The Royal Council

[Myth]

A messenger arrives, a man clad in the robe of a free citizen but with otherwise a lack of any distinct features, jewelry or even a memorable face. He kneels and waits for the nobility to allow him to raise his head and present his message.

On a sun dried reed parchment, not of particularly high quality, the elegant script of Alexandros Thraikikos can be read:

"The greetings be upon you my Basileus Philadelphos Ptolemaios, and to the elderly yet revered Eunostos Kypriakos, and to any other of my kin that may be present in the jewel of a city that is blessed Alexandria. I am, as some of you may know, currently tasked with governing our city of Hierosolyma. I have received reports of the Seleukids stirring trouble by both land and sea.

I wish to propose two courses of action, both of which I wish to be considered for the good of our land and realm:

Edict E1.3: Our spy by the name of Ploutos Salaminios, who is currently to be found in the wooded areas North of Damaskos, be sent North-East into Seleukid territory.

The reason behind this is so that we may know how far off are the enemy reinforcements, how well are their own cities garrisoned and what other armies are marching trough their lands. Having two large armies near or at our borders leads me to believe that they may have left some cities with little in the way of guards. Should that be the case, I think that I, or another willing Strategos, can lead a band of selected troops and capture an enemy city with little risk for the realm, but with promise of great rewards upon success.

Edict E1.4:I be allowed to take the whole garrison of Hierosolyma, spare of a unit of toxotai, who will be left to keep the civil order and peace of our good citizens. I will march this army and head for Sidon, where I will obtain any local garrison troops and try to amass between 6 to 8 phalanxes. I will then head North and assist whomever wishes to lead the Royal army that is just outside of Sidon. I could fight beside him though I think it would be best to flank the enemy and take a settlement from him while the Royal army deals with the main forces.

Should both the Basileus and his heir decide it is unnecessary for them to be exposed to the risks of open battle, I would be happy to take responsibility and the honor of leading the Royal army stationed at Sidon to lift the siege on Tarsos, or reclaim it and conquer new lands for the Basileus!

I eagerly await your answer!

Signed: Alexandros Thraikikos"