Theodoros was standing up on the balcony of the governor's residence of Ekbatana. He let his gaze wander across the marketplace right below him and the Strategos smiled to himself. He instantly turned around as he heard anoise behind his back and noticed a man, clothed in the garments of the villages' more privileged inhabitants.

"Klemonos!" he greated the visitor friendly and the addressed bowed, before speaking up himself: "Governor, it's good to have you back. Since you left for Olympia a lot of things happened. The Arche is in need of..."

Theodoros' mood seemed to change in an instant and he cut in on his friend: "The Arche has demanded a lot of me in the past. Just because some people weren't happy with my choice for a wife, they started to plot against me at my father's court. You know of that, Klemonos. I have turned my back on Seleukia years ago and I don't know if I'm ready to return."

Klemonos looked to the ground and answered: "You are right, Sire, but you know your father had no fault in it. I am sure he was disappointed that you did not attend these 3 council sessions he assembled."

Theodoros spoke up quickly: "Well I had good reasons every time. This last time I was in Olympia while the council session was taking place and this town has kept me busy and..." Klemonos now interrupted his Governor: "Theodoros. You know, all of these are simple excuses for not wanting to be there. I know you care about the town but the Arche needs people of your skill and talents. We will do fine here if you don't forget Ekbatana."

Theodoros sighed but he knew the older man was right and he was happy to have friends that were close enough to speak up against his opinion. He decided to change the matter of discussion: "So... what about the threat to the north?"
"We don't know if it is a threat", Klemonos answered, "but the towns people are getting nervous. They fear an attack. That's another thing you won't be able to do anything about if you stay here. Think about it, my friend." With that he bowed once more and left the balcony and Theodoros to his thoughts.

...

Some hours later Theodoros called for one of his servants. "Eppekos, see that these two messages reach their destinations. One is for the chancellos and the other for the Basileus." Eppekos nodded and went to work.