In the western border of the Roman Empire, in the evening of Macedonia, an army was marching towards their destination in an orderly manner.

"Lord Justinian, are you sure it's really okay for us not to attack Rusni?" Salius asked from the side. After suppressing the surrender of the Thessalian princes, Justinian led the army.

Going north, they successively conquered several warlord forces that had taken refuge with the Ducas family in Western Macedonia. At this moment, they were preparing to cross the Akmon River and head towards Thessaloniki. But in Salius' view, at this time,

It would be safer to take advantage of the emptiness in Northern Epirus to seize the opponent's lair.

Justinian, who was riding on the horse, shook his head and said: "Mikhail is not a fool. How could he be confident that his home base would not be attacked before leaving? I guess he must have a backup plan. Although we were in Pindus before,

The army that went south to the Ducas family was defeated at the mountain pass, but most of them retreated back. Even if they were injured, those people were enough to hold on to the mountain fortress in northern Epirus. Now if I rush to attack rashly, I will easily fall into the quagmire.

Furthermore, there are the Patriarch and the Princess in Thessaloniki. I think Mikhail Dukas also got wind of it and did not hesitate to join forces with the Venetians and Bulgaria. This is a must-have to attack the enemy.

He knows that I absolutely cannot afford to gamble."

"But our troops are still somewhat insufficient." Salius couldn't help but look worriedly at the slowly marching team behind him. Indeed, the current situation is much better than a few months ago. The princes of Thessaly have sworn to Justin one after another.

However, even so, the soldiers brought from the Peloponnese and the troops supplemented by Larissa Agrinion totaled only a little more than 10,000 people. At the same time,

, the Dukas-Bulgarian coalition that besieged Thessaloniki numbered at least 40,000 people.

"Yes, not only is it not enough, it can almost be said to be a huge difference." Justinian calmly said what Salius really wanted to say in his heart. He did not deny this fact at all. He could even guess,

Mikhail may be waiting for him now, but he is not ready to back down from this battle.

Justinian lightly waved the whip in his hand, rode away and climbed onto a mound not far ahead, looking at the vast land in the distance. The entire West Macedonia, which had been baptized by the flames of war countless times, was like a prisoner with his head shaved.

There was not even the slightest green tree on the bare wilderness. It seemed that he was affected by the scene before him, and he suddenly felt heroic. At this time, Justinian said with emotion: "Salius, do you still remember when we first met?

?The Latin cavalry swept across the entire Peloponnese, but I came to Viscari Castle with only one or two thousand men in my hand. Neither Mikhail nor Theodore took me as a little person.

Take it to heart. But three years later, I was able to rise up from my humble position and conquer the entire Moria and Macedonia without even stepping on the ground, and I was on an equal footing with them. So this time, I can do the same - defeat them with an upright army,

To end this civil war once and for all. It’s time to dig out the sores on Rome’s body.”

After that, the sound of horse hooves was heard in the distance, and the scouts sent out by Justinian had already completed their mission and rushed back.

"How is it?" Justinian asked before the scouts could dismount.

"Your guess is correct, sir. The enemy on the opposite bank downstream has occupied Gaofu and built several camps. However, it seems that the enemy has not made any move."

"Haha, it seems that Mikhail has been waiting for me for a long time." Justinian turned to look at Salius and smiled, "He also expected that I would cross the Akmon River and raid his back.

Be prepared.”

After learning the new information, Sarius pondered for a moment and asked Justinian for instructions: "If we want to cross the river safely, I'm afraid these camps must be removed one by one, Sir Justinian. Even if the troops left inside are not

If there are too many, the other party may also threaten our logistics. How about we wait for Phocas and Count Talanit, and then attack together to capture them." In order to reduce losses, Sarius proposed the safest method.

, now that the Akmon River is in dry season, the army does not need to worry about being threatened when crossing the river.

But Justinian rejected the proposal of his subordinates, "No need, these are Dukas's eyes in Western Macedonia. Since I want to give the opponent a sap, I must first poke his eyes out."

"But you just said you wanted to fight an upright battle."

"That's just a metaphor." Justinian rolled his eyes at his strict subordinate, then took the map sent by the people around him and unfolded it, with a smile on his face and said: "Look, Du

Cass's army camp is built on a relatively flat highland downstream. Until now, they have not noticed our arrival. At this time, if you don't send a small force from the upper reaches to go around and stab them in the back, it is really unreasonable.

.”

"But the terrain upstream is much more difficult." Salius pointed out to his despot.

"That's why I want to bring the Albanians here."

…

As the morning approached, the violent cold wind became stronger and stronger. The riverbed of the Akmon River, stained red by blood, welcomed the first ray of sunshine. On the river bank, there were layers of miserable corpses, and there were countless more in the river.

If anyone saw this scene, the soldiers who drowned in panic would be very surprised. Even if they were defeated and escaped, why did these people have to go to a dead end? Obviously, the night raid went very smoothly, and Dukas's army almost did not react.

, several camps were easily breached. The Epirus army thought that the enemy came from the front, but when they blocked the defense and headed to the main entrance, raging fire had already engulfed the road behind them. Waiting for them to see clearly in front of them, they

It was a group of mountain people armed with huge axes and swords who rushed out of the flames to take their heads.

The eagle flag symbolizing the imperial army and the black fox war flag belonging to Justinian hung high above the occupied camp, declaring the ownership here. Justinian led the army to cross the river one after another and entered the camp to rest.

.

As soon as he entered the village, Justinian was greeted by the heroic laughter of a strong Albanian man. Bogdani of the Qingshigang tribe was seen wearing a brand new chainmail.

In addition to the two-handed battle ax, there is also a big sword with a cold light.

"It's fun, it's fun, this battle is fun!" Compared with the wariness when they first met, the Albanian mountain people at this time did not regard Justinian as an outsider at all. Bogdani patted his chest and said: "

If such a good thing happens again, don't forget to call us!" Although with Justinian's promise, the Albanian mountain people were given a town to settle down, but because they were not used to a settled life, the people headed by Bogdani

Some mountain people still accepted Justinian's employment to participate in this battle. And the price Justinian offered them was also very simple. They could give priority to choosing the spoils, provided they obeyed absolutely. This time, the Albanians finally

They have tasted great benefits. Starting from Bogdani and below, the mountain people have all changed into a new set of equipment, but the way they mix and match several sets of armor always makes people look a little funny.

And Justinian had a good time and said: "Of course, but I have clearly reminded you before to leave at least a few alive for me!" Looking at the mess in front of him, he couldn't help but feel slightly helpless, as expected.
Chapter completed!