The Rise Of An Empire In Ancient Europe-Chapter 169: The Return of Laos and the Glory of Sybaris

"I led my people to construct a new road and a thriving residential district for the Thurii Alliance. I fought valiantly in the war against Croton and seized victory in Niutum. These feats earned me a seat in the Senate!" declared Bagul, his voice brimming with pride. "As for my father, though he has not wielded a sword, his legacy is equally unparalleled. He led over 2,000 of our people to unite with a Greek alliance—a daring and unprecedented act for any Lucanian leader. His boldness and unwavering support of my efforts moved Lord Juleios to invite him personally to join the Senate!"

The gathered guests murmured their admiration, envy flickering in their eyes like firelight.

A councilman, standing tall among them, added solemnly, "The Senate welcomes all who bring honor and service to the alliance. It is not the birthright of a select few, but a legacy to be earned by any citizen who makes significant contributions!"

Hermon, listening intently, nodded, his gaze distant and contemplative. Yet concerns soon surfaced in the crowd.

"What if Grumentum, Pyxus, or even Potentia attacks Niutum in retaliation for its allegiance to the Thurii Alliance?" came an anxious query.

Bagul’s ally, Assisters, stepped forward confidently, his voice like a clarion call. "Grumentum and Pyxus are consumed by their internal strife, their strength sapped by endless conflict. They lack the might to challenge us. And even if they muster the courage to attack, we stand undaunted—we have Lord Juleios and the indomitable Thurii Alliance!"

This proclamation ignited a wave of relief among the guests, their trepidation replaced by emboldened resolve. Ksema rose, his voice echoing through the chamber. "I shall lead my people to join the Thurii Alliance!"

"And I as well!" declared Ulaza.

Hermon, smiling slyly, stood as well. "I cannot allow Vespa to claim all the glory in the Senate!"

The room swelled with conviction as nearly all the guests pledged their allegiance to the alliance. Bagul and Assisters exchanged triumphant glances, their cups raised high.

"To the Thurii Alliance!" Bagul proclaimed. "An alliance that belongs not only to the Greeks but to the Lucanians as well!"

The next morning dawned with the gates of Laos swinging wide, Avinogis’ forces aligning seamlessly with the Thurii Alliance troops. Together, they swept through the city like a storm, overwhelming the Lucanian defenders. The chief’s residence fell swiftly, and within its shadowed halls, they discovered Tula, the defeated chief of Laos, trembling beneath his bed. Beside him lay the cold body of a Greek slave girl, her life cruelly extinguished by his hands.

Outraged, the soldiers delivered swift justice, their spears piercing his chest, ending his tyranny in an instant.

Avinogis, with gratitude in his eyes, extended a warm invitation to Phelicius and his troops to rest within the city walls. But Phelicius, ever mindful of diplomacy, declined with measured words. "Laos has only just been retaken. Its order must be restored, and our presence might unsettle the balance. We shall rest beyond the city and depart soon, as Lord Juleios has instructed."

The wisdom and restraint of Phelicius left Avinogis deeply moved. As a gesture of thanks, he offered half of the captured wealth and livestock to the alliance. Phelicius accepted graciously, knowing the campaign had yielded immense spoils for the Thurii Alliance.

In accordance with Senate orders, the livestock was left in Niutum to sustain the Lucanians who had pledged loyalty to the alliance. The remaining wealth returned to Thurii, replenishing military supplies, the treasury, and rewarding soldiers for their valor. Captured weapons were handed over to the soldiers’ committee, a testament to the alliance’s unity and strength.

Philesius, leading the remaining forces, journeyed with purpose. At the entrance to a vital mountain pass, he halted and issued an order: a fortress was to be constructed. Alobumas, traveling alongside the troops, watched with curiosity and inquired about its purpose.

Philesius explained, his tone resolute, "The Senate, and in truth, Lord Juleios, commanded it. This fortress shall shield Niutum and Laos from future Lucanian incursions. Should Niutum ever fall under siege, it will secure the mountain route, ensuring our alliance’s aid flows unimpeded."

Alobumas hesitated before asking, "And what of trade and free movement between Laos and Niutum?"

"They will remain unaffected," Philesius assured him. "The fortress will not hinder the people, nor shall it levy tolls."

Though reluctant, Alobumas acknowledged the strategic necessity. Yet both men understood the unspoken truth: the fortress would stand as a watchful guardian, a deterrent against rebellion or unrest in Laos itself.

At the administrative headquarters in Niutum, Sesta was immersed in a day of ceaseless activity. Lucanians arrived in droves, eager to join the alliance, lease livestock, or claim fertile farmland. Soldiers of the Fourth Brigade maintained order, their presence a reassuring force, while clerks diligently recorded census data, drafted contracts, and ensured the smooth integration of the new citizens.

Among the Lucanians, whispers spread of the alliance’s new Interethnic Marriage Law. Some, shrewd and opportunistic, realized its potential benefits and rushed to seize their chance before others did.

Sesta, ever pragmatic, adapted to the complexities of Niutum’s diverse tribes. After consulting Bagul, he agreed to a system of land allocation based on tribal populations, with tax collection managed by their chiefs. This approach minimized friction and conserved resources, ensuring harmony between the alliance and its newest members.

As reports of success reached Juleios in Thurii, his unease gave way to relief. Yet his resolve hardened upon learning of one troubling incident—Greek slaves had reportedly slaughtered Lucanian prisoners. Turning to Aristokrates, his trusted aide, Juleios sought counsel.

Aristokrates, cautious and measured, replied, "I cannot judge without knowing Niutum’s full circumstances."

Juleios, struck by his aide’s wisdom, nodded. "You are right. Sesta governs Niutum, and we must trust his judgment. His decisiveness has surpassed my expectations."

Later that day, in the Senate hall of Amendolara, Juleios stood before the gathered leaders and proclaimed, "The Thurii Alliance has captured Niutum and reclaimed Laos! Together, we now govern Thurii, Amendolara, and Niutum, with Castreum and Laos as our allies. This is but the first step toward our greater vision. Together, we shall restore the glory of Sybaris in Magna Graecia!"

The chamber erupted in applause, the senators rising to their feet, inspired by the vision of a unified and prosperous future.

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