After some time, they could finally see the port on the shore and the dense ships that are just like wooden walls.
“There are so many ships. It seems that this place is not worse than Ephesus!” Exclaimed Xanticles, but Agasias did not respond, because he noticed that after being away from Thurii for more than a month, the port had changed significantly, not only did its area expand, but also the number of docks and the buildings in the breakwaters increased.
At this time, a patrol boat greeted them and motioned them to stop.
“I am Agasias, a statesmen of the Senate of Thua Union, and I would like to disembark at the dock in the city of Thurii!” Agasias stood in the bow of the ship in a majestic manner, which made the mercenaries admire.
The one who can be the captain of a water patrol team must be a citizen of the Union. Even though he have only met more than a dozen statesmen, he still have an impression of him, and so the captain signaled to bring the patrol boat closer, only after a careful inspection and confirmation did he give a respectful greeting, and said out loud, “Esteemed Agasias, I, Mithridates, the captain of the Union's water patrol, greets you! You must have been out of the Union for some time, haven't you milord?”
“Indeed, I have gone to Ephesus before September, and have just come back.”
“No wonder that you didn't know that the name of the union has now changed to Theonia City-State Union, and is no longer Thua Union!”
“What?! The name has changed?! Why?!” Agasias asked in surprise.
“Because the Union has managed to capture Nerulum, so we now have another city. The name of Thua Union is no longer applicable. Not only that, Laos has become our ally! Lord Davos has fulfilled his promise and we will no longer have to worry about the invasion of the Lucanians anymore!” Mithridates said excitedly.
‘Captured Nerulum, Laos became an ally, and the union changed its name!’ Agasias didn't expect that so much stuff would have happened just a few months after he left the Union, it's as if it had become a stranger. He wanted to return to the city immediately, but the patrol boat was still in front of him, “Milord, today, the Union is holding the triumphant return in Thurii for the strategoi and soldiers who have returned from Lucania! In order to prevent accidents, the Union had stipulated that no vessel can enter the Crati river, so you need to disembark at the port.” Mithridates then looked at the mercenaries that are behind Agasias, and reminded him, “In addition, the Union stipulated that, besides the citizen of the Union, preparatory citizen and invited guests, foreigners and freemen can only watch outside the city, which is also for safety!”
Although Agasias was disappointed, Agasias also knew that the Union is justified in doing so. So he reluctantly said with a smile, “Thank you. I will disembark at the port right away. Has the triumphant return begun yet?”
“It shouldn't have started yet, so you might be able to catch up.”
As soon as the patrol boat left, the mercenaries swarmed around Agasias.
“Agasias, you really did not deceive us and have indeed become a nobleman of a city!”
“Esteemed Agasias, when can we be like you?”
“Congratulations to Theonia Union for getting another city! Agasias, how strong is Theonia Union now in Magna Graecia?”
Facing both the envious and surprised gaze, the vanity of Agasias was greatly satisfied. He then replied to the question of Timasion with pride, “As I have told you before, the Union owns both Thurii and Amendolara, and has now also gotten Nerulum. We also have two affiliated city-states, which are Laos and Roscianum. These are really big cities, each with subordinate towns and villages. In particular, Thurii, whose land area is no less than that of Attica in Athens, and is far more fertile than it is. Moreover, the Union has a lot of land left, as long as we have enough citizens to farm, then our strength in Magna Graecia will definitely be unmatched!”
“Then what are we waiting for, let's hurry up and see Davos!” Everyone shouted eagerly.
The merchant ship entered the port according to the water patrol’s instructions and then docked at the port.
As soon as they got out of the dock, they were stopped by a patrol team. All the other properties of Timasion and the others that they had robbed were changed into money, except for the armor, shields and spears that they are carrying, which made the patrol thought that they were all carrying dangerous weapons, and it's especially bad since the triumphant return was about to start. Even though Agasias act as a guarantor of the Senate, they are still required to store their weapons, otherwise, they cannot enter the territory of the Union.
They then reluctantly store their weapons back to the merchant ship. Faced with the complaints of the mercenaries, Agasias had to explain, “At present, there are few citizens in the Union, but there are too many freemen and foreigners pouring in, and so there are often fights and disturbances. These are all for the sake of the security of the Union, hence why the requirements are so strict!”
Some of the mercenaries still have some complaints, but Timasion, Cleanor, Xanticles and the other leaders were all silent. Because Agasias had reminded them many times that all of them were used to being free, so, “After arriving at the Union, you must abide by the laws and regulations, and do not cause trouble, because the laws of the Union are very strict!” Most of the dozens of people who followed Agasias were mercenary leaders and officers, and they are quite disciplined. So they didn't think much of the words of Agasias before, but at this moment, cold water was poured onto their excitement, because even the guarantee of Agasias who is a statesman of the Union would not work. So one can imagine the seriousness of the people here.
But the fact is, they have forgotten their status as mercenaries. For a long time, they were not allowed to enter other cities even if they were recruited by that city.
The port has indeed changed a lot, not only has it expanded its area, the docks and houses have also increased, and a city wall has also been built with soldiers standing guard and patrolling. Agasias' group had to pass through the guards under the wall to enter the Union's territory.
The guards at this checkpoint asked them carefully and registered them before allowing them to pass.
Timasion frowned and then said, “Agasias, you have strict requirements here. We'd best follow you, and I am afraid that our other brothers who will come here later will encounter some trouble!”
“It doesn't matter. I will come here every day to pick them up.” Agasias also thought of this problem, so he just answered him straightforwardly. Three thousand people are not a small number, and everyone has expressed their intention to join Agasias to welcome their comrades.
The market of Thurii is on this side of the city wall, and has also expanded a lot. Next to the market, there are more buildings: Weapon Shops, Cloth Shops, Carriage Repair Shops, Ship Rigging Workshops, Gold and Silver Processing Workshops, Pack Animal Rental Shops, Bakeries, Inns, Restaurants…but the market which was supposed to be very noisy, seemed to be a bit deserted.
Agasias and the others bypassed the market and came to the side of the road. Dozens of coachmen then surrounded them, “Are you going to see the triumphant return? It's about to start, if you take a carriage now, you may be able to catch up!….” The coachmen persuaded them with words.
Although the market is only a few kilometers away from Thurii, the mercenaries are willing to experience the feeling of riding a carriage.
The carriage was fast and stable as it galloped on the flat road. The mercenaries were still indulging in the excitement of speed, when they heard a huge noise.
In front of the city of Thurii were packs of people, that have burst into thunderous cheers, and only one sentence resounded, “Here they come!!! Here they come!!!….”
In the west of the city, facing the gentle sunrise, a long golden dragon marches towards the city….
The coachmen then stopped the carriages, because there were many people squeezing in front. However, standing on the carriage made them still see what is happening:
The flag bearers who marched at the front were the bravest and the most notable in this campaign, Litom did not expect to get this honor, so much so that from the start of the march until now, his normal rigid face was filled with smiles. He is about to reach the crowd, so he once more straightens his chest and raises the Legion's flag high. Cheers, exclamation, praise came together and rushed towards them. It's like a magic medicine that made his whole body full of strength….
Timasion narrowed his gaze and saw that the majestic bronze statue of Hades that was holding the bident was at the top of the flag, which made him remember the rumor that “Davos is the favored of Hades”.
Looking at the golden characters and the four golden stars embroidered on the flag of the “First Legion”, and listening to the narration of Agasias of its origin, made them all feel a bit lost.
Next to the flag bearer of the Legion is the military flag, which was under the grim statue of death with its wings spread out, and the flag is embroidered with “The Second Brigade”. Originally, the fourth brigade, who is the one that has made the greatest contribution in this battle, should be at the front, but considering the perception of the people, Davos ends up giving the honor to the second brigade. After all, they have also worked hard and made great achievements, and no one had any objection based on their achievements in guarding the Lao Fortress. As compensation, Davos gave the Lucanians the honor to be the Legion's flag bearer.
The soldiers marched vigorously and passed through the crowds with their heads held high, enjoying the cheering of the people….
The mercenaries paid close attention to them, the amateurs watched the excitement, while the experts appreciated this moment. Xanticles then said to Agasias, “Your soldiers are excellent. They have good morale and momentum!”
“But are worse than us!” Said Cleanor, unconvinced.
Agasias didn't say anything and just laughed.
At this time, Tolmides exclaimed, “Look at those soldiers, they should not be Greek!”
Agasias fixed his gaze on them: The second brigade to pass through the crowd and the flag was embroidered with “The fourth brigade of the first Legion.”
When did the Union have a fourth brigade? With doubt, Agasias looked at the soldiers, at the same time, he thought about the fact that they had captured the city of Nerulum in Lucania. He then understood the reason why Davos did this, “They are Lucanian, since they are now part of the Legion, I am afraid that they are now Union citizens.”
