"I’ll go back and discuss this with Spartacus. I think we can make it happen," Hamilcar replied without hesitation, and then asked with concern: "Is this your only request? Food, weapons, horses, money—whatever you need, Spartacus and I will do our utmost to provide it."
"I don’t have any other requests," Maximus shook his head. After hearing Hamilcar’s words, the anger and resentment he had felt began to dissipate. After a brief hesitation, he spoke earnestly: "Even if we must part ways, I sincerely hope you can continue to achieve victory here, and that the aspirations of you and Spartacus can ultimately come to fruition. For that reason, I’d like to offer a few suggestions. I hope both of you will seriously consider them and adopt them as necessary!"
Hamilcar, moved by Maximus’s serious demeanor, assumed a grave expression himself: "Go ahead."
"First, don’t go to Sicily. It’s just an island—surrounded by sea, with limited territory and not a large population. Even if the people there are willing to join your rebellion against Rome, you lack a strong navy. Once the Roman Fleet blockades the island, you’ll be trapped. Rome could easily muster a large force to surround and eradicate you, and the confined space of Sicily would leave you with no room for maneuver. The final outcome would be all too predictable."
Maximus, recalling the factors that contributed to Spartacus’s failure in his previous life, chose his words carefully: "Secondly, Italy’s land is not particularly vast. South of Turi and even further south of Tarentum, the territory becomes narrow. You must avoid leading your army further south, as it would make it easier for the Roman Army to encircle you and force you into a direct confrontation with a defense-ready Roman force.
Furthermore... if, in the future, you’re forced to leave Italy, do not blindly trust promises made by major pirates and waste time waiting for ships. Many pirates maintain connections with the nobles of Italy’s city-states. They might take your money but fail to provide ships, and secretly inform the Roman Army of your whereabouts. This delay would cost you precious time and potentially lead to serious trouble. It’s best to tread cautiously!—"
In truth, Maximus wanted to say, "Perhaps one day I could provide you with a fleet to help you escape Italy."
But after some thought, he held back: given the history from his previous life, Spartacus’s rebel army was destined to be annihilated within a year. Even if they heeded his advice now, it could only postpone their inevitable destruction slightly. Moreover, Maximus wasn’t certain he could establish a stable base and assemble a fleet in such a short time. Perhaps one or two ships were feasible, but would Spartacus and Hamilcar abandon their troops to flee alone? That was impossible!...
Maximus snapped back to reality, his tone growing firmer: "Additionally, though your army is vast, the pressure on logistics and supplies is immense. Relying solely on plundering barely meets your needs—it’s unsustainable in the long term. If you could capture some towns, allocate land to Italy’s impoverished masses, and govern the towns and lands effectively, you’d secure a steady supply of food and wealth.
Moreover, Italy’s abundance of impoverished people is due to the nobles and wealthy landowners seizing their lands. If you take this approach, you’ll gain their fervent support, and the strength of the rebel army will be greatly enhanced. However, this also has a trade-off: the Roman Army would then have clear targets for attack. To defend the lands and towns you acquire, you’d have to abandon mobile warfare and adopt a more defensive strategy. This comes with both advantages and disadvantages—something worth considering."
"Oh... one last thing: if the new commander of the Roman Army happens to be Crassus, you must remain vigilant! This man, a Roman Elder, is incredibly wealthy and has extensive wartime experience, having served under Roman dictator Sula in his younger years. He’s cunning, ruthless, and challenging to deal with..."
Hamilcar initially thought Maximus’s suggestions were merely farewell advice, and didn’t give them much weight. But as Maximus continued, Hamilcar grew increasingly alarmed. By the time Maximus had finished speaking, Hamilcar remained standing in place, pondering for a long time. Finally, he sighed and remarked, "Maximus, I really should suggest to Spartacus that we detain you, so you can’t continue northward. Our forces truly need someone like you—a leader with clarity and foresight!"
Maximus didn’t respond.
After a brief pause, Hamilcar added, "I don’t know much about the barbarian tribes north of the Alps, so I can’t offer you any advice. But I believe your talent will be more than sufficient to lead your forces and establish yourselves beyond the mountains. You’ve called me ’teacher’ for so long—I suppose I should do something meaningful for you..."
Hamilcar, his expression tinged with regret and nostalgia, thought for a while, then earnestly stated, "Alright, I’ll return and suggest to Spartacus that he inform the various units: any soldier wishing to leave Italy can join your forces in continuing north."
"Thank you, Teacher!" Maximus said gratefully.
"When do you plan to depart?"
"We still need to make preparations today. We’ll depart early tomorrow morning."
"Tomorrow... Spartacus and I won’t be sending you off. Take care of yourself!" Hamilcar extended his right hand solemnly.
"You too, take care of yourself. I hope we meet again someday!" Maximus also extended his right hand.
The two men shook hands firmly.
Hamilcar turned and strode away.
Maximus stood still for a long time. He had initially hoped Spartacus might escort him as far as the Alpine foothills. But now, before even reaching the Northern Italy Province, this figurative crutch was gone. The rest of the journey would depend on him alone.
.....................
Inside the army tent, the room was packed.
The military leaders present included: Military Officer Frantinus, Staff Officer Quintus, Military Judge Sedonius, First Legion Commander Fesaros, Second Legion Commander Torrelugo, Third Legion Commander Camillus, Deputy Legion Commander Alus, Guard Captain Pecot, and Cavalry Captain Haguks.
The administrative leaders included: Administrative Officer Wallerius, Temporary Chief of Supply Camp Capito, Kitchen Director Acornis, Commerce Officer Pigeris, Medical Camp Director Horace, Nurse Chief Nexia, Chief Doctor Minujus, Female Camp Captain Karina, Construction Team Captain Gaius, Engineer and Deputy Captain Scapula, Transport Team Captain Secksipus, and Former Warehouse Supervisor Gaius...
Additionally, there was Finance Officer Magus, Akegu, Casius, and others.
Maximus sat at the center, surveying the room full of people. A twinge of uncertainty grew in his heart. These were the individuals he’d worked so hard to identify and nurture during his more than a year with the rebel army. At this critical juncture, would they stand by him and follow him unwaveringly?
Maximus steadied himself and began to speak: "Ladies and gentlemen, today we leaders held another discussion about whether the army should continue moving north. Aside from me, everyone else firmly opposes heading north. Just now, I privately discussed this with Hamilcar, who was sent by Spartacus, and after our talk, I’ve made my final decision—"
Maximus’s gaze swept across each face. Perhaps they sensed that today’s meeting was unusual, as everyone wore serious expressions and paid close attention.
"I have decided that our forces will separate from the main army and head north on our own!"
As soon as the words left his mouth, a wave of commotion rippled through the tent.
Some, like Acornis, displayed a resolute attitude, ready to follow whatever decision the leader made without surprise. Others, like Quintus and Frantinus, seemed relieved, as though they’d felt this course of action was long overdue. But then there were others, like Wallerius, who appeared utterly flabbergasted, struggling to comprehend the decision...