The Royal Council

I am for your proposal as long as the dispute whether through military or diplomatic means is dealt with quickly. I feel that within just two seasons we may see even more large attacks from Egyptian forces and therefore need to be on our guard on the Ptolemaic front and be quick on our offensive on the Pontus front...or sharp diplomatically.

Perhaps move the Lydian army closer to the south... Halfway between Basileus' Royal army and our Northern lines.

"Brother, you are correct: they did fund it, and they did supply some men as well. But is that really enough? What did we stand to gain from this? In the best case scenario, we would have lost few men and freed the Jews, with the expenses paid for. That is not much of a gain, especially not when we consider that the best case scenario was always unlikely. It was obvious we would lose more men, victory was never sure and in the end perhaps even hopeless. And it cost us.

So I ask you again: why should we care about what happens to the Jews? We failed with the troops they paid for. Next time, when we are ready, we should come in size, and as conquerors - not liberators."

"I agree, it was always risky, but still I stand to the opinion that it was wise. Of course what the did was not enough, that was why they came to us in the first place. If they would've been able to do enough on their own, they might just have rebelled agains Ptolemai lordship. We ourselves didn't have the means to open an assault on this place our own at that time, so I say, it was wise to decide to help them, after all, they would have subdued to us after their liberation. They didn't plan on becoming independent with our help."

"But I agree, it was risky and we have underestimated the Ptolemaioi. It was a chance to strike them where it hurts but they wouldn't have it. Now we have an all out war on our hands in this region, so I say, yes, if they agree to a cease-fire, end the fighting for now, but if not, let us call all armies we can afford to deal a decisive blow to them."

"You misunderstand me. When I say that they did not do enough, I'm saying they could've done more, and they should have. During the siege, they should have attacked the garrison from the inside, and at least have attempted to open the gates. They did neither, which gave the Ptolemies the time to move those armies up and defeat our forces. The loss is on them.

If we've always been talking about conquering them, then what I'm proposing is simply just to put it up for later when Pontos is taken care of. That should not be unacceptable to those who supported the move in the first place."

Euripedes stands up with a dreadfully confused face.'let us call all armies we can afford to deal a decisive blow to them?' Excuse me sir, but we are at war with more than one entity. Unless you think some taunts, and a few vulgar insults will hold our enemies back most of our armies will stay put right where they are. No sir, we cannot afford to deal a 'decisive blow' as you say. Please if you must think, think clearly!"

Theodoros stands up, addressing the older man.

"Although I respect age and am never too proud to take good advice there is no need to insult me, dear Euripides. I know full well of the threats in the north of our empire. I know Pontus has to be dealt with and there is nothing I'd like more, than to see a buffer zone between the Hay and Ekbatana, a town I have come to love, but what exactly do you suggest, if the Ptolemai decline our offer for peace? Pull back and let them take Sidon, Damaskus and who knows where they will stop?"

"My apologies if I wasn't clear enough in my statements but I think I made clear that I propose to make peace with the Ptolemaioi but if they refuse to take that offer, we have to strike them. 'A decisive blow' wasn't meant to be the taking of Hierosolyma, Alexandria and Memphis but merely defeating the armies that have attacked our forces with whatever is possible to gain a clear victory. We cannot afford to show weakness to the Ptolemaoi, if they don't want to make peace we will have to use force to keep them off our lands."

Andromachos rises immediately after Theodoros sits down.

"I would like to support my friend Theodoros," Andromachos gives a quick nod towards him, "and I too, express my concern about this potential ceasefire. I say we do not stop until we have taken all of Gaza and the rest of the Levant, and the delta of the Neilos can be overlooked by our scouts. This will deter any future attack from the city of Alexandreia tes Neilou, and any force raised by the sons of Ptolemaios can be detered swiftly.

There is also another side to this. While we have momentum, I suggest that we swiftly take Hierosolyma and crush the last of the Ptolemaic resistance north of Aigyptos."

Andromachos bows his head in respect and sits down again.

Euripedes stands up again"My friend, We have lost the momentum! We need to regroup, rearm and then we can think about rolling over them again."

"I agree with Euripedes. With our armies on the run, it's the Ptolemaioi who have the momentum, and if I haven't misunderstood the situation completely they outnumber us as well. We need the peace."

Lykikos rises wearily

"I believe I stated before that we should be wary of overstretching ourselves and we seem to be at risk of doing just so. This "liberation" has become a fiasco and a national embarrassment, that accursed city was the last I ever saw and I see it in my dreams, taunting me. Leave it to the Ptolemies for the moment if we are going to eradicate the Pontic threat. When we are the undisputed rulers of Asia Minor then we can put the full weight of the Empire into action against our "brothers" in Aigyptos.
I would also like to make a suggestion, give Timarchos Mysiakes a command against Pontus and let the man redeem his lost honour."

He sits again

"I cannot understand how you can call this agreeing with me, Andromachos. I thought I made clear that I believe we need to seek peace first. All I'm saying is, let's be prepared if they decline."

Theodoros clears his throat, before he continues.

"I agree, the liberation was a fiasko and we have lost momentum. Propose peace now, all I'm saying is, we have to ensure that, should they decline, they don't have any momentum of themselves. We have to at least restore the stalemate that was present in this region before our attempt to liberate Jerusalem."

Euripedes stands up Timachos had his chance in Judea. Sarpedon and Aratos are leading the Pontic Campaign. If Athena wishes it and Ares will allow it, Timachos will see command again. But not now. The King's brother will move south and his army can hold their own. Remember we still have the Lydian army. Perhaps instead of holding it between the fronts we should move it closer to the south. Aratos and Sarpedon are more than capable of destroying Pontus on their own."

I Anaxar am new to your counsel but not to war.
I see a grave situation in the south.
Bithys must win two battles to have any chance of restoring our position. I shall have faith that he can do this. He will have a chance to threaten Hierosolyma and maybe even take it.

This army that pins our Achaios in the south however is bigger than any we can muster. If attacking the city draws their attention he may be able to out manoeuvre the enemy. I mention this because despite the great battle prowess I’m sure our Achaios processes, even with reinforcements he is badly outnumbered.

I shall travel south but I ask that I can bring skirmisher cavalry also from our capital and pick up further forces in Antiocheia, plus any others deemed available to aid Achaios. This will be a Glorious turning point in our war with Ptolomy if we can win against this huge force.
I will ready my battle brothers to depart whatever the decision.

Theodoros smiles.

"You might have mistaken something. Our leader is sitting right over there. His brother, my uncle, is currently in control of his royal army. I will now go and ready the Parthian Army for the march. If there are any new orders, just let me knoe. Otherwise I will march for Phraaspa as soon as the army is ready."

With this he leaves the chambers.

I will now be leaving the council as I am ordering my men to march toward the defense of our land whether it is Jewish or not it is close to people who ARE ours!

Andromachos rises and nods towards Theodoros

"Yes, that was my point exactly. I took your thought of possible declining somewhat further."

Andromachos bows and prepares to be seated, but suddenly changes his mind.

"Concerning the Jews in Hierosolyma. I suggest we take great caution when it comes to these people. They have lived harshely under the Ptolemaic dynasty, and they might not see us as liberators, but yet as another oppressor. Take great care, friends. I will return to Persis before this week is out to maintain the stability."

Andromachos takes his seat again.

Tired Antiochos stands and addresses the Council..

I have discussed this with some of my magistrates and think that the following orders are better consirning the current situation in Ioudaia.

Lydian Army must retrain and move south of Antiocheia. They must protect Antiocheia and Sidon!

Parthian Army must cancel it's preparations against Phraaspa and move towards Damaskos. Our provinces in that region must be kept safe!

If possible then those armies should work together and destroy the Ptolemaioi armies near Sidon and Hierosolyma. In these cases the commanders of those armies must decide who will be the High-Commander of that battle.

Antiochos resumes his seat...

Euripedes stands up"Prudent measures... However what do you wish to be done about Jerusalem for now?"

Andromachos rises

"What is to be done about Hierosolyma at this moment? The entire Levant is in an explosive situation. If we make the wrong move, our armies could end up in lands under Ptolemaic control, which would not give them the ability to march back to defend Antiocheia? Or do you perhaps want prove when the sons of Ptolemaios are marching into Mesapotamia and the banner of the Eagle stands on the walls of Seleukeia Pieria?

Andromachos is seated again

"We do need to know if they are trying to sneak through the desert into Mesopotamia, We should dispatch a network of spies to expand our sense of the area around Judea and East of the Jordan river."

The messenger left in Panaitolos Ankyrikos departure rises

"Good Basileus, I will send your order to General Ankyrikos and of course it will be carried out...in any case Antiocheia, nor Sidon, will not be aloud to fall!"

A servant leaves with a message to Theodoros and returns a while later.

"My lord wishes to report that he is now preparing to march towards Damaskos."

Antiochos rises...

The 'Liberation of Hierosolyma' is over! We have lost a good Strategos because of it and a lot of good men who joined this. The last armies that were still present there were defeated recently so there will be no point continuing this..

Euripides, you are right, we need more spies there. If our Chancellor can then he should recruit couple of them and send them into that region.

More and more I have the feeling that I have to take my sword and shield and lead the Royal Army myself. Ptolemaioi really are beginning to annoy me!

A messenger comes and rushes towards Antiochos. Kneeling before him he hands a letter to Antiochos.
After reading it, Antiochos lowers his head and some of the people close to him see tears in his eyes. Then suddenly he raises his head and stands up..

I got a message that my brother, Achaios, have died in Ioudaia! My Royal Army have been destroyed too!

I have decided personally lead my Royal Army and destroy the Ptolemaioi forces in that region!

So, Chancellor Lydikes, no other recruitment can be done until my Royal Army is recruited!

Antiochos takes his seat and starts writing orders to his magistrates.

Hail, Basileus

You shall have your army. Are there any preferences I should heed for unit types and balance?

I will send you the list of units that I want to see in my Royal Army. There are couple of them only. The rest can be recruited at your discretion.

As the Basileus announces his brother's death and taking control of the royal army himself the servant runs out to tell Theodoros.

Some time later Theodoros returns to the council.

"Father, I am sorry for your loss, our loss. It will not go unrevenged. I will immediately move to Damaskos and fend off Ptolemaoi Armies. I will await you there as soon as your army is rebuilt."

With that he leaves the chambers, calling for his horse.

Euripedes stands up and addresses the King "We should not let this disaster go without repayment. My liege, I suggest upon completion of your army, you embark on ships and swing around the Gaza and both you and your sons armies push together, crushing all resistance in between, and secure the cities once all their field armies have been obliterated. 'Tis a bold move sire, but if anyone can pull it off, you can."

Lykikos stands to address the Basileus

My Lord, I wish to advise you against swift action against the Ptolemaioi in your current mood. You have lost a brother and are obviously angry and keen for revenge, but you are an Emperor, a ruler of millions and you need to be beneath such motivations. You called this grouping together to advise you and help you rule your vast dominion, call an emergency meeting and let us decide on a course of action with cool heads and less heavy hearts. This is the first crisis we have faced as a council, let us meet it with sound judgement, not hot heads.

The Babylonian sits