Demosthenes had listened to the other speakers, and had contemplated their words, now he decided it was time to speak on these matters, as he saw them.

"I AGREE with the proposals set forth by Kairos and Arthourus. I DISAGREE, very strongly, with Leumenes' proposal to besiege Thermon. I have seen similar proposals within the Spartan council, and I do not understand the haste with which some seek to establish a war footing with another major power. While at the moment we are at peace with Epiros, such action as is proposed here would cause them the greatest suspicion of our intentions. We have won a victory against Macedon, but we have not won the war. Have we become drunk upon that victory? Have we lost our senses?

Thermon is well garrisoned, to take it will be an expensive, and in my opinion, rash move. Again, I implore this council to move against the Macedonians on Lesbos, and protect the freedom of the city of Pergamon. If we give the Macedons an inch, they will take mile after mile. To ignore their presence across the Aegean will allow them to strengthen and regroup. If we allow them that and make a move the Epirotes read as aggression against them, Hellas will become - again - a bloodbath.

It wasn't too long ago that voices were raised in this council about going to the aid of Sinope. Now we ignore their and Pergamon's plight, allowing the Macedons a foothold in Asia while offering war to a free city? We must defeat Macedon first. We cannot face Macedon and Epiros down at the same time. They would be wars on our very doorstep, our lands would be under the gravest threat.

Thermon will come under attack by Epiros. Let them take the losses, let them weaken the city. Then, and only then, should we interfere there. For once Epiros borders our lands, they will come for them, they are as greedy for our heritage as the Macedons. Be not fooled by the current 'peace' between us. Our priority must be to hem Macedon in.

I PROPOSE that we move against the Macedonians at Lesbos."

He seated himself again, and wondered if there were those who really believed the Macedons were defeated already.