Chapter 8: The Outpost Battle

"Tonight, you swine shall not rest! Everyone, carry your burdens and luggage, and march with the battalion." In the camp of the Third Battalion, Haibulida's voice echoed like a wolf's howl, as all the soldiers, fully armed, gathered around him. He was addressing the camp slaves, "Because we will be traversing mountainous terrain, this will be a high-intensity assault. From this moment on, you are also considered combat personnel of the battalion. No noise, no wandering about; otherwise, I have the right to execute you on the spot. Do you understand?—Each of you must carry your identification tag. If we achieve significant gains, I promise to reward each of you swine with twenty drachmas and a share of three bushels of wine."

It is quite simple, for Secundus did not receive orders from Lucullus to engage in deep combat. The commander may have merely instructed him to consolidate the existing positions at Sophene and support the main forces that would follow. Apis was not mistaken; the task assigned by Secundus to the various detachments was to maintain a cautious defense. When he saw the Armenians so easily defeated and prepared to expand his gains, he realized that he was not at the command post but rather standing at the front line with a hundred-man unit. In that moment, he could not find any orderlies or buglers, and could only curse a few times, tacitly accepting his original orders.

"Look, isn't that Secundus?" one shouted, pointing down. Apis focused his gaze and indeed saw the brute standing at the far left of the first rank, personally walking and engaging in battle alongside the soldiers.

"Raise the battalion's standard, we shall lead the way." Upon reaching the mountain path, Utharis proudly said to the flag bearer that this standard could guide the subsequent detachments along the route they had surveyed. Then, all members of the Third Battalion, including Karabis, Adiana, Porti, and Demetrius, shouldered their burdens and ascended the winding mountain path, higher and higher. In the morning light, frost filled the air, unimpeded as it slipped into the collars and armor of the men. Karabis, whose eyebrows and beard were lightly dusted with frost, looked down: the Sophini River appeared like a gray ribbon, stretching between the wilderness and the mountains, dividing the Roman camp from the Armenian camp in a standoff. The campfires still flickered here and there, but the sun had already risen, casting a slightly cold white light in a corner of the field, rapidly expanding.

A series of whistles sounded as the Roman legion's centuria, fully prepared for battle, waved small triangular flags and formed solid squares. They stood closely together, with the shields of the first row of soldiers held at waist level, while the shields of the second row rested on the shoulders of the first row. Between the gaps of the shields, they extended their heavy javelins, moving the entire formation with slow yet compact steps. The entire line resembled a great hedgehog clad in iron armor, unstoppable and formidable.

However, the cavalry of Misaro still foolishly charged fiercely into the central part of the Romans

Then came the violent clash of shields and horses, as the cavalry of Misarou fell like building blocks before the Roman shields, both men and horses collapsing together. Most of the javelins they threw were deflected back by the Roman shields, while the Roman heavy javelins served as spears, injuring their horses' legs and underbellies between the shields

"Why do our people not pursue? This would lead to a greater victory," questioned Apis's companion

Not long after, in front of the camp, the Third Regiment formed up, including the camp slaves. Utharis, holding a staff, spoke eloquently to inspire: "Brothers, this is a rare opportunity to gain honor. Our one hundred sixty brothers of the Third Regiment will lead the way at the forefront of the left-wing detachment..." Karabis noticed that Haibrida, beside Utharis, was restless, displaying an impatience as if fearing the prey would slip away and wishing Utharis would stop speaking soon.

The last ten thousand Armenian infantry did not dare to engage in battle from beginning to end. Upon witnessing the death of Misarol, some scattered like birds and beasts, disappearing into the mountains and fields; many others retreated voluntarily, running to set up camp further away, awaiting the arrival of the reinforcements from their King of Kings.

Socrates also arrived beside the body of Misaroth. At that moment, Apis and his attendants descended from the nearby high ground. The two exchanged fist bumps in greeting. "Commander, you have successfully occupied Sophini. What are the next orders from Governor Lucullus?"

"My King, Tigranes, your reluctance to shed more blood is a mercy towards the Romans, yet these barbarians will not show the slightest gratitude. Therefore, you must make them bleed, bleed profusely, to atone for the blood of Mithridates." Nysa took the opportunity to incite.

The Armenian camp was suddenly left in tatters. The concerns relayed by Nessa's aides yesterday became a reality. The ten thousand infantry, having witnessed the defeat of Misaro beforehand, lacked the courage to hold their positions and instead fled in a panic, causing chaos among the rear ranks. The entire Armenian army found itself in a disordered and congested situation under the rapid assault of the Roman stone artillery.

Tegreinis, with red eyes and reeking of alcohol, slammed his fist on the dining table, "Indeed! If we were to cease hostilities at this moment, would not the King of Kings become a laughingstock for the world?"

Unaware of the situation, Demetrius, who was responsible for treating Batitas, casually replied: "He desecrated the corpse of the Queen of Bantu in the Karabi Palace and was punished by the gods. A deep wound was inflicted on the back of his neck; although he did not die, his soul has been shattered, and he has lost the reasoning of a normal person"

The camp slaves of the Third Battalion, numbering over fifty men and women combined, felt a mix of anxiety and excitement upon hearing Haibulida's promise. However, they had no real choice in the matter; being able to receive some rewards amidst the danger was already quite fortunate.

"My task ends here; the next step is likely to establish a camp! Prepare to confront the main forces of the Armenians," said Secundus, as if issuing a command. All the soldiers crowded along a river that spanned across Sophene, dividing it in two. Even as dusk approached, they continued to wield their pickaxes, digging trenches to divert the river water, forming a defensive perimeter, and then set up their camp within this circle.

"He is a true warrior." After the battle, several Roman soldiers gathered around the disfigured body of Misaro, marveling at it

"I must advise you in advance that it would be better to change your elegant long robe into a short shirt; otherwise, traversing the mountain paths could be fatal for you." Calabis mocked Adiana, and Demetrius's previous words were not lies; the salve prepared by this Jew was indeed effective. Now, both Calabis and he himself had recovered about seventy to eighty percent from their injuries. Everyone rolled up their blankets and medicine pouches and carried them on their backs, but Adiana still refused to take off her long robe. As they passed by a soldier's tent, Adiana suddenly lifted the curtain and glanced inside: Batitas lay on the stretcher bed in the tent, his gaze vacant and motionless.

The Allied forces, under the command of the Legion stationed at https://wwwhetushucomcom, are on defensive duty. The Seventh Legion, 'Bacchus', and the Eleventh Legion, 'Eight-Eyed Eel', are all launching an offensive. Scythian leaders command all cavalry to press the enemy on the right flank. Pompey leads the central forces in a frontal assault. Murilla withdraws three battalions from the Seventh Legion to form a mobile unit on the left flank, marching through the mountain pass near Sophene, then dispersing into units of one hundred to disrupt the communications of the Armenian forces.

"Throw!" A succinct command, and the "shield wall" unfurled once more— the legion's heavy infantry, setting down their heavy javelins and shields, stood upright and simultaneously hurled their other weapon: the light javelin, a type of spear akin to a hunting spear. These javelins fell like rain, piercing the flesh of the cavalry of Misaroth, plunging them into uncontrollable chaos as they trampled over one another in a frantic attempt to escape.

"Let me handle this; my status may afford him a dignified death." Secundus Sictilius spat out the dried fig from his mouth, took the light spear from the centurion beside him, and shouted at the bloodied Misaroth, "I am the commander of the Roman Seventh Legion, the deputy of the governor of Silesia, Marinus Gaius Sictilius, is this sufficient!?"

Around nightfall, Tegreinis led 2,000 elite cavalry, along with 20,000 soldiers recruited from the Araks River basin, to the region on the other side of Sophini. There, he encountered 10,000 soldiers who had retreated from the vanguard battle and learned of the death of his most favored, Misaro.

"A brute is indeed a brute; he lives up to this nickname," Apis shrugged.

Next, the continuous "clack" "clack" sounds indicated to the Roman gunners that they were to launch all the stone projectiles at once. As a result, from the mountains, Calabis witnessed a spectacular scene: shadows of flames flickered across his cheeks, as thirty or fifty Roman ballistae and stone-throwing machines unleashed fire like the breath of countless monsters.

Upon hearing the call of Socrates, Misarou slowly came to a halt. He raised his head and gazed at the azure sky, shedding two lines of tears

In the death struggle of Misaroth, even the seasoned Roman veterans, accustomed to killing, felt both admiration and fear. Many gathered around him, yet none dared or could bring themselves to thrust their short swords.

Naisa, who accompanied the army, was persuading others to drink by her side, deeply troubled. Originally, Mithridates had indeed summoned her to seduce Tigranes, inciting enmity between the Armenians and the Romans. However, throughout this journey, this King of Kings seemed preoccupied with rekindling their old romance, focusing solely on drinking and making love with her, showing no concern for military affairs and disregarding the advice of his subordinates. This state of despondency was unbearable even for Naisa.

"Stop daydreaming and hurry up with me." Haibrida arrived with the second century: the camp slaves were sandwiched between the two centuries to prevent anyone from escaping. She said fiercely to Karabis.

"He is about to die; it can be considered a form of liberation, right?" Adriana's exquisite profile lifted slightly, and then in the darkness, her expression became indistinguishable.

This is the military tradition of the Romans: once a decision is made to garrison in a certain location, regardless of how late it may be, fortifications must first be constructed. This tradition has been established through countless failures and bloodshed

However, Tegrenis was completely unwilling to heed any advice, still crying and cursing in a fit of rage, until Apis returned the body of Misaro—this King of Kings, suppressing his grief, gazed at the corpse of his young lover, yet could not afford to be overly emotional in front of the enemy's envoy, lest he lose the dignity of a king. "My personal friend Apis, how was Misaro in his final moments?"

I privately appreciate your kindness, but Apis, your public identity is that of a Roman envoy; you would not undertake this action solely out of personal sentiment

"It is utterly terrible; they actually placed the defeated soldiers from the day in the foremost defensive position of the camp. As for that King of Kings, I found that his main camp was surrounded by a group of Arab pastoral cavalry on guard" replied Abis

"Mithras, this young man, seems to seek nothing but death," sighed Apis, who witnessed all of this.

"I will convey your valiant stance to your king, although we Romans detest this title." With that, the light spear traced a clear arc in the air and pierced directly into Misaro's chest.

Misarro took the lead, while the tribal cavalry around him reacted with varying degrees of urgency. Some charged forward alongside Misarro, while others remained stationary, turning in circles. The order of the charge was utterly chaotic, and the collective power of the mounted assault was completely diminished

Tegreinis was first filled with rage and executed seven chieftains who had previously shown cowardice in battle. He blamed these cowards for the death of Misaro. Then he wept bitterly, at times resenting Misaro for abandoning him, and at other times cursing the brutality of the Romans

"Advance!" The centurion's command echoed along the length of the deer fort, as the standard-bearer held aloft the eagle and battalion flags, leading the formations at the forefront. They were the first to cross the floating bridge erected by the Roman auxiliaries over the Sophini River, launching a full-scale assault. The sound of hooves resembled rolling thunder, shaking the very heavens.

Apis replied in a calm voice: "Please do not oppose our commander Lucullus any further. I have received reliable information from the Senate that Lucullus may soon be relieved of his position as governor of Cilicia and commander of the Eastern army. This means that the war may come to an end soon, and there is no need for you to become further embroiled in it, risking the lives of more loyal and beloved subjects like Misaro. I believe this is also the true reason for Misaro's sacrifice."

As Utharis waved his staff, the Third Battalion shouted in unison, forming ranks and holding torches smeared with olive oil, leading a few Armenian captives as they set out from the first encampment.

"Indeed, you are correct; Rome does require peace, but it is a peace that must be under Rome's own leadership. You may continue to reign as the king of Armenia, but you may have to become a vassal to the fathers of the Senate and surrender your son as a hostage." Although Apis's tone was harsh, it was filled with sincerity

At this moment, it was dawn. As the Third Regiment marched along the military road of the camp, shadows of auxiliary soldiers and slaves moved about everywhere. They pushed the crossbows and catapults to the front line as ordered. There, many companies of the central forces had already formed into an offensive formation, ready to await the command

The entire Armenian cavalry unit of three thousand men faced utter disaster in just a mere quarter of an hour of engagement

There, the swift Apis has already returned to the camp of Secundus. At this moment, Lucullus's entire cavalry did not make any stop at Carabia, but instead pressed on directly to this place to rendezvous with the advance party of Secundus

Hearing the words of Apis, Nessa became flustered. She raised her wine cup and intently observed the reaction of Tigranes, who, with a tone of dissatisfaction, said: "Is it unnecessary? Was I not initially pleading for peace with the Romans?"

Bodhi showed no signs of annoyance, merely looking up and saying, "Calabria, you must get up quickly"

Barbaric tribes fundamentally do not understand the science of warfare; they merely raise their swords high like wild boars and then strike down heavily like clumsy lumberjacks

"Rest assured, if Utharis does not move, I will kick his backside with my military boots." Murilla, of course, understood that this centurion was a favored subordinate of Lucullus, and he joked, eliciting a wave of good-natured laughter from those around. Utharis, in turn, expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the commander for his trust in him and his unit.

In the command tent, Lucullus listened to the report from the battle officers for the day. When Apis entered, Lucullus immediately inquired, "How do you assess the readiness of Tigranes for battle?"

"Calabius, Porti, Demetrius, you must follow behind me and heed my commands, for this is the only way to ensure your survival." In the tent, "Calabia" paced back and forth, contemplating and issuing orders while directing Calabius and Porti to pack their belongings.

The mountains and forests rapidly receded behind them, as the left flank detachment led by the Third Brigade advanced swiftly along the mountains to the right of the Armenians. Their mission was to maneuver around to the enemy's rear supply positions, ideally to the command camp. However, as the altitude increased, the air became thinner and the roads more rugged. Adiana, burdened by her cumbersome robe, finally found herself unable to continue and sat down abruptly by the path. Porty hurriedly helped her up, to which Adiana retorted, "Bitch, don’t touch my arm," and unexpectedly slapped Porty back.

With a soft "ka-da" sound—perhaps due to the distance from Calabis, it felt less pronounced—a fiery stone cannonball soared high from the Roman front lines, rolling through the air, trailing hissing flames like a meteor with a tail, and fell into the Armenian camp, igniting a blaze that shot up into the sky

Misalor's handsome face was grazed by the Roman's javelin, and his leg was cut by a short sword. His horse, remarkably intelligent, instinctively carried its master away from the dangerous combat zone. However, he was unwilling to retreat from the battlefield—he howled, loudly questioning why the Romans did not respect a warrior's long-held aspirations, why they contemptuously ceased fighting and chose to defend in place. Subsequently, he raised the great banner once more, rallying the few hundred remaining cavalrymen who were still willing to follow him, and without support from the infantry behind, launched a swift charge against the detachment of Scythes for the second time.

"The general assault has begun; we must quicken our pace on the left flank, quicken our pace." The Roman soldiers, who had long mastered their stride during daily training, mechanically increased their speed, and the sound of footsteps began to resonate along the mountain path. "Fool, I told you to take off that long robe long ago!" Karabis angrily snatched the backpack from the panting Adiana, who was struggling to hold onto her 'Kidon' robe. Adiana's face flushed with exhaustion, but she had no choice but to force herself to keep up with the group, as the short sword in Haibrida's hand and his temper were no laughing matter.

Is he not dead yet? Adiana asked coldly.

At this moment, Lucra's gray eyes glanced at the seasoned centurion Utheris from the 3rd Battalion of the 6th Legion of the "Bacchus" Corps, who wore an eager expression. He then added, "Murira, let Utheris's battalion serve as the vanguard for your mobile detachment; they are to charge at the forefront.

At that moment, even Secundus felt astonished, as he sat in front of the centurions, protected by several decurions, eating dried figs, fully believing that the enemy would not charge again. Secundus looked at the furious general Misaroth leading the enemy troops and instinctively felt a sense of camaraderie towards this brave man, but it was too late for him to correct any orders—his centurions, decurions, and ordinary soldiers operated like a killing machine with pre-programmed commands, resuming their function after the sound of a whistle.

Facing the enemy troops that were retreating in disarray, all the Roman soldiers raised their short swords and cheered in unison, before steadfastly maintaining their formations and remaining motionless in place

"Look at this brave young man, he is a true warrior, a true noble—clean his body and incense it, I am willing to return him to Tegrenis and make a final effort for peace," Apis said, gazing at the corpse of Misaro.

This time, the cavalry with two wings charged fiercely, encircling the isolated forces of Misaro. Subsequently, the heavy infantry formed a long line, advancing with their heavy javelins: a perfect three-sided pocket formation emerged, and the attendants and soldiers surrounding Misaro fell one after another, crying out in agony. With disheveled hair, he shouted, "The descendants of the Armenian gods will never retreat a single step on the battlefield. Since my king has decided to wage this misguided war, let me, Misaro, be the first to sacrifice myself for him!" Four or five Roman heavy infantrymen approached, deeply stabbing the horse beneath him with their heavy javelins. The horse screamed and fell sideways, crushing Misaro's left leg beneath it, his body and face covered in blood. Yet he continued to wield his sword, killing two advancing Roman soldiers. Remarkably, he severed his own left leg with his sword, then stood on one leg, painfully picking up his battle flag, and with one leg, he continued to hop forward, charging towards the Roman lines.

The personal slave brought a cup of hot drink to Lucullus. Lucullus said thank you, then sat down in a chair, bringing the hot drink to his lips. He pondered for quite a while, as he was formulating his resolve to engage in battle. Finally, he slowly and clearly issued the command:

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"It is exactly to my liking." Socrates nodded in agreement

The cavalry and light infantry immediately scattered, some returning to the rear of the formation through the gaps in the ranks of the heavy infantry's hundred-man squad, while others maneuvered to positions on the flanks of the formation

Apis said little more; he merely lifted the hem of his robe, coldly gazing at Nessa, and addressed Tegrenis, saying, "Before I take my leave, I would like to offer a small piece of advice: having women on the sidelines to incite during military matters will only bring you misfortune. Please allow me to take my leave." After Apis departed, Tegrenis wept uncontrollably over the corpse of Misaro, then drank deeply, becoming so intoxicated that he lost consciousness, and was finally carried to bed by Nessa.

My King, just now the advisors suggested relocating the previous ten thousand infantry to the rear of the entire formation, as they suffered a devastating defeat earlier and are now a group of frightened individuals. If the Romans were to attack, having these men at the front would only pose a danger to the entire army. Nessa poured another cup of wine and advised.

Some reckless cavalrymen, in a daze, charged into the junction between the hundred-man formations, but were quickly brought down from their horses by the Roman heavy infantry with short swords from the flanks of the shield wall, or by the light infantry behind them using slings and javelins

He died like a true warrior, as if a mighty hero had returned to life; his death earned the respect of all the soldiers in our legion. Therefore, we washed his body with fragrant water, placed laurel leaves on his shroud, and returned him to you