The Rise Of An Empire In Ancient Europe-Chapter 16 - Conflict in the Mercenary Camp

A Crisis and Confrontation

As Juleios and Herpus discussed ways to improve the treatment of injured soldiers, a guard entered the room to summon Juleios to Menon's quarters. Sensing trouble, Juleios followed with quiet resolve.

The moment Juleios stepped inside, Menon erupted. "I told you, any new ideas must come through me first! You agreed to this, yet you've broken your word and undermined my authority!"

Confused, Juleios asked, "What did I do wrong?"

"You've been secretly saving injured soldiers without informing me! What is this if not deceit?" Menon's voice thundered, his face dark with fury.

Realizing the absurdity of the accusation, Juleios replied calmly, "Leader Menon, the situation was urgent. Saving lives couldn't wait. Had I delayed to report to you, Asistes would have died!" He paused, then added with a wry smile, "Besides, this isn't some grand innovation. It's knowledge passed down in my family. I joined as a soldier, not as a slave who needs your permission to heal my comrades."

Menon hesitated. The cheers of soldiers chanting Juleios's name had ignited his jealousy, clouding his judgment. Now, confronted with Juleios's straightforward logic, he found himself at a loss for words.

"I need a guard for my safety. From now on, you'll serve as my personal guard and will not leave without my orders!" Menon declared, his true intentions clear—separating Juleios from the soldiers would curb his growing influence.

"I'm sorry, Leader Menon, but I'm better suited to the role of a regular soldier. Besides, my commander wouldn't approve of such a transfer." Juleios's voice was steady, his refusal unyielding.

Menon's face flushed with anger. "I am your leader! Who would dare defy my orders?"

"I would," came a booming voice as Antonios entered the room, followed closely by Kapus and other squad leaders.

Antonios nodded at Juleios, reassuring him. "Leader, the injured soldiers rely on Juleios for their survival. We cannot afford to lose him." His words carried a tone of warning that sent a chill through Menon.

Menon glared at the squad leaders, his fury mounting. "What gives you the right to interfere in my decisions?"

Kapus stepped forward. "Leader Menon, we respect your authority, but disrespecting Hades' 'favored one' is blasphemy. The soldiers will not stand for it."

The tension was broken by a distant chant that grew louder as it approached.

"Let Juleios go! Give the soldiers hope!" "Release Juleios, or we'll storm the camp!"

The courtyard echoed with the voices of hundreds of soldiers, their unity striking fear into Menon. Reluctantly, he waved his hand dismissively. "Fine! Juleios, return to your post."

Juleios inclined his head respectfully. "Thank you, Leader Menon."

Menon's Fragile Authority

After the officers and Juleios left, Menon slumped into his chair, seething. "I'll kill that brat!" he muttered under his breath. Yet even as he spoke, he realized his own precarious position. Without funds or contracts, his authority as a mercenary leader was tenuous. The soldiers' loyalty lay with whoever could ensure their survival, and Juleios had emerged as an unexpected beacon of hope.

Desperate to reclaim control, Menon decided to seek Ariaeus's assistance. Mounting his horse, he rode north, plotting his next move.

Juleios's Vision for Change

Meanwhile, Juleios returned to his quarters with a newfound sense of purpose. Recognizing his growing influence, he called for Herpus and outlined a plan to transform medical care within the camp:

Establish a Medical Team: Herpus would lead the effort, training soldiers interested in medicine as assistant doctors. Female slaves from the baggage train would serve as nurses, learning through hands-on experience.Create a Field Hospital: A centralized area would be designated for treating the wounded, improving efficiency and care.Implement Medical Protocols: Hygiene and sterilization practices would be introduced to prevent infections, the leading cause of death from injuries.Integrate Local Knowledge: Along the journey, the team would gather and refine traditional Persian remedies, expanding their capabilities.

By institutionalizing these measures, Juleios aimed to ensure the long-term health and morale of the soldiers, further solidifying his position within the camp.

A Camp United by Hope

The next morning, Juleios woke to the sound of cheers outside. Stepping into the courtyard, he was greeted by a jubilant Antonios.

"Asistes is awake! His fever has broken!" Antonios exclaimed, his voice filled with gratitude.

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Juleios smiled, relief washing over him. "That's excellent news. But remember, he still needs rest and proper care to recover fully."

As the news spread, soldiers and officers alike flocked to Juleios's quarters, seeking his help for their own wounded comrades. The courtyard buzzed with activity, the atmosphere one of hope and unity.

Juleios raised his hand to quiet the crowd. "Brothers, we stand together in life and death. If any of you are injured, we will do everything in our power to heal you. But this requires discipline and cooperation. Follow the medical team's guidance, and we will overcome these challenges together."

The soldiers erupted into cheers, chanting Juleios's name. In that moment, he became more than a soldier—he became a symbol of resilience and leadership.

The Seeds of Revolution

As Menon's authority continued to wane, Juleios's influence grew. His innovative ideas and selfless actions won the hearts of the soldiers, creating a sense of unity and purpose that transcended the chaos of their circumstances.

For Juleios, this was only the beginning. With every life he saved and every challenge he overcame, he moved closer to his ultimate goal—a vision for a new order that would redefine leadership and governance in ancient Greece.