The Senate eting convened that afternoon was anything but tranquil. Juleios’s proposal to approach Thurii and improve diplomatic relations was t with fierce opposition, spearheaded by Stromboli and other senators from the old citizens of Andolara.
Juleios, unfazed, addressed the assembly with calm authority:
"Esteed elders, I implore you to reconsider this proposal with calmness and wisdom. Do not let hatred blind your judgnt. As the elites of this city-state, it is your duty to ensure better lives for all our citizens and to guide Andolara toward prosperity.
"Let ask you—would improving relations with Thurii enhance the safety of our city? Would it boost our trade and enrich our citizens? I stand before you, confident that, as leaders devoted to this city and its future generations, you will make the right decision."
His words struck a chord, and many senators, including Cornelius, lowered their heads in contemplation.
However, Skombras rose to his feet, his face flushed with anger.
"Are we just supposed to forget everything Thurii has done to us and greet them with smiles?! Juleios, you’re not one of us—you haven’t experienced the tragedy of losing your wife and children. Of course, it’s easy for you to speak of reconciliation!"
Juleios t Skombras’s fiery gaze and replied evenly, "I am not suggesting we forget our hatred, only that we improve our relations with Thurii. As the Eastern proverb says, ’Revenge is never too late, even after ten years.’ We can strengthen ourselves by using Thurii’s resources. One day, when we are strong enough, we will make Thurii swallow the bitter fruit of our hatred."
Skombras muttered under his breath, "Who knows when that day will co?" Yet his indignation had softened.
The vote that followed saw Stromboli opposing the proposal, Skombras and Lafayas abstaining, and the rest of the senators voting in favor. Juleios’s proposal passed smoothly.
Juleios wasted no ti. He instructed Asistes to send word to the Thurii port: Andolara was ready to restore friendly relations.
The Thurian generals, who had been fretting over the diplomatic stalemate, were overjoyed. Eager to demonstrate their sincerity, they dispatched a delegation led by Kuno Gorata, Neonseis, and Ansitanos.
In return, Andolara ford a delegation led by Juleios, accompanied by Cornelius, Antonios, Marigi, and, at Stromboli’s insistence, Stromboli himself. However, Andolara imposed a condition: the Thurian delegation was not to cross the Saraceno River, and the eting would take place on the southern bank.
When the Thurii representatives received this ssage en route, it dampened their spirits, halving their initial excitent. Nevertheless, they reluctantly agreed.
The two delegations t the next morning under a large cowhide canopy, erected by soldiers on the banks of the Saraceno River.
Apart from Kuno Gorata, the Thurii representatives were eting Juleios for the first ti. Though young, his reputation preceded him: the hero who annihilated the Lucanian tribal coalition and saved Thurii, now the lifelong consul of Andolara. Respect for Juleios mingled with apprehension.
No one felt this more than Kuno Gorata.
When they had first t, Kuno Gorata had patted Juleios on the shoulder like an elder eting a shy youth. He had underestimated the young man then, dismissing the rumors of his prowess. Now, the man before him was no longer soone he could treat casually. Juleios’s modest deanor only deepened Kuno Gorata’s unease.
anwhile, Ansitanos, a scholar at heart, harbored simpler thoughts. He looked forward to asking Juleios about his experiences in Persia once the talks concluded.
The eting began with Kuno Gorata standing to deliver an emotional speech:
"The Lucanian invasion brought imnse suffering to both Thurii and Andolara. Thousands of citizens lost their lives. Every family in Thurii mourns, and cries of grief echo in our streets every day. On behalf of Thurii’s generals and council, I express our deepest condolences to the citizens of both cities who perished in this tragedy."
Tears stread down his face, and the Thurii delegation bowed their heads solemnly.
Juleios hesitated, unsure whether to mimic their sorrow. From behind him ca a mocking snicker:
"If it weren’t for Thurii’s unreasonable demands, would the citizens of Andolara have suffered such hardships?"
Stromboli’s biting words shattered the somber atmosphere, leaving the Thurii delegation visibly uncomfortable. Yet Kuno Gorata remained composed.
He continued, looking directly at Juleios. "Fortunately, Lord Juleios, you led your brave rcenaries to repel the Lucanians and saved both Thurii and Andolara!" He paused as Neonseis and Ansitanos nodded in agreent.
"We hope that, after this eting, you will visit Thurii. It is the heartfelt wish of all Thurii citizens!" Kuno Gorata’s sincerity was evident.
Juleios hesitated, unwilling to commit. Stromboli seized the mont:
"Lord Juleios is now the lifelong consul of Andolara. Visiting another city-state is no longer a private matter—it requires Senate deliberation and approval!"
Kuno Gorata, maintaining his composure, responded with a faint smile. "Very well. We await the Senate’s decision, though I fear Thurii’s citizens may be disappointed again."
As the discussions continued, Ansitanos spoke first:
"Thurii and Andolara have been allies for 41 years. The alliance agreent has not yet expired. Naturally, both city-states should maintain this bond."
Stromboli bristled but was restrained by Cornelius, who shook his head firmly. Stromboli reluctantly held his tongue.
Antonios spoke next. "Andolara agrees to renew the alliance with Thurii—"
The Thurii delegation’s relief was palpable.
"—but under one condition: it must not harm the interests of Tarentum. If war breaks out between Tarentum and Thurii, Andolara will side with Tarentum."
The Thurii representatives erupted in protest.
"You violate the oaths made to the Divines!" Kuno Gorata exclaid. "The alliance between Thurii and Andolara has not been terminated. By privately aligning with Tarentum, you break that sacred bond. Out of respect for our years of friendship, we refrain from formally raising this issue here."
Antonios’s reply was resolute. "And yet, when Thurii broke its oath and failed to send reinforcents to save Andolara, the old Andolara died with its citizens. This new Andolara owes Thurii nothing. If there was a debt, it was repaid during the six months our citizens endured imprisonnt. As for what Thurii owes Andolara, has that debt been repaid?"
Stromboli erupted. "I said it before! Do not ally with these selfish Thurians! They only care about themselves! If it weren’t for you, Juleios, insisting on this eting, I wouldn’t have co to waste my breath on these bastards!"
The negotiations, fraught with tension, continued under the relentless sun. Juleios, calm and deliberate, remained focused on steering Andolara toward its strategic goals, knowing that this alliance, however tenuous, was crucial for the city’s future.
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