The Royal Council

[kingsnake]

Akakios Euthymios, Strategos Aratos Representative, takes his chance and stands.

"I have recieved an update on the progress of the 1st Syrian Army.

My lord, considering all the problems with Ptolemy and the need of an efficient and quick conquest of Pontus, wishes that any modification to the plans be known to him, immediately, as he is at striking distance. If Aratos is not sent anything, he will engage the war."

The representative, now adds a more grave tone to his voice.

"Finally, Strategos Epilektos Aratos Syriakes manifests, with great respect towards Strategos Arrhenides, his discontent towards Euripedes, for insulting his roots. Calling them "persian scum", was very insulting and not how a true philosopher should behave. Aratos demands a public apology from Euripedes, here at the Council and in Aratos' presence. Additionally, he asks the Basileus, for the immediate expulsion of Euripedes from the Council, forever."

Euthymios looks seriously and directly at Euripedes. "Consider yourself lucky."

Now, turning towards the Council. "This was my master's message." Euthymios bowed his head and sat.

[MerlinusCDXX]

I agree completely with your superior, good Akakios. Had this toplofty blowhard made such a statement in my Satrapy, his head and neck would immediately part company. Glaring at Euripides you call yourself a philosopher? Come try your philosophy in Parthava you lily-livered coward. I'd be willing to bet a mint that I wouldn't need to give the order to shorten you by a head, since one of those "Persian scum" you keep referring to would continue the conversation through your respective seconds. I happen to rule over many of those Persians you like to call scum, they have fought bravely to rid the Satrapy of all manner of lawless scum, hell, if you met one of the Daha nomads we kill regularly face-to-face, you'd crap your chiton right before you grew an arrow out of your arse. I've done nothing but promote law and order in the Arkhe, mostly at the point of a sword, what have you accomplished? Besides fancy, well articulated lies.

[Marcus Agrippa]

"The personal messenger of Anaxarchos Kyrrhestikes Syriakes, stands to read his masters words to the counsel"

Generals, Noblemen, Brothers.
I ask that you heed my words for this is a time we should strive for unity against our common foe. We need a clear mind and one decision on what to do. I say we all vote on a plan to counter Ptolemy. I request first that spies be sent to ascertain what we face and where. Second: that we continue to marsh a vast army and supporting forces.
Third: that the pontic campaign start if there is no great risk of our generals being absent or getting out-manoeuvred.
Lastly: that we don’t fall pray to the infighting that split Megas Alexander’s great empire. After all he wanted unity and respect between east and west. I would encourage the eastern satrap to make plans to extend his domain to the most easterly extent he can.
Long live the Arche!
Anaxar

[MerlinusCDXX]

To Anaxarkhos' messenger

We are already working on all the things your superior has suggested, good of you to remind us. Spies are already en-route to the Southwestern front. I believe Satrap Sarpedon has the Pontic war effort well in hand, I trust he will strike when the time is right. As for the Ptolemies, we have only suffered a setback, they have taken no territory from us, and recruiting is going full tilt at this point. I believe Basileus Antiochos plans to personally repay those freaks with the best the Arkhe can muster, they have a lot to answer for. As for extending our influence to the East, this is in the works, but the time is not ripe yet. I am extending an offer to your superior, that he may actively participate in the taming of the East, as my Aide. Pretty words are well and good, but it's time to put our money where our mouths are.

[The Celtic Viking]

"As for when I will strike, I've pretty much been waiting for the clearance to do so. For one thing I think we should first send a diplomat and officially end the alliance before we attack, which hasn't been done yet, and secondly the Ptolemaic situation has complicated things. With but one word from the basileus, I can strike. My forces aren't fully gathered yet, though, and if I would have to make an assault, I would want those Jews with me, so for full efficiency and safety, we would wait at least until they get to me. But that would likely mean postponing my attack at least a year, so there is that to consider as well."

[Marcus Agrippa]

Anaxar's representative turns to face Lydikes

Lord Lydikes,
If my services are not needed in The Ptolemy war then I shall travel to aid you in the east.
I am in transit to Damaskas but need not continue with Achaios Syriakos passing from this realm to the underworld. I await conformation from those fighting this conflict of the Basileus.
Anaxar

[Adamantarius]

A rider from Damaskos rushes in with a scroll and begins reciting aloud:

"Highest of the High, Most Wise and Just Fathers and Brothers of the Council,

The city of Bostra in the neighboring country of Nabataia is besieged by an army of innumerable proportions: banners, shields, and engines of war as far as the eye can see! WHEN this city to the South of Damaskos falls, it will not be long till the leader of that great force looks North toward our valuable mines, seeking to seal off the Arche's might from the riches that are as of yet still untapped. Should I fall, defending one of our two passages to the Inner Empire, to the hordes, we must press Southward from Sidon to Hierosolyma, cut off the enemy's supplies, and maintain a front further from Imperial soil.

I am sending my best rider by swiftest mount; I pray this message falls upon sound ears and that a plan can be put into action posthaste.

Ever Your firm and unwavering adherent,

H. N. Syriakes"

The horseman awaits the response.

[kingsnake]

Yes, Kleoronomos Basileion, I will include your status on my report to my lord.

I predict Aratos will just camp outside Mazaka and resupply.

[Ibn-Khaldun]

The Council doors open and Antiochos walks in. Looking around he can see everyone's surprise. Looking towards the throne he smiles and understands this confusion. The man, sitting on the throne, looks exactly like him. Antiochos says to him..

You can go now, Telemachos!

The man, Telemachos, bows and leaves the room. Turning towards the rest of the room he says..

I apologize for this confusion. I left Telemachos stay here so that I could go to Ioudaia and see what is going on there myself. Things don't look in our favour I must say. Although Ptolemaioi forces besiege the city of Sidon, that we captured from them, I say that we don't need Emergency Council Session.
The men under Bithys Nisaias Parthiakes are ready to fight against Ptolemaioi and will serve the Arche under Timarchos Mysiakes.

Turning towards Euripides...

Now.. And what will I do with you! You have insulted a lot of people I've heard! The easiest thing would be just cut your head off...

One of Antiochos' bodyguards smiles and draws his sword..

.. but you will not get away so easily.

Smile from the bodyguards face disappears and slowly he puts his sword away...

You will rot in the dungeon until some better punishment comes to my mind!
Let it be known that if someone is here to represent their master then they really should watch their language! You are here only to tell us your master words and nothing else.

Taking his seat he looks how Euripides is dragged away from the Council room..