case the situation changes?"