Two days passed.
The main force of the Persian army has landed one after another, and the size of the military camp has expanded nearly several times.
During this period, scouts continued to bring back new intelligence.
However, every report showed that the small force guarding Thermopylae still held its position, with no signs of retreat or wavering.
Obviously, if you know that you will face an enemy force tens of thousands times larger than yours, but still do not choose to retreat, then the other party is not stupid.
"That's really weird."
Nadir Shah spoke to his generals in the headquarters.
"Under normal circumstances, facing our massive army, they should have already fled."
"There are only a few hundred people, but they are still stationed at the pass."
The generals listened to Nadir Shah's words and expressed their doubts.
"Perhaps they are hired mercenaries. It's not that they can't retreat, but that they dare not retreat."
However, another general did not think so.
"No, mercenaries don't have such courage. They must be the regular army of a Greek city-state."
"Only Greek soldiers could commit such a foolish and unwavering act of suicide."
"If that's the case, they might be soldiers from a certain Greek federation, carrying out a defensive mission."
"The question is, which federation or city-state's warriors are they from?"
Nadir Shah beckoned, and a new scout stepped forward.
This man is different from ordinary cavalrymen. He is an experienced tracking expert who is good at identifying various subtle clues.
So Nadir Shah asked directly.
"Perhaps you recognize them. Which Greek city-state are these warriors from?"
The scout came forward at this time, with a lot of parchment scrolls in his hands, which seemed to be information that had been sorted out recently.
"King of Kings, after careful observation and comparison, I have been able to confirm the identities of those people."
"Based on their appearance, equipment, and fighting style, they are most likely Spartans."
As soon as these words were spoken, the generals began to discuss.
"Spartans?"
One of the older generals even stood up.
"As expected! Only Spartans can be so stupid and stubborn!"
Nadir Shah narrowed his eyes slightly. He was very interested in these brave Spartans who were not afraid of death.
Of course, for the emperor, warriors like this are the real treasures.
So Nadir Shah continued to question the scouts: "How many are they exactly? Who is their leader?"
The scout continued, "According to my estimate, there are about three hundred of them."
“The leader is a large warrior who stands at the front of the group.”
"However, judging by his demeanor and appearance, I think it is very likely that he is Leonidas, the king of Sparta."
After these words were spoken, there was a moment of silence.
Because, in this way, the reason why the garrison did not retreat became very clear.
"The King of Sparta?"
"Three hundred people?"
Nadir Shah repeated it, and it was obvious that he couldn't believe it was true.
"Incredible act indeed, King of kings."
"But this is exactly the Spartan style: arrogant and inflexible."
The person who said this was the general who had spoken before. He had quite some knowledge of Greece.
But then, another voice appeared.
"I don't think so."
Everyone turned to look. The person who spoke was the most respected tactician in the imperial army and the only one who dared to object to Nadir Shah's decision.
"The Spartans were not foolish."
The master tactician slowly stepped forward.
"They are a special ethnic group who have received the most rigorous military training since childhood."
"For them, glory is more important than life."
"Although there are only 300 of us, we can't underestimate them."
When a general heard this, he narrowed his eyes and looked at the tactician.
"Master, do you mean that we should be afraid of these three hundred people?"
The tactician just shook his head.
"No, I mean, such warriors deserve our respect."
"Or rather..."
"If we could convince them to join the Persian Empire and pledge allegiance to the King of Kings, what a treasure that would be!"
As expected, these words coincided with Nadir Shah's thoughts, and Nadir Shah's face immediately showed interest.
"Go on."
The Warrior Master continued his analysis.
"King of Kings, you have always been known for your magnanimity. You have been very tolerant towards the surrendered city-states, allowing them to retain their own culture and customs."
"The Spartans may be stubborn, but they are not stupid."
"If we send envoys and invite them to join the empire with generous terms, perhaps we can reach a consensus."
Nadir Shah nodded.
"The Spartans are renowned for their bravery and skill in battle. If we can recruit them, it will not only strengthen our army, but also demonstrate the Persian Empire's broad-mindedness and generosity to all of Greece."
Having said this, Nadir Shah stood up.
"I have made my decision. I will immediately send an envoy to Thermopylae to contact the Spartan army."
"Give them two choices: either submit to the Persian Empire and enjoy wealth and glory."
"Or be reduced to dust beneath the iron hoofs of our army."
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