The Royal Council

I must ask do we have an army in the making because from what I see our forces are split in to three small forces. They are praying upon our forces being spread out. I suggest with withdrawing our forces and combining them for a greater assault upon their armies. My friends our knowledge of our foe shows 23 regiments in their main force I must ask we train more forces in Damascas, Sidon and (what will become Antioch).
I must also ask has the royal army been assembled to meet this threat?

Achaios Syriakos' representative on the council stands

"The Royal Army is assembled, and my master has recently used it to prevent the main army of ptolemy from entering our lands without bringing him to battle, he sends word that the sooner you can join him the better as the army of ptolemy greatly outnumbers him andhe is desperately in need of some heavy cavalry

A saddened Panaitolos rises with a suggestion

"It is indeed a sad time for we Men of the Arche...however we must be quick with our mourning and agree upon a plan of action . The Ptolemaoi will make haste in continuing their offensives against us and I believe that it would now be wise to rethink our planned campaign against Pontus.

My proposal is to keep either the Syrian army or my Lydian army in the north to keep Pontic forces at bay should they become more of a problem. Which ever force is not chosen for this defense should be sent to the front against the Ptolemaoi along with the Royal Army. Anaxarchos is right in the fact that our forces are divided. Therefore, we must consolidate what we can and launch counter offensives against the Ptolemaoi. That is all...and my condolences as well to Attalos Pergamou Mysiakes brother."

Panaitolos seats himself still full of both sorrow and hatred...

Andromachos Syriakos marches into the council room.

"An apology, friends, for I was not able to travel to Seleukeia in over a month, due to illness. However, I have almost fully recovered and can take back my position as Satrap of the Persikoi.

Andromachos takes a vacant seat next to Sarpedon and quickly scopes the council.

A messenger from the Basileu's Royal Army enters

"Great Men of the Arche! My commander, Achaios Syriakos, proposes that the remaining soldiers of the defeated army either join his army until the immediate ptolemaic threat has passed or that his army and the defeated army attack the enemy in tandem!"

"With some utterly bad news came a good one. I'm happy to see you here again, Andromachos, though I cannot smile for this recent loss of a man whom I counted as a good friend. Welcome back!"

Sarpedon turns to Theodoros.

"I don't oppose taking Hierosolyma from Ptolemaic rule, but we should have done it on our terms, when we were fully ready, and simply to put them under our control instead. There's nothing wrong with that. If they want freedom, they should fight for it themselves, not have good Greeks like Attalos pay for it in their stead."

Now turning to Antiochos, Sarpedon continues.

"Father, I know you don't want to break your word, and I respect that. You have promised to free them, and you want to see it done. However, we have tried our best, and one of us died in the attempt. We were simply unable to do it, and surely you can't consider not doing something you promised because it turned out you couldn't as breaking your word?

No, we have done our part. What have the Jews done themselves? Have they risen up in revolt to divert resources and attention, and aid us in the capture? Did they open the gates for us? Have they done anything except just sitting there on their fat behinds, waiting for us to do their little dirty work for them? Is it really worth losing more of our soldiers' lives just to live up to a promise we by all right should no longer consider ourselves bound by?

I say we should go ahead and offer the Ptolemaioi peace now. That would give us time to take care of Pontos and prepare for a new, proper attack against the Ptolemaioi once we are done with Pontos. Then we can strike with our full fist forward, knowing that our back is secure."

Theodoros looks up and replies.

"It was not my intention to question your determination to increase the glory of the Arche and I am by no means saying that there's anything wrong with what you are proposing. I'm just saying we can't be too rash in our decisions and judgements. After all in this battle Iudaoi fought and died alongside our own men and they have raised all the funds involved in this liberation attempt."

Theodoros sighs.

"I do agree with you though. If the Ptolemaioi are willing to accept a cease fire let them have it by all means. The only reason I propose for the armies to head south are my doubts that these egypt bastards will accept such an offer. They have exploited a weak spot on our side and struck with a force we wouldn't have thought them capable of using. We have to be careful not to loose ground in the south in a retaliation strike by Ptolemaoi forces. I fear, if they accept a cease fire, we will have to take it on their terms instead of offering our terms as we wished to do, after the fall of Jerusalem. We cannot aford to pay them tribute at the moment and, after all, in doing that we would strengthen our enemy while weakening ourselves... Let us make no mistakes, friends. Any peace with Ptolemy can only be temporary."

Euripedes stands up and addresses the whole room"We should not abandon Jerusalem. Pull the beaten army back. We must bide time, The King's Army should move and hold off any Ptolemaic threats to our southern border."

I agree Euripedes! And I hope you all had read my proposal we must act now!

We should concentrate our coffers on the Pontic Campaign for now. Once Pontus is dealt with, a new surge on Jerusalem should take place. We cannot call edicts right now, and this is not nearly an emergency yet. But I think we should have a quick vote by voice, who concurs that the Liberation of Jerusalem should be held off till we settle the border dispute in Pontus? Stand up and let yourself be heard."

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

Antiochos turns towards Polyxenidos...

I'll think about it. Will see what the spring will bring us.

OOC: Calling an Emergency Council Session would mean that Rodrico Stak, Roka and Adamantarius will not be able to take part of it since they don't have avatars yet.

A messenger enters the court.

"Basileus, your son Theodoros reports that the Parthian army is on the march to Damaskos and he expects to arrive there during spring or summer, the year after the next year."

Sarpedon quickly stands up and raises his right hand in a motion to speak.

"Father, if things haven't changed dramatically come spring, I would strongly suggest that you heed Lykikos' advice. Our next move needs to be planned very carefully so that no mistakes are made. An ill step now and we will stumble, and if we fall we may never get up again."

I know this Sarpedon. If we can't destroy the Ptolemaioi now then they soon take over Sidon, Damaskos and perhaps even Antiocheia! After that you will be almost cut of from the rest of the Empire!
This year have become a nightmare!

Galaktíon, the messenger of Nikarchos Asterias Syriakes enters the room, kneels and adresses the basileus

"Antiochos Syriakos, Mylord, i bring word from my master Syriakes, who camps at the borderline to Assyrie . Knowledge of the tragical death of your son has recently reached this ear and he asks you to accept his heartfelt sympathy. As a sign of mourning he will not speak a word until the warmth of spring has banished winters sorrowful coldness and the days become longer and brighter."

Galaktíon stands up, bows and steps backwords to the place where the messengers have to wait in the room.

"Sarpedon has a good idea on the gravity of this situation, If we lose the coastline, we lose our most crucial cities, We will be unable to afford more armies in a timely fashion. Our Eastern holdings are dwarfed in importance compared to this coast."

Andromachos rises furiously from his seat.

"Dwarfed in importance? You forget something here, friend. Our armies are payed by money that flows from the east. Not only the abundant trade with the civilization of Maurya through Baktria and the Keleuthos Bombykike, but also the abundance of silver and gold found in the hills of Persia, Gabia and the rest. I am the Satrap of Persia, and you would be wise to first learn of the east before you make such bold statements.

Andromachos looks at Arrhenides one last time, furiously, and is seated again.

"You speak as if the East is supporting the rest, which of course is ridiculous.

The truth is plain and simple: the East is not as important as the West. It's in the west that we get the Makedonians and the Greeks. It's where we get our best and most reliable troops, and it's where we get money and manpower to survive. If we would lose the East, that would hurt us, but we would still be a power to be reckoned with. We'd still have money, we'd still have people to draw armies from, we'd still have a good chance to expand. If we lose the west, we're done. We'd be left with poor cities with low populations - who, may I remind you, are not too happy about our rule - and what rabble we could conjure up would be unreliable at best.

I do not think that Euripedes suggests that the east is worthless, not at all. He's simply saying that it's not nearly as important as the west is. That is indisputable. Perhaps you need to learn about the west?"

*Messanger arrives and hands a letter to the clerk, who reads sections aloud*

My lord's and most honoured Baselios, blah blah blah... getting to the point
*the clerk clears his throat before continuing*
Timarchos Mysiakes reports victory over the Potlemai, and further, reports that a path to Jerusalem is now open, additionally he reports that part of the enemy garrison is outside the city, and the rest of the garrison could be coaxed away from the walls if it were attacked.
Further still, he reports that with extra troops, even if they be the remainder of all liberator armies, the jews could be free before summer.
and apparently, he's slightly worried about an alarmingly large Egyptian army beseiging Bostra which could interdict and advance or beseige the city once its liberated.

The rest is a detailed report of the battle that I wont bore you with now.

Andromachos rises again

"Sarpedon, tell me, please; what has the west? Do not forget I am as much a Makedones as you. The fiercest men are not only to be found in the west, you are mistaken here. I have enormous kleroi of land granted to Makedonian and Hellene settlers, who have fought and died for our glory. To call the people of the East rabble is ignorant at best. Do not forget that they too, supply our lands with gold."

Andromachos glances around the council.

To the point of saying that is not nearly as important as the west..I would disagree? Where would we be, if the cities of Ekbatana and Susa would lie in ashes? Where would we be if Ptolemaic banners fly over the cities of Seleukeia tes Tigrou and Babylon. Can anyone tell me here that the East is not as important as the west? Can anyone?!"

Andromachos' voice almost reaches to a shout.

"This is not what Megás Alexandros wanted. He wanted to unite East and West, Persikos and Makedones, Hellene and Aigyptes. It is the strength combined of East and West that makes us as we are. One nation, one Basileos. Be you Makedonian, Hellene, Syrian, Jewish, Babylonian, Armenian or Persian, it matters not. It matters not where we are from, and that my friends, that is exactly what differs us from the sons of Ptolemaios. The combined strength of East and West will triumph over the Kings of Egypt and it will make Alexandros' dream come true: One great nation."

Andromachos looks around the councilroom one last time, as if waiting for a comment, and then takes his seat.

"Did I not already tell you? The west has great wealth, manpower, infrastructure, Makedonians and loyal inhabitants. The east has some wealth, laughable manpower, horrendous infrastructure, few Makedonians and disloyal inhabitants. Do not fool yourself and think they're equals. They're not. I think that makes at least two who has said the East is less important. I, myself, have said it twice now.

Note though that all anyone here has said is less important, as opposed to unimportant. What I think you should do now, Andromachos, is first to calm down. Take your frustration out in the training yard or something. Then when you can think clearly again without your own personal feelings getting in your way for rational thought, come back. Your whole speech about what Alexander wanted seems a little bit... misdirected."

Lykikos stands and looks at Andromachos

"I think you should heed Sarpedon's advice and calm down, although unfortunately that was the only thing of worth in his words. "
Looks to Sarpedon
"You keep going on about Makedones, Sarpedon, as if they are the be all and end all of the Arche, why not go back to Makedonia if thats what is important to you? For one who is heir to this Empire you seem to have little understanding how it works, indeed many in the east are not 100% loyal and a strong Basileus is needed to unite them all. I wonder how they will react when they have a leader who sees them as "less important" rather than "unimportant." I'm sure the huge difference in meaning will be very reassuring for them."

He sits, shaking his head

Andromachos glances over at Polyxenides

"You are right, I spoke in anger. However,"

Andromachos turns towards Sarpedon again

"You misunderstand my point, Sarpedon. The true power of the Arche lies to the east, at the cities of Ekbatana, Susa, Seleukeia tes Tigrou, Babylon, and Persepolis. These are the economic powerhouses on which our strength lies. You severely underestimate the strength of the east. Were it not the Persians who claimed the largest part of Asia?"

"I have not even stated once that the West is less important than the East. They are balancing eachother, as the one relies on the other. I also think that you cannot even think to state that the East has "some wealth", at best, as you put it. I, personally, control all the trade coming through, far from the East, even further than the Mauryioi who live in golden cities, as is told. The provinces of Gabiene, Perse, Parthava, Hyrkania, Austauene, Karmania and Aria are rich in the silver and gold ore, which we use to pay our soldiers. Did you think that Antiocheia and Seleukeia Pieria alone could handle all the pay for our soldiers, or Issos, Sardis, Mazaka?

Nay. The economy lies in the East, the men in the West."

A servant sitting at the doors listens carefully to what is going on and, knowing his master would want to know of this discussion, calls for one of THeodoros' messengers to deliver him news about this unrest.

""Go back to Makedonia"?" Sarpedon frowns and shakes his head. "Listen up, Lykikos, and listen good: without the Makedonians and the Hellenes, we have no army. When their numbers dwindle, we are forced to turn to mercenaries, lest our armies should dwindle with them. This is a fact, not how I want it to be, or even just my opinion. That's just the way it is, and that's why I'm saying they're more important, along with the fact that they're more trustworthy. I've never taken you for a fool, but you're starting to sound an awful lot like one if you're telling me you didn't already know this."

Sarpedon now turns to Andromachos, smiling gleefully.

"I'm afraid you're contradicting yourself now. First you say that "the true power" lies in the east, continuing to say that's where our strength lies. So far so wrong, but then you go on and say that you "never once" have said the west was less important than the east! But my dear Andromachos, you did so twice before in the very same speech!" Sarpedon laughs and continues. "Which is all the more funny since I hadn't even claimed that you said anything of the sort before!

In any case, you're being a fool here. Could Ekbatana, Susa, Babylon, Seleukeia and Persepolis alone pay for our armies? Of course not! Does that mean the west is supplying all the wealth? Of course not! You're saying it does, only you take western cities instead and claim the east is paying for it. You're, quite happily I presume, forgetting that Mikra Asia is a very, very rich area, and the trade there is great as well. This I know personally because I am the satrap there, and unlike others, I actually do my job."

With a long stare straight into Andromachos' eyes, Sarpedon sits down.

Lykikos stands to adress Sarpedon

I care little for whether you took me for a fool, I had certainly never taken you for a potential tyrant

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

OOC using a modern interpretation of the word here

yet I'm sure I'm not alone in becoming very concerned recently that you are heir to our Empire. I am well aware of the importance of Makedones and Hellenes to our armies but even Alexandros had others in his armies, insulting the other peoples in our Empire will not motivate them to fight with us. I am not overly concerned with your opinions on military matters, I am very concerned with how you are putting them across. You seem intent on humiliating your cousin, and you are making sure everybody knows what a great job you are doing rather than letting your actions speak for themselves.
Perhaps we should focus on the Ptolemaic threat now, this bickering would be more at home in Athens and will get us nowhere.

The Babylonian sits looking tired

Sarpedon sighs.

"I never said we have, are, or should exclude non-Hellenes from our armies, so don't try to play it that way. The fact still remains, though: they are the core, and without them we crumble. If saying that makes them more important than others is "insulting", than I'm sure you'd say that it would be insulting of me to say that the cavalry in our armies are more important than the levy skirmishers. Ridiculous.

If I'm humiliating Andromachos, then it's his own fault, because I don't humiliate someone because of how they look, how they dress or because I "just want to". I only humiliate people because of what they claim, and in the right circumstances, how they claim it. I simply call them as I see them. As for letting my actions speak for themselves, I tried that, and despite working the crap out of myself and becoming the best administrator in the whole damn kingdom, that only gained me attacks from Timarchos. Perhaps you had forgotten that?

But I do agree we should focus on the current problems we're having. We can't waste time on something like this now."

Lykikos looks confused

"Are you seriously telling me you are so insecure that being "attacked" by the man who led to our humiliation in Heirosolyma has led to these arrogant outbursts? I believe I said once before that a lack of criticism is sometime the only praise you receive in politics, criticism from Timarchos hardly counts now does it? Personally I had no doubts you would succeed as Satrap but I didn't realize you needed constant reassurances of your worth, I will try to remember in future."

Lykikos smiles to assure Sarpedon he is not serious

Euripedes after watching the three men bicker for a time stands up with a look of slight distaste
"SHUT UP! STOP YOUR PETTY BICKERING! You are men! ACT LIKE IT! Andromachos, those cities are the heart of the Arche, without them We cannot function. Sarpedon, you misunderstood what I said. When I said the East, I meant the far east, bordering the Persian scum and the Baktrians. The great core cities dwarf the East AND West in importance. You are SATRAPS! You are not accomplishing anything by disputing who's Satrapy is more important. We have a new issue here. A large army at Petra. We should not provoke it by taking Jerusalem. Leave the Jews to rot. I would not trade 10 000 Jews for 100 of our soldiers. We should hold the line, Pontus must fall before we can continue into Egypt...Eurpides takes a breath and a sip of water."Another issue. The Armenian threat! After Pontus is dealt with we will have extended our borders with them. This new border needs to be enforced. I propose that after the Pontic campaign is through we raise a small contingent as a delaying force if the Hai decide to make an incursion on our lands. Euripedes looks to the similiarly aged King Your thoughts sire?

*the clerk speaks up*

The... Egyptian army that Mysiakes reported is beseiging Bostra, not Petra sir, a small oversight, given that they are both desert town's nobody seams to care about..... in any case its the one north-east of Jerusalem

"my mistake, please do not call me sir, I am no officer. Just merely a philosopher of sorts appointed by the young Arrhenides Gedrosianos Cunobelinus to act on his behalf in this council."

Alexandros rises and speaks to the clerk

That is quite a different matter. While the towns themselves might be of little value their geographic positions are significant. In other words, Petra is well within Ptolemaic territory – Bostra is not. Indeed, Bostra opens up an additional front. If Bostra is taken, the town could be used as a staging ground for attacks on the Levant or even across the desert into our heartlands. I am not familiar with the current positions of our forces assigned to the area, but I believe that the Ptolemaic threat must be dealt with.

In a larger sense, we have only ourselves to blame for this. We decidedly underestimated Ptolemy’s strength and cunning and we are now suffering the consequences. We also suffer from the lack of an organized strategy of defense. I believe we would ensure the security of our lands if first the Bostra threat is dealt with, and if troops can be spared the town should be taken for the Arche. Second, Hierosolyma should be taken as soon as possible. This will allow the establishment of a much more comfortable perimeter that can be held until the Invasion of Aegyptos. If anyone has a different understanding of the situation, and I believe it to be grave, let him speak. I do not see any other way to proceed.

"Lykikos, watch your mouth. I am the best administrator there is in this whole kingdom, and no one comes close to matching my skill - not even my father. Why should I pretend like this is not the case? It is not out of any supposed arrogance that I'm saying this, it is out of my unwavering loyalty to reality. All I want is for the rest of you to catch up on that as well."

Sarpedon turns to Euripedes.

"Were you not the one who said we shouldn't "abandon the jews", and now suddenly you're on the opposite side of the fence? You have come to the right conclusion, of course, but I'm just wondering why you didn't value our soldiers so much before.

Also, if you hadn't heard us already, Lykikos and I had already agreed to stop before you started shouting like that. Disgraceful, and pointless."

Galaktíon, messenger of Nikarchos Asterias Syriakes enters the room

My Lords, once again i bring word from my Master, who has heard of the important discoussion concerning how to face the dangerous threat of the Ptolemaioi. He instructed me to bring in his opinion of his matter.

Galaktíon grabs a scroll and starts to read

My Lords

I am crossing Assyrie at the Moment and advance towards Phyrgia to join the army of Sarpedon Syriakos near the border of Pontos.

Pontos, the Kingdom founded by Mithridates the first, adherent of Antigonos, enemy of our divine father Seleukos. They may look amicably towards us now, but not because they have respect but because they fear us. I'm sure they just wait for an opportunity to extend their Kingdom at our expense!

If we draw back our Armies from the border of Pontos and bind them in the war against the Ptolemaioi, the pontic King will take his chance and attack Ipsos. Should the strong Ptolemaioi decide to send all their armies with might and main against our walls to crush us, we cannot afford an enemy like Pontos to stab in our back.

Pontos could be taken in short time, if we act swiftly. Many hellenic people live there, who could join our armies. If we'd liberate them soon, we could take the offensive against the Ptolemys without sorrow, and the western border would be save, wich is of significant importance to us and of course to me personally, as the true Makedon I am.

For now i will continue my journey and my messengers will inform me regularly about the desicions and discussions made in this council.


May the Gods protect you all

Nikarchos Asterias Syriakes


He finishes and looks expectantly to the Council

Akakios Euthymios, Strategos Aratos Representative, takes his chance and stands.

"I have recieved an update on the progress of the 1st Syrian Army.

My lord, considering all the problems with Ptolemy and the need of an efficient and quick conquest of Pontus, wishes that any modification to the plans be known to him, immediately, as he is at striking distance. If Aratos is not sent anything, he will engage the war."

The representative, now adds a more grave tone to his voice.

"Finally, Strategos Epilektos Aratos Syriakes manifests, with great respect towards Strategos Arrhenides, his discontent towards Euripedes, for insulting his roots. Calling them "persian scum", was very insulting and not how a true philosopher should behave. Aratos demands a public apology from Euripedes, here at the Council and in Aratos' presence. Additionally, he asks the Basileus, for the immediate expulsion of Euripedes from the Council, forever."

Euthymios looks seriously and directly at Euripedes. "Consider yourself lucky."

Now, turning towards the Council. "This was my master's message." Euthymios bowed his head and sat.

I agree completely with your superior, good Akakios. Had this toplofty blowhard made such a statement in my Satrapy, his head and neck would immediately part company. Glaring at Euripides you call yourself a philosopher? Come try your philosophy in Parthava you lily-livered coward. I'd be willing to bet a mint that I wouldn't need to give the order to shorten you by a head, since one of those "Persian scum" you keep referring to would continue the conversation through your respective seconds. I happen to rule over many of those Persians you like to call scum, they have fought bravely to rid the Satrapy of all manner of lawless scum, hell, if you met one of the Daha nomads we kill regularly face-to-face, you'd crap your chiton right before you grew an arrow out of your arse. I've done nothing but promote law and order in the Arkhe, mostly at the point of a sword, what have you accomplished? Besides fancy, well articulated lies.

"The personal messenger of Anaxarchos Kyrrhestikes Syriakes, stands to read his masters words to the counsel"

Generals, Noblemen, Brothers.
I ask that you heed my words for this is a time we should strive for unity against our common foe. We need a clear mind and one decision on what to do. I say we all vote on a plan to counter Ptolemy. I request first that spies be sent to ascertain what we face and where. Second: that we continue to marsh a vast army and supporting forces.
Third: that the pontic campaign start if there is no great risk of our generals being absent or getting out-manoeuvred.
Lastly: that we don’t fall pray to the infighting that split Megas Alexander’s great empire. After all he wanted unity and respect between east and west. I would encourage the eastern satrap to make plans to extend his domain to the most easterly extent he can.
Long live the Arche!
Anaxar

To Anaxarkhos' messenger

We are already working on all the things your superior has suggested, good of you to remind us. Spies are already en-route to the Southwestern front. I believe Satrap Sarpedon has the Pontic war effort well in hand, I trust he will strike when the time is right. As for the Ptolemies, we have only suffered a setback, they have taken no territory from us, and recruiting is going full tilt at this point. I believe Basileus Antiochos plans to personally repay those freaks with the best the Arkhe can muster, they have a lot to answer for. As for extending our influence to the East, this is in the works, but the time is not ripe yet. I am extending an offer to your superior, that he may actively participate in the taming of the East, as my Aide. Pretty words are well and good, but it's time to put our money where our mouths are.

"As for when I will strike, I've pretty much been waiting for the clearance to do so. For one thing I think we should first send a diplomat and officially end the alliance before we attack, which hasn't been done yet, and secondly the Ptolemaic situation has complicated things. With but one word from the basileus, I can strike. My forces aren't fully gathered yet, though, and if I would have to make an assault, I would want those Jews with me, so for full efficiency and safety, we would wait at least until they get to me. But that would likely mean postponing my attack at least a year, so there is that to consider as well."

Anaxar's representative turns to face Lydikes

Lord Lydikes,
If my services are not needed in The Ptolemy war then I shall travel to aid you in the east.
I am in transit to Damaskas but need not continue with Achaios Syriakos passing from this realm to the underworld. I await conformation from those fighting this conflict of the Basileus.
Anaxar

A rider from Damaskos rushes in with a scroll and begins reciting aloud:

"Highest of the High, Most Wise and Just Fathers and Brothers of the Council,

The city of Bostra in the neighboring country of Nabataia is besieged by an army of innumerable proportions: banners, shields, and engines of war as far as the eye can see! WHEN this city to the South of Damaskos falls, it will not be long till the leader of that great force looks North toward our valuable mines, seeking to seal off the Arche's might from the riches that are as of yet still untapped. Should I fall, defending one of our two passages to the Inner Empire, to the hordes, we must press Southward from Sidon to Hierosolyma, cut off the enemy's supplies, and maintain a front further from Imperial soil.

I am sending my best rider by swiftest mount; I pray this message falls upon sound ears and that a plan can be put into action posthaste.

Ever Your firm and unwavering adherent,

H. N. Syriakes"

The horseman awaits the response.

Yes, Kleoronomos Basileion, I will include your status on my report to my lord.

I predict Aratos will just camp outside Mazaka and resupply.

The Council doors open and Antiochos walks in. Looking around he can see everyone's surprise. Looking towards the throne he smiles and understands this confusion. The man, sitting on the throne, looks exactly like him. Antiochos says to him..

You can go now, Telemachos!

The man, Telemachos, bows and leaves the room. Turning towards the rest of the room he says..

I apologize for this confusion. I left Telemachos stay here so that I could go to Ioudaia and see what is going on there myself. Things don't look in our favour I must say. Although Ptolemaioi forces besiege the city of Sidon, that we captured from them, I say that we don't need Emergency Council Session.
The men under Bithys Nisaias Parthiakes are ready to fight against Ptolemaioi and will serve the Arche under Timarchos Mysiakes.

Turning towards Euripides...

Now.. And what will I do with you! You have insulted a lot of people I've heard! The easiest thing would be just cut your head off...

One of Antiochos' bodyguards smiles and draws his sword..

.. but you will not get away so easily.

Smile from the bodyguards face disappears and slowly he puts his sword away...

You will rot in the dungeon until some better punishment comes to my mind!
Let it be known that if someone is here to represent their master then they really should watch their language! You are here only to tell us your master words and nothing else.

Taking his seat he looks how Euripides is dragged away from the Council room..

A messenger enters the court and hands a note to Theodoros' servant. The messenger then waits at the door, while the servant reads aloud:

"Great Basileus, Fellow Strategoi, I have come aware of our town Sidon besieged my the Ptolemaic forces, but althoug I don't doubt the army I command would be more than capable of dealing with them, I won't be there in time to relieve the town. I suggest, some forces from Ioudaia should be sent there as I highly doubt the garrison will be able to fight of an early attack. As for now I will keep the Parthian Army marching towards Damaskos to defend our borders until the royal army arrives there and we can coordinate a plan to hit these egyptians hard.

Strategos Theodoros Syriakos"

The servant takes his seat and waits if there are any messages he should send to his master.

General Ankyrikos rides in from Antiocheia after his seasonal absence.

"Good Basileus! I have come to report that my army is stationed within the walls of Antiocheia. While I know we must wait to be retrained by the Chancellor, I ask if my assistance will be required against the Ptolmy along with your Royal Army and the Parthian Army. As of now I understand our orders are that of defense...which it seems either way our current combats will be, but I offer my hand in soon to come engagements with Egyptian scum if you will allow it."

Strategos Ankyrikos, If you think that you can beat the Ptolemaioi army besieging Sidon then do so.

Turning towards Theodoros' messenger...

Tell to your master that they should wait in Damaskos but if he thinks that he can defeat some of their smaller forces then he can attack them. Just stay away from the Ptolemaioi general near Bostra if he should come to your way. I want to kill him myself!

"Good Basileus, if my forces are retrained in time...with the right amount of planning I believe and can deliver a good blow to the Ptolmy forces near Sidon."

The messenger nods and takes a bow to the Basileus before leaving the council.

The door opens and a stranger walks into the council

"My lord Basileus! Great men of the Arche! My name is Nikanor Kybiosaktes, or Niko for short, I have just arrived from Makedon to serve the children of Seleukos!"

He turns to the throne and bows.

"Do you have any orders for me?"

Welcome Nikanor Kybiosaktes!

I must say that at the moment I don't have any orders for you. But since I plan to go to Ioudaia then perhaps you could join with me.

Antiochos nods..