Chapter 135 - 102: Struggle for Command
Cross forcefully struck the table: "I also wanted to make this suggestion, we should take Metapontum to avenge Enomai! But Metapontum won’t be easy to capture; we need to discuss it thoroughly, especially now that the Roman Army could march south at any time. Spartacus, you can’t easily move your main forces.
Enomai was my good brother; I really want to avenge him. Just let me lead my troops to attack Metapontum, you just send two to three thousand as support, and I’ll strive to take it within half a month and place the head of Metapontum’s governor at Enomai’s gravesite!"
Whether to deploy troops hadn’t been agreed upon, but Cross was eager to lead his troops, seemingly wanting to reclaim the negative impact of driving away Enomai from the rebel army through a victory... Maximus pondered this internally, acknowledging that some matters had to be considered carefully from the leader’s position.
"Cross, if you want to attack Metapontum alone, what will you do with your camp in Turi? Do you have enough soldiers?" asked Hamilcar.
Cross lifted his head proudly, replying: "I currently have nearly 40,000 men, with 30,000 young and strong soldiers. Even if I draw out half to besiege Metapontum, no one would dare to invade the camp in Turi!"
The forces in Cross’s hands were indeed so numerous, surpassing every leader here!... Not only were veterans like Spartacus and Antonix surprised, but newcomers like Phitodorus were even more shocked.
Cross looked at Spartacus, his eyes flashing with a bit of pride.
Maximus observed this and suddenly realized the reason why this self-centered Gaul was so eager to lead troops; it was probably not just to avenge Enomai, but more importantly, to demonstrate strength, gain prestige, and contend with Spartacus for leadership within the rebel army.
It seems this guy is becoming inflated! ... Maximus decided to observe the situation first.
"Cross." Spartacus resumed his calm demeanor and softly said: "If the Roman Army moves south, whether they travel east or west, they will first pass by your camp or the camps of Attutmus and Maximus. The three of you should best not move lightly—"
Cross loudly interrupted: "The Roman Army might also take the Appian Way and strike directly here!"
Spartacus shook his head: "Taking the Appian Way here would take more time, and they would be isolated and easily surrounded by us. I think the Romans wouldn’t make such a mistake."