Maximus sat on a dry, large stone. On the surface, he seemed calm, but in reality, he was somewhat anxious and uneasy. However, the bustling scene of labor before him allowed him to feel some peace of mind.
At this moment, Flanitnus walked over.
"Look, bad news has come again. Go on, how many people have run away today?" Maximus said jokingly, seemingly accustomed to it.
"This time, it’s not too bad. Only three, all from the Third Legion," reported the military officer who had just finished counting the troops of each unit.
"Not bad, only three. Fewer by the day." Maximus pulled a handful of grass, rubbed it in his hand, and said gravely, "It seems those who wanted to leave have mostly left. Those who remain are brothers with firm resolve, willing to !"
Flanitnus said nothing, but thought: If you allowed the supply camp like the soldiers to leave freely, perhaps it wouldn’t be as relaxed as it is now.
Since Maximus’ army separated from Torquato’s men and changed course to march northeast, soldiers had been deserting each day. Most were those who joined the Maximus Army independently en route north from Spartacus’ main forces. They had little attachment to this army and mainly wanted to use its strength to escape back to Gaul. Seeing the route was off course, they had other plans.
Initially, Flanitnus demanded that the legions strengthen control and punish deserters, but Maximus stopped this approach. He even had team officers declare among the soldiers that if anyone didn’t want to follow the army to a new homeland, they could leave along the way. However, they must not incite others to disrupt the troops and must leave behind their allotted armor and weapons, while the army would also give them some dry rations in return.
Maximus’ relaxation of restrictions on deserters was an encouragement to those who only wanted to hitch a ride with the troops, especially when the army was marching around the Adriatic Bay. The number of people leaving each day often reached over a hundred, as at that time they were very close to the Alps.
But for the army’s veterans, this had little effect. They were either Illyrians or slaves from elsewhere, with a few steadfast impoverished people wanting to flee Italy and Roman veterans. They had a deep attachment to this army and a great respect for Leader Maximus, always marching in the direction guided by the team officers.
Flanitnus was about to continue reporting on other situations within the army when he saw Cavalry Captain Haguks riding over: "Leader, a group of Illyrians requests to see you. The one leading is named Karsipengpas, supposedly coming for the meeting you agreed upon."
"Quickly! Bring them over!" Maximus said with great joy, repeatedly exclaiming.
Haguks turned his horse and galloped away.
Maximus jumped up, punched Flanitnus in the chest playfully, then danced around, shouting: "Great! They’ve indeed come as promised. There’s hope for our new homeland!"
Flanitnus, for the first time, saw this usually composed young leader show a rare childlike side. Of course, he also understood why Maximus was so excited. He, too, breathed a sigh of relief, a smile appearing on his face.
"Akegu, go find Acronis to bring some wine and food. Casius, you call Pigeris and Alakosia under his command, also call Quintus and Volenus, and..." Maximus turned around, "Call Fesaros and Pequot too, they’re both Illyrians."
Once those Maximus called for had arrived, the Aldean Envoy also appeared not far away.
Maximus strode forward to greet them, first walking towards him was Karsipengpas.
Maximus, with a smile, opened his arms and gave the other a strong embrace.
"Karsipengpas, I really didn’t expect you’d come so soon!" Maximus said gratefully.
"I promised you I’d do my best to fulfill my commitments." Karsipengpas patted his chest and said with some emotion, "But I truly didn’t expect you’d actually defeat the Roman Army and arrive here smoothly!"
The two looked at each other and laughed heartily.
"May I ask who these people are?" Maximus looked towards the people behind Karsipengpas.
"Let me introduce you. This is Cleobrotas, the elder of my Alde Tribe," Karsipengpas emphasized, reminding them, "He’s also the main person appointed by our Great Chief to negotiate the land deal with you!"
"Elder Karsipempas, it’s a pleasure to meet you! My brothers and I welcome your arrival and hope our discussions will proceed smoothly!" Maximus, while examining the thin old man in front of him, extended his right hand in a friendly gesture.
Cleobrotas was also observing Maximus, just as Karsipengpas said, "Young, strong, yet calm and courteous," he grasped the other’s hand, saying, "Leader Maximus, if we hadn’t appeared here, what would you have done next?"
Maximus was momentarily stunned, then said, "I considered such a situation in advance because buying and selling land is a big deal, not every tribe has the courage to make such a bold decision. If you hadn’t appeared, I would lead the army over those mountains—"
Maximus pointed to the undulating mountain range not far away, saying solemnly, "I heard that beyond the mountains is the land of the Pannonians. I would drive them away and establish our own homeland."
"Young man, the Panoni people aren’t easy to deal with. We’re afraid you might not drive them away and instead get destroyed by them," a middle-aged man said with a gloomy tone.
"He is also an elder of our Alde Tribe, Budocaribas." Karsipengpas stepped forward and whispered, "The land he had to abandon due to the Panoni people is what we want to specifically recommend to you this time."
"Got it..." Maximus replied earnestly, "I know the Panoni people aren’t easy to deal with, but if they keep invading south, how much fertile land would they take from our Illyrian tribes? Someone must stand up to dampen their arrogance! Moreover, if I don’t take their land, do I take land from our Illyrian compatriots—?"
His words caused a change in expression for some within the envoy.
Maximus sincerely said, "Since the Romans took the coastal land from us Illyrians, each tribe was forced back into the mountains, greatly weakening their strength. If we continue with internal strife, facing another foreign invasion would only lead to extinction!
Therefore, I will not do such a thing. Instead, I will ask the Panoni people for land! Even if I ultimately fail, at least I can bite a piece off the Pannonians so they won’t dare easily encroach on our Illyrian lands again!"
"Well said!" exclaimed a robust man in his thirties, "Our Illyrian tribes should unite to confront external threats together, instead of stabbing allies for short-term gain!"
"This is also our tribe’s elder Ciciliotes. His village is close to the Budocaribas’ tribe," Karsipengpas explained quietly to Maximus.
All the visitors are elders of the tribes! It seems the Alde Tribe takes the land sale matter very seriously!... Maximus took a deep breath, feeling even more excited inside.
"Leader Maximus, if you purchase land in our tribe, settle down with your followers, will you still avenge us Illyrians against the Panoni people?