On a hill near Athens 1146

Makadonios ek Philadelphius had not seen his brother since crossing the Aegean Sea. It had been an emotional journey for him, the closest that he had been to his birthplace, since he had left all that time ago. His thoughts had been on the Moorish attempt on his life, he knew all too well what they were worried about. Makadonios had learned much during his time in the Seljuk army, including the levels of collusion between the great powers of Islam. He knew more of the Moors then most in these parts and he suspected his brother knew this and perhaps that would be his last act to reveal his secrets before his unavoidable execution.

He was now being led on a strangely familiar uphill path lost in his thoughts of the past and as the edged toward the summit of the climb, he recognized where it was that he had been taken. This was a place where he and Nevoulas came countless times as children from here you could see the lands all around and they would often spy the traffic going from Athens to the Castle at Corinth. He fondly recalled these days, wondrous hours whiled away before the terrible black cloud of his armed days in service of initially the corrupt Roman corps and then the Seljuk horde. At the finest viewpoint he could see his brother Nevoulas ek Philadelphius awaiting back turned to him.

Maka, come your time for retribution has come. Nevoulas called out.

Steeling himself Makadonias shuffled forwards.

Halt. Nevoulas suddenly shouted still facing away from Makadonios. Guards release his foot chains.

This was duly done, if this had been a few months previous Makadonios would have instantly attempted escape. But now he realized there was nowhere to go, indeed nowhere else he wished to go, he was prepared to face his death well.

Striding forward he stopped some metres short of his brother.

Lord Megas Makadonias awkwardly said and went to one knee.

Makadonias, I must soon depart for the Capital. As you know the Emperor is dead and as such I must travel to pay my respects. In addition there will no doubt be some issues with the ascension, I will need to stay for whatever coronation follows. Before I go, this seems a fitting time for us to conclude this. I will offer you a choice.

I have made my choice my brother. Makadonios cut in. I will meet my death with honour whatever you wish to know of the Moors I will tell it.

Nevoulas smiled, resisting the urge to chuckle. Maka still believes us barbarians, even now after living among us for some months. I guess the chains and living amongst the enemy can do that. He walks forwards and unlocks the chains that bind his hands.

Maka, it is not necessary for you to die, while it is true that many Romans are dead at the hand of your sword everyone in this empire is given a second chance and so it shall be with you.

Look my brother at the lands around us, these belong to the House of Asteri, you may join in the harvest return to our cousins and old friends and help in a low level capacity.

Makadonios looked stunned. My brother I would love to...

However I do have another option, one that I dearly hope you will take up. I made a promise when I took up this position as Megas to the late emperor. This was not a promise that he compelled me to take or one that he even requested, still it is one that now upon his death more than ever I intend to keep.

With our most finest commanders chasing the Fatamids and the Seljuks into the east, the Moors continue to sit smugly far away in the west. I do not care of the near impossible logistics of the task I will bring the fight and fear to them on their lands, with the ultimate goal of their sultans head to return some day riding into the streets of Constantinople. I wish you Makadonios to come with me on this quest and serve as part of my bodyguard.

Makadonios looked thoughtful and met his brothers eye.

Brother I have seen much killing, more than my lifetimes fill....

Nevoulas cut in... Maka i stood here and watched you and father ride away and a returned here daily to watch for your triumphant return. Only you never came back... instead I travel continents to find you only to be enslaved and humiliated. By some miracle I managed to escape... I know you arranged my escape and that is why I have given you the chance to redeem yourself here. I will understand if you wish to stay here as a farmer, but I hope you use the oppurtunity I have given you to take the time in my absence to train and prepare for my no our quest.

Maka still stood stunned. This was his chance to finally redeem himself, he looked around Nevoulas' now familiar bodyguard nodded approvingly.

My brother I will do it, I shall help you lead a vicious attack on the Moors.