Antiocheia, City Streets
Two horsemen slowly made their way down the street. Their apparel made it quite obvious that they were not simply citizens – one of them wore fine garments, evidently Persian in design, and wore nothing more than a bronze lamellar cuirass in the way of armor. The other was clad in extravagant armor worthy of a Hetairoi.
“Just look at them, Polymarches. Going about their daily lives, only slightly aware of what plans are woven in the far away Seleukeia. Wouldn’t it be great to be so blissfully ignorant of the happenings ourselves?” The robed one gestured at the ever-shifting crowd, quickly reaching down for his pouch and tossing a coin to a nearby beggar. His companion shook his head slightly in disapproval.
“Whatever you say, Lord Mikithion.” A simple reply came.
Mikithion Kalamou Phoinikikes sighed softly. “Stop being so grumpy and enjoy the little joys of life. I’ve nearly let your ruin our visit to Athenai already, you and your mood won’t do the same to this trip.”
“Would you mind telling me where exactly will this trip take us, Lord Mikithion?” Polymarches inquired, leaning forward on his horse.
Mikithion did not hurry to respond – instead, the Strategos of Arche Seleukeia slowly tied his pouch shut, then leaned back, obviously relaxing his body. All the rest I can get. A journey to Hellas and back from Syria is exhausting. The Hellene muttered under his breath, before finally turning to his companion.
“We’ll ride north, to Kappadokia. Away from the war - we’re going to relax our body and spirit; I do not want some uneducated barbarian from Aigyptos ruining this.” Emphasis was put on the words ‘uneducated barbarian from Aigyptos’ – the otherwise calm and collected Hellene put as much venom as he could into those words.
Polymarches again shook his head in disapproval – he preferred staying close to the war, so that if need be, they could reach the stage of war quickly. Mikithion chuckled at his companion’s behaviour.
“Athena help me, Polymarches, you’re the worst companion to find at times of relative peace.”
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