Stories Thread

[Smowz]

Athens 1150

He sat across the table listening intently to the messenger, it was not what he wanted to hear. Summoning up all his patience he waited whilst the man went through other trivialities and gave the man his expenses.

As soon as the man left the building Nevoulas ek Philadelphius walked up to a nearby vase, calmly picked it up and hurled it across the room and watched as it smashed into smithereens.

Behind him came a slow hand clap, Nevoulas did not need to turn to know it was his brother Makedonios.

Nevo if only you could take on the Muslim hordes with the Athenian porcelain at your disposal. Crowed Maka.

Nevoulas turned angrily, about to remind his brother of his place and to call him by an appropriate title. But upon seeing his brothers chirpy face, he reminded himself that things were not so bad. He was having to remind himself of this fact too often in these latter years of his term as Megas, the news from the outlying towns was the tip of the iceberg.

Upon seeing his illustrious brother's glum face Maka's face also turned serious.

More bad news from the East? he enquired.

It would seem your former overlords have been regrouping out in the East. They are bringing hordes of horses with them. The eastern push is in danger of stagnating and if these latest reports are true some of our best men are in severe danger.

Maka pondered his next words carefully.

I am sorry my brother I do not know much of this latest Sultan, he was most adament to push most of us outsiders close to the Eastern extremes, this is how I ended up fighting for the Egyptians.

Nevoulas eyed his brother, this was the first time in years, Makadonios had mentioned anything of this dark time in his life as a virtual Mamluk. He waited as Maka looked away for him to continue.

It was almost as if he knew that the Seljuk hold on Anatolia was weakening, I heard rumours of lavish buildings in Baghdad. Those were strange times. Maka wiped a tear from his face.

Nevoulas went to put his arm on his brothers shoulder, but Maka suddenly straightened.

But onto the present, I come to report that finally the extra ships from the south have arrived. After the embarrassing logistical display of a year ago we can soon be ready to set sail.


Nevoulas smiled at that, indeed it was a farcical display as they had set sail the first time with too many munitions and troops for the vessels to support them. After three horrific and painfully slow months at sea they came back the Athens. It would be good to go on this campaign, he really could not wait for the adventure if truth be told.

Yes, once my megas term ends, we will have that to occupy our thoughts my brother. Lets go to the docks now and have a look at the fine vessels myself.