Volume 6: The Meeting of Two Heroes, Chapter 20: The Temple Rescue Incident

“Please speak, Lord Polyxides.” Rotating Chairman Cornelius naturally couldn't show such an expression; he simply nodded to indicate that the other could speak.

“When the Lucanian and Bruttian tribes joined our Daonia City-State League, we made a formal agreement with them: 'Non-interference in the internal affairs of each tribe, guaranteeing the tribes' independence and integrity.' However—”

Polyxides waved his arm and declared loudly: “However, several years have passed, and the independence of the tribes has been severely impacted. Many small tribes no longer even exist. What is the reason? It is because the young men of the tribes have been clamoring to leave the tribes to live on their own, causing a sharp decline in the tribal population. Without enough labor to sustain their livelihood, they are forced to disband... The agreement we signed with the Lucanian and Bruttian tribes was done under the watchful eyes of Hades. Now, the very survival of the tribes within the League is seriously threatened. This not only severely damages the reputation of Daonia but also causes hesitation and doubt among other races in Magna Graecia who wish to draw closer to us. To live up to the tribes' continued support and trust in us, I propose that the Senate legislate a 'prohibition on tribal members leaving their tribes, in order to preserve the integrity of the tribes.'”

Some senators exchanged glances, feeling perplexed: What was this? Polyxides, who had always been indifferent, even somewhat cold, to matters concerning non-Greeks, had suddenly begun to concern himself with tribal affairs.

Vespa, Hemon, and Bagiripi looked odd. Sedorum, Bogam, Petalus, and Kaduruk appeared pensive.

At that moment, Pleisinas stood up: “I disagree with this proposal! The adult males of Lucania and Bruttium are now mostly Daonian citizens or preparatory citizens. As citizens of the League, they certainly have the freedom to choose. The Senate has no right to make such a ruling! Don't you agree, Tritodemos?”

Tritodemos, the current senior judge, nodded and said: “The first principle of 'Daonian Law' is 'to guarantee citizens' rights and freedom of choice.' Any new bill must not violate this bottom line! I believe that whether it be the tribes or their members, everyone hopes to live a stable and prosperous life. Given the current situation, they are all progressing well within the Daonia Alliance. I see no need for change.”

Davos listened quietly to their debate, his fingers lightly tapping the wooden armrest of his chair…

...

Cerdias went to the Temple of Hades in Thurii, requesting an audience with the Chief Priest Pleisinas to explain his intentions.

Pleisinas readily agreed to his request. Thus, the young man from Scylletium entered the Temple of Hades as a devotee to study.

Every dawn and dusk, Cerdias studied the doctrines of the Temple of Hades (the core of the Hades doctrine was proposed by Davos, promoting: those who do good, punish evil, love their country and family, obey laws, and help others go to the Elysian Paradise after death; those who act contrary go to hell... He also elaborated on the formation of heaven and earth, the conflicts among the gods, the Elysian Paradise, and the underworld, naturally favoring Hades and portraying him as a kind god, similar to the Eastern Kṣitigarbha Bodhisattva, who tolerates for the sake of humanity. This was then further interpreted and compiled by Pleisinas and several subordinate priests. Now, the writings concerning Hades and his temple alone filled several thick volumes, not including the records of his wife, Persephone). During the day, Cerdias followed the acolytes in handling temple affairs.

Early each morning, citizens of Thurii came to the Temple of Hades in an endless stream.

Farmers going to till their fields, fishermen heading out to sea, merchants setting off for business… Whenever convenient, they would first come to the temple to pray, then depart with confidence. Those making vows or fulfilling them would toss a few coins into the donation box, light a small oil lamp, and place it before the statue to express their devotion. Some seeking oracles would draw a wooden tally and ask the priests to interpret (the tallies were inscribed with cryptic sayings; the quality of the interpretation depended entirely on the priest's skill). Of course, some who had received help from the priests of the Temple of Hades came with gifts to thank the temple…

Today, Cerdias's task was to welcome those bringing offerings. From morning until now, he had hardly stopped; though tired, he felt fulfilled.

Just then, he had escorted an elderly, white-haired man down the slope when he suddenly heard someone shouting: “Help! Help!…”

He looked and saw a bloodied man running desperately towards him, with two men in fierce pursuit.

Although he had only been at the Temple of Hades for a few days, he had already developed a priest's sense of duty to help those in distress. He immediately stepped forward, intending to support the man and ask what had happened.

Seeing someone blocking his way, the man became even more anxious. Echoing in his mind were the words: Only by reaching the Temple of Hades and pleading with the Lord of the Underworld can you escape your current predicament and become a true Daonian citizen!

He reached out, forcefully pushed Cerdias aside, and continued running up the slope towards the temple.

Cerdias stumbled back several paces, nearly falling.

As he regained his footing, the two pursuers arrived in front of him. He demanded loudly: “Who are you?! What is going on?!”

The two strong men looked at Cerdias, clad in the white robe of a temple acolyte, their expressions hesitant.

During their hesitation, the man had already reached the temple. The bustling worshippers and attending acolytes made the two men waver, and they finally left in annoyance.

The man burst into the temple, fell to his knees with a thud before the statue of Hades, kowtowing and pleading: “Merciful Hades! I beg you to help me! Help me…”

The worshippers inside and outside the temple, hearing his desperate cries, wondered what had happened and crowded around to see.

Just then, the temple's priests hurried over…

Polyxides's motion gained support from only a few, including Petalus, Kaduruk, and Bogam, and did not pass.

However, a short while later, he brought up the matter again, demanding an Assembly be convened.

When the senators voted again, nearly 15 people supported him. This even included Eanilus, Euricpus, and Pleades—senators serving in the military—along with Bogam, Petalus, Kaduruk, and other former Bruttian tribal leaders… Though still short of a majority, when combined with the abstentions, Polyxides's supporters now comprised 1/3 of those voting.

For Polyxides, this was an absolute victory. No wonder, after the vote, he declared with slight smugness: “This election result shows that more and more senators recognize the importance of the Assembly. If Daonia is to achieve the glory of Athens, it must involve more citizens in the League's decision-making. Only then can we truly realize the equality and freedom of all Daonian citizens, regardless of race! As time passes, I believe the other opposing senators will also come to realize this, because you are the leaders of Daonia, the wisest among the people! I look forward to the day when the Assembly is convened!” Polyxides's speech was powerful and impassioned.

The senators' expressions shifted slightly as they looked towards Davos, seated calmly in the front row.

Bagiripi had now figured out the purpose of Polyxides's earlier proposal: Polyxides knew it wouldn't pass, but he wanted to show these tribal senators that as long as Davos's power remained unchecked, the tribes' predicament would not change. He, however, could bring a turning point to this issue. Currently, the Bruttian and Lucanian tribes—administratively relatively independent organizations—were facing a great impact within the Daonia Alliance. Years of subtle influence made the younger generation of the tribes yearn for the free life of League citizens, unwilling to be bound by clan rules any longer, thus leaving the tribes in droves…

Bagiripi was aware of this situation. His tribe was in the city of Besidia, right next to Thurii. The year before last, Davos, for the sake of easier governance, directly placed Besidia under Thurii's jurisdiction, tying it more closely to Thurii both politically and economically. Naturally, it was even more affected; his tribe had practically ceased to exist in name.

But Bagiripi was philosophical about it. He understood this was the trend, and it wasn't necessarily a bad thing for the Bruttians. His confidence came from that young man up front. But now that young magistrate's authority was being challenged; he couldn't help but worry for him.

Davos, however, spoke calmly: “Honorable senators, Polyxides just mentioned the Assembly, saying that 'only by convening the Assembly can the equality and freedom of the people be achieved.' If your memory serves you, Polyxides, can you recall how Thurii rapidly declined just a few years ago? And how it was eventually burned down? What role did Thurii's Assembly and your so-called 'equality and freedom' play in that? Can you tell me?”

Hearing this, Kynogoratas, Antistanos, Bourkos, and others all looked gloomy.

Polyxides didn't expect Davos to bring this up. He was momentarily stunned, then argued defiantly: “Thurii was burned down due to a momentary oversight. Neonxis was too careless, allowing the Crotonians to launch a successful surprise attack. And Thurii's rapid decline in strength was due to a heavy defeat by the Lucanians—that was the incompetence of Acherodiax and Feris. None of this has anything to do with the Assembly!”