“I hope so, though I wish more had tried to reach us,” Julius said. “Their loyalty is proving a difficult obstacle.” He rose to his feet and began to pace the floor of the tent. “Unless we can reduce his numbers, we have not gained more than a respite. How long will this new meat and grain last? Pompey can be supplied by sea, while we have to carry everything with us.” He shook his head. “We must not be complacent. I have tried to beat him without bloodshed, but I think it is time to risk a little more than that.”

Julius held up a written report and glanced at the words on the parchment once more.

“His legions are spread thinly to build these walls. Only six cohorts are stationed at the furthest eastern point of his lines. If I take a single legion, leaving our equipment here, we can cut them out of his control and reduce his strength. More important, we need a solid victory to sway more of his men into coming over to us. This could give us that.”

The mood in the tent changed as they realized the days of planning and strategy were over. Food was laid aside and they watched their pacing leader, feeling the old excitement stiffen their backs.

“I do not want to be dragged into a major confrontation, gentlemen. This is to be a fast strike, in and then out again. Ciro, you may remember how we fought Mithridates in this same land. That is what I have in mind. We will destroy these cohorts and then withdraw before Pompey can summon his main army.”

He paused, looking around at the faces of the men he trusted.

“Domitius, you will command four cohorts and hit them on one side as I attack on the other. We have the advantage of surprise and darkness and it should be over quickly.”

“Yes, sir,” Domitius said. “Will four cohorts be enough?”

“With four more under me, it will. A small force can move quickly and silently. Any more and Pompey may have the chance to prepare a counterattack. This is all about speed. We’ll march in darkness, smash them, and disappear.” He rubbed a point on his forehead as he thought. “It may sting Pompey into taking the field. If that happens, all legions are to withdraw south until we reach land best suited for a defense.”

“What if he does not move?” Ciro asked.

“Then he has lost his nerve completely. I assume the Senate will attempt to replace him with another from his Greek legions. I will then reopen negotiations. Without Pompey, any action they take will be illegal and we should have more of them desert to us.” He picked up his cup of wine and raised it in a toast to them.

“There is no moon tonight. As they will not come out, we will take the fight to them.”