Stories Thread

[Ignoramus]

Western Anatolia, 1083

Ioannis nodded with satisfaction as the rebel flag was lowered and the gates opened. So far, either the sight of their Caesar or of his modest army was sufficient to recapture rebellious cities without a fight.

"First Brusa, and now Cyzicus. It appears that we shouldn't have much trouble reducing Canakkale." remarked one of Ioannis' retainers.

Ioannis smiled as he turned, "Yes, but it's taken us over a year just to restore Mysia to Roman control, and what have we to show for it? Certainly nothing of strategic importance. So we march on Canakkale, or I should say Dardenellia, which is vital to Constantinople's defence."

[_Tristan_]

Methodios had set up camp with his men on the side of a small hillock. The top was crowned by a stand of trees, granting enough cover to get a good view downslope to the village without being seen.

The slope leading down to the village was covered with almost uncrossable terrain, thus making sure that no shepherd would lead his beasts this way, providing Methodios and his men the perfect shelter the sought.

Durazzo... That was the name the Italians had given to the town, unable to pronounce its Greek name of Dyrrakhion...

Methodios was crouching in the bushes, observing from the top of the hill, the militia drilling in a field just outside the city limits.

The wind sometimes carried to him the orders from the captain leading the exercise, full of the lilting Italian accent.

The men seemed Greek for the most part, though many of them were dressed in the more gaudy Italian fashion, leavig Methodios in doubt as to their origins.

"It will be almost too easy... Those men don't stand a chance in a fight... I hope their captain sees sense and surrenders" Methodios thoughts were interrupted by a noise of rustling leaves nearby. Not bothering to move, knowing that it could only be one of his men, he was nevertheless surprised to see that it was Adrastos, one of the men he had left behind on is way from Thessalonica, to warn him of any followers.

For Durazzo might be an almost worthless village, but some people would like to use it to make a political statement and this at the cost of its mainly Greek population's lives and few riches.

This Methodios could not bear... That was not the Empire he had served his whole life... He would protect them whatever the cost... Hence the Edict he had proposed in the Diet and that had created such a ruckus... Here was proof that he had stepped on a few people's toes.

Turning to face Adrastos, he said :"What news ?"

"Strator," answered Adrastos, with a fist to heart salute "I have observed Neokaisareitis. He has taken a more southernly route and does not go a fast pace, he may still veer for Dur..." stumbling upon the word " Dyrrakhion but I think he may be headed for the coast..."

"What of the others ?" asked Methodios

"They are headed this way, though they are burdened by a baggage train that slows them down. They should be here by tomorrow evening at the latest."

"By Achilles' heel !!!" Methodios sweared. "Have you seen any Imperial messenger headed this way?"

"No, not one..."

"Go back to camp... Get some food and wine... You earned it"

Saluting once more and with a grin spread across his face, Adrastos turned on his heels and went down towards the hidden camp, leaving Methodios to ponder his options.

"The Basileos has been quite clear. Dyrrakhion is off limits to anyone unless expressly ordered to capture it." Methodios considered. "Though I respect his will like God's will, I fear that Arianitis and Monomachos, if not Neokaisareitis, may force my decision."

Taking a last glance at the militia maneuvering down on the plain, Methodios reached his decision and walked back to camp.

"Orders or no orders... Tomorrow, we ride to battle..."