"Since you said this Gennanet is from Pyxous, how could he possibly contend for the position of chief in Gruntum?" Asistes asked, his brow furrowed with puzzlent.
Izam, ever the showman, grinned slyly. "Because Akpiru, in an effort to secure an alliance with Pyxous, married his daughter to Gennanet. As a result, Gruntum’s and Pyxous’s chiefs beca family by marriage. Gennanet, as Akpiru’s son-in-law, has gained the support of certain tribes in Gruntum, though others remain undecided."
Juleios’s mind raced at the revelation. The destruction of the Lucanian coalition had not just fractured their alliance but reshaped the power dynamics across Lucania. The once-unified region was now awash in intrigue and instability—an opportune mont for Andolara to seize the advantage.
"Can you draw a map of Lucania?" Juleios asked eagerly, recalling that he had instructed Izam to docunt the geography before his departure.
"I can," Izam replied confidently.
The trio moved to the courtyard. With a stick in hand, Izam began sketching the map into the dirt. Asistes stood by, parchnt and pen ready to transcribe the drawing into a permanent record. Juleios, leaning in, scrutinized every detail as Izam explained:
"The mountain paths west of Thurii don’t lead directly to Laos but rather skirt between Laos and Nerulum. Laos, positioned at the mouth of the Lao River, guards the land route connecting the Brutti region to Lucania. anwhile, Vigu, a Bruttian city, acts as a barrier preventing Lucanian incursions into Bruttian territory. Of greater importance to us, however, is Nerulum. It controls the northern passage into Lucania. If we can capture it, Andolara will hold a key position for expanding further into the region."
Juleios nodded, his gaze sharp. "Izam, the intelligence you’ve brought back is invaluable! You’ve done a trendous service for the city-state. I’ve decided to establish a reconnaissance squad, and you shall be its captain. The squad will initially consist of twenty n, and you may select mbers from any battalion. If anyone refuses, send them directly to ."
Izam’s eyes widened in disbelief. "Thank you, Consul!" he exclaid, his voice quivering with excitent.
"You should return ho now," Juleios said with a kind smile. "You’ve been away for more than ten days. Your wife must miss you terribly. Oh, and you’ll be pleased to hear that a waterwheel has been installed along the Sinni River. You won’t need to worry about hauling water to your fields anymore."
Izam, overwheld with gratitude, stood to leave, but Juleios called him back. A slave appeared, carrying two large jars of fine wine.
"Since you enjoy wine so much," Juleios said warmly, "take these ho and savor them."
Izam bowed deeply, struggling to contain his elation, before departing with the jars in hand.
"That man is far too rude," Asistes muttered, his tone laced with disapproval.
Juleios chuckled softly. "He’s still a Dukayan tribesman. Don’t judge him too harshly for his mannerisms. What truly matters is here"—he pointed to his chest—"and here"—he tapped his temple. "Izam has proven his worth, completing a dangerous and difficult mission. Talent, coupled with integrity, should always be nurtured, don’t you think?"
Asistes lowered his gaze. "You’re right, my lord."
"Now that we have a clearer understanding of Lucania’s situation, spend so ti thinking about how we should proceed with our plans. Tomorrow, we’ll discuss our next steps."
The morning light filtered through the windows of Konogorata’s residence as he rose from bed, feeling a sharp pain in his chest. With the assistance of a loyal slave, he made his way to Andolara’s "hospital" to seek relief.
The hospital, established near the city gates, was a pair of adjacent houses repurposed for dical care. As Konogorata arrived, he was greeted by a chaotic scene: a line of patients stretched from the entrance down to the base of the hill. The sheer number—nearly a hundred—had created a bustling marketplace. Vendors sold food, drinks, and even rented chairs and hats to the waiting crowd.
Konogorata’s slave managed to rent a chair, allowing his master to sit while he approached the hospital staff to seek priority service. However, a patrolling guard stopped him.
"Apologies," the guard said, "but many here are in critical condition. Everyone must wait their turn unless the situation is life-threatening."
Forced to take a number and wait, Konogorata soon found himself recognized by forr citizens of Thurii. Insults erupted, and tension escalated. Humiliated and unable to bear the hostility, Konogorata abandoned the hospital and returned ho.
That night, his chest pain worsened, leaving him sleepless. By morning, desperation drove him back to the hospital, only to find it closed. He learned from a nurse on duty that Juleios himself was conducting a seminar for the city’s doctors, and no patients were being seen.
At midday, Konogorata’s condition beca critical. His chest pains intensified, and his breathing grew labored. In a panic, his eldest son, Sostatus, forcibly interrupted the seminar to plead for help.
Juleios, startled by the interruption, imdiately dispatched Helpus, Andolara’s leading physician, to Konogorata’s residence. Helpus conducted a thorough examination, eventually diagnosing a fractured rib that had punctured a lung—a remnant of the brutal attack Konogorata had endured in Thurii. Strenuous activity, including the mountain trek to Andolara, had worsened the injury.
With skilled hands, Helpus began treatnt, stabilizing Konogorata’s condition. The forr general, deeply moved by Helpus’s expertise, lavished praise upon him.
Back at the hospital, the incident highlighted several pressing issues. Juleios convened an ergency eting to address them:
Access for Citizens: With the influx of patients from other city-states, Andolara’s citizens found it increasingly difficult to receive tily care. To restore their sense of privilege and protect their faith in the city-state, Juleios proposed prioritizing citizens, regardless of the severity of their condition.
Ergency Preparedness: Recognizing the need for continuous dical services during lectures, Juleios resolved to assign doctors to remain on duty during such events.
Overcrowding: The overwhelming number of patients risked damaging the hospital’s reputation. Juleios proposed increasing the number of doctors to manage the demand effectively.
To address the shortage of physicians, Juleios suggested recruiting skilled doctors from other city-states. Incentives included:
Imdiate Andolaran citizenship.Access to advanced dical theories and research.Recognition as students of Andolara’s esteed hospital.
Juleios extended similar benefits to educators, emphasizing their importance to the city’s future.
Konogorata’s ordeal, though harrowing, catalyzed critical reforms in Andolara’s healthcare system, ensuring it could et the growing needs of its people while setting a standard of excellence for the region.
Under Juleios’s visionary leadership, challenges were transford into opportunities, guiding Andolara ever closer to greatness.
Reviews
All reviews (0)