"You know what I'm looking for you today. Appis would not return to Britain, Gaul had more important matters for him to deal with, but the problems here had to be resolved. He asked me to bring you a piece of news......"

In the small town of Anderua in north-central Britain, Maximus held a "friendly" meeting with the British tribal leaders present. It has to be said that the previous defeat in the Battle of Britain was beyond Appis's expectations, although after the situation was stabilized, he could still lead the legion to the Picts in the north, but Abyss was unwilling to take this risk again. Barbarians, tribes, things that can be solved by money, no longer use wasted force. The north of Britain is like a Germanic forest, with vast snowfields and wastelands, almost impossible to conquer. Apis sent Maximus with the simple task of meeting with several important tribal elders of the tribal alliance to negotiate a settlement of the conflict between the tribe and Rome. Of course, the negotiation of peace was only a pretense, and the real purpose of Apis and Maximus was to divide the tribal alliance of Britain by means of peace negotiations. After all, without the threat of Roman legions, the alliance would not have been as strong as it once was.

"One hundred thousand dinars? Oh no, do you think we are beggars? I have under my command tens of thousands of warriors who are capable of fighting and are not afraid of death and blood. Even if you join your legion, it will be worth more than 100,000 dinars. You and your chief want to bribe us with such a small amount of money? ”

The elders of the Verasui tribe sat in their places and banged on their staffs, expressing their "displeasure".

"It's thousands, thousands of soldiers, I must remind you of the word, Elder Vilasuy. Don't exaggerate your size and power to negotiate terms with the Romans, we know your stakes very well. ”

Faced with the arrogant tone of the tribal elder, Maximus did not become annoyed, but sat in his place, calmly and politely replied.

Now, it was difficult for the elders of Villasui to say anything. For what the Roman officer said was true.

"But 100,000 dinars is still too little, let's talk directly, General, as long as you double the price, I can immediately take my people back to my territory, and not get involved with the alliance of Torles. That's a good thing for you and me. After you go back, you will make a good deal, and my side will also get my share of the property. ”

Many of the elders and leaders of the tribe are a group of outright barbarians. They are very direct in their words and actions, just like the tribal elder of the Villasui in front of him, he will only make a detour with you at most, and will not go any further. Torles, the leader of the Alliance, is an outlier among the Celts.

"Elder, I'll warn you again. Don't try to talk to us about any requirements, conditions. Apis would not return to Britain, yes, but the Roman legions remained here. Without your cooperation, it is only a matter of time before my soldiers and I can conquer the Alliance. We are sitting here today to discuss the future of Britain, not to bargain with you. It is a good thing for everyone to accept peace talks and avoid any more bloodshed between your people and my soldiers. ”

As a general, Maximus had no talent or skill for negotiation. But now, in order to train him, Apis pushed him to the front and took full charge of the affairs of Britain. In the Gallic rebellion, Apis saw his loyalty and fearlessness. In his mind, Appis had already listed him as the best candidate for his deputy. With the help of British affairs, it is just right for him to practice. In order to have the ability to take charge of oneself when necessary.

"Well, I have one more question, General Maximus."

"Please."

"After leaving the Alliance, the land that my people need?"

Bresas, the patriarch of the Makolani people, asked.

"Not a single point is missing. It's all in this agreement. In addition, you will have the freedom to trade with Rome and settle in Roman cities. ”

Maximus replied calmly. If the first two contracts are ordinary, then the last one is the one that Apist intends to draw. For the assimilation of the local Celts. Romanized life would make them forget the traditions of their own tribe. Thus gradually integrated into Roman society.

The meeting ended with a cacophony of patriarchs and elders, and at the end of the meeting, Maximust deliberately left the Pictic elders behind......

"Dubbionyx, you are the focus of this meeting, however, our conversation will be conducted in secret, and the topic will not be known to outsiders."

"Because I'm the closest to Toles?"

Before Maximus could speak, Dubio, the elder of the Picts, had already guessed the Roman officer's purpose in keeping him. Indeed, today's meeting, people from other tribes, are not very important. Because their combined numbers are only half of the entire alliance. The bravest warriors were all under Torles.

"Yes, not only are you the closest to a ghost wolf, you're the smartest person in the tribe. That's why Apis wants to find you, not someone else. ”

Maximus ordered the guards around him to close the door, then took a sip of water and continued—

"Sooner or later, the tribal confederation will be divided, if the Roman legions are slow to enter the Great Forest. You saw this clearly, and you came to our peace talks. What Apis wants you to do, in fact, is very simple, and it is in your interest, which is to replace Torles in the clan. As long as you promise, someone will help you. And after the goal is achieved, you will be the most profitable of the many patriarchs. Benefits conveyed from Rome. ”

"I know what you're trying to do, but Toles isn't as easy to deal with, he's not as easy to deal with as you think. My brother I know him very well. He was like a wolf, alert to anyone and everything around him. ”

Dubio's face darkened.

"We know, so, as long as you are willing to cooperate with us, with Rome, our people, will help you and get the position of chief."

"You have a spy in the clan?!"

Dubio was a little surprised, and at the same time a little apprehensive. If the Romans had arranged for men to be around themselves and around their patriarchs, and they were unaware of it, then there would be no need for this war to continue, in any case. The power of money has permeated the tribe. Resistance, little hope.

"Yes, you know, Appis allocated a large sum of money to settle this rebellion. As for where to use it, I think you know it too. ”

Maximus stopped at the point and did not go any further......