Chapter 146 - 108: Internal Strife and Division_2
"Hmm." Maximus replied vaguely.
"We really overestimated ourselves." From behind came the voice of Antonix, who said seriously, "Actually, we don’t need to discuss this any further. According to our previous rules, major decisions are made by the soldier conference. Now that so many soldiers demand to ’abandon the battle and retreat north’, we should heed their opinion."
As Antonix spoke, the tent flap lifted and Spartacus and Hamilcar, with grim faces, walked in heavily, suggesting their attempt to persuade Cross had failed.
Upon entering, Spartacus directly said, "Leaders, the Roman Army is approaching the Turi Plain. They are only about three or four days away from us. Initially, we decided to confront the Romans here, but the majority of our brothers... oppose fighting them. Hence, we must reconvene to decide whether to abandon our previous plan and choose to retreat northward..."
As Spartacus spoke, his gaze fixed on Maximus, since the stances of the other leaders were already clear; his words were actually directed at Maximus.
Maximus sensed a hint of reluctance and helplessness in his eyes and didn’t respond immediately but instead asked, "Even if we leave here, the Romans will relentlessly pursue us. Are we to keep marching north indefinitely?"
"Uh, yes." Hamilcar picked up, "A few of us discussed it privately before. If the situation worsens, we’ll keep marching north into the mountains, which are inhabited by Gaul. The Romans surely won’t dare pursue us there, and we will gain freedom;
but if circumstances change, for instance, if there are Roman forces blocking us north, or—"
"Or perhaps if the brothers regain their fighting spirit and the Roman Army exposes a flaw in their pursuit, then we can seize the opportunity to defeat them, restore the prestige of Free Italy, and reinstate everyone’s confidence in defeating the Romans!" Spartacus said in a deep voice, his words filled with strength.