Kypros
Chapter Four

A thunderous rain blanketed the entire Makedonian encampment, inducing further misery upon the besieging troops. It had been many moons since Andronikos's army had landed on the shores of Kypros, and with no progress against the Seleukids, the siege was beginning to make the Makedonian soldiers question their commander.

Agathon peered out the crevice of his tent, studying the foreign sky. Just what we need, he thought, more damnable rain. Agathon returned to his mass of papers, books and maps that laid sprawled over his bedroll and desk. Among these piles lay the answer to his uncle's problem; how to defeat the Seleukids here at Salamis. They held the high ground, the immense fortifications, the supplies and the morale. It seemed taking Salamis was an impossible task.

Kassandros and two Crimson Spear Pezhetairoi entered Agathon's tent, drenched from the persistent weather.

"Sir, Andronikos requests your presence at headquarters; he is holding a war council for all of the unit commanders."
"I will be there shortly. How are the men, Kassandros?"
"Tired of this blasted rain, sir."
"Ah, I see. Let's hope we shall never have to spend another siege on this wretched island."


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Agathon past two Hypaspistai as he entered the grand tent that was his uncle's headquarters. Inside, the 13 other unit commanders radiated around Andronikos. Agathon's uncle spotted his entrance, and motioned him towards his desk. The other unit commanders muttered jealous remarks as Agathon joined his uncle at his side.

"Agathon, our situation is dire. Our fleet has been annihilated by our enemies. We do not have enough supplies or men to continue this siege."
"Then what are we to do?"
"We will assault Salamis tonight, under the cover of this weather."

Andronikos cleared his throat, masking Agathon's opposition.

"Men, tonight we will break this siege. We will take Salamis back from the Seleukids, and we will leave this island and accomplish our mission."

"The Hypaspistai will assault the southern wall at twilight, covered by our missile fire. The ram, accompanied by the Pezhetairoi, will attack the gate after the southern wall has been taken, and the Phalangitai will storm into the city once the gate has been taken. You have your ord---"
"Uncle, you cannot expect regular tactics to work in our current situation. We have already assaulted Salamis three times using this technique, and have failed miserably."

Andronikos turned towards his nephew.

"Do you question my ability to command, Agathon?"
"No, I question your ability to learn from your faults. If we are to take Salamis in an assault, we must confuse the Seleukid garrison and not follow a tactical pattern. We should never underestimate their military prowess."

Andronikos studied Agathon's face with intense demeanor, and then sighed in agreement.

"What do you suggest, Agathon?"


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