"Appis, intelligence from our cavalry, the remnants of Orodus fled in the direction of the summer capital Susa, no body of Orodus was found on the battlefield, it is likely that Orodus himself was in the fleeing ranks."

After the end of the war, Maximus entered the account and reported the latest military situation to Appis.

The tent was simply furnished, mostly medical supplies, and Appis's shoulders were heavily bandaged, making it extremely difficult to move. Fortunately, it is autumn and the temperature is cool, otherwise the wound is prone to inflammation and ulceration in summer, and in this era when there are no disinfection tools, once the wound festers, it is likely to be life-threatening.

"I'll report back in a few days?"

Seeing that Appis was moving with difficulty, his face was bitter. Maximus was embarrassed to leave the tent. but was stopped by Appis.

"No, just report now. I'm listening. You say that Orodus is likely to be in the ranks of the fugitives, fleeing towards Susa? ”

"Yes. In addition, we have information that a Roman led a small group of Parthian troops and fled to Colmanga. I guess that's Tretus. ”

Maximus stood up straight and replied in a deep voice.

"Maximus, so. From today onwards, we will pursue in two directions. I led the 10th Army, eastward, in pursuit of the rout of Orodes. You lead the Thirteenth Legion on the march towards Colemanga. Remember, when you meet Teretus, don't shoot, I'm going to live. ”

Sitting on the bed, Appis cleaned the bandages he had changed the previous day, which were stained with blood, staining the entire basin of water blood-red.

"Appis, your injuries? ……”

Maximus asked with concern.

"Oh, it's not serious, and it won't kill me. It's just that for most of the past half year, I must not be able to fight anymore, nor can I do strenuous exercise, and I can't even do sexual affairs. ”

Appis jokingly returned.

…………

A few days later, the Thirteenth Army Corps, led by Maximus, surrounded the fortress where Tretus had fled. Built in the style of a Roman fortress, the Parthian fortress was located on a high ground and was surrounded by desolation, with only a small river running through the fortress, which became the only source of water for the fortress.

On both sides of the river, there are some sparse woods, which are the only resources available around.

In front of the fortress was an open dry land, with no grass. Such terrain is destined to be another easy to defend and difficult to attack.

As soon as he arrived outside the fortress, Maximus ordered the legions to build fortifications for the siege.

As with all Roman legions, the soldiers of the XIII cut down large areas of woods around the fortress to use as wood for the construction of the fortifications. Then, dig a trench and dig sharp stakes in the trench to act as a trap for defense. In addition, the excavated earth was piled up and the cut wood was used to build a parapet.

It was not a great fortification, but seeing the siege of the Roman legions being built day by day, the Parthian soldiers guarding the fortress were still under great pressure. Because every inch of fortifications and parapets is built, the less likely they are to break through. However, the inexperienced Tretus couldn't decide whether to break through or not.

"General, the siege net will be built in five days, and the heavy wild donkey cannon and crossbow machine have been assembled."

Outside the fortress of Colmanga, the chief engineer of the Roman legion reported the current situation to the general Maximus, who had been working here for ten days, and the legions had been working in shifts, working day and night, and in only ten days, they had both attack and defense, and the complete siege was about to be completed.

When the siege wall was completed, it was time to erect the tower. Used to place small ballistas. It can both attack the enemy forces that break through and fire artillery shells at the fortress. It is also offensive and defensible.

"Good. Just go down at this pace, surround the fortress, and don't worry that they have reinforcements, Apis has cornered the king of Parthia, Orodes. The Parthian army in the city had no reinforcements to speak of. ”

After listening to the chief engineer's report, Maximus was in a happy mood. He inspired the Legion with a sonorous voice.

At the same time, the battle was almost inevitable, and after the siege fortifications were built, they only had to wait for the morale of the defenders inside the fortress to collapse.

And the Thirteenth Army Corps had enough supplies and food and grass. In the previous Battle of Andaha, the legions captured a large amount of baggage from the Parthian coalition. These burdens were used to feed an army of 100,000 men, which was too rich for the Roman legions, which were only 5,000 men.

"Yes, General."

After the Chief Engineer stepped down, Chief Centurion Hales walked over and whispered to Maximus on a more important and secret military situation.

"General, one of Tretus' men, a veteran of the Fifth Legion - Savius. Gelba, who agreed to our conditions, was willing to cooperate with us. Hopefully, after this campaign, he will be able to return to Rome. Let's stop talking about this humiliating past. When the battle broke out, he would lure Teretus out of the city and into the groves outside the city. We can capture him here. ”

Centurion Hales bent down and whispered into Maximus' ear.

Immediately, a knowing smile appeared on the face of the great general Maximus.

This was Apis' order to capture Tretus alive, but it was easy to be injured by mistake in siege warfare, Tretus did not know where he stood, and not every legionnaire knew him, javelins and stones were not long-sighted, and once the flowing stones hit the young Roman nobleman, Maximus knew that he would not be able to give an account to Appis. The best thing to do, then, is to lure Teretus out of the castle before the siege begins. In this way, the legion can attack the fortress without hesitation.

It's also troublesome to think about it, a traitor to Rome should be so protected.

"Okay, let's do it well. In order to ensure safety, don't talk to that veteran these days, what's it called? ”

"Savius. Gelba. ”

"Yes, Savius, don't get in touch with him before you act, lest you reveal a flaw. Whatever you do, as Tretus's most effective subordinate, his actions must be restrained, and the more before the outbreak of the great battle, the more Tretus will keep him by his side, so in the next few days, especially on the eve of the siege, never contact Servius again. so as not to be discovered by Teretus. ”

Privately, Maximus arranged for his subordinates. Sitting on a chaise longue, Maximus's eyes fixed on the fortress not far away, which would be a very capable nail to remove. Publius' reinforcements had already departed from Armenia and were soon on the verge of reaching the front, and Maximus hoped that he would be able to take the fortress on his own and capture Tretus alive before the reinforcements arrived, in order to gain the best glory and the trust of Appis again......