Chapter 563: The Enemy at the Gate

For the next two weeks, Constantinople was still immersed in a dream of revelry and could not wake up.

At this time, it was impossible for the Greeks to believe that Luca could challenge the army stationed in Constantinople again by relying solely on the rebellious Thracian field army.

They were so complacent that even though they knew they were facing a powerful enemy, they still partyed and got drunk every day.

Luca's army had appeared outside Constantinople like a drop from the sky. The soldiers defending the city only then called out to each other and rushed up to the city walls. Archers holding bows and arrows now pointed their bows and arrows at the Roman army in front of them at every battlement.

At this time, the army under Luca's command numbered as many as 60,000. They formed huge square formations in front of Constantine's defenders. They were displayed in front of the defenders like fortresses.

"Oh my god, so many enemies."

The soldiers defending the city were so frightened that they broke out in cold sweats. Looking at the Roman army getting closer and closer below, they were at a loss as to what to do.

Such a huge scene was like a thunder in the sky. Everyone, from the nobles in the Senate and the court officials to every citizen who had just woken up, were awakened by the teenager who was running and crying in panic on the street.

"The captain of the Western Empire's soldiers has arrived. He has come here to take back everything his father left him. Look, look, the judgment has come!"

The prisoners in the jail shouted loudly at the chaotic crowd outside and laughed at the soldiers who were trying hard to maintain order, saying that they were fighting against their own inevitable death.

Marcian also knew about this matter at the first time. He fastened his armor early and came to the city gate under the guidance of the guards.

"Now Flavius ​​Luca's army has expanded again, and the soldiers under his command are vast and mighty, like the ocean that stretches as far as the eye can see." The subordinate officer reported to Marcian. Marcian had a solemn expression on his face and walked very quickly. He even climbed up the tall city walls and long stairs in two steps at a time.

"Don't worry, we still have strong city walls and loyal soldiers. Don't forget, the Golden Gate has three walls. Even if Flavius ​​Luca tries his best to break through the first wall, he will still have to face the second and third walls. I believe that no matter how much the soldiers want to fight, they will lose their fighting spirit in such endless attacks." Marcian comforted the soldiers.

But then he thought, yes, he is not fighting alone, there is the newcomer Hermanus, he can ask him to dispatch his team to join the defense.

"By the way, where is Lord Hermanus?" Marcian turned around and asked, "A scene like this cannot be without this veteran who has experienced many battles."

"Yes, sir, no, Caesar, we are on our way to call him. He may have overslept, the old fellow."

"Overslept? Ha, how is that possible!" Marcian was amused by his subordinates' words. He thought about it carefully and analyzed: "This old guy always needs to increase his presence at the most critical moment. After all, he is the commander of the navy and a minister of no small importance. He always has to hold up his face on critical occasions to get more benefits later. Forget it, just satisfy him this time and send more people to urge him."

As the saying goes, it takes a thousand days to raise an army but only a moment to deploy it. During this period of time, Marcian believes that he has done his utmost for Hermanus, so I am treating you with good intentions and providing you with good food and drink. You also have to do what you should do at the most critical moment.

If Hermanus was a discerning man, he should have clearly requested that his request be made to the future Basileus of the Eastern Roman Empire. After everything was over, the previous request would never happen again.

Marcian was thinking about it as he led his soldiers to the outermost city wall. He was extremely confident in the defense of Constantinople.

With thick city walls and wide moats, it is impossible for the armies of known civilizations to launch a reckless attack in the face of such defenses. Doing so will only increase casualties and be futile.

It's impossible to capture it. No siege weapon can break down this solid wall, not even the gods can! Thinking of this, Marcian clenched his fists and looked down at Luca's chariot in the center of the attacking army.

"He must be helpless in the face of such a solid defense. Ha, poor creature, this time, you can't play any tricks to shake my army's morale. You will only stand in front of this wall and scratch your head without being able to think of any solution. In the end, you will return like a loser."

"Poor creature, loser!" Marcian thought of all the ways in which Luca could fail. He couldn't help but raise the corners of his mouth slightly to reveal a smug smile. While he was cursing, he had already decided in his mind that it was impossible for Flavius ​​Luca to take down the city by force.

"Look at the enemy in front of us!" Marcian pointed at the Roman army outside the city and shouted to the soldiers behind him, "The conspirators from Europe came here unimpeded, and the traitors of the empire were willing to lead the way with military flags and take up arms to join the rebels. Our country is already in danger. Even though the enemy took such a long time to come here slowly, I didn't see any generals who are truly loyal to the empire leading their soldiers here. Except for Lord Hermanus, there was no one. I couldn't help but ask, Achaea Where is the army of Rome? Where is the army of Asia? They all betrayed Rome and chose to stand aside in such a fierce struggle. They are questioning and waiting to see who is the real winner in this struggle. I, Marcian, as the orthodox successor of Basileus, have an unshirkable responsibility for Constantinople. I choose to be here, with you, the loyal Roman people, to face the invaders from Europe. Guard Constantinople together under the witness of God, and then let me ascend the throne smoothly here to become the new Basileus and accept the submission of the four territories! "

“Hoo! Hoo! Hoo!”

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The soldiers raised their weapons high and cheered at Marcian. Marcian closed his eyes and listened to the soldiers' war cries. He then looked at Luca and said, "Flavius ​​Luca, you are just a lucky guy. But with me, your luck will probably come to an end today!"

At the end of Augusta Avenue, in Hermanus's mansion, two messengers who came to urge Hermanus to send troops were tied up and thrown on the stone slabs in the courtyard. The surrounding area was full of Hermanus's sailors, not only in the courtyard, but even on the street, the fully armed soldiers were silently waiting to see what choice Hermanus would make.

"This is Basileus's edict." Hermanus murmured, pulling out the parchment letter he had treasured from the inside of his armor's chest, and said loudly to the officers and soldiers gathered around him: "This is Basileus' true will. Flavius ​​Luca has the right to inherit Theodosius's mantle and become our Basileus. Let's go, kill the rebels, open the city gates and welcome Basileus into Constantine's city!"

(End of this chapter)