Agora

[The Celtic Viking]

A man wearing worn cloak and stained studded cloth armour hurries into the centre of the Agora, stands up on a box and pulls out a parchment.

"Hear ye! Hear ye! News comes from our noble Basileus and Pharaoh's campaign in Syria Koile! A great battle has been fought against the Damaskos garrison as well as a second army led by the Seleukid general Sositratos Termessou Pisidikes. Thanks to cunning positioning and a great tactical sense, few of the king's men died while over a thousand Seleukids were either captured or killed! As a result of the battle, Sositratos Pisidikes died while fighting against Philadelphos and his bodyguards, and Damaskos was liberated.

All hail the Setrepenrameriamen!: Chosen One of Amun, Beloved of Ra, King of Upper and Lower Egypt - wielder of the Nekhakha and Heqat of the Two Kingdoms, of Osiris."

He puts the parchment away and makes his way for the bar, where he orders one giant mug of mead.

[Ibn-Khaldun]

Philippos, Zoarchos' representator in the Council, was just passing by when he heard the news. He smiled briefly and heads to the tavern as well. There he asks the tavern keeper to send a bottle of his finest wine to the Basileus' messenger. Suddenly he remembers that he have to be somewhere else and turns to leave..

[The Celtic Viking]

The Basileus' messenger turns towards Philippos.

"Oi! What's the hurry, friend? Don't you know it's impolite to buy a man his liquor and then leave before he can give a proper thanks?" The man laughs heartily. "Come on back here and join me in finishing it!"

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

OOC: Obviously you should pretend this happened before he actually got to the Council.

[Ibn-Khaldun]

Philippos turns around..

It would be a honor to drink with you! What other news to you bring from Syria?

He takes a seat next to the messenger..

[The Celtic Viking]

The messenger, who introduces himself as Hermokrates, pours up the wine in two mugs as he speaks.

Ah, there are things to say about that place which could occupy a bard's whole career! Have you ever been there? This was my first time, and I tell you I've fallen in love with it already. I might retire there when my military service is over, get some land there and spend the rest of my days in bliss.

He takes a chug from his mug before continuing.

Hah! But there are still many days and nights before I can do that. Soon I must return to the Basileus, who was very busy when I left with securing the home of the governor that he's taken over during his stay. He's shirking no precautions against assassinations, I can tell you that much! He's even got this Hercules of a man serving as his swordbearer now. But you know how it is: new people in a newly conquered province. You just never know who might still be loyal to the former power, and who you can trust.

[Ibn-Khaldun]

I was in Sidon recently but I have never been in Damaskos. My master, Zoarchos Helios, is in Sidon and what I've heard he is planning to help the Basileus by offering his services as governor of Damaskos. So, there is a chance that we might meet each other in Syria if that should happen.

He takes a sip from his mug..

Hopefully, in the same situation like today.. celebrating our victory over the enemy!

[LeoCordis]

In the bustling Agora a young servant is seen to post a letter into the building dealing with nobles possessions and wills. The letter reads:

This is the last will and testament of Strategos Bothos Lapethou Kypriakou.

I give my lands in the Delta Neilou with the estate and supervisors and my personal finances to Strategos Zoarchos Helios.

My private units are to be disbanded and the men to be sent back to their homes.