Chapter 6: The Determination of the King of Kings

"Is that so? You still hope that you won't lose your life in the war in Armenia, right? This time, our Seventh Legion is once again the advance force," Utheris replied nonchalantly. "Today, I am requisitioning your camp slave to go to the docks at Amisus to unload supplies"

Li Bida's task was to lead dozens of slaves in organizing the camp's supplies, food provisions, cutting timber, weaving stretchers, and tending to mules and horses, among other duties. His agile mind proved to be a great asset, and everything was in perfect order. Even the usually harsh and critical Adiana sometimes inquired whether, upon her restoration to princess status, she would be willing to become his patron.

This sarcasm made Tegrenis quite uncomfortable, "Are you implying that the sons of the gods of Mount Ararat would fear you Romans? Then what exactly does your commander wish to convey to me"

"I have no choice, brother. Whether it is you or anyone else, you are the ones I can never part with in this lifetime, never. I am just afraid that the arrival of the Romans will change this situation." Naisa said, while Biduita draped a soft cloak over her. "Noble princess, the pearl of our lord, please go to the sheltered room in the palace! I will go inform your niece so that she may know and welcome your arrival."

Indeed, Tigranes has condemned me and intends to be an enemy of Rome. " Lucullus sat down in a chair, slowly reading through the contents of the letter, and then said: "Gentlemen, the bad news is that this year's winter camp is to be completely canceled. Sonagus will lead the Eighth Legion to remain on the coast of Bithynia, while I will take the Seventh and Eleventh Legions back to Carrahae, preparing to cross the Taurus Mountains to engage in battle with Armenia; the good news is that Thrace and Galatia are willing to assist me, and we will have ample auxiliary soldiers and supplies. I will be the first Roman general to cross the Euphrates River, and both the King of Armenia and the King of Bithynia will appear at my triumphal procession.

"Damn it!" Tegreinis was furious, but when he saw the beautiful face of Misaro etched with grief and loyalty, he felt a pang of compassion: "As a descendant of the Armenian nobility, your words and actions are truly cowardly, tarnishing your family name. Rest assured, the prince and I will lead six thousand royal guard cavalry to cover your retreat."

At that moment, a soldier disembarking from the ship, with a dove feather stuck in his helmet, was carrying a box and holding high a wax-sealed wooden tablet, shouting in the crowd: "Who is the camp slave of the 6th cohort of the 7th legion? Here is a letter from the low-ranking centurion Haibrida, one from the city of Rome and one from Bithynia." This interrupted the conversation between Adiana and Libida. Libida stepped forward and received the wooden tablet. Here is a letter from the low-ranking centurion Haibrida, one from the city of Rome and one from Bithynia. This interrupted the conversation between Adiana and Libida. Libida stepped forward and received the wooden tablet

War, war! The entire palace hall was in an uproar

"This could work as well; perhaps the war will be prolonged by a year or two, extending until you and your father-in-law appear together at the triumph. I believe the citizens of Rome would prefer to see such a spectacle." Apis shrugged and raised his hands.

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When signing, Li Bida wrote without a moment's hesitation, "Karabis, 6th Battalion of the 7th Legion, Camp Slave." After finishing, he gazed at the name, a faint sorrow welling up in his heart

"Indeed, my lord, all of Greece is extolling your valor and benevolence." The Tyrant spoke with utmost respect

Apis shook his head and said directly: "If Mithridates is not surrendered, it signifies war!" After speaking, he handed a letter to Tigranes.

Little Tegrey was filled with both rage at the tragic death of his teacher and concern over Nessa's use of her beauty to seduce his father. He echoed Misaro, but his tone was evidently much more intense: "Father, wise King of Kings, what has clouded your judgment to gamble the fate of the nation against the distant Roman legions? Is it merely the allure of this aging woman? You should not heed the words of women, even those of my mother; they are all weak and lacking in resolve. You should listen to those who truly possess wisdom, such as the teacher, or Metadorus."

The confidential slave of Lucullus swiftly entered the commander's tent after removing the letter tied to the leg of the carrier pigeon, and presented it to his master, who was engaged in a strategic discussion with the officers

Apis picked up the letter and, without further words, prepared to withdraw. However, Tigranes stopped him and said: "Young man, although I do not appreciate your arrogance, I admire your handsomeness and simplicity. Even though this meeting has not been particularly pleasant, I will still demonstrate the generosity of the King of Kings—these treasures are gifts for you, meant to add a touch of brilliance to your humble tent." Upon finishing his words, sixteen strong court servants brought out many boxes filled with a dazzling array of treasures, sparkling before Apis.

At that moment, Haibulida rushed in front of Karabis, who had no time to evade, and then seized him by the collar: "Karabis, Karabis, ever since I met you, there have been no good days. I couldn't obtain the spoils of Amisus, and now the slaves have also contracted the disease. Today, yet again, you bring me this dreadful news. I will kill you, kill you—sacrifice your liver to the goddess of fate"

Lucullus's expression indicated his disbelief at the soldier's thoughts. Could it be that Roman citizens do not wish to earn the honor of soldiers? "Esteemed Mr. Tyrannion, is not the greatest honor of a soldier to fight on the battlefield, to rescue the people of another land from tyranny, and to place them under the protection of justice and righteousness?" The general asked in fluent Greek to a scholar-like figure standing next to Murilla.

Your Excellency, morale may be an issue. The soldiers have not had a proper winter camp for two to three years, and they are likely unwilling to cross the snow-covered mountains to fight on enemy territory. Chief Deputy Murira advised.

Yes, I believe that in the future, these four individuals will also showcase their talents at the great racetrack in Rome. Apis then directly began to interrogate Tigranes, "Let us set aside irrelevant questions; may I ask, Your Majesty, what is your response to the proposal made by the Roman commander?"

Abis selected for a short while and only took out a small silver spoon from the Mountain of Treasures, indicating that he was willing to accept the gift of the King of Kings

Socrates did not dare to openly refute anything; he merely muttered under his breath, "But the achievements of our legion are also the greatest..." As a result, his complaints were discreetly silenced by several military tribunes.

In the forest path of the hunting grounds, a beautifully adorned ox cart slowly emerged, creaking as it came to a stop in front of Tegreinis. The woman who stepped out of the cart brought Tegreinis back to the years of 20 years ago. "Naisa, Naisa, is it really you? Have you also become a weapon of my father-in-law?"

Tigranes also erupted with the heroism of a man. He glanced at the diplomatic letters written in three languages: Latin, Greek, and Armenian, and then threw them down the steps, declaring, "Romans, I condemn your arrogance and foolishness. I, Tigranes, am the 'King of Kings' of Asia, recognized by hundreds of tribes, city-states, and kingdoms. Yet your commander Lucullus only refers to me as a king in his letter. Therefore, in my reply, I shall not refer to him as a triumphant general. This means that the vast and powerful army of Armenia will crush his longed-for triumph!"

Yes, you should not have come; you have presented me with the greatest challenge in the entire country

Your Majesty, you should not indulge in personal feelings at this moment, for the envoy from Rome may arrive at Ataxeta tomorrow" said Misaro, riding in the saddle, with concern in his voice

Your teacher has already turned into a pile of rotting flesh, and Metadorus has also lost his head. This is what the wise do—unable to foresee their own disasters, how can they talk about helping a nation?" Tegreinis angrily scolded his son, his fury becoming uncontrollable as he pointed his whip at Misaro and said: "You were once my most favored minister, but you must pay the price for today's insubordination and nonsense—I entrust you with three thousand cavalry and ten thousand infantry. You will take these troops to Sophene, the essential route into Armenia, where you will defeat the Roman army, capture their commander alive, and redeem your sins.

These four individuals were once kings of Asia Minor, each immensely powerful, ruling over nations with a circumference of thousands of Stadia (one thousand Stadia equals one hundred eighty kilometers). With just a slight movement of my finger, I made them bow down in submission; now, these four are merely my grooms. " Tegrenis recounted, filled with great pride.

Of course. Apis answered confidently, "On my way to your esteemed place, many city-states of your country have already secretly communicated with me.

Enough! Lucius was furious with his subordinates' rudeness. "I recommend that you lead the Seventh Legion, not to mingle with those ruffians. Your legion is notorious for its debauchery and murder, and even for stealing food from the altars of the temples. During marches, the flag bearer and the bugler of the Seventh Legion sing lewd songs."

The wrath of the sovereign thundered, instilling terror in the hearts of the petty, yet no one dared to speak recklessly, for one side of the conflict was His Majesty, and the other was the Wang Bi Hou. The fury of either party was sufficient to be fatal

My wife also wrote to me, saying that after two years of not seeing me, the money has gone back. The slaves have all died, and if I don't find a way soon, she will have to sell herself into slavery! To hell with this war, to hell with this tuna route!

Perhaps I should not have come here. Naisa gently stroked Tegrenis's hair and beard

"It is settled. Speed is of the essence in military affairs. We will remain in place for three full days to prepare. Once the troops are fully assembled, we will march swiftly to Karabi, and then advance to occupy the strategic location of Sofini. By securing this critical point, we will leave the Armenians with no options." Lucullus issued the final command

"Because you have always been favored by God, accompanying me, this has given you an extra ear." Adiana brushed her beautiful chestnut hair, filled with pride, "Listen, Karabis, I have a task to assign to you right away"

"It is a pity, young man," Tegreinis said, rising to his feet and speaking in a threatening tone. "This old man is my father-in-law, and I—the King of Kings of Asia—have the duty to protect my family members"

Tigranes returned to his throne and began to speak indistinctly again: "I am unwilling to surrender my father-in-law, but I also have no intention of waging war against you Romans, or rather, Armenia has sufficient strength for self-defense. Do you understand my meaning?"

These slaves belong to the entire legion. After making a round, Utheris raised the letter before Habryda, stating, "By order of the legion, the confinement punishment imposed on the low-ranking centurion Habryda is hereby lifted, and he shall redeem himself through merit in the upcoming battles"

This girl is favored by the centurion and is intended to be sold to a high-end brothel in Rome in the future, so her delicate body must be protected; a hand full of calluses will not fetch a good price. Every time, Li Bida explains it this way.

"Hey, don't casually give my slave a reward!" protested Haibuli in the cart

No, no! Tegrenis was anxious; he immediately informed everyone that at the foot of the Hunting Mountain, there was a secluded villa hidden in the dense forest where Nessa should be staying tonight—perhaps he himself would come to visit later to share the long-lost feelings with Nessa

"How is that? I am a two-eared earthenware pot, do I have one more ear than these people?" Li Bida teased Adiana

In the palace hall, all the high-ranking Armenian nobles gathered together, shouting boisterously, their swords and jewels clinking loudly. Queen Oterpeli, accompanied by two hairdressing maids, hid in a small chamber at the side of the main hall, secretly listening to this meeting that would determine the fate of three nations, concerned about what judgment her husband would ultimately make

Utharis's face showed no expression as he held a riding whip, gesturing around the camp and inquiring about the familiarity and completion of the preparations from the camp slaves. Naturally, it was Li Bida who answered on their behalf. This university student spoke Latin fluently, prompting Utharis to nod frequently. In his delight, he tossed a pouch of coins to Li Bida, saying, "There are twenty drachmas inside, a reward for you"

Tyrannion, a Greek philosopher captured in the city of Sinope, has now become a confidant and guest of Lucullus. He was sold to Murena as a high-ranking slave for the price of 2,000 denarii—yet this was merely a formality. Lucullus assured that once they returned to Rome, he would grant Tyrannion his freedom and recommend him as the most renowned rhetorician in the city of Rome

As night fell, Kalabis heard the roar of Haibrida from within the tent, "To hell with that bastard Lucarus, to hell with the Eastern War—I'm heading to winter quarters now, I'm going back now!" Then the centurion charged out like a mad bull, beating any slave he encountered, and the sounds of their screams filled the camp

"Three thousand dracma silver coins, what can they buy?" Li Bida was clearly more interested in this.

Aminius, Safanus, and others are doing their utmost to capture the mad Haibrida. "Bithynia, the slave of Gaius, has already contracted typhus, and if sufficient funds are not sent, he will soon perish! The rewards, all the rewards of war, will be lost! Gaius must return, immediately, right now, at once!"

Tegreinis was taken aback and hurriedly asked in a low voice, "Naisa, does this Galatai mean that your arrival is still unknown to Oterpeli?" Naisa gathered her cloak with both hands, looked at the Armenian king with her bright black eyes, smiling, and then nodded, "So Biduita will go to inform immediately"

The envoy of the Roman legion, with a disdainful smile, raised the spoon and said to all the kings and nobles: "For soon, I shall be dining in this palace as a conqueror, holding this spoon, alongside my fellow soldiers."

"What an ugly group of one-eared clay pots!" remarked Adiana, who had come with Li Bida, with a hint of disdain.

Before Li Bida had a chance to express his astonishment, Utaireis rode back on horseback. All the slaves stood up and bowed, including Adiana, who had just proposed a high salary of "three thousand drakmas".

Apis raised his toes slightly, speaking calmly: "It is quite simple, surrender Mithridates, who is at odds with Rome, and then I will take this old man to Sinope, for our commander, His Excellency Lucullus, requires this old man for his triumph."

In fact, what arrived in the city of Amisus was not a supply of materials, but rather 4,000 Thracian auxiliary troops, including 3,000 light infantry and 1,000 cavalry, who came aboard twenty dilapidated Greek galleys. Upon reaching the shore, these ragged soldiers transferred to a series of fifty-oared "Homeric warships" to land. The reason these ships are called Homeric warships is not that Homer was their inventor, but because their history can be traced back to the time of the Trojan War as depicted by Homer.

The inspiration from Wang Yao had a tremendous effect, invigorating the noble clans. They collectively raised their swords, demanding that Tegreinis resolve to engage in battle with the Romans

Long live! Bidu Yita, Naisa, and all the attendants praised in unison

Then let Calabis take the men away—oh, and don't get any ideas about my slaves!" Haibrida warned fiercely, letting out a long shout, stretching his arms, and commanding Aminius and the others to come forward to give him a shower and shave. "Hurry up and clean me up, we are about to achieve a great victory!" After saying this, he stripped off all his clothes in front of Utherys and stood naked in the center of the camp

At last, the swordsman Biduita from the Galatian Highlands stood up, bowed to the King of Kings, and softly said, "Perhaps this gift will cause Your Majesty's anger to melt away as swiftly as the snow on the mountaintops in spring."

"What a clay pot, this money, this money, is enough to buy two pieces of jewelry." Adiana had never really used money to buy anything; only when she was a child, her mother summoned jewelers to the palace. During the discussions about prices, she had a vague impression of the drakhma, but it was limited to "three thousand drakhmas equals two pieces of precious jewelry"

After the gate opened, Haibulida slowly walked out. The long-term oppression and confinement had nearly rendered his legs unable to straighten at once, but he still suppressed the ache in his veins and stood upright before Utaeris: "The guardian of the gate protects me, the Seventh Legion needs me. Utaeris, one day, I will take my revenge on you"

At that time, it was the "Market Day" of Amisus, bustling with activity. The well-dressed Greeks looked down upon the barbarians from the icy northern lands with disdain. Meanwhile, the Thracians disembarking for the military camp appeared dazed and awkward, many of them barefoot, gazing with astonished and envious eyes at everything in this magnificent city—the two-story residential buildings with white bricks and red tiles, the grand temples, the vast docks, the throngs of people in the marketplace, and the countless, indescribable goods on the shelves.

As Apis ascended to the grand hall, the noble class of Armenia erupted in laughter. This young military tribune, hailing from a common background, wore no golden diadem upon his head and adorned no precious jewels on his person; he was merely draped in a somewhat worn toga, giving the impression of a lowly servant at first glance. However, he possessed the sharp gaze of an eagle and a lean, proud demeanor, holding the diplomatic letter from Lucullus as he ascended the steps.

The next day, as Misael had anticipated, the envoy of Lucullus, the military tribune Apis, arrived at Ataxeta with a delegation. Tegrenis, having engaged in a fierce struggle with Nysa the previous night, was so exhausted that even his legs trembled slightly as he reluctantly sat on the throne to receive the Roman envoy

Apis smiled and shook his head, stating that he did not recognize them, but added that these four could serve as the line of slaves carrying amphorae during the triumph, showcasing the other spoils of war of Lucullus to the Roman citizens

The Romans could never eliminate my father. When my father was still a child, his mother plotted to kill him with assassins, poison, traps, and so on, but she still failed. My father grew up in the dense forest and wilderness; he understands twenty-six languages and can converse with bears and wolves. Even if he has only ten followers today, tomorrow he could lead thousands of troops. While Li Bida was chopping wood, Adiana continued to speak without pause, "My father grew up in the dense forest and wilderness; he understands twenty-six languages and can converse with bears and wolves. Even if he has only ten followers today, tomorrow he could lead thousands of troops." While Li Bida was chopping wood, Adiana continued to speak without pause, "Therefore, once the Romans are forced to negotiate peace, you can return to Sinope with me. Although you have offended me in the past, I do not mind, for who can blame you for not being Greek? Those who are not Greek are merely barbaric bumpkins, just two-eared clay pots. I can have someone teach you philosophy and etiquette; you can assist me in my endeavors, allowing me to gain power in the court. I will not forget to reward you—perhaps an annual salary of three thousand drachmas."

"Arrogant Romans, do you think that in this world, only you know how to forge swords for killing?" In the adjacent room, Oterpeli could no longer endure it. She first stepped out and then cried out to everyone present: "If Bantu joins forces with Armenia, there will be no less than one hundred thousand elite warriors ready to battle the Romans. My father possesses treasures worth tens of thousands of talents, and with the majesty of my husband, the King of Kings— from the Caucasus to the Red Sea, whether they are Armenians or Arabs, upon hearing the call of the King of Kings, they will raise their spears and bows like dark clouds and sudden rain, traveling thousands of miles to rally around my husband— at that time, our army will exceed a million! And the pitiful Romans, they are fewer than ten thousand. I have heard that one hundred of them share a single warhorse, and the vast majority can only fight on foot. Their survival until now relies solely on the tricks of empty threats. And the pitiful Romans, they are fewer than ten thousand. I have heard that one hundred of them share a single warhorse, and the vast majority can only fight on foot. Their survival until now relies solely on the tricks of empty threats. Gentlemen, do not be intimidated by appearances; take up your swords and fight like men, or else the bodies of Armenian and Bantu women will no longer be your joyful sanctuaries. We will despise you and reject any of your advances!"

"Why choose only this thing?" Tegreinis was perplexed.

"Young envoy, can you represent your commander with full authority?" After Apis completed his salutation, Tegrenis on the throne inquired

Misaro did not expect that his earnest advice would lead to such treatment, and he could not help but feel great sorrow. "My King, as the proverb says, only those with strong bodies can drink large amounts of strong liquor, and only those with steadfast minds can resist the temptations of sweet words. Since you have sent me to my death, I have nothing to worry about. Before the ten thousand Roman troops of Lucullus, your best choice is to flee from Asia"

Tegreinis resolutely mounted his horse again, as if he had made a significant decision, and declared loudly: "I will not hand over my father-in-law to the Romans, unless I am driven from the throne of the King of Kings—if the Romans are willing to fight, so will I!"

Should I adapt to the name "Karabis"? Until I forget the original one

Thus, Li Bida has been busy for the past three days, and he has now seemingly become the "leader" of the camp slaves in his battalion. Haibulida is still locked in the cage, and no one dares to let him out without Luculas's permission; Utaireis usually stays by Luculas's side, assisting the commander with various tasks.

"In order to satisfy our appetites, where exactly are the lakes, forests, and mountains that have not yet been plundered?" — Seneca, the Roman philosopher

However, Your Majesty, the decision you have made is absolutely immature! Misaro also became anxious.

These funds are sufficient to purchase a villa with a garden in Athens or Miletus said Portia, who was stacking firewood nearby, her sweat-soaked clothes accentuating her graceful curves

When the 4,000 Thracians entered the camp and the supplies were delivered, Calabis and others returned to their unit's campsite and instructed the soldiers to hand over the wooden board that had been mailed to Heibrida

"Tegre, are you still upset that your brother married your daughter instead of his sister, me?" Naisa jumped down from the carriage, and Tegre hurriedly dismounted in front of everyone, kneeling partially before Naisa, kissing her wrist and the back of her hand

Li Bida and his companions did not have a heavy task; their main responsibility was to transport the weapons and equipment of the Thracians using mule carts. Because Adiana was still haunted by the previous incident where Haibulida attempted to force himself on her, she decided to accompany them as well—there were also slaves questioning why this young girl did not have to participate in the labor

A gray and agile carrier pigeon, its wings sweeping through the heavy cumulus clouds, traversed between the lake waters and towering mountains. It brought the results of the negotiations between Apis and the Armenians to the city of Amisus in the camp of Lucullus at the fastest speed of that era

"That is the perspective of you Greeks. The soldiers of our legion are currently preoccupied with how to plunder your Greek cities," shouted the commander of the Seventh Legion, Secundus. "Everyone knows what a Greek is: the active participant in oral sex and the passive participant in anal sex, that is the role the world has assigned to you."

The surrounding Armenian nobles could not help but roar in response, and Tegreinis was greatly angered by the arrogance of the young Roman envoy. However, Apis remained unfazed. Tegreinis pointed to the four individuals beside him, dressed in short tunics resembling servants, and shouted, "Young Apis, do you know who these four are?"