Chapter 153 - 112: Blocked Ahead, Pursued from Behind
Maximus put on an understanding posture, but in fact, he did not fully believe Demolius’s words. The people of Pisenum, who had suffered the failure of war and were strictly controlled by the Romans, would have the courage to join a rebel army that had not yet been fully war-tested? And, this was while the Roman Army was already guarding the area!
"Tell me about this Roman army ahead," Maximus prompted.
"A month ago, Governor Crodianus led this army along the Sarabian Way from Rome to Ascoli Piceno, where they set up camp and began constructing military fortifications towards Ascoli Port. I know they are here to deal with you, so I tried every means to find out detailed information about this Roman army."
Demolius said with great confidence, "This Roman army has a total of 50,000 men, but don’t worry, only four are true Roman Armies, with over 24,000 soldiers who have undergone strict training for more than half a year. The other more than 20,000 soldiers were city guards recruited from towns in Ladim, Umbria. However, the Romans equipped them with full Roman Army gear, but they are clearly different from the true Roman Army, so the governor has been hastily training these soldiers..."
Maximus exchanged a few glances with Quintus, then asked indifferently, "That’s all?"
"Moreover, Ascoli Piceno itself is a city easy to defend and hard to attack, and the Roman Army has desperately built fortifications there with traps, moats, earth walls, and watchtowers... The defenses are very strict, and if you want to break through, I’m afraid it will be very difficult!"
Demolius solemnly reminded, "I heard that you came here to escape the attack of another governor, Publilius, and now there are Romans blocking in front and chasing from behind, so you must think of a way to defeat them quickly, otherwise, they will encircle and wipe you out!"
"Thank you very much for your help!" Maximus expressed his gratitude with a smile, then turned around and said, "Magus, go get 10 or from him."
"Ah?... Okay... okay, leader."
"No, no, I don’t want money! I want to join you! I want to fight the Romans!..." Demolius said eagerly.
Maximus saw his excited expression, genuinely emotional, and persuaded, "As you said, we are now in a dangerous situation, and if you join us at this time, you may soon die in battle!"