Vileius had long discovered that this rebel army had a large number of supplies. He had already planned in advance to wait for the rebels to bypass Aquileia City (he didn’t believe the rebels dared to attack the strong walls of Aquileia) and let down their guard. Then, the Gallian Cavalry would first launch a surprise attack on their rear, as this is often where the enemy’s Supply Team would be, thus creating great chaos. The following infantry units would then continue the assault, which should secure a great victory.
However, from the moment he saw the rebels, their performance kept shattering his habitual perception of these unruly mobs: the rebels had excellent equipment, high morale, could skillfully complete formation transformations in front of the enemy, and could maintain their formation during long marches. This was not something an ordinary army could achieve! This indicated that the rebels had undergone rigorous and regular training, with considerable combat experience. Even after leaving Aquileia City, they still protected the Supply Team in the center, with a dense column guarding the rear.
This rebel army was so cautious that Vileius saw no chance for a surprise attack.
"General, quickly give the order. If we wait any longer, these rebels will escape too far! By then, we will have lost the chance to avenge our brothers!" urged the cavalry leader.
Yes, if we miss this opportunity, the rebels will escape Italy and disappear into the mountains. There, it is the barbarians’ territory, a forbidden zone for the Roman Army, where they can completely get away! ... Vileius gazed at the outline of the distant mountains, his heart unwilling to let the rebels escape. But seeing the anxious expressions of his subordinates, he suddenly realized that if he just nodded, this guy would rashly lead the Gallian Cavalry to charge the rebels’ rear guard. If they couldn’t break through in a short time, they would be surrounded by the rebels. Then, relying on their numbers, the rebels would counterattack, crushing the following units deployed behind and threatening Aquileia’s safety during the pursuit!
Given the rebels’ current performance, this terrifying fantasy was very likely to happen! My task is to protect Aquileia’s safety, as Aquileia is related to the safety of the entire Northern Italy Province and even Rome itself! I cannot cause great disaster due to a moment of impulsiveness, just like Governor Casius! ... Vileius shook his head vigorously and said in a deep voice: "We cannot attack; we must hold Aquileia!"
Under the angry gaze of his subordinates, he looked once more at the departing rebels, thinking bitterly in his heart: Don’t think you’ll be free once you escape Italy! Those fierce barbarians will tear you apart, take you captive, and maybe one day you’ll be sold back to Italy as slaves!
The Maximus Army passed Aquileia and continued eastward. The flat terrain soon gave way to a succession of mountains, but Rome’s grand road did not end there. It followed the Adriatic Bay’s coastline, extending southward into the Istria Peninsula.
Geographically, the Istria Peninsula already belongs to the east coast of the Adriatic Sea. The Istria people living on the island are among the numerous northern Illyrian tribes and should have been designated part of the Illyria Province.
However, from Rome’s perspective, Illyria Province was too impoverished, and Rome had little confidence in governing it well. But the Istria Peninsula was different. Most of the island was flat, and at its southern tip was a town with an excellent port—Pula (pula).
The Roman Senate incorporated the Istria Peninsula into the Northern Italy Province, which they valued most. It could compensate for the lack of excellent ports along the east coast of the Northern Italy Province and allow the province’s strength to stabilize and assimilate this barbarian-held peninsula. Thus, the road’s end was at Pula.
However, Maximus’s army did not go to Pula. Before entering the peninsula, they left the main road, heading south across the peninsula’s base.
This is a relatively flat area amidst the mountains. The Romans built a road here leading to the coast of the Illyria Province.
However, the rebel army, accustomed to the grand road, undoubtedly slowed their march upon stepping onto this road. Simultaneously, the rebel army heightened their vigilance because Maximus, through the Illyrian Soldiers familiar with this area, learned that the Yapode people lived in the high mountains to the east of this road. They were said to be a branch of the Noric people, but unlike the amicable relations between the Noric and Rome, they were restless Gauls who occasionally came down from the mountains to rob travelers.
Scouts sent by Maximus frequently spotted people in long trousers with tattoos hiding in the forests, watching the army. Perhaps because of Maximus’s formidable military strength or the caution in marching and camping, no incidents occurred.
A few days later, Maximus’s army left the Northern Italy Province, entering the Illyria Province.
They arrived at the southernmost end of the Istria Peninsula’s base. Here was a rare lowland, and at the southern end of the lowland was a small seaside town called Talosaphia.
Maximus ordered the army to camp north of this town.
Following the order, everyone immediately began to act. The long march had made the army very familiar with the procedures for setting up camp. Each department and legion knew exactly what to do. Without needing guidance from the leaders, everyone skillfully and cooperatively rolled up their sleeves and set to work.