Stories Thread

[00jebus]

Winter, 271 BC

Timarchos was very uncomftable, he was huddled over a fire outside his tent his hands outstreched, winter always made him uneasy as he had fallen into a lake as a child and survived only by the unselfish bravery of a nearby greek soilder, he was trying to keep himself occupied, a copy of the Illiad lay nearby him, but there's only so many times you can read a book, even one as good as that.

Cadayren, his galatian swordbearer who liked winter, had been spending it putting lumps of snow on top of each other and sticking a stick in the middle of the top part and calling it a snowman, came running up to him

"I've just heard from a messanger, who had both good and bad, which would you like first?"

Timarchos looked up, glad for the distraction "good"

"the Basileus has promoted you, I'm guessing he did take your little hint..."

"So whats the bad?"

"I'm not finished with the good yet, Attalos Pergamou Mysiakes, who's leading the Basileus royal army, was impressed and has decided to adopt you, congradulates one of your life goals has been achieved, your an honourary greek" Cadayren said smiling

"So I take it the bad news must be really bad... oh god, my mum hasn't died?"

"she's fine"

Timarchos looked back at his golden statue of a sitting fat man, making sure it was still there "well than what?"

"Kleronomos Basileios Sarpendon, wants his army, we are to march it at once for Sardis, no going out of our way to destroy any rebels"

"That idiot! there should really be a rule about 18 year olds not being in a commanding position, gods! does he even know there's an incursion from some young kingdom? its not like I can borrow the army to destroy the rebels like spring either, too much too loose this time, bloody boy, bloody beaurocracy making me follow his orders, I just hope when he takes command of the arche he's grew up a bit.... did he mention why he wants his army so quickly, or he being arkward on purpose?"

"I'm guessing he wants to make sure they all have matching hats and boots, you greeks are funny about that kind of thing....."

Timarchos took a minute to remember he was a greek now "hmm.... must write to father... get my scribe here would you?
And make the army ready to carry out its order, but dont let a word slip about how stupid that order is, wouldn't want it getting back to anyone that I might have badmouthed the Basileus' son now..."

[The Celtic Viking]

"You really don't want to do that."

"Oh, really?" Sarpedon snarled. "Because I think I bloody well do!"

"Yes, well, you can't."

"I can't? I CAN'T?! Only the GODS can tell me what I can't do - are you a god, perhaps?! I'm the Basileus' son and heir! I have the gods on my side so no one can stop me. I'm invincible!"

Arsenios sighs.

"Be that as it may, your captains, capable enough as they may be, are not. Leaving the defence of your satrapy in their hands just because you desire battle is ill adviced. At the very least you should appoint an aid or two to for that first."

"But you don't understand! I'm the heir of an old Basileus, and I have yet to see battle. What do you think they would say of me if the Basileus suddenly died and I took his place now? A Basileus who hasn't commanded let alone even seen battle ever! They'd laugh at me! And what of the Ptolemaics then? How would our great nation look to them if it was lead by a battle-virgin as I am now? We'd be the laughing stock of the world! We'd carry no respect at all. I'm telling you, I must go to battle, and soon."

"I think you're being overly dramatic. So what if you've never fought a battle? It's obvious to anyone with half a brain that you're one of the most competent administrators in our whole Arche, if not even the most competent one, period. Besides, your father is a strong man. I don't think he'll die just yet. There's still time for you to gain your experience, even if you decide to wait."

Sarpedon walks out on the balcony and looks out over Sardis.

"You're right. Of course you're right, I know that! But I hate it just the same. Know that you're not speaking to deaf ears here: your council to get an aid is not a bad one. I think I will do so, if I could only find someone loyal to me, whom I could trust to take care of the whole satrapy once I've become the Basileus. But who would that be?"

"What about Cunobelinus?"

"Not sure. He's ambitious and seems reliable, but he also seem to be too headstrong, boastful and, perhaps, even having the slight trace of hubris. Don't get me wrong - I like him - but he strikes me more like someone who should focus on fighting, and leave actual management to the more capable to do so."

"Timarchos then? He led your army, and he did a fine job, didn't he?"

"Timarchos?! Ha! I bet he's pissed at me for denying him battle not only once, but twice. He may be fine as a commander of armies, but he's not someone I would put my trust in, nor do I think he would even accept the offer if I gave it to him. If he did, I think I then would just have someone to worry about. No, I don't think so."

"Then who?"

"That's just what I'm telling you. I don't know, and that's another thing I must have settled soon! I never thought I'd say this, but I hope my crowning will wait. I need a little bit more time."

[Celtic_Punk]

The first snow, Pamphylia 270 BC

Cunobelinus and Achaikos were walking outside the fort through the forest.
"I thought it would be more glorious commanding an army through victory. But all I feel is regret for the ones that didn't make it. It's my fault. But I know thats not true. But I can't help it, Achaikos. All I see are the dead."Cunobelinus took a knee, watching a small red wing take off

"Maybe your not cut out for this line of work?"

"No, Its just... different than I expected. I can continue on. It was good enough for my father... If he could do it, so can I!" Cunobelinus said reassuringly with less angst in his voice, picking up some snow rolling it into a ball.

"Well good. And you did good. just don't let grief get to your head. It's not up to you who lives and dies, you can only point them in the right direction, and give em a good push for luck. Its all up to the individual, not you."

"I guess so, We'll how many get their first taste of command in an ambush and pull out a victory?" Cunobelinus turned to his loyal friend, tossing the snowball at a tree.

"Not many thats for sure, Luck of the Celts? Some way to get yer feet wet." Achaikos smirked.

[Ibn-Khaldun]

Liberation of Hierosolyma!

After many years of high taxes, insults and much more the Jewish people wanted to get rid of the Ptolemaioi rule. Seeing Arche Seleukeia as an Allie against Ptolemaioi and a Protector of the Jewish people they sent an emissary to Seleukeia. The discussion over the Jewish Rebellion against the Ptolemaioi rule went on for many-many days. In some point Basileus had to even pretend that his ill and leave from the Council so he could commit himself fully to the discussion. After a month of talk an Agreement was made that the Rebellion against the Ptolemaioi will start after the Second Council Session. Having the Antiochos' support the Jewish emissaries started to recruit people in Babylon and Seleukeia to their cause. Since in those cities there were still a large population of their people it wasn't that hard to find volunteers and financial help. Now the Second Council Session is opened and this is the mark for the people to take arms and try to liberate Hierosolyma from the rule of the Ptolemaioi!

[Roka]

Antiocheia, Achaios Syriakos' residence

The aging man walks over to the window and takes in the sight of the new city that his brother had built for himself, although old and more used to a life of pleasure than danger, his body still holds some of the power he knew in his youth. "I've decided, Saul" he said to the jewish slave that was more of a friend to him than a mere slave he had bought an auction 15 years prior.
"Yes master?"
"I've decided that i want to give up this life of luxury, over the past few days i've been pondering what my legacy will be. Will people remember the warrior of my youth? I doubt it." He walks over and pulls the blade his father had made for him upon turning 16, the edges now blunted. "Have this sharpened and new armour made to fit my new girth! No longer will I just let the fate of the Arche lie in the hands of others..."

[The Celtic Viking]

Sarpedon and Hilarion stands a bit away from the rest, speaking for themselves.

"- First satrap, then heir and now also Chancellor! Who would have thought that a man your age could acquire so many positions and offices of honour! Can't say you haven't deserved it, though. You may not have many friends among in the council, but I for one think they're fools. Our Arche will surely be great under your leadership."

- "Thanks, Hilarion. You're a good friend, and you've always stood by me through thick and thin. I wish I had more people like you."

- "You flatter me too much. What the hell do you expect? You picked me off the streets, fed me and gave me shelter. You saved my life, and my parents' life as well. I'm yours to command."

As he said it, Hilarion drew his sword, kneeled and bowed his head as he put the sword by Sarpedon's feet.

- "Get up, you fool! You know you don't have to bow to me. If I ever needed to command you to do something for me, I would be in serious trouble indeed! You'd do anything I ask you to anyway."

- "Hah! Too right you are. But where is that oaf Arsenios? He should be here by now!"

- "Arsenios? Did he come with us here? I thought it was that Celtic slave, what's his name... the one I bought from Pergamon the last time I was there? But if Arsenios is here, who's keeping things up back home?"

- "The magistrates of course. You left them in charge, don't you remember?"

- "Right! Of course that's what I did. Oh, and there's Arsenios! Finally."

Arsenios rides up and stops next to Sarpedon.

- "Here, take this parchment. On it is written a few orders to the magistrates, and an update on what has happened in the council. Let them know that I will return as soon as the results of the voting is done, and to prepare for my arrival with fresh maps and the latest reports you can find in the library. Everything must be ready for my work as a Chancellor to begin."

- "Right, sir, I will go right away!"

- "Farewell! Oh, and don't forget: you are to give the parchment to Eusebios in person, and no one else! Eusebios or the cooks will serve you for dinner!"

- "Got it, sir. Eusebios. Farewell, milord!"

As Arsenios rode off west, Hilarion and Sarpedon went back to their own quarters to rest.

[johnhughthom]

Two men sat beside a smouldering fire, a number of tents surrounded them, the desert sands swirled around the air. The larger man was poking the fire with an old sword.

"You can stop that Heronius, you will never get it started with all this sand flying about"
"I know that, it just gives me something to do. I am starting to grow weary of this damnable crusade. Who the hell cares what a bunch of Jews want, why didn't the Basileus just take their money and tell them to get stuffed. Bloody pagans, one God indeed..."
"You will soon change your tune when we get to Hierosolyma first old friend. Just imagine the fighting eh, first we will have to scale the walls. Then the fighting in cramped streets clambering over the fallen to get at your enemy, not knowing whether that house on your right holds cowering peasants or enemy soldiers ready to jump out at you. Finally the town square, the enemy holding tight, fighting to the last man even though they know it's hopeless, that final brutal clash as we kill them one by one"
The Corinthian veteran allowed himself a smile.
"Yes, I remember you after that battle outside Asaak. You were high for days, battle is for you what poppy and wine were for me. That was a long time ago now. Remember me when I stopped smoking? How I used to lose my temper at the slightest provocation, and snap at the simplest request? What is happening to you is similar, you haven't fought in so long you aren't yourself"
Heronius smiled again, he was fully aware of this but he didn't want to hurt his masters feelings, such insightful thoughts were rare for Lykikos
"You are right, I guess the best thing for me to do is to drive the men forward, try to win the race."
"Of course I'm right you foolish Greek, don't feel bad though, we can't all have divine blood. Becoming King of the Jews will only be the start of my rise to Godhood."

The two men stared at the fire, now completely cold, one dreaming of battle, blood and death the other wondering how he should address Athena when he finally became a fully fledged God.