As the meeting began, Juleios' voice cut through the air, drawing the attention of the gathered elders. "Has there been any activity from Grumentum to the north?"
Sesta stepped forward, his expression cautious. "On the second day after capturing Neutum, Grumentum sent scouts into the 'fertile lands between the mountains.' However, soldiers of the Fourth Battalion discovered them, and they fled immediately."
"They learned of Neutum's fall so quickly?" Juleios asked sharply. His tone carried an edge, for the Senate had received assurances that no one had escaped during the city's capture.
Sesta hesitated under Juleios' piercing gaze. "Well…" he began, his voice faltering. "Bagule and I later analyzed the situation. It seems that during the attack on Neutum, some locals herding livestock in the mountains saw the city's fall and fled directly to Grumentum."
