Chapter 208: Marching Westward

Gellney used the Nakonia incident to declare that he wanted to prevent the invasion of the Samone coalition forces, convened ethnic groups in the territory, and instituted military martial law, but on the agreed day, only 1,000 soldiers were left to guard the territory. With 3,000 soldiers, he quietly entered the Dionysian territory south, but did not enter the city of Kopsa, because there are likely to be spies of the Samona coalition to the north of the city of Kopsa, so Abenerum's army He hid in the Potentia territory south of Kopsa City, joined his troops, and sent some people back to the Samona Mountains to investigate the enemy.

Kopsa is located in the uppermost reaches of the Ofanto River and south of Lake Consa. The terrain of the upper reaches of the Ofanto River is somewhat special. Except for the relatively flat terrain around Kopsa and Lake Consa, the north bank to the east stands tall, It is difficult to climb, and the terrain on the south bank is relatively flat, which is why the Samone coalition forces converged in the Kopsa area during the South-Italian War and invaded Potentia.

When Alexis led his army into the mountains and camped in the Reach, he sent a messenger to the west along the south bank of the Ovanto River, and finally entered the territory of Potentia. Zantiparis of the combined forces of Asia and Abenerum.

Zantiparis, Polert, and Gellney, who had been carefully observing the enemy's movements, received a report from the spies early the next morning: six or seven thousand Samonai warriors appeared in the mountains to the north, and were marching to the southeast. .

They immediately led the 15,000 soldiers north into the upper Ofanto River and rushed eastward along the south bank.

Kopsa was more than 30 miles away from the Reach. After more than four hours, the army reached the west of the Reach. The terrain on the north bank here was relatively flat. Just when Zantiparis was about to order the army to cross the Ovanto River, When entering the North Shore, Gellney had a suggestion.

Because of his familiarity with the terrain of Aquilonia, he thought that the Dionysian army would lure the Samone coalition into the valley, but their armies rushed to Aquilonia from the south together, and there was too much movement and would As a result, the Samona coalition forces escaped from the northwest of the valley, which is easier to climb, so he suggested that the Abenerum army should go north first, make a quiet circle, and reach the northwest of Aquilonia. Attacked and encircled the Samonite coalition with the Potentian army.

In this regard, Poulet expressed his objection, but he did not explain the reason, and only quietly winked at Zantiparis. In fact, he was worried that the Abenerum people would act alone, for fear that they would go to tip off.

However, after careful consideration, Zantiparis agreed to Gellney's suggestion. After all, it would be easy for such a large army to defeat the Samonite coalition, but the Ministry of War hopes that if the Samonites really There are troops in the mountains, and it is best to make full use of this huge Potentia-Abenerum coalition before they know it, and try to keep the living force of the Samonites in the mountains as much as possible. Encircling and annihilating is conducive to the next attack of the Dionysian army. Although Zantiparis didn't know much about Gellney either, Gellney's suggestion was the best fit for the Ministry of War, so he decided to take the risk.

Half an hour after Abenerum's army left,

The Portentian troops have just begun to cross the river...

For these reasons, the army was nearly an hour late.

After listening to the three people's explanations, Alexis' face turned a little dark. After all, the final result did prove that the actions they took were right, so he looked at the sky intentionally, and then said directly: "It will be here soon. At dusk, we should immediately lead the army back to the southern barracks, so that the soldiers who have been fighting for a day can rest well."

The three agreed with his opinion. After all, the main force of the Samonites in the mountains has been completely destroyed, but the harassment of small groups of enemies and even the sneak attack of wild beasts may still exist. It will be safer for several troops to camp together. , Just that such a huge army rushed to the Reach, it is impossible to squeeze into the existing military camp, and it must simply build a new camp next to it, so it is necessary to hurry up.

At this time, Zantiparis looked at the mountains to the east and asked, "What are the plans for tomorrow? Do you want to capture Aquilonia first? It seems that this city is not easy to attack."

Alexis' mouth curled slightly, although his voice was not loud, but his tone was still full of confidence: "In my opinion, with today's victory, even if it does not occupy Aquilonia, it will not matter to the whole battle situation. Influence. My opinion is that all troops march directly into Beneventum tomorrow!"

After today's observation of Aquilonia, it has not moved, especially when the Samone coalition forces came and surrounded the Dionysian army, the Aquilonian army did not come down the mountain, and took the opportunity to attack Daionia. Onia attacked from both sides, and Alexis judged that there were not many defenders in the city of Aquilonia.

"I agree with General Alexis' plan!" Poulet, who knew the Samone people, expressed his support loudly: "We want to use this victory to expand our advantage, and not give the Samone people a breather. Opportunity, as long as Beneventum is captured, the Shilpinis will be finished! And we can also directly threaten the central town of the Kautini people - Kautim through Beneventum!"

Of course, Zantiparis agreed, and only Gellney was lost in thought.

"Is the leader of Garni regretting that he should not leave the Samonai Tribal Alliance?!" Seeing this, Paulette said sarcastically.

Gellney came back to his senses and explained: "I was wondering if I could persuade Aquilonia to surrender, because there are many tribesmen in Aquilonia among the previously captured Shirpini warriors (because It was close to Downey and Puchetti, who had naturally contributed the most in the previous battle against Downey), and now they have again witnessed the defeat of the Samone coalition...I know the leader of Aquilonia, he is a The old guy who doesn't talk about friendship and only values ​​strength—"

Having said this, Gellney gritted his teeth: Before the South-Italian War, the leader of Aquilonia was his father's most loyal supporter. After the South-Italian War, he immediately fell to Leskuk, and he was fighting against Abe. Full support on Nerum's issue.

"In the current situation, the Aquilonians are very likely to choose to surrender." Gellney finally said.

Being able to persuade Aquilonia to surrender would save a lot of trouble. Of course, Alexis would not object, and he immediately promised: "If Aquilonia is willing to surrender, Dionia can allow it to become the kingdom's Free City."

This is not an assertion made by Alexis, but when the Ministry of Military Affairs simply notified the five rotating chairmen of the attack plan, everyone seriously considered "under the force of force, in case there is a town in Samonay who asks to surrender." In view of the harsh environmental conditions and very limited output of most towns in the Samonay Mountains, directly merging into the kingdom will consume administrative resources, so it is better to let them take care of themselves, for example, Aquilonia is located in such a high On the mountain ridges, the traffic is very inconvenient, and they can only rely on herding for a living. Most of the Dionysian elders and officials will probably refuse to come here to serve as chief executive and hold public office.

"I'll send someone up the mountain to persuade us to surrender. When we reach the Reach, there will be results." After Gairney finished speaking, he was ready to make arrangements.

"Wait a minute!" Paulette stopped him and said, "I suggest you take him with you, to convince the Aquilonians!"

He waved his hand and brought a corpse under his hand.

Gaerni took a closer look and couldn't help taking a deep breath. He knew the deceased. Usibek, the leader of Kautim's large tribe, had a high reputation in the Kautini tribe. He was also Kautini once. A strong candidate for the big chief, but he voluntarily gave up the competition with Segovani.

"I heard from the captives that he was the commander of this Samona coalition army. When they broke through, he rushed to the front and was stabbed to death by my warriors! The Quillonians understand their current situation better!" Paulette said loudly, not only proclaiming his achievements, but also secretly warning Gailney.

Just as Gellney was silent, Alexis said, "I think it's a good idea."

Gellney immediately wiped away a trace of sadness in his heart, and said simply: "I'll have my men carry him up the mountain immediately!"

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In the evening, the soldiers of the Dionysian coalition were still resting in the camp in the Reach. The envoys sent by Garni brought back more than a dozen hostages from Aquilonia, including one of the sons of its leader, Aqui Lonia descended.

Alexis was overjoyed, and immediately comforted the Aquilonian people with good words, and promised that when they went to Turii, Dionia would soon release the Aquilonian warriors who had been captured before. .

Although the surrender of Aquilonia made the entire southern Shilpini territory a safe area, Alexis did not let down his guard, and still ordered the camp's sentries to increase patrols.

The night was uneventful.

The next day, the 20,000-strong Dionysian coalition marched westward, along the south bank of the Ovanto River, first reaching Kopsa.

Here, Alexis sent 2,000 soldiers to escort the captives and escort the Aquilonian hostages back to Turii. He also discussed the supply and transportation of military rations with Kesima, the administrator of Kopsa.

Zantiparis also left the coalition at this moment, and continued to rush west to Enona, to lead the half of the reserve army stationed there again, ready to show his skills in the next battle.

In the afternoon, the Dionian coalition left Kopsa, bypassed Lake Consa, marched northwest, and entered the territory of Abenerum at dusk.

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At this time, outside the city of Naples and in the camp of the Samone coalition, the leaders of the four major tribes were sitting in the tent, all with solemn expressions, because they had just received the message that "the army left in the mountains has suffered a disastrous defeat." news.