Mediterranean Hegemon of Ancient Greece Chapter 899: Withdraw and Advance

Shocked, Seclian exclaimed, "Are you truly abandoning Selinus?"

"Indeed, we cannot forsake Selinus. Leaving it unguarded would allow the hundred thousand Carthaginian soldiers to advance unimpeded to the east. Furthermore, losing our naval base there would cripple our presence in western Sicilian waters, significantly reducing our threat to the western coast," Leotychides patiently clarified. "However, it is also unwise for our main army to remain entrenched within Selinus, as this would embolden the Carthaginians to assault our undefended heartlands. Therefore, my strategy is to dispatch a small contingent of a few thousand soldiers to defend Selinus, while I personally lead over ten thousand troops, with the Eighth Legion forming the core, to sail for Gela. Upon arrival, we shall unite with the forces of our allied city-states to confront and decimate the Carthaginian army besieging Agrigento, thereby neutralizing their menace to our territories and our confederates."

"By leaving merely a handful of soldiers to guard Selinus, can they possibly withstand the might of the Carthaginian onslaught?" Seclian voiced his concern.

"We have diligently reinforced the city's defenses during this period, and they should be capable of holding out for approximately a month. By then, the tide of the war may well have turned," Leotychides responded with composure.

Seclian contemplated this for a moment before finally resolving, "Since you are set on this course of action, our fleet, as a vital component safeguarding Sicily's shores, pledges two critical supports:

Firstly, our naval forces will commit to fully cooperating with the defenders of Selinus in their efforts to protect the city. This includes disrupting Carthaginian supply ships carrying grain, deploying marines to harass the enemy's rear, and even lending direct support to the city's defenses during the most perilous moments. Secondly, I assure you that should the enemy breach Selinus's walls, our navy will undertake every possible measure to ensure the safe evacuation of any surviving defenders, bringing them back to Catania."

Deeply touched, Leotychides' voice quivered as he expressed, "My deepest gratitude!"

"If you truly wish to express your thanks, then swiftly vanquish the Carthaginian army menacing Agrigento," Seclian declared, his chin held high.

After escorting Seclian out, Leotychides remained in the doorway, lost in contemplation. Muklu, with a slight smile, remarked, "They say Lord Seclian is rather proud and difficult to deal with, but it seems he is surprisingly reasonable."

Leotychides offered no reply, returning to his seat and meticulously examining the map.

Muklu chuckled inwardly, observing that compared to the famously arrogant Seclian, the commander before him was proving to be even more formidable.

Aware that Leotychides could spend half the day poring over maps, Muklu promptly instructed the servants to bring breakfast to the hall.

Leotychides quickly concluded his meal and then directed Muklu to arrange for reinforcements to be sent to Agrigento.

However, just as Muklu exited the hall, he encountered Seclian, who was approaching with determined strides.

"Lord Seclian, whatever brings you--"

With a somber expression, Seclian entered the hall and announced, "I have just received intelligence from our scouting vessels: the Carthaginians have seized Agrigento!"

"Agrigento has fallen?!" Leotychides shot to his feet.

"Not only did the Carthaginians capture Agrigento, but they annihilated its entire populace, with only a fraction managing to escape by sea to Inycum," Seclian elaborated gravely. "Your proposed plan for troop transport is no longer feasible."

Despite the sudden turn of events that had shattered Leotychides' strategy, he remained unperturbed. After a moment's thought, he declared, "We shall proceed with the troop transport plan, but the destination will be redirected to Gela."

Following the Carthaginian conquest of Agrigento, the next city-state to its east was Inycum. However, given this small city's complete lack of defenses and its proximity to Gela, with Minoa situated to the west, the question arose: why reinforce Gela and not Minoa? Seclian understood the rationale: when the Carthaginian army laid siege to Selinus, Leotychides had not requested aid from the Minoans, recognizing their own precarious position facing the Carthaginian threat. Now, their city's defenses were at least adequate for the immediate crisis. (Thermae, a small, unwalled town with no garrison, lay between Selinus and Minoa).

With this understanding, he earnestly inquired, "After we dispatch reinforcements to Gela, will you proceed with your subsequent plan?"

Leotychides responded without hesitation, "As long as the Carthaginian forces at Agrigento continue their advance towards Inycum or Gela, we must engage them swiftly. This represents our sole opportunity!"

Seclian observed the stoic expression on Leotychides, a sense of familiarity dawning upon him. He admired the man's resolute nature when faced with adversity, sensing a shared trait between them. Clearing his throat, he rose and declared, "If you intend to march your forces, you must notify our fleet so we can provide an escort!"

Once Seclian departed, Leotychides turned to Muklu, his voice a low murmur, "Send a messenger to Catania with instructions for Siprus to petition the Ministry of Military for the transfer of the Seventh Legion."

"What?" Muklu's surprise was evident. Through their recent interactions, he understood Leotychides’ proud demeanor; he would only request the Seventh Legion’s aid in a truly critical situation, suggesting their circumstances were dire indeed.

Unaware of the consternation his words had caused his adjutant, Leotychides continued with a steady expression, "The Carthaginian army that subdued Agrigento possesses an alternative beyond attacking Inycum and Minoa. They could proceed directly north into the mountains, link forces with their army stationed there, seize Enna, and then advance east to breach the defenses of Herbita, ultimately invading the Catanian plain..."

Muklu grew uneasy as Leotychides detailed the strategic possibilities. After a moment's contemplation, he ventured, "Would it not be excessively perilous for the Carthaginian army to traverse the central mountains instead of heading towards the southern coast?"

"While it presents risks for them, we must also implement precautions," Leotychides responded, indicating the map. "Currently, our primary forces are concentrated in Selinus, with only a few thousand troops spread across the Catanian Plains. Furthermore, they must maintain vigilance against Syracuse to the south, leaving no reserves to reinforce the Sikeloi. To be candid, I believe the Sikeloi hold greater significance than these Greek city-states along the southern coast. Should the Carthaginians secure this region, they would pose a threat to a vast area stretching from Naxus to our ally, Leontinoi, severely hindering our ability to repel their advance. Therefore, to safeguard our Sicilian territories, ensure the autumn harvest proceeds smoothly, and allow our Eighth Legion to engage the Carthaginian forces without reservation, we must dispatch the Seventh Legion southward to secure the Catania plains."

"Understood. I shall make the arrangements immediately!" Muklu affirmed.

. . . . . . . . . . . . .

Within the command tent of the Carthaginian encampment, Mago’s brow furrowed as he absorbed the messenger's report from Selinus. "We can exchange the sailors, but not those soldiers."

"My Lord, however, the Theonians have captured nearly ten thousand sailors, a number far exceeding their own captured counterparts. Consequently, they are requesting the release of the Greek soldiers we hold, as well-"

"Are you my envoy or theirs?! I am no fool to release these soldiers and bolster the Theonian army once more! I reject this proposal. Return and negotiate further with them."

Seeing Mago's rising anger, the envoy could only reluctantly agree.

As the envoy departed the tent unsteadily, Mago sank into his chair, his breath coming in ragged gasps. Once his composure returned, he addressed the adjutant standing nearby, "Recall him and inform him that I accept the terms and will arrange the prisoner exchange immediately."

"My Lord, did you not just state-"

"Go and execute the order. It is merely two thousand Greek soldiers; let them have them! I am eager to witness how the Theonians will withstand my army of one hundred thousand!"

"Lord Mago, what has caused such vexation?" Bomilcar inquired, entering the tent as it was drawn open.

"It is those Phoenicians from our mother city, naturally!" Mago declared with a sardonic glare. "Despite possessing a numerical advantage, the Theonian fleet managed to repulse them. Those individuals are utter fools for squandering such a prime opportunity!"

"The naval engagement was indeed regrettable. However, even though our mother city's fleet clearly underestimated the Theonians, it is likely they can no longer disrupt the western waters after this battle, allowing us in Carthage and our allied neighbors to finally find respite! For this, we should remain grateful to our mother city's fleet for their assistance!" Bomilcar reminded him with a smile. "Furthermore, they have pledged not only their fleet but also ongoing financial and material support to ensure our eventual victory over the Theonians!"

Mago emitted a snort. It was precisely these assurances that prompted his change of mind. Otherwise, such individuals would be perpetually petitioning the Carthaginian Senate, potentially damaging his reputation.

"You requested my presence, what is the matter?" Bomilcar asked with a smile.