Stories Thread

[MerlinusCDXX]

At Kleros Laodikeion in Sophene, early afternoon. Late Summer 272 BC

Phanias Laodikeias Lydikes steps forth from the smoke filled tent with an exclamation of, "Syria Dea! what now?" to the messenger standing at the entrance. "Can't you people leave me to my meditations?"

The messenger responds with a sneer, " I don't think rotting your brains in a barbaroi hemp oven does anything to promote the glory of Megas Alexandros. Wake up, man, you are a Strategos of the Arkhe Seleukeia, it's about time to start acting the part, well, here's your opportunity. The Basileus has called a meeting of Strategoi at Seleukeia, you are required to attend".

Phanias looks up with a smile "Well, it's a cold wind howling down the pass, I suppose it's a good time for a holiday to the riverlands. Courier, I shall depart presently. Mardakou!" Phanias snaps to his steward, "Saddle my good Skythoi mare, the one I have from my mother, and tell Danae to get ready to go on a journey. Pack provisions and wine to last a trip to Seleukeia. And have a slave take this messenger to the kitchens and feed him 'till he can't eat anymore, and wine to wash off the dust of the desert"

Mardakou stammers incredulously as the courier is escorted to the kitchens, "b.b.b.but Sir, do you really think it's advisable to bring an Hetaira to the Basileus' war council?"

Looking put upon, Phanias sighs, "Just do it Mardakou, I'm sure the gods don't begrudge me joyful companionship, considering my former 'wife' decided to run off with some dirty Armenios, he was a pig farmer or something, wasn't he?"

"I don't know, sir" states Mardakou, "and anyways, shouldn't you be thinking on the business of punishing those Armenioi if you get the opportunity? It will be more difficult to keep your focus strong if you surround yourself with distractions like Danae"

"Hehehe, my dear Mardakou, Danae is accompanying me on this journey, your protests not withstanding. I don't pay you to advise me of court etiquette, and your dislike of Danae is immaterial. I pay you to run my estates and instruct my servants, so please do so now. We leave tomorrow at sunrise." Phanias smirks.