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.