The Magnaura

[ULC]

Iakovos stands.

"Your Majesty, if I may? The Grandmaster made mention of the fact that Adana is garrisoned with only 3 archers and one under strength spear unit, and myself. Reports from scouts that I sent out in the area tell me that a large Turkish army is coming down the pass just northeast of Adana. If they beseige Adana, there will be no hope in defending it."

Iakovos grabs a document from his desk and reads from it, continuing to speak in an even tone.

"May I also ask why is it that a good portion of the Caesars army is in Trebizond? Yes, that may be in Anatolia, but as far as the report says here in my hand, not only is the army in Trebizond composed of expensive mercenaries, it is also as far away from the actual fighting taking place while still being able to claim that it is 'for the Anatolian campaign'."

Iakovos clears his throat and continues, his attention fully given to the Emperor.

"I am sure you also understand that Adana is also in Anatolia, along a favored route of the Turkish army. As such, Adana should be considered a priority zone. The loss of Adana means the Turks may strike at will at either Iconium, Antioch, and Caesarea. We would be making a grave strategic error if Adana falls. I also would like to remind everyone at the Caesars words that 'The conversion of Anatolia is far more important than Syria'. I would like to ask, that if the conversion of Anatolia is so important, why have no priests been sent to Adana?"

Iakovos retuns to his desk to pick up yet another document

"I would also like to add that although we asked for war with the Egyptians, with the Caesars obvious disdain, I would like to point out that Aleppo is vulnerable to Turkish troops heading south. If we do not want to be caught in a pincer movement, then we must do something about this."

Iakovos looks over the paper again

"I would point as well that the army that took Iconium is in fact still in Iconium. Logistical reports indicate that only a skeleton garrison would be needed at this point to hold Iconium, and the rest of the troops could be put to good use in further pushing east against the Turks. Why hasn't this been done?"

Iakovos returns to his seat.

"I won't bother going over the points the Grandmaster has made, since I agree with them all in detail, and to simply parrot words would be a waste of everyone's time here."