Makedonios reads reports and consults a map on his table.

It looks like the Caliph is striking back. I can't yet find any Jihad armies forming but they will be coming. If any from Egypt come our way, the Order will bleed them on the river crossings and mountain passes.

Of course... glances at the Caesar this would be easier if we could get our 2nd army off of an island. As a point of bureaucratic paperwork, my army has been officially transferred to Armatos. He now has his army. I'd like mine sent to me in Antioch with all due haste. If possible, I'd like some stronger infantry than peasants for my army. Even spear militia from Antioch would be preferable. With the Jihad most likely heading through Antioch, we need to be prepared.

Speaking of being prepared, I am still quite concerned with the lack of development around the Empire. I've noticed the Order's and Asteri's settlements sit idle except for prioritized builds. Currently, except for Belgrade, the only settlements building anything belong to the Caesar's House (Nicaea, Sinop, Trebizond), Emperor (Sofia, Constantinople), and those who are most publicly supportive of the Caesar (Arta, Bucharest). Regardless of the political affiliation of the nobles that govern provinces, all people are citizens of the Empire. While it is very kind of you Caesar to reward the nobles who support you breaking the law, I worry about the long term economic effect this will have on the Empire's infrastructure.

I also still worry at the lack of priests in the Order's provinces. Multiple priests sit on the border of Adana but will not cross it's border despite the fact that Adana is only 27% Orthodox. The Order's territories have a chapel and an abbey so at least 3 priests should be sent back to spread the word across the Levant.

And finally, would the Caesar be so kind as to tell us why, while a Jihad has been called on Constantinople, he has taken himself, Pavlos, and a relatively large army and marched them into Tibilisi with almost no supplies?

I look forward to the Caesar's answers. And to any debate that develops. I just hope that we can keep it civil this time.