Augustus Road

"Oh, where is your chief lieutenant?" On the street to Dixhaqiang, Marcius kept wiping his sweat, touching the box slung on his shoulder, and casually asked on horseback. ?

The centurion who was responsible for leading the way was a little impatient, "I've said it for the sixth time. It's the same as what Lord Dictado said, he is in Dixhaqiang commanding the security of the harbor."

"Oh, oh." Marcius said, and stopped asking questions for a short time. He knew the road and it was indeed going there, so they walked for a whole day at normal horse riding speed. Just arrived at the destination, in front of Machius's eyes, the harbor was indeed busy at dusk. Soldiers and military slaves were winching ballistas to the towers, and ships were nervously unloading a small amount of supplies. From a distance, the white camp can be seen in order.

Then, as expected, Marcius saw the person he wanted to see, Lepidus, in the tent with the eagle flag.

The other party was sitting behind the table with a calm expression. Confidential slaves around him came in and out. From time to time, they would lean in and accept his instructions, whispering softly. Seeing his "old friend", Lepidus stood up with cheers, clapped his hands and hugged the somewhat embarrassed Machius, and asked him what the purpose of his visit was.

When Marcius explained his intention, Lepidus agreed generously, but asked: "But if the two armies are fighting fiercely during this period, how can the hostages be exchanged?"

Machius was stunned for a moment, and then said that we are willing to cease the war for three days. After the exchange of these two important hostages, it will not be too late to fight again. Then, a hint of embarrassment flashed across Li Bida's face. Aim to put the date on tomorrow. Three days is too long. Then he sat down again, quickly signed the order tablet to release Sarada, stamped the seal of King Numa's ring in front of Machius, and handed it over, "Although I hate Rabinu very much. Although Si was rude and untrustworthy to me before, I believe that he was also in the enemy's camp. To be honest, a man who had served Caesar for ten years suddenly came to Pompey's side. This was probably the only way. A way to eliminate rumors and prove yourself?"

Marcius was quite moved by what he said. He choked with sobs. After receiving the order, he bowed and left. He promised to give an answer no later than tomorrow, and Lepidus also promised to send Prince Sarada to the hospital immediately. Delivered to Caesar.

"Is Prince Sarada really here?" Marcius suddenly asked.

"Yes." Li Bida added without hesitation. "But I can't show it to you. I won't let this proof of merit appear in front of the world casually."

In fact, when Machius just walked to the main entrance of the camp. When he took off the rope and led the horse, Lepidus quickly walked to the pillar in the corner, held on to it, and began to retching and panting. He was almost exhausted from enduring the bumps on the horse's back and running wildly to Dick Haqiang. , holding his breath, trying not to let out a heavy breathing sound that would make Marcius suspicious, so this short message consumed more energy and vitality than a battle. But while he was vomiting gastric juice on the ground, less than half a day after Machius left, he adjusted his breathing, got back on the horse, and ran towards the hidden camp at the mouth of Jimmons River again.

By nightfall, he was half exhausted. He was almost tricked in front of the camp. When he arrived at the sand table, he was speechless. He could only signal Sabo with his eyes and tell the generals and Centurion. After a long speech, Sabo announced to his face, "Tomorrow afternoon to night, Rabinus will launch a general raid on Caesar's siege position, an unprecedented storm. I personally estimate that Rabinus will use the three weapons on hand. Legion, and there is also a third legion somewhere, select all the strong soldiers and put them into this offensive. The number of the group may be as many as twenty, but Rabinus will not be stupid enough to divide the army evenly. He will choose the breakthrough point.”

Then Sabo cleared his throat and said, "So when he offered to exchange Gaius, it was all a ruse. He was trying to determine where our three legions were. Fortunately, I happened to be reporting on my duties in Dictado's camp at the time and made it clear. Because of his cleverness, our acting commander-in-chief first galloped to Dicthard and deceived Marcius, and then spared no effort to return here immediately to supervise all of us. , join the battlefield in Cocula City! Now, please give General Pethenius a specific military order."

So at this time, the veteran Petnaeus stood up politely, said hello to everyone, and then slowly but clearly arranged the arrangements for the coach:

Caesar's two most important Gallic cavalry captains rebelled, and now that Marcius is eager to know the location of our army, it means that these two men have indeed betrayed the reality of Caesar's defense line to Labienus, so Pompey The most likely direction of attack is the Decias tribe in the north.

"Why?" Angandinus didn't understand the basis for his judgment.

"Because the two legions here are the weakest. Although Antony's southern defense line has twenty new legions, it is also supported by sixteen legions. Rabinus has fought against both the southern and eastern fronts. Naturally, he should understand these two areas. Our legions cannot be underestimated." Pethenius's answer left Angandinus speechless and closed his mouth.

"We will set out at the third sentry tonight. The Sixth Legion will be in charge of the advance, and the Thirteenth and Fifteenth Legions will be in charge of the rear. The acting commander-in-chief will take the guards and staff to the place five Roman miles outside the camp of Dicias to survey the position. I will march with the legion and be responsible for dispatching." After saying that, Peteneus asked all centurions to return to the camp immediately, let the soldiers carry a day's dry food and all equipment, and hold torches, ready to march at night.

At this time, in the twilight, in the wilderness between the two fortifications around the city of Cocura, Caesar's soldiers and Labinus' soldiers were lined up in a large team, quietly confronting each other outside the range of the catapult. This situation has continued for two days. The teams of both sides are similar. The only difference is that Labinus placed the last row of soldiers on the wall of the blockade line, holding hunting spears, ready to give a heavy blow to the invading Caesar's army with the height - but Caesar's soldiers were always outside the throwing distance and had no idea of ​​"invading".

The lips of the soldiers on Labienus' side were so swollen that they were bleeding;

And the soldiers on Caesar's side were so swollen that their stomachs were almost sticking to their backs.

But they all stood solemnly, tens of thousands of people facing each other, for a whole day, and no one walked around or left the position required by the centurion. Both sides proudly held the eagle flag, and then at night, they retreated to their respective camps at the same time with the sound of the military trumpet. (To be continued...)