The Saga of Agathon

[LusitanianWolf]

Yes, what do you suggest Agathon, I want to know!!!!

[theycallmetighty]

Excellent aar Owen, what difficulty are you playing on?

[Owen the Mighty]

Well, this story is taken from an old Makedonian campaign of mine, which I played on VH/M.

Thanks again for the continued support! I'll have an update by tonight.

[Owen the Mighty]

Kypros
Chapter Five

A unforgiving wind blew across the weathered stone walls of Salamis, extinguishing the torches of the Seleukid garrison. On top of the southern wall stood hundreds of Toxotai Syriakoi, all nervously waiting for the inevitable assault. Accompanying these infamous archers were the world-renowned Thorakitai, also awaiting the Makedonian attack.

Behind the southern wall, on the stone-cobbled streets below, formations of Phalangitai could be heard bustling past the colossal walls in search of a suitable defensive position. Amidst these formations of regulars, an old man on horse back surveyed the defenses, flanked by the elite horsemen of the Diadokhoi; the Hetairoi.

A young Hetairoi rode up towards the elder.

"Sir, our scouts report that the Makedonian force is nearing the city. They shall attack within the hour."
"And what of their strength? Do they possess a large assault force?"
"Surprisingly, they do not. Their army is a mere fraction of its initial size."
"Ah, good. Then we shall crush them in a single night. What poor tacticians these Makedonians are...."

The old man chuckled to himself, realizing the absurdness of his words.

"Shall we station men on the other walls, sir?"
"Pah! There is no need! They will attempt to assault the gate as always, and so we will meet them there with our spears."
"As you command, sir."

The young soldier reared his armoured horse around towards the mobilizing Phalangitai, and galloped down the street with his orders.

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Agathon walked cautiously over the forest floor, wary of the sound he might create. Behind him, a mass of spears, swords, shields and bows followed, intent on clearing the forest and reaching western wall unnoticed. Through the patchwork of trees, Agathon could see the fortifications of Salamis silhouetted against torches and cook fires of the city. To his delight, he could not spot any Seleukid soldiers on the western wall; just as he had predicted.

At that moment, the bronze horn of his uncle's vanguard blew its familiar tone, signaling his charge on the gate. Agathon quickened his pace, and so did the Makedonian soldiers in his wake. Within seconds, he and the other Makedonians had cleared the forest and were sprinting towards the western wall, with ladders at the ready. Agathon's heart thumped intensely in his ears, his adrenaline catapulting him forwards at immortal speed.


The Makedonians stealthily rolled across the western field like a twilight fog.


To Agathon's relief, they reached the western wall unscathed. The clatter of the wooden ladders on stone echoed across the field, covering the sound of the whispers of the Makedonians as they eagerly scaled the western wall. After a few moments rest, Agathon followed his men up the ladders.

Now we must take this city.

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