It’s the king!
He anticipated in time the possibility of a simultaneous attack by land and sea from the Tino League.
Not only did he put the navy on standby and not participate in the land defense, but he also left the port early and completed the battle array.
It also delayed the Athenian fleet in time, causing errors in the coordination between Athens and Boeotia.
The Greek fire deployed at the port buys time to turn!
"The king is risking his life to hold back the Athenian fleet! Everyone must hurry and turn the Greek fire around as quickly as possible!"
With this in mind, the Prime Minister issued a general mobilization order.
In fact, many people understand the current delicate situation without the Prime Minister saying anything.
They were all moved by the king's dedication and burst into great enthusiasm.
Although the barrel of the Greek fire was still very hot, everyone still began to push the cannon firmly, not wanting to waste a second.
As a result, many people's hands were burned.
But they still have no regrets!
At the same time, the soldiers responsible for adjusting the angle, replenishing ammunition, etc., also worked extremely hard.
Everyone's efforts are worth it.
After a flash of fire on the sea in the distance, the Prime Minister saw that the Athenian fleet had left the king's fleet and rushed towards the port.
Meanwhile, the Greek Fire's steering, calibration, and ammunition reloading were completed.
"Aim and get ready to attack them! Let them see my Stoby's super weapon! Don't let the king's sacrifice of his life go to waste!" said the Prime Minister excitedly.
The Prime Minister did not know the outcome of the battle between the two fleets in the open sea, nor did he know whether the king was injured.
He could only confirm that the Stoby fleet was still there and had not been dispersed.
"For my king!"
"For my king!"
…
Hearing the Prime Minister's words, the soldiers were moved to tears and were overwhelmed with emotion.
Everyone shouted slogans and was determined to defeat the Athenians!
It was seen that the Athenian warships had entered the effective range and seemed to be unprepared for Greek fire.
The Prime Minister was overjoyed and immediately ordered the firing.
Boom boom boom…
Filled with love for the king and hatred for the enemy, the gunners shot with extraordinary accuracy.
Just talking about the Spitfire, more than two hundred Athenian warships were set on fire.
Watching the soldiers on the enemy ship scurrying about like ants on a hot pot, the Stoby army, including the Prime Minister, felt extremely relieved!
At this moment, the one who suffered the most was Pericles.
Realizing that the battle of Botaïtia was over, Pericles and his men, despite not receiving any news from Pagnadas, also concluded that the Boeotian army had won.
What is there to doubt?
Early intelligence clearly stated that Pagnadas was leading a force of 1.5 million men, including 1 million of the renowned Theban heavy cavalry!
On the contrary, Botaitia is almost a ghost town.
The main force of the Stobi Army is still playing in the water under the city of Pella!
Just now, there was a fire in Botaitia. It was most likely the Boeotians who were looting!
It is precisely because of this that the princes and nobles of Stobi abandoned the city and fled.
If they can hold on, why run?
It doesn't make sense!
Therefore, when the Athenian navy approached the port of Botaïtia, it had not made any preparations for battle.
By the time Pericles realized something was wrong and wanted the fleet to wait and conduct reconnaissance before docking, it was already too late!
A salvo of Greek fire instantly destroyed more than 200 of Pericles' ships.
This terrifying destructive power, coupled with the heavy psychological blow, completely stunned the remaining Athenian warships!
What?
Botaitia is still in Stoby's hands!
They also have so many new weapons that can spit fire!
Could it be that Boeotia's army, along with a full million Theban heavy cavalry, was finished?
How is this possible?
Everyone was dumbfounded and didn't know what to do.
"Report to the Lord Governor! We have received a letter via carrier pigeon from our army's liaison officer stationed in Boeotia!" a guard reported.
"Read it! Read it out loud!" Pericles replied angrily.
It really makes me angry!
Intelligence is always half a beat behind!
If this liaison officer can't explain what's going on clearly in the letter, I'll definitely punish him when I return to Athens after the battle!
"Do you really want to recite it?"
Unfolding the letter and glancing at its contents, the guard timidly asked back.
"What nonsense are you talking about? Read it!" Pericles said angrily.
"yes!"
The consul had already replied, so the guard dared not hesitate. He could only hold the letter in his hand and read it with a grimace on his face.
"It's over! It's all over! Pagnadas is dead! The Theban heavy cavalry was completely wiped out! We have no supplies anymore, and our retreat has been cut off by the main force of the Stobi! We have decided to flee separately! May the goddess Athena bless me and let me escape back to Athens safely!" The guard read out each word clearly.
The letter didn't contain much content and was read in just a few sentences.
However, after hearing this, everyone's face looked extremely heavy.
I never expected this.
The million-strong Theban heavy cavalry, known as the king of cavalry, were actually annihilated!
The master of cavalry tactics, King Pagnadas of Boeotia, has also been killed!
Around the harbor, terrifying coastal defense weapons are on standby.
Not far to the east, the new warships of the Stobi Navy were also waiting to reap the Athenian Navy.
If we stay here any longer, it will only get worse.
Not daring to waste time, Pericles had no choice but to issue the order to retreat.
After receiving the order, the soldiers of the Athenian fleet breathed a sigh of relief.
Soon, the 1,200 Athenian warships all completed their turn and headed westwards towards the sea, leaving in disgrace.
My dear, there is more to this chapter. Please click on the next page to continue reading. It will be even more exciting later!
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