EMPIRE: Song of Peace and War

[seleucid empire]

Chapter 5: Edge of Civilisation
Summer 249 BC, Sai Yavuga, the former Saka stronghold of Chighu



"Why are we still in this place brother?" asked Sarpedon,"I am tired of these endless Steppes"
"I have already told you, we have to stay and make sure the province is settled before we can leave. We also need to clear out the rest of the Saka armies in the region. We will move against the rest of their cities in the Autumn" replied King Antiochus II Theodoros.
"Why are we here at all? We don't need these lands. The empire will hardly benefit from the addition of these wastelands"
"If we don't bring the Saka to their knees they will keep raiding our eastern provinces and if we conquer all of their lands, then we can start a new eastern front against our Sarmatian enemies."
"We have brought two bright young generals here with us. They can continue this invasion for us. We need not be here for any longer."

Before Theodoros could reply, Alexandros came into the hall.
"Hello cousins, I have just received some bad news from the west."
"Well?" asked the King
"This is a letter from one of my companions. He is hunted by Lord Vanara for killing his son."
"That news hardly concerns us." said Sarpedon
"No, but it concerns me. He has always been loyal to me and saved my life many times. I intend to return the favour. However that is not the news I bring you. In his letter, he tells me of a large rebellion in the Heartlands led by a man named Philetairos of Bactria."
"He is in the Heartlands? How many men does he lead?" asked the King
"13 000, but he leads mostly armed peasants and has split his force in two."
"See brother? We need to return to Antioch. You have been away from the heartlands for too long, you need to go back and tighten your grasp on the lords and the people." exclaimed Sarpedon.
"I have a better idea. We will send instructions to Lord Artabazanes to raise an army and march to confront these rebels. When he crushes them, it will show the rest of the empire that my reach is long and make them think twice about making a move against me"



"After he crushes the rebellion. Then what?" asked Sarpedon
"I will send him north to replace Herakleidies Atarneou." replied the King
"Your sending him against the lord of the north?" asked Sarpedon,"Why?"
"Are you unaware that his actions led to the destruction of the entire legion of the north?"
"He is a fool. So what? He has still managed to keep the north from falling into the hands of the Sarmatians. You didn't replace him ten years ago when this happened, why act now?"
"Herakleidies Atarneou is not that much of a fool. He sent the Legion of the north on a suicide mission because they were loyal to cousin Alexandros. He destroyed them so he could raise his own loyal troops and has had free reign over all of the north for the past ten years. I will not let that kind of treachery go unpunished."
"Very well, but I still believe you should return to Antioch before it's too late..." said Sarpedon before marching out of the room

Alexandros turned to Antiochus.
"I still need one thing from you cousin. I have written this pardon letter for my companion but I need your seal."said Alexandros
"You are really willing to anger lord Vanara for this? He is a dangerous enemy to make." replied Antiochus
"I am more than willing. I already have many enemies in court. What difference is one more if I can save the life of my loyal servant."
"Very well," said Antiochus, reaching for his seal, "But if this man of yours has really killed Lord Vanara's son, I doubt even a royal pardon can save him.."