108.Battle of Pharsalus (M)

It was close to noon when the huge legions finally lined up and looked at each other across the great plains, and although it took a long time for the legions to line up, the morale of both sides was not frustrated by this, but remained as high-pitched and passionate as ever in the sound of the earth-shattering horn. Pen "Fun" Pavilion www.biquge.info

The Enipos was located on the left flank of Caesar's phalanx and on the right flank of Pompey's phalanx, and when the two armies spread out their long lines, the commanders of both sides found that at the end of the infantry phalanx on the flank, they were already very close to the river, so there was no doubt that there would be no cavalry to put there. So, after lining up the phalanx of the main infantry, the commanders of both sides moved most of the cavalry to the other side almost unanimously and deployed.

Standing in the center of the phalanx, Appis could clearly see the heavily armed Gallic cavalry hurrying past the rear of the legion and heading towards the right flank. Leaving behind a cloud of boiling dust and the neighing of distant horses.

According to historical records, Apis knew that the next battle would take place, and the decisive battlefield would be on the flank, that is, where Antony is now, Caesar and Pompey were both battle-hardened veterans, and knew that the key to winning a large battle was the flank, and once the cavalry battle on the flank was victorious, he could use the high mobility of the cavalry to surround the enemy phalanx attacking the center. After a long period of fighting, the physical strength of the soldiers decreases, and if they encounter attacks from the flanks and rear, their morale will inevitably collapse. That's the key to success. Therefore, before the battle, the galloping Gallic cavalry that Appis saw was probably also speeding towards the battlefield where the bloody battle was about to begin.

"Anthony, according to the tactics I agreed before, don't go head-to-head with Pompey's cavalry, withdraw after engagement, and I will let the infantry meet you."

Caesar was on the wing, explaining the final things to Anthony. It was a conversation between two gamblers, and neither of them could understand or hear what they were talking about. It was only from a distance that I could see Caesar's serious and depressed face, he was still wearing the big red cloak, and he stood out in the crowd, only this time, he stood behind the phalanx of the legions. Surrounded by the protection of dozens of elite cavalry guards.

"I know, trust my command, Caesar. Courage and honor. I will bring back your glory, for the sake of Rome. ”

Anthony nodded to Caesar before the final battle, and he was well prepared for this battle. Yes, psychologically, and physically. His weapons had been polished all night, and his armor was so bright that it could even reflect a dazzling glow in the sun.

What followed was the usual pre-war speech, except that what Caesar was saying was something that Appis could no longer hear, because it was so far away. Although there are only more than 30,000 people left in the ten legions under the serious attrition, even if there are only these 30,000 people, they can still form a long front with no end in sight. Caesar's speech in front of the Ninth and Thirteenth Legions, his figure was as small as a grain of sand. But this did not prevent the morale of the entire corps phalanx from being ignited by him. The Ninth Legion was the first to burst into an enthusiastic response, their roars filling the darkness of heaven and earth, and then Caesar rode over the other phalanxes and gave speeches in front of each phalanx. Until he stayed in front of his proudest Tenth Legion. Wearing a splendid cuirass and raising his right hand, Phlanius responded to Caesar's speech to the whole army.

"Appis, seize this opportunity, lead your brigade well, and use your exploits to redeem your previous mistakes in the next battle."

Caesar finally found Appis before leaving the Tenth Legion's position. He looked at the young men in this legion with an expectant and concerned eye. And what Apis saw was all responsibility and burden.

"I will, for Caesar's sake!"

Appis shouted in rage as his companions watched. Immediately, Caesar grabbed the reins of his hand, and the white horse leaped high and galloped away, and before leaving, Appis saw Caesar's trusting and appreciative gaze.

……

"Rabienus, today, you are finally standing opposite your former loyal general, and tell me, how do you feel about him?"

On Caesar's side, the battle line was already lined up, and the red square shields formed a red Great Wall. In the autumn sun, it was so dazzling to Pompey's position. On the legion's side, Pompey asked about Rabienus with concern, Caesar's most powerful subordinate, during the Gallic War, when Caesar was away, all the affairs of the army were managed by Rabienus, and now, Pompey also handed over the power of the army to the Roman legion commander from a civilian background.

"I loved him, but it was only out of friendship with him, and now I have to rebel against him, because he brought disaster to Rome. It was he who led Rome to the point of civil war, causing countless Romans to shed blood and ruin their families, so now, I can only draw my short sword and stab it in the throat of the tyrant to make my final allegiance to the Republic. ”

Rabbi Enus replied with a serious expression.

"That's just a superficial statement, Rabienus, and I know that you have come to me, more or less, because of your family. For I am the refuge of thy wife and children, and not Caesar. So, when a civil war breaks out, even if you don't want to betray Caesar, you'll take care of your family, won't you? ”

Pompey's words before the final battle silenced Rabienus, and no one knew about it all this time, not even the senate. Only Pompey knew it, and now, he threw out this most realistic and cruel question, waiting for Rabienus's final answer, and whatever the answer, Pompey was ready, and even, before the war, he had made a backup if Rabienus was unwilling to confront Caesar head-on.

After a fierce ideological struggle, Rabbi Enus replied with difficulty-

"Yes, Pompey. I have to admit that I betrayed Caesar not only because I had a different philosophy from him, but also, as you said, because of my family, I love my wife and children. ”

"If I promote them and give them Roman citizenship, and they cease to be free people, and accept my protection, will you still raise your sword to Caesar's heart?"

Pompey's questions were sharp, and the words went straight to the deepest heart of Rabienus, causing Rabienus to fall into deep thought again and again. But without much hesitation or hesitation, Labienus turned to Pompey and replied earnestly—

"The dice have been rolled, and there is no turning back." (To be continued.) )