Macedon: The Sons of Achilles

[Tsar Alexsandr]

Macedon: The Sons of Achilles

Location, Macedon. Circa 270 BC.

The Hellenic world is where the power lies in the world. Alexander the Great died just a mere fifty three years ago, his empire fractured, he left his generals in charge of the empire. The Diadochi. Ptolemy in Egypt, Seleucus in Asia, Antigonos in Macedon, and as fate would have it the generals turned upon each other. Alexander's empire, now turned upon itself, was given to war, assassination, schemes and political machinations. With great men among his generals, such as Ptolemy and Seleucus, it was an inevitability. Each desired more power and fame than the other, each desired the glory and fame of Alexander. Macedon was not unaffected. Antigonos I Monophthalmus was a worthy heir to the homeland of Alexander the Great. Fighting against the Cappadocians, the armies of Pontus, and notably, Seleucus, he kept Macedon safe until when in battle with Seleucus he was slain. That was nearly forty years ago. A mere ten years ago, Pyrrhus of Epirus was embattled in Italy. His Pyrrhic War would eventually end in failure. In 280 BC he fought the Romans in the battle of Heraclea. A year later in 279 BC he fought at the battle of Asculum. It was in this battle that Pyrrhus won his most bitter victory. Thus the Hellenes lost their colonies in Magna Graecia. Only two years ago Pyrrhus died in battle, a civic squabble in Argos. An old Argead woman threw a roofing tile at his head which stunned him, allowing a warrior of Argos to behead him. And so Pyrrhus died. Leaving a legacy of ambition, cunning, and brilliant generalship. However, the fates were unkind to this second Jason, and thus he died an ignoble death, in a small town, for a petty cause. And thus the Greek world lost one of it's brightest stars, for since Alexander, no man had accomplished as much as he, until Pyrrhus. With his death it had become clear, the power of the Republic of Rome was considerable. A conflict with the Hellenic world would be imminent. And though the power had been with the Hellenes for these fifty three years of chaos, there were new stars rising into the heavens. Rome, the Greeks, and Carthage were the kings of the world. But when rivals are so near in strength, so admirable and worthy, it can not be long but that these rivals should seek to compare their might. So it happened with the Diadochi, so it would be with these rising stars.

Macedon 270 BC

"Kleomenes of Sparta is our main threat. Already he has dispatched watches, sentries, sent spies into our settlement at Corinth, he has made clear his intent. He intends to make war on us my lords." Damasos handed his father Antigonos a scroll containing his official report. "He may be greatly respected by our neighbors the Greeks, but his bloodlust makes him untrustworthy. Surely he hopes to add the prosperous city of Corinth to his alliance of city-states. Not to mention to sate his thirst for glory and prestige!" Damasos stood illuminated by the brazier of fire, his long shadow adorning the otherwise bare campaign tent.

Antigonos read his son's report solemnly. "You are correct my son, Kleomenes is a man without fear. He would have to be to lead the Spartans. He is an honorable man though, Kleomenes. And Carpus of Pylos tells me his son has accepted our terms of trade and friendship at Thermon. I do agree though, that he can not be trusted, for truly, you are right. He sees himself as the defender of an independent Greece, but fails to see that we are not so different. He supposes I am a tyrant. I am no more than he, but let us prove that with our actions. You say he has made forays into our lands?" Antigonos hardly looked up from the scroll of Kleomenes' offenses his son had composed.

Damasos pointed out a spot on the map, "Here, near this place have our men spotted Kleomenes and his army. Father, let me strike out at him, let me defeat him and thus keep Corinth safe from his grasp!"

Antigonos held up his hand, "No son. You may not fight Kleomenes. You must defend the garrison at Corinth. It is of vital importance son."

Damasos protested, "But father! I know Kleomenes well. I have learned much from watching the craven coward wander around our lands, let me show him that we are not afraid of him."

Antigonos smiled to himself, "I suppose you have gotten to know him pretty well. But I have known him for many years my son. I know his strategies, his peculiar quirks, and what's more is that he and I have faced each other many times in the past. I want to be the one to lead our army against him, I will bring my royal cavalry. We will show the world the might of Macedon. You, my son, must keep watch, keep us informed. And if he does attack Corinth, you will lead the defense against him. However, I hope to have brought my army to Corinth by that time." The old man stood in the assembly. "Well then, what other news is there my sons?"

"A most excellent plan father." Gyras pointed to the map. "It had been my hope that you would deploy my army in Larissa to aid my brother Damasos. It is much closer to Corinth after all."

"What a fortunate father I am, that my sons are so valiant. But I have determined, I will face Kleomenes." Antigonos moved the piece on the map that symbolized his fleet. "My army shall arrive by sea."

"What I wonder is, what can we expect of our old enemy in Thrace?" Asked Euenus. "And furthermore, what are the plans of Dacia? For truly, if war is waged with both Thrace and Dacia, we will be quite taxed on our northern border. As you may well know, Byzalora is a rather small settlement."

Antigonos pondered over his son's words patiently. "Wise Euenus. You pose a good question, but my answer is this. If Thrace or Dacia come to us with favorable terms, accept them. We can't risk war on too many fronts. If they come against Byzalora in arms however, you must defend the city."

Euenus bowed to his father, "My noble lord, it shall be as you request."

"There is yet another threat we have not discussed." Damasos stood up from his chair, "Rome."

"My son, there you have pointed out a most distressing problem." Antigonos looked weary at the mere mention of the city's name. "Yes, the Brutii seem to have their eyes set upon Greece, but what can we do but wait and see. That is why we must address this issue with Kleomenes immediately. If we can consolidate Greece under one banner, the flag of Macedon, then it will stand a better chance against the invaders. Not to mention, that it will show we are quite capable ourselves. This issue of Rome, I leave it to you Gyras. Monitor the situation, muster troops, increase the defenses at Larissa. If not for Rome, than for the Greeks at Thermon. For as surely as this night shall end, war is coming. Now to each your duties. My sons, be well. Macedon will prosper, as long as we are bold."

The assembly ended, and the the lords departed. Antigonos left for Thessalonica, his three sons left together. Gyras, Macedon's prince and heir apparent, led the company of brothers. "So my brothers, it looks like we shall soon be quite busy with the business of war."

"And about time too," said Damasos, "I was getting tired of seeing Kleomenes mocking face."

"Let us mock him then tonight in our revels." Gyras turned to Euenus, "Can I expect you to attend upon the gods of revelry with me tonight?"

Euenus smiled, "Of course, as long as you are paying, and you are paying aren't you?"

Gyras shook his head, "More than I can afford, like always."

Damasos grinned, "Euenus will go with you, but he won't drink. He'll sit in the corner and watch us all make fools of ourselves, and then he'll tell us how foolish we looked the next day."

"You forget the part where I make loud music to torment you with your headaches," added Euenus. "Besides, you know Damasos isn't much for drink either."

"I shall drink enough for both of you." Gyras laughed, "Well then, I'll bet you go to the revels to watch the dancers then don't you?"

"Well, let's not ponder and get ourselves to the revels then shall we?" Answered Damasos.

"I knew it!" said Gyras. "Well then, let's to the revels. I fear this may be the last time we can engage in such frivolity!"

[Tsar Alexsandr]

Winter, 270 BC

From the records of Euenus of Macedon.

It is as you said father, the Dacians and Thracians have come to us asking for peace. I granted them their wish to open trade relations with us. Surely the inflow of trade will be favorable to us. Your son, Euenus.

Winter, 269

"Brutii, in Apollonia? Well, they were quick to seize Epirus." Gyras asked the diplomat, "Carpus, you've seen this for yourself?"

The diplomat bowed politely, "My lord, it is as I told you."

"I see," Gyras turned to the diplomat, "I'm sure a man of discretion like yourself could tell me about their present force."

Carpus spoke quietly, "Of course my lord." He motioned Gyras to the Governor's chambers. "I would prefer to tell you about that in private."

Gyras retorted sarcastically, "Why, do you think we have spies among us?"

Carpus remained stern, but had turned quite pale, "One can never be certain. And additionally, there is the issue of morale we must keep in mind."

"Oh, is it that bad?" Gyras was truly shocked, "Meet me in my quarters then. We'll discuss it there."

"It's nothing we can not handle my lord, but I shall tell you more about that soon."

"Do so Carpus. I must inform my father about this." Gyras retired from the villa's lush garden to the privacy of his mansion.

-------------

"Well my lord, as I told you, I saw the Roman army at Apollonia. The army was composed of heavy infantry and skirmishers, in equal measure. Two units of heavy infantry, and two of skirmishers, and two generals. A modest force but nothing more than that my lord. My fear is that this is just the beginning. Two generals for such a small force?" Carpus handed Gyras a scroll, "I obtained trade rights with them quite easily. But I sense their agreeable nature shall turn as soon as their strength increases."

Gyras looked over the contents of the scroll. "Brutus? That's a familiar name."

"Brutus, they are the leaders of the Brutii family my lord. One of the three ruling families of the patricians. They rule Rome."

"Carpus, why does that name sound familiar?"

"Well, Tarentum and Croton, formerly Greek cities were taken by the Roman Brutii family. Pyrrhus of Epirus once fought in the territory the Roman Brutii now call their home."

"Ah yes, now it makes sense. And they're after more Hellenic territory? Well, we shall certainly make this effort a more costly one to them." Gyras got up from his chair to examine his battle map. "But, there are some problems. My garrison is small, my brother's garrison, Euenus, can't spare any men, and nor can Damasos in Cornith. The army is all with my father Antigonos. And he can't spare any men until he has dealt with Kleomenes. We'll have to stick to our garrisons until we can march troops out to meet the Romans at Epirus. Once we can afford to do that we can stem the tide of the coming Roman invasion."

Carpus followed his liege, "So then my lord, we shall go to war with Rome?"

"Or they with us. Doubt not that it will come. The invasion of Epirus is a precursor to an invasion of Macedon. It's too bad we couldn't have captured Apollonia before the Romans. We will capture the city though, one day. The Epirots will be reunited with their Hellenic brothers."

"Truly," replied Carpus.

"Come with me Carpus, follow me to the stables. I do believe our cavalry may be the key to keeping Macedon free. We will not fall like Magna Graecia."

From the records of Gyras of Macedon.

Father, the diplomat Carpus has informed me that already the Romans have landed in Greece. Furthermore, they have captured Apollonia. Their army is quite modest, but they have among their forces two generals. The family is the Brutii family. It is my opinion that they plan on invading Macedon. I am raising an army to meet them at the pass between Epirus and Thessaly. If we can at least match their forces then we can keep them from advancing any farther than Epirus. Your son and loyal servant, Gyras.

[Tsar Alexsandr]

Author's Note

I added a introduction just to remind the reader of the time, environment, and to provide a source to refer to for historical references I make in this AAR.

[Tsar Alexsandr]

Winter, 269

From the records of Euenus of Macedon.

Those lying, treacherous, barbarous Thracians! Now they besiege Bylazora while I am away. Those confounded curs, they come to us in the guise of peace only to unleash their teeth! I was headed for Thessalonica to merge forces with some cavalry that were to be sent to Bylazora, and then upon my arrival near Bylazora, what do I see? A Thracian army at siege. My only regret is that me and my full force are separated. Would that I could be among them, to lead them to victory against the barbarous enemy! I know our army is taxed as it is, but the plain matter of the fact is we need more troops in Bylazora. If we can not hold the city, than nothing will stop the onrush of the northern barbarians.

Your son and servant, Euenus.

[Tsar Alexsandr]

Summer, 268

"Father!" The cry echoed down the Thessalian halls, "Father! News from Epirus!"

"Aloeus, what is it my son?" Gyras was in his study when Aloeus entered calling for him.

Aloeus turned to where the voice had come from, "Ah there you are father!" He marched across the room to where his father sat, the young man's armor rattling and his sword swaying with his feverish pace. "Father! Carpus has just come from Epirus."

Gyras looked up at his young son. "And does he bring good news my son?" Gyras eyes seemed to stare right through his son's and into the ceiling above.

Aloeus turned to look out the manor window, "Truly, father, it is alarming news."

Gyras stood up, "My son, when you get to be my age nothing will surprise you. Well then, what is the news."

"Carpus has just returned from Epirus, and he has seen a new army that has arrived in Epirus. The garrison at Apollonia has been increased, and furthermore, yet another general has arrived in support of the Brutii army." Aloeus marked the spot where Carpus had last seen the Brutii army.

Gyras pressed his hand against his face, "I see." He shook his head, "It can't be helped. Well then, my son, I shall send you with my cavalry to Thessalonica. There you shall be given reinforcements by my order and my father's order. My son, when you receive your army, you shall guard the pass between Epirus and Thessalonica. If the Romans come to make war with us they will first have to make war with you."

"My father, I shall not fail you!" Aloeus eagerly announced.

At the age of sixteen, his son still young, yet showed signs of greatness. The men respected him, but not because of his noble birth in lineage, for truly, an outsider could scarcely see the difference between the noble Aloeus and a young captain. Aloeus camped with his men and lead his army from the front. There was truly no fault in him, except perhaps a dangerous temper and his natural trusting nature. Although largely practical he was no stranger to the revels, much like his father. Making and honoring countless toasts to the gods of victory, wine, war, and Zeus. Although a youth many already hailed him as a second Alexander. Gyras his father recognized in this son an underlying greatness that he believed, would naturally come to the forefront in these trying times. Surely, he and his sons would have to fight for the continued survival of Macedon. Outwardly Macedon seemed to be a stronger force than it truly was. Gyras was painfully aware of this. With reinforcements going to Euenus in the north and the bulk of the army headed south with Antigonos, Gyras knew that his territory of Thessaly was vulnerable. To Rome on one front, and to the Greek league on another.

"My son, you have all the makings of a great hero in you. All you need now is a chance to prove yourself, and I fear, there will be no shortage of opportunity for that." Gyras eyed his son fondly, knowing that they may be apart for quite a long time.

Aloeus embraced his father, "Have no fear father."

Gyras was surprised by his son's impulsiveness. "No, you're right son. I know you are ready." He placed his hand in his son's hair. "Now go son! The army awaits you, ride and show the world the pride of Macedon. Aloeus and our mighty Macedonian cavalry!"

"You flatter me father. But I shall try to honor that praise!" Aloeus left triumphantly.

Gyras watched in pride as his eldest son marched off to join the wars, but he felt an odd pang of regret as well. "I recall when I was young and I told my father what I would do in his name and for the glory of our nation. And now, well, I suppose it can not be helped. War is coming to us anyhow, it is better if we are eager and hopeful like my son."

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

Aloeus marched into the manor's courtyard. He saw his army practicing at hand to hand, passing time. The stable hands watched as their superiors practiced their martial art upon one another. Aloeus complimented the gathered warriors, "I must congratulate your instincts my soldiers! For as a matter of fact, we are engaged in a most important and martial task as of this very moment."

One of the old veteran's spoke up, "Where to young lord?"

Aloeus glared at him viciously, "Young lord says you. Am I then a child?"

The veteran didn't speak but looked down at the young officer's rebuke.

Another soldier spoke up, "You have yet to grow a beard young Aloeus."

"Ah, now there's a man I've fought alongside." He placed his hand on the old veteran's shoulder, "I was just joking with you good man, don't worry. My wrath is for the enemy alone, not my men."

The veteran took a sigh of relief, "I had no intention of dying early in the campaign either."

Aloeus leaped on his opportunity, "Well you've done good so far, living to this ripe old age!"

The man laughed, "Oh I'm not that old yet am I?"

"A verifiable old man time you are." Aloeus retorted.

"I am no older than your father my lord." replied the veteran.

"Well then, there are two old men time upon the earth."

"And your grandfather?" Replied the other soldier.

"My grandfather?" Aloeus smirked, "Why he's the Titan Cronos!"

"Why then did he not consume your father and you?"

"Well," Aloeus started, "It's known far and wide that we Macedonians are unpalatable. Be glad on this, for no god nor cannibal shall dare eat you."

The soldiers laughed at the absurd tale.

"Well then, enough of that, make ready to follow me to Thessalonica. And make haste! I'd rather leave before I too am white-haired."

The soldiers were glad to finally receive news of their deployment.

"About time." One said.

Another, "What is our goal young Prince?"

"We are to reinforce my uncle Euenus in his efforts to hold back the Thracians, if need be. And if the Romans raise their arms against Thessalonica, we are to meet them in battle and halt their aggression."

"War with Rome?" Said one soldier, "Was not Pyrrhus repelled from Rome?"

"Repelled?" replied Aloeus, "Truly he was. But did he not also slay many of the foe? Well, we shall also slay many of the foe, but take heart men. As of yet we have no enemy but Thrace. And that should put you at ease. What need of you to have fear? We are Macedonians! The heirs of Alexander, Antigonos, Pyrrhus, in your blood noble Macedonians is the blood of Alexander's empire. We are blessed by the gods, so fear not. But follow me, we waste time here and I would like to make as much progress as we can this day. To your horses good soldiers, and to Thessalonica tonight!"

Aloeus left the men and some followed, others took their time on account of their injuries sustained in practice.

"A mild injury, but it shall hurt sorely on this nights march." The soldier ran his hand down his back as he packed his gear, "What think you of the general sir?"

"I think he's enthusiastic." Replied the other as he bandaged his forearm.

"Yes, surely. And, do you think he can truly lead us to victory?" replied the other, leaning forward in an effort to alleviate his pain.

"Truly," replied the other.

"Why?" asked the other soldier.

"Well, he has shown some knowledge already, experience, charisma, he's a good officer as far as I know."

"What about the Romans?" Asked the sore soldier. "Do you think we can defeat them?"

"Pyrrhus did from time to time didn't he? Except, we will be fighting for our home. Yes, I am sure we can."

"I've heard the Romans ravaged the defenders at Epirus."

"And they were led by some no account Epirot yokel were they not? A brigand? A pirate? Not a real army."

"True enough I suppose."

Another soldier interrupted the two, "The general has just promised us a revel in honor of Dionysus when we arrive in Thessalonica!" The herald ran back to rejoin the others, "Hurry, we must make it there tonight or we shall miss the revelry!"

The soldier finished bandaging his arm and turned to his compatriot. "So then, are you coming? Come and you can drink the soreness away. I shall drink profusely so that I have a reason so that my head should hurt as it does."

The other soldier got up uneasily, "That sounds well enough to me. A drink's a tempting thing, I'll need a few in me if I am going anywhere near those barbarous Thracians."

"And may they never drink a drop, for as fearsome as you are drunk I fear how the drink may affect them!"

[Tsar Alexsandr]

Summer, 268

Damasos stood atop the stairs that lead down to the port, the heat of the summer day was only abated by the fresh breeze of the wind coming in from the sea. Not only was he relieved by the breeze but also by the arrival of his father Antigonos. Damasos brow was twisted into an expression of malice, hatred born for his adopted rival Kleomenes. The leader of the allied Greeks did often encroach upon the Peloponnesus. All Damasos could do was watch, but now, now he might get to watch the hated enemy defeated.

Antigonos lead his army from the ships to where Damasos stood waiting. The sun, shining upon the masses of armored men, cast a bright and vibrant light. A golden light. The glint of the sun upon the warriors spear points was like a sea of stars, swaying with the mens movements. Antigonos stopped his horse to address his son. "Well Damasos, what news is there of the Greek king. Has he made himself present?"

"At times my lord, and at other times he evades our notice." Damasos shielded his eyes, "He does seem to invite a provocation."

"Well we shall see." Antigonos noticed a man coming up behind Damasos.

The man removed his cloak and they recognized the spy, Aegisthes of Larrisa, whom Damasos had engaged in a campaign against Kleomenes. "Noble lords, I made haste when I observed what I've come to tell you of."

Antigonos acknowledged the spy, "Yes Aegisthes, what is it you wish to tell us?"

"At this very moment, Kleomenes of Sparta is in the Peloponnesus. He has crossed our borders and lies in a cunning place, hidden in a vale of our forests. His army is broken from his main force, but at the current moment his force is greater than ours at the garrison of Corinth."

Damasos' anger was greatly enhanced by the news but Antigonos expression was more of surprise than outrage.

"In our lands, currently? You know this for sure?"

"Not for sure my lord, but he certainly was. If he is making for Corinth than yes, he is still in our land. And what's more, is we hurry we can cut him off at a narrow peninsula."

"Damasos, Aegisthes, does Kleomenes know of my arrival?"

"We recently expelled a spy from Corinth, but we know not what became of the spy. Still, we do not know if he could testify to your arrival or not, seeing as how we have already driven him off. Would that my forces had captured the wretch instead!"

"Very well then, I have made my decision. We act now, as we must. Kleomenes is a sly adversary, but he has made his final mistake." Antigonos turned to is troops still marching out from the ship. "Soldiers, we march today! We march for Sparta and to oppose the king of Sparta!"

"You may want to add some auxiliaries to the army when you pass Corinth," Aegisthes spoke discretely, "the pass is so narrow that when we take it the garrison will be able to hold without their surplus soldiers." The spy added, "Not only that, but just a few more men will allow you to match the enemy force. And that will certainly guaranty our victory."

"You advise me most soundly Aegisthes," the general turned to Damasos, "My son, is it possible to be reinforced by your army?"

Damasos bowed, "Aye, most certainly my father. I shall lead them to join your army on the march, do not worry."

"Good, that shall expedite our victory!" the king turned his horse to the task at hand, "Well then gentlemen, I will defeat Kleomenes and thus deliver this nation from its most pressing concern. Until we meet again. Forward!" The king rode along his column shouting encouragements to his fresh army.

Damasos sighed, "It is his right to face his old enemy, but I wished it could be I who led the army against Kleomenes."

The spy noted the prince, "Young men like us Damasos shall earn our legacy through hard work, we will earn ourselves some fame yet."

"Quite wise for a knave," replied the prince.

"And are not the greatest senators also knaves?" The agent scoffed, "a spy is more honest than a politician."

"Well said," said Damasos.

"My lord, allow me to provide your forces with security in your mission to reinforce your father." The spy added, "The roads and the woods are both dangerous places."

"Very good noble Aegisthes, let us then lead the reinforcements to my father, and let my father lead Kleomenes to Hades!"