The Hippodrome

[Smowz]

Nevoulas ek Philadelphias is unaccustomed to such events - however he simply could not afford to miss out on such a spectacle. His opinion of both men was very much in the balance, on one side was the legendary scoundrel himself Methodios and on the other side was the sneaky proud Nikiphoras.

Both men had stood up for what they believed and the unorthodox way of sorting this out had caught the imagination of the empire. Indeed Nevoulas was now gathered with well respected peoples from both his province in the Balkans and indeed from newly inherited Markinople. Where better to start to discuss matters of state then at this grand affair.

Nevoulas looks down on the track and notices the two combatants talking to their respected choices for the race. There are many people dashing about, Nevoulas peers closer to look around at the scene he sees representatives from all over the empire, pale skins, dark skins and even the odd Turkish descendent.

Nevoulas looks over at one dressed in Seljuk design- he was sure he recoginized the all to familiar features. He rises and is about to rush down and confront his long lost relative when Trumpets blaze around and a roar echoes around the arena.

Nevoulas loses sight of the man and feels one of his guests tug at his robe.

'Nevoulas why the long face come enjoy some of the Belgradian wine'

Nevoulas grimaces ... horse pee would taste better he thinks, still he had to be polite and gulps some down, forgetting his moment.