The Royal Council

[Hax]

Andromachos glances over at Polyxenides

"You are right, I spoke in anger. However,"

Andromachos turns towards Sarpedon again

"You misunderstand my point, Sarpedon. The true power of the Arche lies to the east, at the cities of Ekbatana, Susa, Seleukeia tes Tigrou, Babylon, and Persepolis. These are the economic powerhouses on which our strength lies. You severely underestimate the strength of the east. Were it not the Persians who claimed the largest part of Asia?"

"I have not even stated once that the West is less important than the East. They are balancing eachother, as the one relies on the other. I also think that you cannot even think to state that the East has "some wealth", at best, as you put it. I, personally, control all the trade coming through, far from the East, even further than the Mauryioi who live in golden cities, as is told. The provinces of Gabiene, Perse, Parthava, Hyrkania, Austauene, Karmania and Aria are rich in the silver and gold ore, which we use to pay our soldiers. Did you think that Antiocheia and Seleukeia Pieria alone could handle all the pay for our soldiers, or Issos, Sardis, Mazaka?

Nay. The economy lies in the East, the men in the West."