A dusty messenger walks in, wearied by the long ride from Syria

Basileus, I am Therapontigonos Platigidoros and have been instructed by my master Alexandros Syriakos to represent him here while he is away on campaign. I also bring news from the front: Alexandros' army was attacked by the Ptolemaioi, and after careful consideration of scouting reports and other information he declined battle and pulled his forces back. Alexandros believed that victory would have come at too high a cost, and he would not have been in a position to continue his mission. Individual battles are insignificant compared to the campaign in general.