Volume 3: The First Croton War, Chapter 17: Legions and the Presentation of the Flag (Part 2)

"That was just a moment of anger. In truth, Heilos is a fine man—quite humble, and often asks me for advice," Anticles said bluntly. "Besides, both my new sons-in-law are new citizens, and my eldest son-in-law is a platoon leader! See over there… that tall man in the white helmet is my eldest son-in-law!"

"What's a platoon leader, Anticles? How many men does he command? Back in the day, you and I were battalion commanders," Strombopoli said dismissively.

"That's different. We got those positions because of our noble birth, appointed by the magistrates. But according to what Trotilas told me, Magistrate Davos has decreed that 'a platoon leader must have fought in a hundred battles, be recognized by the soldiers, elected by them, and approved by his superiors.' Only then can he command those battle-hardened, proud soldiers," Anticles said proudly.

Strombopoli fell silent. Even if he wanted to find fault, he couldn't deny the prowess of the soldiers who had marched with the Persian expedition. For a man to lead them, his ability must be extraordinary.

...

Cheiristoya gazed at Davos standing tall in the center of the square amid the cheers, her eyes dreamy. This was the husband she had chosen amid the chaos of war, and events had proven her judgment correct—Davos had fulfilled his dream.

"How impressive the Magistrate looks!" a crisp voice snapped her out of her reverie. She knew without turning that it was Andria. A few days ago, Cheiristoya had heard Andria's story while chatting with Davos, and was moved by her devotion. Using the bank's need for help as an excuse, she had invited Andria to assist her. Andria had gladly agreed, and soon the two became close friends. With Lady Cheiristoya as a shield, the gossip and scorn directed at Andria diminished considerably.

"What, have you taken a fancy to Davos?" Cheiristoya teased.

"Milady, please don't mock me," Andria protested.

"I heard Davos ordered the Lucanians to come watch the ceremony. After it's over, I'll ask him to arrange a meeting between you and Bacule—how about that?" Cheiristoya said seriously.

Andria graciously expressed her thanks: "Thank you, milady!"

Cheiristoya turned to look at her and sighed. "Do you really intend to wait for him five years?"

Andria nodded without hesitation.

Cheiristoya was moved, and recalling what Davos had said, she continued, "Then you should urge Bacule to discipline his people well, not make mistakes, and diligently complete all tasks assigned by the city. If the city undertakes any major action, he should participate actively, strive to achieve merit, and shorten that five-year term as much as possible!"

Andria nodded emphatically.

Cheiristoya gently stroked her face with a sigh of emotion. "I truly hope your wait isn't too long, and that your wish comes true in the end!"

Andria bit her lip, on the verge of tears.

Military Affairs Officer Philistos stepped forward and announced loudly, "I now declare, on behalf of the Senate, the establishment of the Amendolara First Legion! Its commander is the lifelong magistrate, Davos!"

Thunderous cheers erupted from the crowd.

"Present the First Legion Standard!"

War trumpets sounded, and the square fell into solemn silence.

Philistos, his expression grave, held out a four-meter-tall banner with both hands. Davos received it reverently, raised it high, and slowly turned in a circle atop the platform.

Mesis shouted from outside the square: "See that! I designed it carefully over several days and supervised its making myself—pretty, isn't it?!"

"*You* designed it?" Mariji's face was full of disbelief.

Mesis gave a dry chuckle. "I misspoke. Davos designed the banner, but without me, these banners couldn't have been made so quickly!"

The soldiers held their breath, gazing up at the golden banner fluttering in the air. At the top was a bronze statue of Hades, Lord of the Underworld, holding a two-pronged fork (they had no choice—Amendolara was poor, so bronze had to suffice for now). Beneath the statue, a ring of fluffy red tassels, and below that, a stiff, square piece of heavy red wool-linen fabric wrapped around the straight pole. On one side was embroidered the golden Greek letters: "First Legion." On the other side, in the center, was sewn a golden star. Davos pointed at this star and shouted to the soldiers below: "Brothers of the First Legion! This single golden star represents your annihilation of the Lucanian tribal coalition and the recapture of Amendolara. It is the honor of being the founders of Amendolara's new legion—unique and unparalleled!"

The soldiers cheered loudly, their chests puffed out, eyes filled with pride as they stared at the star-studded standard.

"From now on, each great victory will earn another golden star embroidered on this banner, so the people will remember your achievements! I hope you will cover this legion standard with stars through unbroken victories!" Davos's earnest expectations stirred the soldiers to ecstatic cheers: "Hail!"

"Hail!!"

"Hail!!!"

The soldiers' morale in the square reached its peak.

"In decades of fighting for the city, I've never seen such a military banner! Such a way to boost morale! To fight under such a banner as a citizen soldier—what glory!" Anticles gazed at the standard longingly.

"I hear the statue of Hades is mounted on top of that banner—Davos is subtly proclaiming himself favored by the Lord of the Underworld!" Strombopoli said with dissatisfaction.

"Don't many people already believe that's true?" Anticles replied dismissively. He covered the stump of his right hand with his left and sighed. "Besides, having Hades on our side, bringing death to our enemies—that's a good thing! You can bet our First Legion will become a fearsome force. Pity I can no longer fight under Hades's banner!"

"Let the First Legion standard-bearer, Martius, come forward to receive the banner!" Philistos called out.

Martius, who was normally known for his boldness as the captain of the guard, now felt nervous. He tightened his armor again, adjusted his helmet, and walked up to the platform with a solemn expression. He stopped in front of Davos and struck his left chest with a sharp right fist.

Davos returned the salute and said loudly, "The legion's standard-bearer is chosen from the bravest soldiers in the entire army—it is the highest honor! I hope you will raise the war banner high on the battlefield. No matter how great the danger ahead, always advance, and inspire the whole army to victory!"

Martius solemnly accepted the war standard and swore a solemn oath: "By Hades above, I, Martius, will cherish this standard as I cherish my own eyes, and I will always advance, never retreat!"

Amid the cheers, Matonis muttered quietly: "If I hadn't become a company commander, that standard-bearer position would have been mine!"

"Next, let First Battalion Commander Capus come forward to receive the First Battalion standard!"

Before Capus could move, the soldiers behind him started urging: "Commander, hurry up! Go receive the banner!..."

Capus walked up to the platform unhurriedly.

Davos took the battalion standard from a guard and held it in his hands, speaking earnestly to Capus: "The First Battalion of the legion is the model for the entire army—the elite of the elite! In battle, wherever it is hardest, wherever it is most dangerous, the First Battalion must rise to the challenge and open the door to victory for the whole army! Remember this."

"First Battalion, First Legion will not disappoint you, Magistrate. First Battalion will forever be the sharpest spear of the entire army!" Capus's tone was as hard and forceful as metal.

He took the First Battalion standard and examined it closely: Unlike the legion banner, its top was an iron statue of Thanatos, the god of death under Hades—holding a sword, draped in a black cloak, with spread wings and a fierce expression. Below the statue, on the pole, was also a red banner, embroidered with golden Greek letters reading "First Battalion, First Legion," and on the reverse side, a single golden star...

Capus waved the standard high, and the soldiers of the First Battalion below erupted with cheers.

Next came Second Battalion Commander Drakos. His wounds had not fully healed, and he was still wrapped in bandages, yet he came fully armed. As he staggered onto the platform, encouraging cheers rose from the soldiers below.

Looking at this tough man who had once fought him, Davos asked with concern, "Drakos, are you all right?"

"The doctors say it's nothing." Drakos was calm. Facing the man who had once beaten him, his heart now held only respect: "Thank you for your concern, Magistrate!"

"The battle against the Lucanian coalition showed me the bravery of the Second Battalion's soldiers. But to be honest, compared to the First Battalion, you still have a considerable gap. I hope that in future training, you will discipline them according to military law, train them, and make them catch up as soon as possible!" Davos said with earnest expectation.

"Rest assured, Magistrate. The Second Battalion will not lose to anyone!" Drakos said decisively.

When Third Battalion Commander Hieronymus came up, Davos said little more, knowing that Hieronymus would train his battalion relentlessly.

When Seventh Battalion Commander Epithenis came up, the quick-witted battalion commander took the initiative to ask Davos: "Sir, as you see, my battalion has the fewest men—we're still four hundred short of full strength. Would you allow me to send people to Thrace, Crete, and Rhodes to recruit some peltasts, archers, and slingers?"

"To become freemen in Amendolara?" Davos asked with a half-smile.

"Of course, as freemen first. Then, according to the proposal you made in the Senate earlier, after a few years they can apply to become citizens of Amendolara," Epithenis said with a grin.

Davos was very pleased to see this happening, but he cautioned Epithenis.

...