The Rise Of An Empire In Ancient Europe-Chapter 166: The Deception of the City

The convoy rumbled closer to Niutum’s gates, dust rising around the procession. From the front of the line, a booming voice rang out:

"Open the gates! Open the gates!"

Perched atop the wooden walls, Monay leaned forward, squinting at the figure below. Recognizing the man, he called out, "Leader Alobumas! Why don’t I see Leader Avinogis with you?"

Alobumas, his face a mask of feigned indignation, replied, "My brother is bringing the rear guard. He’ll arrive after I’ve ensured the elderly, women, and children are safely settled. Moving the whole tribe at once is too cumbersome."

Monay frowned and muttered under his breath, "Damn Laos scum—always so wary!" He forced a smile and said, "Have your people set up camp outside the city for now. I’ll notify Chief Ram."

At this, Alobumas erupted. "Camp outside? Do you know how far we’ve traveled? The elderly and children are exhausted! Are we to sleep under the stars after moving at your request?"

Monay hesitated, scrambling for an excuse. "Leader Alobumas, your caravan is too large. If everyone enters at once, it will throw the city into chaos. Please wait a little longer."

Feigning fury, Alobumas shouted back, "Fine! Fine! Is this how Niutum treats its allies? Let’s turn back!" He gestured for the caravan to retreat.

Panic gripped Monay. If Avinogis’ tribe returned because of his misstep, the city’s chiefs would surely hold him accountable. "Wait! Leader Alobumas, hold on!" he shouted hurriedly. "I’ll open the gates for you right away, but please ensure your people maintain order!"

Alobumas turned back with a broad grin, masking his triumph. "Thank you for your understanding. You’ve shown great care for our tribe. I’ll reward you with five sheep as a token of our gratitude."

Monay’s suspicion melted at the offer. Lucanian bribery was always blunt and effective. He barked orders to the gate guards. "Open the gates!" Then, turning to his men, he added, "Go inform Chief Ram that Alobumas’ tribe has arrived."

While his subordinates scrambled to obey, Monay eagerly went to claim his gift. The convoy’s wagons rolled forward, sheep and cattle herded to the side to clear the way. True to his word, Alobumas handed over five sheep, and Monay beamed with satisfaction.

As the convoy passed through the gates, Monay’s sharp eyes caught sight of something unusual. "Why do you have so many Lucanian slaves?" he asked, suspicion creeping into his tone.

Alobumas gave him a sinister smile. Without a word, he drew a dagger and plunged it into Monay’s chest.

The captain staggered, blood gushing from the wound. His eyes widened in shock as he collapsed to the ground.

"Attack!" Alobumas roared, the blade glinting red in the morning light.

The disguised "slaves" immediately discarded their burdens, retrieving hidden weapons from the wagons. Chaos erupted as Lucanians from the caravan surged forward, cutting down the startled gate guards.

"Help! Treachery! The Laos tribe is rioting!" cried a few fleeing citizens of Niutum, scattering in panic.

At the front of the convoy, Bagul barked orders. "Lizaru, take your men up the wooden ladders. Secure the walls and ensure the gates remain open!"

Lizaru led his soldiers up the defenses, swiftly eliminating the remaining sentries. Bagul and Asistes regrouped the Fourth Brigade soldiers, pressing forward under Alobumas’ lead.

Meanwhile, the other brigades, stationed just beyond sight, received the signal to advance. They broke into a rapid march, heading straight for Niutum.

The Chiefs in Disarray

In the city, Chief Ram had been in high spirits. The report of Avinogis relocating his tribe had lifted his burdens. Now, the long-discussed plans to divide Laos’ people could finally proceed.

As Ram and the other chiefs gathered in council, a panicked subordinate burst into the chamber, his face pale. "Chief! Disaster! The enemy has breached the city!"

Ram shot to his feet. "What enemy?!"

"Alobumas has betrayed us! He’s brought the Greeks with him!"

The room descended into chaos. The chiefs overturned chairs and tables as they scrambled to flee.

"How many are there?" Ram demanded, his voice shaking.

"Too many! They’ve already overrun the Wolf tribe’s district!"

The Wolf tribe was Niutum’s strongest. If they had fallen, resistance was futile. Ram collapsed into his chair, despair washing over him. "It’s over... Everything is over..."

The Sacred Grove

Under the relentless assault of the Thurii Alliance, Niutum’s defenders were pushed back to the sacred grove—a sanctuary dedicated to the Lucanian gods.

Phelicius, taking Bagul’s advice, refrained from ordering a direct assault on the holy site. Instead, he initiated negotiations.

"Abinu! Ksema! Ulaza! Are you there? It’s me, Bagul!" Bagul’s voice echoed across the grove, cutting through the tension.

After a long pause, a voice responded from behind the grove’s walls. "Bagul? Is it really you? You’re alive?!"

"By the blessing of Mount Asinu, I’m alive and well. Listen to me—surrender! I promise no harm will come to you or your people!"

A tense silence followed before the sound of scuffles and muffled cries erupted from within the grove. Phelicius glanced at Bagul, who nodded, signaling that all was proceeding as planned.

Moments later, the grove’s gates creaked open. A tall young man stepped out cautiously, his eyes darting nervously.

"Ksema! It’s me, Bagul!" Bagul stepped forward, his bloodstained Greek armor glinting in the sunlight.

Ksema hesitated. "You’ve become one of them?"

"No, Ksema. I’m a citizen of the Thurii Alliance—but I’m still a Lucanian!" Bagul corrected firmly, gripping Ksema’s shoulders.

Gesturing toward Phelicius, Bagul added, "Come, meet our commander. This is Lord Phelicius."

Ksema, understanding Greek, hesitated again before stepping forward to salute.

"What’s the situation inside?" Phelicius demanded.

"Ram and his men are captured. We... We’re ready to surrender," Ksema stammered, intimidated by Phelicius’ imposing presence.

"Then bring them out to surrender immediately," Phelicius commanded.

Bagul stepped in to reassure him. "Those of your tribe forced to join Niutum will not be harmed. However, those from this city must face justice."

Relieved, Ksema whistled sharply, signaling the grove’s defenders. The gates opened wider, and lines of Lucanians began filing out, their faces a mix of fear and resignation.

Victory and Administration

The Thurii Alliance had captured Niutum with minimal losses. By midday, Phelicius left the Second and Fourth Brigades to secure the city while he led the Third and Seventh Brigades south to assist Avinogis in taking Laos.

Before the campaign, Juleios had selected Sesta, a capable former deputy chief of the Amendolara Fire Brigade, to serve as Niutum’s city administrator. Known for his humility and diligence, Sesta was tasked with stabilizing the city and laying the groundwork for a new era under the Thurii Alliance.

Thus, the foundation for a transformed Niutum was set amidst the echoes of conquest. The alliance’s banner now flew high over the city, a symbol of triumph and unity in the face of adversity.

New novel 𝓬hapters are published on (f)re𝒆web(n)ovel.com