Linley's victory depended on weakening the enemy's forces, forging alliances, and increasing the number of his friends while reducing the number of his enemies. Inside the church, hundreds gathered, with only twelve followers of Holiness and the rest slaves.
If he could keep the slaves neutral, Linley only needed to face the twelve priests, greatly increasing his chances of victory. However, if the slaves rebelled for their freedom, his chances of victory would plummet, and even a victory would be hard to avoid a crushing defeat.
Who could inform the slaves within the church of their liberation? Linley first looked to Julian, whose face turned pale and he immediately shook his head. He then looked at the other priests, but they all lowered their heads in fear.
The situation in the church was extremely dangerous, especially telling the slaves they were free, which was tantamount to openly challenging the authority of Holiness. How could the priests stand idly by? They might be killed the moment they spoke.
"Is there truly no warrior on Andros Island?" Linley questioned.
"Lord Dionysus, it's not that we're unwilling to sacrifice ourselves, it's just that dying like this is not worth it."
"If it's charging into battle, I wouldn't hesitate."
"Maybe we can just shout from outside, they should be able to hear us."
Linley shook his head. Shouting from outside wouldn't be convincing enough. He needed to find someone with authority, someone the slaves would trust. This person also had to have some status, so the priests wouldn't dare kill him easily, at least not before he finished speaking. Otherwise, the priests' act of silencing him would itself arouse suspicion among the slaves.
Linley already had someone suitable in mind, but he needed to keep a tight rein on him. He ordered his men, "Go to the harbor, bring back some of the Roman soldiers we captured in the sea battle. Find the timid ones, and bring that first mate as well."
When the Roman soldiers were brought in, Linley gave each of them a sword and said, "Did you see how I created the explosion?"
The Roman soldiers quickly nodded. They would never forget that scene. They had already gathered at the bow of the ship, ready to counterattack, when the explosion occurred, killing many and leaving the survivors heavily wounded. Hundreds of soldiers were completely overwhelmed by the blast.
In this age of cold weapons, without guns or cannons, only miracles like earthquakes, thunder, or volcanic eruptions could create such an effect, and even those were considered miracles.
Therefore, they feared Linley, convinced that he could kill them with a mere gesture, escape being futile.
Even though Linley gave them swords, they dared not show any disrespect. They had only swords now, but before they had swords, armor, shields, and hundreds of companions, yet they were still wiped out by Linley with a single strike. Now, with only swords, they dared not resist; only obedience could save their lives.
Linley showed them the documents in his hand and continued, "I have redeemed all the slaves on Andros Island and granted them freedom, including the slaves in the church. Even if they die, they will be free men, not slaves."
The Roman soldiers were confused and didn't understand Linley's intentions. The first mate, more perceptive, asked, "Do you want us to go in and tell those slaves?"
"Not you," Linley replied, "It's your governor, Goliath."
"Me?" Goliath exclaimed, "Why me?"
"Of course it's you," Linley explained, "You are the governor, the representative of the Roman Empire on Andros Island, your words carry authority. Only if you tell the slaves the truth, will they not doubt."
"But..." Goliath suddenly realized something and mind rose with other thoughts.
However, Linley was prepared. He said to the first mate, "If Governor Goliath does not carry out my orders, you kill him."
"Me?" the first mate asked.
"Yes, you kill him. You will not only live, but you will also receive one hundred horses as a reward. Otherwise, others will kill you and Goliath together and get those one hundred horses. Whether the people inside surrender or not, as long as you do your duty, I will not kill you. If not, I will blow open the door and kill them all! Even if it means destroying the Temple of Zeus, you understand?" Linley said.
The Roman soldiers, including the first mate and Goliath, nodded quickly in agreement.
"Go," Linley ordered.
Goliath had no choice but to take the documents and walk forward, shouting as he went, "I am Goliath! I am the governor of this island, open the door quickly, I have brought news from Dionysus, the god of wine."
He approached the imposing temple doors, expecting resistance, but none came. He turned to see the first mate with a sword, watching him intently, a chill instantly ran down his neck. He slammed on the door and roared, "Open the door! Open the door! If you don't open the door, I will have the army attack! Listen, all of you inside! Dionysus has redeemed all the slaves and granted them freedom and full citizenship. From now on, you are all free men. These are all documents I drafted personally, I can guarantee their authenticity..."
Arguments could be heard faintly from inside. Goliath shouted even louder, "Dionysus is here today, the gods walk upon the earth, it is not something that mortals can resist. Open the door quickly!"
Fighting sounds came from inside, a javelin flew out of a window and stuck near Goliath, he was startled and took a step back. A cough came from behind him, he turned his head and saw the first mate ready to swing his sword.
Goliath could only continue to shout, "All the slaves are free, Dionysus has pardoned you. There is no need to hide in the church, you will only be killed if you stay inside! The Holy Church did not liberate you, they never intended to set you free!"
The door finally opened, twelve free men without collars walked out, followed by hundreds of slaves with collars.
In the Roman Empire, slaves were forced to wear iron collars inscribed with two lines: "If I escape, please arrest me." Only freed slaves could have their collars removed by official blacksmiths, it was a death sentence for others to help slaves remove their collars. By contrast, killing a slave only required compensation according to the price.