Augustus Road

But Crassus's face showed that he was obviously dissatisfied with Casio's proposal. How much time would it take to cross this desert? If the soldiers are only carrying standard combat equipment, as for the mules and horses, they don't have to carry them. There are about five legions, with auxiliary troops, and nearly 8,000 mules and horses. The consumption of food and water is really too great. Simply It is much easier for the soldier team. As long as they cross the desert, reach the Greek city over there, and gain a foothold, they can easily launch a decisive offensive against the boy Surena.

"But we must rescue the comrades of the Sixth Army who are still trapped. They are making great sacrifices in their role as sentinels. If we do nothing, this will be unfair to all soldiers." This is Crassus' answer.

This kind of answer made it difficult for all the generals and centurions, including Cassiyo, to raise any objections, because it was a legion composed of regular citizens and could never give up on rescue. Otherwise, in the future In the official career, everyone will be covered with terrible stains.

"But we can't go too far into the desert. I still insist on my opinion. We can't abandon the pack horses carrying equipment and food. We also urgently recruit ships to shoulder the transportation pressure along the Euphrates River and slowly move closer to Seleucia. , rendezvous with Mindaz. "Finance Officer Casillo is still stubborn. At this moment, a noncommittal laugh came from the corner of the tent. This was obviously not from a Roman, because no regular Roman would dare to laugh at will on such an occasion. Casio glanced around and saw that it was actually that person. It was issued by Akbarus, the great Arab chief. He couldn't help but get angry at this guy and asked. "Who gave the order? Let a person like you be so unscrupulous in the military camp of the Republic? This is not the market where animals are bought and sold in Petra!"

Seeing the awkward situation, Crassus explained to Cassio carefully that he still respected his lieutenant and financial officer, but unfortunately he did not obey his words. He said that this great chief had helped Rome during Pompey's previous expedition to the East. The army is very busy, and now many of them are from Pompey's army, even the chief lieutenant Eugutavis. Everyone still recognized him, and there was no mistaking that this great chief was friendly and loyal. Then Crassus, with a serious expression, asked why Akbarus burst out laughing.

"I just want to say that although there are a lot of talented people here, I have lived and traded in the deserts of Syria and Assyria for thirty years, so I still have a say in the human relations and geography here. In addition, I am in Ctesiphon. The insider reports confirmed that Assasis Herod was preparing to evacuate Ctesiphon."

What? The Parthian king is leaving Ctesiphon! The news came as a surprise to everyone. But Akbarus went on to say seriously, "I already know the composition of the Parthian army ahead. They are not the main force of the country, and the main force happened to be killed by your lieutenant Lepidus during the battle of Mount Lamiyi. The general was severely wounded, and Herod was now in a state of panic in the town of Aegira. He was determined to abandon Mesopotamia at any time and retreat to the distant city of Nyssa (which was the summer and old capital of the Parthians). He thinks that he can stop you in the place where his clan is rising. The elders of the Senate in Ctesiphon are frantically moving their belongings, and the enemy army in front of them is nothing more than Surena's private soldiers. There will be no more than 20,000 people in total, most of them are poor light cavalry. In the previous battle in Sinaka City, you have proved that the Roman army can easily defeat their attack, so Surena's troops, Rather than coming to fight you, I am here to contain you and make you hesitate and lose your determination to pursue and annihilate the main force of Herod."

Yes, in his letter to me, Caesar repeatedly emphasized the importance of determination and enthusiasm. As long as he can cooperate with Lepidus, there will be no problem in sweeping the enemy in front of him.

And Casillo stood there, silent. He was tired, completely tired. The most difficult thing to do in reality is to pull a mortal person back from the grave, which is worse than pushing a down-and-out person to the grave. The position of consul is even more difficult. Cassiyo retreated to a corner with a tired look on his face, then sat down and put his cloak over his mouth, indicating that he would not make any more suggestions.

When the chief centurion of the First Legion pulled up the wooden stakes of the tents in the camp, the sand brought out was quickly picked up by the wind and flew away towards the blurry wilderness in the east, and then groups of Romans The soldiers held up the team signs of their respective groups and walked towards the desert. In accordance with the governor's request, they left the city of Sinaka, abandoned most of the pack horses, and also left the gentle Euphrates River. All the soldiers carried Several days of dry food, and carrying equipment weighing forty kilograms - swords, javelins, shields, pickaxes, and square luggage made of knotted tent clothes. With tears in his eyes, Cassiyo insisted that all the sergeants of the first legion deposit their wills and all their salary silver coins in the small temple in Xinaka City. The soldiers lined up silently in the temple to send Wool, ribbons, etc. were carefully tied to various small statues of gods, some made of wood, some made of copper. Many people even placed the gold chains and gold hanging belts they had obtained from previous meritorious deeds on the altar. The name of the family clan is engraved on it, and there is a small scroll with a few words written by the beggar to the family.

Suddenly, there was a noise outside. Cassius went out to see. It turned out to be a cavalryman named Ignatius. After all the saddles were installed on his horse, his favorite Spanish horse suddenly went crazy and bit several military slaves. Then it rushed into the Euphrates River and drowned, making Ignatius cry.

"It's better to cry in advance and die in advance. This way is much better than dying miserably in the desert." Cassius said silently.

Slowly, the shadows of the Roman legionnaires dragged longer and longer on the ground. What they saw in front of them slowly changed from a green plain to a semi-barren wilderness. Finally, their military shoes stepped into the soft desert, and they began to worry. Then the desert under their feet rushed towards everyone like endless waves, bringing with it a dull and hot air. The 40,000-man army, including five legions with less than 30,000 men, plus 4,000 auxiliary cavalry, including 2,000 Aedui, 2,000 Gaelash, and 5,000 slingers and archers recruited from all over Asia Minor. In addition, Crassus' personal entourage and staff also numbered nearly 1,000 people. However, being in this vast desert, they were like a stream of different colors, which could be ruthlessly evaporated and wiped out at any time! (To be continued...)