Stories Thread

[The Celtic Viking]

Sardis, Spring 266 BCE

Hilarion was talking with Sarpedon.

- "So, my friend, you have now done your duty as a Chancellor, and now you're leaving for the new Council Session. What do you expect?"
- "Words of praise from the old man, but disrespect or indifference from the rest. What else can I expect? If my work as a satrap hasn't impressed people already, then my work as a Chancellor and satrap isn't likely to make much change to that."
- "Really? You don't think that taking on a huge task like that at your young age and coming out way on top could at least have swayed some heads in there? Surely they must understand that it's no small matter to be the Chancellor!"
- "I'm pretty sure they understand that, deep down at least. However, there are those who oppose my success out of no better reason than that I've got a lot of it already. There was even talks about making the heir an commonly elected office, undoubtedly with the sole reason to take the claim to the throne away from me. They don't even care that I am the best man for the job!"
- "I know, and I agree. Even if a new law is passed that the heir should be elected, by right you should be the one anyway. Who has proven himself worthy of it more than you? None, I say. None."
- "Thank you for your support, Hilarion. I can control the masses with the snap of a finger, and if I so much as express my opinion publicly, it is held as literal and unquestionable truth. The economy has done nothing but prosper, and the incomes are up. No one can match me in these qualities, not even my father himself! So I wouldn't fear that people don't see me as good enough for the position. What I would fear is that people wouldn't vote for who is actually the best choice for the Arche, but who they like the most on a personal level."
- "I don't think they'd really be that petty."
- "Perhaps. However, I would prefer not to take any risks on this. Should it come up to a vote, I will certainly vote against it."

At that moment, the door opens and a young woman enters. Sarpedon turns to her.

- "Ah, you're here! Sit down and wait on the bed, I'll be with you in a minute."
- "Yes, master."

Sarpedon now turns back to Hilarion.

- "Hrrm, will you excuse me? I must have her one last time before I leave. You may as well go and prepare your work for while I'm gone."
- "Well, I have already prepared everything that needed preparing..."
- "That doesn't matter. Look over things again, make sure that there's nothing that you've missed. Oh, and send for the band on your way out would you? I'd like to have some music while I ."
- "Certainly."

Hilarion had almost left the room when he turned around again.

- "Sarpedon, I... oh." Hilarion started smiling. "You don't waste a second now, do you? Forget it. It wasn't important anyway, so I'll leave now. Just don't rush too much - I don't want to have sent the musicians here for no reason!"

Laughing a little for himself, Hilarion left.