Crusader Kings: Prisoners of War.

Chapter 245 Proceed with caution
Orville firmly believed that the most appropriate weapons should be used, especially since there was basically no distinction between advanced and backward weapons and equipment. The new javelin was very suitable for dealing with the Parthians who were good at riding horses or some Germanic barbarians, so it was suitable for widespread promotion within the empire, but the new javelin was not necessarily suitable for dealing with all enemies.

The weapons and equipment of Ptolemaic Egypt were different from those of the Germans and Parthians. They inherited the infantry equipment of the Alexander period to a large extent and liked to use heavy infantry and phalanx spearmen. As for cavalry, although Alexander the Great used it to perfection, his successors had forgotten a lot of cavalry skills over the centuries. In Orwell's view, the Egyptian cavalry was not a deadly threat.

So he will target the enemy's infantry. The old-fashioned javelin is a very suitable weapon in this kind of battlefield - it has a strong ability to break shields. As long as it hits the enemy, the enemy will be either killed or injured. Even if it hits the shield, it can destroy the enemy's cover. This will make people extremely passive on the battlefield. Although it gives up part of the range, it gains stronger penetrating power. This is a good choice in the absence of bows and crossbows.

Orville did not want to go to war with the Egyptians. Things that could be resolved peacefully were best resolved peacefully. However, since he had decided to go, he had to be fully prepared. He would have weapons and equipment, funds, and brave soldiers ready before taking action.

...............

Shortly after that, in a manor on the outskirts of the city.

Ivar looked at Astolfo sitting across from him, and the corner of his mouth twitched slightly: "I remember His Royal Highness the Prince seemed to have said that we should be cautious and careful."

Astolfo, who was out all day, rarely came back at noon, but he did not come back alone to eat. He was accompanied by dozens of blond or brown-haired Germans. Ivar also grew up on the battlefield and on ships, and it could be seen that these people were strong and didn't look like easy targets.

Astolfo shrugged. "I am indeed being cautious. In order to be careful, I have also found a lot of helpers. I haven't been to Egypt, Palphi, and Syria yet. I heard that there are many risks in this trip. It is obviously right to find some people to help me."

Ivar was very curious about how the other party found so many non-slave Germans in Rome, where there were many Latins. Faced with Astolfo's explanation, Ivar could only respond with a stiff smile.

"In that case, I understand. But I will report this matter to Trajan. Please understand that these friends of yours are unstable factors in my opinion."

"No problem," Astolfo said, still a little depressed, "You really have become a very loyal person... I thought you still had a problem with the Romans."

"This will do me no good. I only believe in doing my job. Now that I am serving under His Royal Highness the Prince, I naturally have to fulfill my duties." Ivar answered calmly, with no ups and downs in his tone.

The northerners were very open-minded about these things. As long as Orville didn't kill his family directly, there was no need for him to fight Orville to the death. They could kill each other to death, not to mention outsiders. It was not uncommon for the enemy of the previous day to become a friend today.

Instead, he now warned Astolfo: "Due to the behavior of your kin in Britain, I have reason to believe that many southern Germans are not to be trusted, and these friends of yours may be among them. You had better keep an eye on them, or I will do what I have to do for you."

Ivar was referring to the nobles captured in the war. Many of them had been trying to be polite to the Romans from the beginning. It was not uncommon for them to try to escape when the guards were lax. Some even refused to leave after escaping and contacted the local Anglo-Saxon rebels to break into the prison. Fortunately, Belisarius responded quickly and suppressed the situation, otherwise it would have been a bit troublesome. Ivar mentioned this to remind Astolfo that he could not trust these Germans now, after all, someone had just betrayed him.

Astolfo couldn't help but mutter: "You too, and Alfred too, are so loyal..."

But he just complained in his heart. Astolfo knew his own fighting ability. It was almost a unit of measurement for fighting ability. Not to mention others, at least he couldn't handle Ivar. Although Ivar's fighting ability was inferior to Rollo's, he was still several levels stronger than him. Not to mention that there were hundreds of Vikings in the manor, and no one except Orville knew if there was another gifted person in it.

"Thank you for your reminder. I will pay attention to it. Please believe me. These warriors are all carefully selected by me for adventure. They are loyal and reliable. I guarantee that they can play a role. When has His Royal Highness refused to surrender to a loyal person? If His Royal Highness were here, I think he would agree with me."

Astolfo took out Orville to pressure the opponent. Ivar raised his eyebrows, but didn't say much. He turned around and left silently.

...............

Orville has paid less attention to finance and politics in recent times because he is busy with his marriage.

This was the first time in his life, so it was natural for him to be busy and nervous. For example, right now, he was praying in the largest Temple of Minerva in Rome.

The Flavian family was of Sabine origin, and the Sabines widely believed in Minerva (Athena), and the Flavian family was no exception. Minerva was the most revered god in the family, and a shrine of Minerva was placed in the Flavian mansion. Now that the family has encountered a happy event, it is natural to offer sacrifices to the goddess Minerva and pray for blessings. This is the rule of family and faith in this era. It was originally for good luck, and Orville did not object much, so he came here in person to offer sacrifices, just as a short trip to increase his knowledge.

Next to him was Domitia, who was praying devoutly. She was probably the only devout believer in the family. Around her were many priests who were singing, dancing and chanting. They were the clergy who now served Minerva and were responsible for taking care of the temple.

There is actually a big difference between the goddess Minerva and Athena, or strictly speaking, the two gods are completely different.

Athena was originally the goddess of the earth and the patron goddess of the city of Athens. Later, the Athenians extended her status to the goddess of humanity and became the protector of civilization.

Minerva was originally the goddess of the moon and memory. In this respect, the Latins were also invaded by Greek culture. After the goddess Athena was introduced to Italy, she was confused with local gods. Minerva then acquired the divinity of goddess Athena and became a goddess with a complex divinity.

(End of this chapter)