Stories Thread

[Alerion]

At the border to Ptolemaoi Territory, south of Sidon

Strategos Theodoros Syriakos moved around in his command tent, waiting for the messenger he called. His bodyguard was stationed outside and suddenly a man opened the entrance to state: "He's here, Sire."

Theodoros looked up: "Well, let him in, Akhaios." The bodyguard nodded and guided a young man into the tent. The messenger bowed before his master and asked: "Sire, where do you need to send me? Seleukia?" Theodoros shook his head and smiled. "Nowhere, young Alexander. I just need your clothes."
"My clothes..."
"Yes, Alexander, your clothes. The Royal council is coming together for the regular session and I need to be there. I cannot let the Egyptians think that the leader of this army has left it. They might take that chance to attack and though I fully trust my captains here to be able to defeat some Ptolemaoi swine I'd regret not having the chance to slaughter some myself. You have about my stature and therefore are going to replace me here." Theodoros approached the boy and gave him a pat on the back. "You will live the life of a Strategos for some time. You are lucky." He smiled. "Of course you will not be in command here, but it will look like you were. Anytime you are outside this tent, you will behave as though you were me. Captain Sositratos will command the army while I am gone. Any questions?" Alexander looked like as though he wanted to say something but he couldn't think of what so Theodoros just continued: "Wonderful. Now let us exchange our garments."

As soon as it was done Alexander was dressed in the armor of a Seleukian general and Theodoros himself looked just like a little messenger. "Now, where is your horse, Alexander?"
"My horse, Sire?" Theodoros sighed. "Yes, Alexander your horse. Do you think any enemy would believe that I would give my trusty warhorse to a lowly messenger? No offence meant." Alexander nodded, finally understanding his face lightened up: "I will watch over your horse with care. Mine is right behind the tent of your personal servants. It might not be as glorious as yours but it will carry you swiftly to the council and back here."
"Great. Now let us go outside, so you can order your servant to deliver a message to Seleukia." Again Alexanders face took the form of a question mark and Theodoros was just about to sigh again when the boy understood. He smiled and the two of them walked outside where Theodoros bowed before his 'master' and then moved to the servant's tent, took the horse and rode off into the northeast, all under the watchful eyes of ptolemaoi spies.