As Archita walked into the expeditionary camp, cheers erupted from every tent he passed. The air was filled with excitement and joy, and even he, with his heavy heart, couldn't help but be affected. He marveled at this mercenary force that lived up to its reputation as a battle-hardened elite—one that even a great power like Persia found troublesome! Earlier that day, he had witnessed how these mercenaries, using novel tactics and fierce offensives, devastated the Lucanians. Even more remarkable was their ability to maintain high morale after the setbacks of the campaign.
Archita's desire to meet Juleios grew stronger.
As he approached the main tent, the young man who had left a favorable impression on him earlier stepped out to greet him. The first thing Juleios said was: "General Archita, we plan to attack the Lucanian tribal coalition tomorrow. We hope for Tarantum's reinforcements to assist us."
