Angst

Thorsson sent one of his more urbane and polite lads to the princesses: this hulking warrior was perchance less fluent in the Persian tongue than he believed but having gained their attention by regretting that he did not know how to undress a princess formally, then offered them a Palace Guard of Viking warriors.

Back in Powellopolis it was announced that the loot would be shared out in instalments: there was some grumbling but they all realised the sense of the arrangement.

It is widely rumoured that the handing over of the later instalments of the loot will be dependent on each warrior having armour, a horse, and a pony (“Only to eat in an emergency, you fool; to carry loot!” “Oh, good idea; I had to leave that attractive piece of kitchenware behind because she walked so slowly and I couldn’t carry her.”)

This would produce a need for some 7,000 horses and 7,000 ponies … more if Bold Cnut’s men were to do the same: a number of astute lads realised that prices would rise. Some decided to buy early, and a few decided to buy a few extra hoping to make a profit. Prices are expected to climb over the coming months.

It has been formally announced in Kazgan that Nestro’ai is to travel to Powellopolis to be confirmed as the Bey of Kazgan and to swear fealty to Thorsson.

Daraxes moved to Powellopolis in response to an offer of sanctuary from Thorsson: Daraxes presumably does not know that once he had arrived Thorsson sent a messenger to Nyfører asking what should be done with Daraxes. The mechanism by which this duplicity has become public knowledge in Nyfører’s camp is uncertain: tents have ears.

Bold Cnut has collected his men and ordered them to return to Powellopolis: he himself will go via Oz with his Guards to collect those of the Guard he left there.

He has already sent a messenger ahead to inform the Lady Haomoputri of his plans: whether the message detailed his plans explicitly or not is unclear but the Lady Haomoputri is now unusually excited and is making arrangements for his welcome in the great hall … and in her private chambers.

The men garrisoning Maikop have sent a detachment to refurbish and occupy the small fort that lies some 25 miles to the east on the coast road.

Elsewhere Gilgamesh’ men have surveyed the forts along his southern borders, making repairs and clearing the approaches where necessary.


The various levies have all now been thanked and dismissed to their homes.
Suren conferred with Abraham and Tomeniaces before setting off with his personal bodyguard for Petra where he expects to swear allegiance to Angustus for the cities he holds on his behalf. He will also doubtless discuss the looming Pontic civil war. It is likely that he will spend the winter at Angustus’ court.

Tomeniaces has informed the Chaldean army that it is to overwinter in Upper Mesopotamia.

Hrunting made contact with the Sarmatians harassing Friederich’s forces: hearing that the Germans had set off up the Dvina Valley he entered Riga to give the dead decent burial.

Most of the Riga refugees elected to stay in Riga: Hrunting left what supplies could be spared to see them through until they could gather whatever harvest remained gatherable.

Hrunting and the Estonians then returned to Estonia.

Friederich pushed scouts out in some strength to deter the Sarmatians and to watch for Hrunting. His forces moved briskly up the Dvina to the Ulla ford, thence via Okolova and Vilna to Konigsberg where they are expected in another couple of days.

At Viski Friederich detached 2,000 volunteers who moved into the town and took over the great hall and most of the better houses, causing not a little resentment.

At Ulla a further 1,000 were detached to garrison Birzai: on arrival they also took over the central meeting hall and a few adjacent hovels.
Another 1,000 were left in Taurage as a garrison and we hear that 1,500 are to stay in Konigsberg.

Friederich is encouraging people to go and settle the vacant lands around Friederichshavn and Konigsberg: oddly enough, many of the people settled in the nearby North German Plain are Latvians who moved when the population pressure was pushing in the other direction.

Friederich has asked Bjarni for advice on a shipbuilding programme to replace losses.

After a tour of Siberia to underline his supremacy Seg is now on his way back to Byeloland. The victorious Byelohuns and their allies are heading for the Site of the Holy Tree of Hunland where traditional celebrations are expected to be unusually lavish.

It is widely anticipated that many Siberian and Lagodan chieftains will also attend and take the opportunity to formally swear fealty to Seg, thus removing their names from next year’s visiting list.

It is further expected that the majority of the many Siberian prisoners will be ransomed (not much of a market for second hand Huns).


“Did you think that the messenger from Demetriaces looked frightened?” “Yes, and the seal on the message was broken and then clumsily repaired: spies, but probably not my husband’s!”

Shalman continued down the Corun-Sivas-Zara road. Hassadates took the narrow Tokat track with any of his and Kazim’s infantry that were without mounts; at the Kimil river crossing he left a detachment to hold the ford, continuing on to Tokat with the bulk of the men. Paciartes realised that Ate and Shalman had continued eastwards to the Firat (Mus) Valley and left an officer to so inform Cambyses.

Macalix dismissed those of the Galatian levy who had not yet dispersed to their homes and set off after Shalman and Ate. He offered Cambyses his public support and ensured that Cambyses’ men were well supplied as they crossed Galatia, and indeed Cambyses and his cavalry soon overtook Macalix.

Macalix sent a mutual acquaintance, Lepenac, to seek out El Cid to try to persuade him of the error of his ways: this led to a most unfortunate incident. El Beaurum, El Cid’s second in command and commander of the 1st division, entered the tent where Lepenac and El Cid were talking over a glass of wine: El Cid abruptly and discourteously ordered El Beaurum to get out.
El Beaurum, not the most courageous Galatian, got out sharpish but went to report what he had seen to Shalman. Even though El Beaurum is an unpopular troublemaker, Shalman felt obliged to go with him to see what was afoot: he took a couple of personal guards and, curious, Ate and Polonova tagged along.

El Cid lost his temper, muttering about trust, and when he saw El Beaurum smirking, drew his sword and moved forward to attack him. The guards mistook his intention and seriously wounded him.

Lepenac also misunderstood the unfolding events and thought that he should join in what he took to be an attempt to kill Shalman. Rather to his surprise the wounded El Cid grabbed him, but too late: the guards fatally wounded the bemused Lepenac, who wouldn’t have got past Polonova anyway.

El Cid, now in Sivas, is expected to recover.

At dawn next day as they broke camp, El Beaurum’s mutilated corpse was discovered in a ditch.

Shalman said that he would take temporary command of the Royal Polonovan Guard, but Polonova assured him that he would do no such thing: they’re hers! She announced that she will personally command the late little lamented El Beaurum’s 1st division … they are cavalry, and that she will take temporary command of all her guards until El Cid recovers.

The 1st Division troopers were mostly rather pleased to get Polonova in place of the cordially disliked El Beaurum.

Once Shalman had entered Iberia Province he was able to obtain supplies easily, and to make it difficult for the pursuers to get them.

Polonova with some of her guards went to speak to Paciartes taking a message from Ate. Paciartes was to go and speak to Macalix and Cambyses and persuade them to give up the pursuit, which was increasingly obviously going to be fruitless.

They, Ate and Polonova, had spoken to the PITHOff before leaving Alansberg and assume that he will do as they asked. They should all meet in Alansberg and settle everything amicably. Polonova added an invitation instruction to attend her wedding in Mithrasmas in Alansberg.

Cambyses and Macalix realised that Shalman could be brought neither to his senses nor to battle and are now making their way back towards Alansberg. Shalman and his forces are in Zara, reports from scouts anxiously awaited. There is no truth in the report that Shalman spoke sharply to Polonova on her return from visiting Paciartes, who watches anxiously from a camp in the Firat Valley.

Men assumed to be agents of general Cambyses have let it be known that it is not his aim to overthrow the government or provoke civil war. He hopes instead that common sense will prevail (but does not expect much of it to originate from Shalman).

A detachment of Cambyses men are blockading the treasury.

It is now known that Shalman had a brain storm and escaped from the 2 big men in white coats giggling foolishly; the expedition to free Ate is a romantic rescue attempt by her devoted hubby and loving uncle … who happens to be the Empire's most successful general who has proved in the past to be totally disinterested.

In view of the current unsettled times and following instructions the Pontic Imperial Temple High Official has called a meeting of the Pontic National Council. This will be held in Alansberg and will start on 15th Mithrasmas.
There will be a formal truce from 1st Mithrasmas until two weeks after the last session of the Council, whenever that may be. Breaking the truce will result in the PITHOff becoming very cross and calling down retribution upon all truce-breakers.

All satraps (namely Cambyses, Demetriaces, Philip, Macalix, Ate, Shalman, and Sardanes (“Oh, isn’t it: we must remedy that.”)) are of course expected to attend or to send a representative empowered to vote on their behalf.
In the certainty that the progeny of the Great Mithradates will have the well-being of the Empire as their prime concern, the PITHOff points out that under the law of Mithradatic Primacy, if Ate and Shalman both vote in the same way on any agenda item, their combined vote outweighs all the other votes put together.

The PITHOff has stated that if the Empress Ate is not self-evidently voting as a free agent, this will be construed as a breaking of the truce by those who constrain her and her votes will be null and void: retribution will be called down as appropriate. The affected votes will then be taken again.
The PITHOff regrets that the Empress Polonova is not entitled to vote: she has offered to keep order and to guard all Imperial personages and the PITHOff felt constrained to accept her offer.

All other interested parties are, as usual, invited to attend, namely Emperors, Kings, Princes, generals, admirals, and foreign satraps. His usual seat near the Imperial Lions will be reserved for Ghengis (“Oh, is he? How sad for Ate.”) and any other Huns who may wish to attend.

The PITHOff has refused to appoint a Lieutenant-Governor on the grounds that he is not empowered to do so: it needs the Emperor or a full meeting of the PNC.

One of Cambyses’ officers arrived and told Bey Tiridates that he must immediately replace the burned wagons and that if he does not arrest the culprits, city taxes will be subject to a swingeing increase.
Tiridates replied that it is not his task to guard military equipment and that he cannot be held responsible for military incompetence, nor is it in the power of a provincial military commander to tax an Anatolian city.

The undamaged wagons have reached Alansberg.

Amongst Ptelnet’s captives were the crews of 20 bolt engines, along with the engines. These men, Nile Sassanids, let it be known that they wished to be released. Ptelnet let it be known that he is going to build a small coastal navy to safeguard local shipping. This will require oarsmen, and Ptelnet is quite happy for them to serve as unpaid oarsmen if they don’t wish to take up his offer of well-paid employment in his army.

After careful but brief consideration the men volunteered to serve in the army. Some were reportedly heard muttering about desertion during the winter: their names and origins and the names of their next of kin have been very carefully recorded.

Skaphos and the 2nd Immortals went to Damietta and informed the Council that Ptelnet is now the lawful Emperor of Sassanidia: he asked them to confirm their allegiance.

Chairman Aliides welcomed Skaphos and informed him that the Council is willing to continue the agreement made with the late Emperor.

He reminded Skaphos that Damietta is a self-governing free city and port that had never supported the P&O nor permitted them entry. Although Damietta pays no taxes, he reminded Skaphos that the city had always been mindful of its debt to the noble Stephanus and once freed of Punic forces had always contributed generously to the Imperial treasury: this they would be happy to continue to do.

Skaphos rejoined to Ptelnet and reported.

Bezadates and the 4th division moved up the Nile on the right bank and took up position opposite Alexandria in the old camps there.

Ptelnet with Koribis and Cheops and their divisions, and with Spitames and his men, and with the new mercenary division under Xenoipod, marched to Rosetta where he was welcomed by Bey Masonides and enthusiastic crowds … predominantly Greek but none-the-less genuinely enthusiastic.

The army was ferried across to the left bank of the West Nile by the (quite inadequate) ferry, helped on Masonides orders by the merchantmen gathered at the port.

During this time Ptelnet and his senior officers were entertained by Masonides who unhesitatingly swore allegiance to the new Emperor.
On the 7th Ptelnet and his forces marched up the Nile to arrive outside Alexandria on the afternoon of the 12th, scouts pushing well ahead towards Memphis.

On arrival he was greeted by a deputation of citizens who informed him that the people had responded to the reign of terror instituted by the P&O by rising in revolt against them. The P&O had been too few to suppress the revolt and had retreated to the citadel. All of Alexandria other than the citadel were in the hands of the citizens and they unreservedly welcomed their new Emperor.

Spitames said that he would take his infantry and a few cavalry and make certain that there was no trap. Arrived at the citadel he demanded its surrender: the senile Bey Me’socolon appeared at the citadel’s parapet and querulously demanded to see “…the leader of you faithless rebels.” Spitames promised him safe conduct to the Emperor “Oh, is he here, that’s all right then.” and bizarrely the citadel was thus surrendered, none of its small garrison daring to say no to the old fool.

However, it is known that the Supreme Organiser realised that the Alexandria citadel would be but a trap: when it was confirmed that Ptelnet was moving towards Alexandria he fled with most of his followers, probably hoping to rally the surviving 1st army troops with the intention of joining the 2nd Protector and his (reputedly so far) successful forces.

On the 14th, all being under control in Alexandria and the few remaining P&O functionaries having been despatched, Ptelnet ordered the 1st, 2nd, and 4th divisions of the Immortals south to Memphis.
¨
They moved cautiously but met no opposition, arriving in Memphis on the 19th. Ar Mergevs, Emir of the Nile valley & Bey of Memphis, was still in hiding, fearing that the 2nd Protector’s men would be back to look for him. He was little reassured when friends told him that New Persian Sassanids had arrived in Memphis looking for him.

Horisis has gathered the UPA at Cairo.

On the 2nd, believed to be a propitious day for the 2nd Protector, the Sassanids launched an assault on Thebes. They had 2-3,000 cavalry, 5-6,000 infantry, and 120 elephants of the 2nd army, plus about 9,000 levy cavalry: on the left bank there were 2-3,000 levy light troops.

Mustasha jr had 8-9,000 of Khamon’s infantry and his personal bodyguard in Thebes, but Urban Rameses, Khamon, and Pa’Simba had about 7,000 mounted foot and 300 or so cavalry nearby.

The elephants proved to be a problem … to both sides.

A brigade of 30 or so attacking the main gate from the north were panicked by accurate archery including a few fire arrows: they fled back to and then through the open forest whence they had set off, to the detriment first of the infantry following in close support and then to the detriment of those on their backs.

However, the attack from the east was better organised with massed archery supporting the spearmen and elephantry and a side gate was smashed down and increasing numbers of Sassanids, infantry and a few elephants, forced their way into the town: about noon they captured and opened the nearby east gate and yet more Sassanids and elephants poured in.

Once within the town the elephants rampaged not only down the narrow streets, but often through the flimsy buildings as well.

The fire that followed may have been started deliberately by a desperate defender, but was more probably started by accident, perhaps a brazier overturned by one of the elephants: whatever the cause, the outcome was a disaster.

The houses burned fiercely and in the ensuing panic many were crushed to death by friend or foe or elephant as they sought to escape through the gates at the same time as others were still struggling to get in. Any defenders who got out, other than across the river, were killed.

On the east bank Pa’Simba and Khamon attacked the rear of the Sassanids but were driven off with fairly heavy losses. Urban Rameses attacked the Sassanids on the west bank, scattering them with great slaughter.

Mustasha jr was rescued by members of his bodyguard and ferried across the Nile.

Losses, approximate:
Thebes was destroyed;
Sub-general Osiri’uk died in Thebes;
6,000 Nubian Egyptians in Thebes;
1,000 of Carminagua’s mercenaries in Thebes;
290 of Mustasha jr’s bodyguard in Thebes;
3,000 Egyptian levy, fighting outside Thebes, east bank;
200 Egyptian levy, fighting outside Thebes, west bank;
57 elephants in Thebes, and 13 still scattered in the forest;
1,500 Sassanid infantry, in Thebes;
800 Sassanid cavalry, fighting outside Thebes, east bank;
900 Sassanid light levy, fighting outside Thebes, west bank.

The 2nd, 21st, and 22nd Protectors gathered their men and prepared to exploit their costly victory but on the 5th, a less propitious day for the 2nd Protector, a messenger brought the news of the disasters in the north.

With the Sassanid levy already restless, the season being so far advanced, and food so scarce, prudence dictated a return to defend their home province and at dawn on the 6th they set off on the long march. By the middle of the month the Sassanids were about halfway to the Asyut ferry and the levy’s discipline was breaking down. Mounts and an injured elephant were added to the rations.

When they reached the turn-off to the Asyut ferry; a large detachment was sent down the track only to discover that some malefactor had burned the ferry. This is something of a problem as their homes are west of the Nile; you may remember that they used the Alexandria bridge to cross on their way south.

They have just reached Nubia city but supplies remain scarce. Scouts have been pushed as far as Beni Suef where Emir Shah’ur has promised to make grain available. He has also pointed out that the ferry is only capable of taking about 100 cavalrymen per hour.

A’Rrosee and Melqart conferred. Their mutual respect and indeed affection as comrades in arms more than outweighed their religious, racial, and social differences and they discussed the options amicably.

Both realised that Elros was on his way to the big sweetie jar in the sky and Melqart confirmed that his allegiance and that of his army would perforce be transferred to the six year old Harribal bin Elros. Both know that he is almost certainly not the son of Elros and the witch Hekate, but of Hekate and one of her guards; a man with more dick than sense, subsequently disposed of by Salammbo.

So what? Continuity is all, and by accepting Harribal as Elros’ heir the claims of Sophonisba’s children Philipo and Hugo jr, of Astrax through his marriage to Elat, and of Keret’s children … now returned with their mother to Iberia … are all negated. And he is only six so we need a Regent: oh, I’ll do that!

A’Rrosee admitted that he felt the need to return to the Libyan Desert to cleanse his soul and commune with the Prophet Motiph. He told Melqart that if any of his Sassanid followers wished to stay to serve Melqart he would not attempt to dissuade them. He indicated a lack of interest in the future of Horus and the Converts and indeed of Ban’kher and the Chosen (“They’re all peasants!”) but did think that Melqart would need to insist that they leave Carthage.

A’Rrosee has announced that he intends to revive the traditional Mithrasmas Games at the El Ayntri Oasis south of Qattara to which all are invited, and indeed entries from both Carthage and Sassanidia will be welcome (“Do you know if the rumours of regime change are true?”) (“Why is the big open race called Gran’s Gnash N’all?”)

When Elros died on the 3rd he confirmed, with his last breath, that Harribal was his heir and he appointed Melqart as Regent.

Elros was conveyed to Taran Scodar on the back of an Imperial Elephant with another 75 Imperial Elephants (returned to Melqart for a consideration) following, from the backs of which Elros’ favourite sweeties were distributed to the mourning crowds. A traditional Baalist funeral followed.

Many were astonished that A’Rrosee was so obviously saddened by Elros’ demise. At a maudlin farewell feast Melqart and A'Rrosee swore an everlasting pact between friends and comrades-in-arms, promising mutual support, co-operation, and tolerance.

A’Rrosee and his Sassanids have set off back to Libya to prepare for the Games at the El Ayntri Oasis: it is as yet unclear how many are staying to serve with Melqart. Melqart has promised to attend and indeed to enter a team in the El Ayntri Oasis Games.

Feeling isolated and perhaps even threatened in Taran Scodar, Ban’kher and Horus and their increasingly subdued followers have moved to Windicta: some are thence dispersing to their homes but it seems likely that most of them will overwinter in Windicta.

Meanwhile, in Trias Province the Baalist followers of Salammbo and Zaranissa continued their march to Tanistat: on the march they continued to seek out the increasingly scarce and increasingly unmotivated followers of the Prophet Motiph.

In Tanistat the few remaining heretics were duly denounced and then duly despatched to meet Baal: Zaranissa and Salammbo and their forces then returned to Paender where the levies were thanked and, after appropriate feasts and ceremonies, dismissed.

Zaranissa had prudently sent scouts towards Tanitopolis and towards Kys and it was these latter that met and escorted General Hasmarbal to Paender, treating him with the deference and honour due to a great general who had fought so valiantly for the Baalist cause. They reached Paender five days ago.

When Elros died, Melqart had sent Hasmarbal with an escort of Imperial Guards to seek out Salammbo, Massinulor, and Zaranissa, to inform them that Elros was dead and that the duty of Melqart and the Guards was as always to serve the emperor, now Harribal bin Elros, whose return to Taran Scodar is requested.

He took impressive gifts as thanks for their able care of the Emperor.
Hasmarbal suggested that if Salammbo were to return to the temple in Taran Scodar with the young Emperor, she could, indeed should, continue to care for him and to supervise his education.

Hasmarbal expressed the hope that his guards could provide an adequate escort for the young Emperor, but said that if necessary Melqart would come with the entire Imperial Army to escort Harribal back to Taran.

The reply of Zaranissa and Salammbo is awaited.

It is rumoured that Murcia has acquired a liburnian and that at Corcyra efforts are being made to copy it. Our naval expert opines that he is trying to cut costs by reducing manpower requirements, following his novel payment system for oarsmen, a system which is expected to have a considerable influence world-wide this winter.

We hear that one of these new fast warships has been delivered to Tyre by a Sardinian.Sicily.

We hear that the liburnian last seen leaving Crete entered Amasra harbour where it was impounded by the authorities and dismantled.

When the news of the Maltese debacle reached him, Ostia conferred with his captains and then took an ultimatum to Philipo. With the end of the safe sailing season so close they were alarmed at the lack of a harbour to use as their winter quarters. If none were to be forthcoming forthwith they would return to Carthage and seek pardon and employment with the authorities … whichever were in power.

However, before any decision had been reached, on the 2nd a couple of local galleys approached Ostia’s scattered fleet still looting off the western coast of Sicily: they approached under a flag of truce and managed to talk to the officers and crews of half a dozen of Ostia’s ships before they were chased off. It seems that they wished to recruit any or all of Ostia’s ships and crews to their own fleet: they also ascertained that Ostia had 20 naval transports and 6 heavy triremes manned by experienced slave rowers, and 8 light triremes rowed by inexperienced freemen.

At this time, there being no nearby proper harbour, the transports were beached in a cove but the warships were patrolling.

Next day at dawn the pirates visitors re-appeared with a few friends: exact numbers are disputed: rumour mentions Temeraix the Tolosan though the observant claim that he deferred to the Greek-looking captain of a light quadrireme. A Carthaginian asked which of Ostia’s ships wished to join them: 1 heavy and 3 light triremes volunteered.

The pirates attacked those that had not joined them: the odds were against Ostia’s ships as many of the marines and some of the free oarsmen were still ashore looting.

3 of Ostia’s light triremes were oar-raked of which two foundered and one managed to run aground, wrecking itself in the process: 2 escaped undamaged.

Amazingly, the slave rowers of the 5 heavy triremes shipped their oars, presumably hoping to be better treated by the pirates than by their current masters: attempts to restore order were vicious, but failed, and the pirates moved to board the immobile galleys.

Ostia and then Philipo realised the seriousness of the situation (who wants to be marooned on Sicily for the winter, at the mercy of the Messina anti-foreign invaders assassins?): they hastened to cram the transports with fighting men and then had them rowed out to repel the boarders.
All 20 transports put to sea, but only 4 actually got to the fighting. the others were rammed, oar-raked, or set on fire by the pirates.

The slaves were freed as and when the galleys were boarded: the freed slaves joined in the fighting with desperate savagery and some of their harsher erstwhile masters fared badly during their transition from master to captive.

By the end of the day 4 more of the heavy triremes had been captured and one foundered. The transports fared worse: 5 beached and were destroyed along with most of the slaves; 2 were captured and the slaves freed; the other 13 were lost; foundered or burned.

Neither Ostia nor Philipo has been found; they are feared drowned but could perchance have reached the shore.

Pirate losses were not negligible but are more than compensated for by the rush of enthusiastic volunteers, not only of the freed slaves, but also various marines and ex-Iberian cavalry!

Temeraix has returned to Malta with the new recruits, perhaps so that they cannot reveal the position of the pirate base should they be so minded. The other pirates headed west, presumably to their base. The Corsardian galleys which had joined the pirates are thought to have headed for their homes.

A Regency Council, Prince Demetriaces, Lysander, and Mustasha the Elder, has been formally established to help and advise the Prince. The Council, meeting in Gallipoli, has discussed the present political situation in Pontus and its implications for Thrace.

A high level diplomatic and trade mission has gone to Maharbal’s court: it is
widely rumoured that they not only discuss trade, but also the possibility of strengthening the current peace by forging a marriage link between Maharbal and Demetriaces.

A senior emissary has been sent to meet Cambyses with a view to facilitating contact and negotiations. A senior nobleman has been appointed ambassador to the Imperial Pontic Court: he is to represent Demetriaces at the PNC, should one be held. Both have experienced advisers and are expected to negotiate on his behalf.

The Thracian army moved to Gallipoli: the forts have been strengthened by having some of the men billeted in them. Men from Philipopolis and Adrianople scout to the western frontier and south towards Thassos and Thessaly.

On arriving in Gallipoli Kelerunos and his engineers surveyed the narrows.
Plagiar has been appointed military governor of Istanbul pending the Regency Council’s appointment of an Arcon when normality returns and martial law has been lifted. Plagiar has now arrived in Istanbul with a substantial Viking bodyguard.

Plagiar informed the ransomed Royal Guard that he was taking command of them. Nonobenines, Tyrosinase, Achalaces, and Katastrofos unanimously informed him that that was just not an acceptable suggestion. Further, an officer had been sent by Cambyses: they are to re-armed and re-mustered as the Empress Ate Guard.

The ensuing discussion was at times heated. Plagiar said that unless they accepted his orders they would not be re-armed by him; Nonobenines ordered his men to leave and they crossed on the ferry: the three senior generals have gone to Alansberg to get further orders whilst Katastrofos and the junior officers and men wait in Amasra.

Plagiar announced that in recognition of the loyalty and endurance of the Istanbul citizens in billeting Cambyses’ army and the loans made to ransom the Pontic Guard, Istanbul taxes this year will be reduced by 30 percent: no tax will be sent to Pontus but will deducted from the Pontic debt.

Overheard in Istanbul:
"Is it true that Prince Demetriaces is next in line to the Imperial Throne of Pontus?"
"Oh yes, he is heir presumptive, being of the senior line - Ate is of the junior line. But anyway, Shalman's first child will automatically be heir apparent."

In view of the reports of piracy, the cities of Gallipoli and Adrianople are on a special alert and the garrisons of the forts have been training with newly delivered engines.

The Council has decided that a small fleet is desirable, that it should be of the highest quality, and that it should be based in Gallipoli.

Maharbal has announced that there is now agreement on a treaty of trade and peace with Demetriaces of Thrace.

In view of the reports of piracy Maharbal has ordered an alert around the coasts and the navies are ordered to patrol more widely and aggressively.
He has ordered a reduction in the size and number of scouting patrols around his borders.

Aufield’s storms returned with a vengeance in ‘Umshofbrew: persistent rain was punctuated by massive storms, particularly in the mountains, not only of south-east Gaul but also of the western parts of Dacia and northern Italy.

The result was unprecedented flooding in the valleys of the Allier and the Loire, and of the Rhone, and to a slightly lesser extent, of the Saone and Po.

Fords became impassable, the wooden bridge above Tours lost two spans with another two looking decidedly unsafe, though the Vichy and Nimes stone-built bridges have survived.

There have been considerable losses of crops, flocks, and herds.

Fabricio moved up the right bank of the Rhone-Saone but was unable to cross the Loire to get to Vichy and is camped by the swollen ford.

Leo and Sancho have been moving supplies to Clermont Ferrand and improving the defences of the town and of their nearby camps. Any harvest not damaged by the inclement weather, and all flocks and herds, have been collected to Clermont and it seems likely that the invaders intend that at least a part of their forces will overwinter there.

The invaders have continued to push scouts out widely but the weather has precluded any serious fighting, except with the largely cowed peasantry. Escarrio remains in Nimes but is now in contact with Leo.

The Greek mercenaries, some 700 or so, mostly Montenegrins, despairing of the outcome of the siege when Tolosans and Italians were fighting each other with increasing savagery, negotiated with Regan to obtain safe passage across Italy to Greece.

On the 6th they rode out with flying colours: Regan provided them with a small escort to act as guides, to procure markets, and to make sure that all went well. Unfortunately, in a small coastal town some 60-70 miles from Marseilles there was some trouble with the locals: whores inadequately paid for their services, and their protector then manhandled by the Greeks.
Regan’s officers smoothed it over but on the 11th the Greeks found their progress barred at the fortress with barricades across the road, manned by 1-2,000 infantry. 4 5,000 cavalry rode up behind them.

General Draggus in person rode up to the Greeks and explained that in view of the recent trouble, they were asked to hand over all weapons except their personal side-arms. Trapped between the mountains and the sea, the Greeks really had no choice but to hand over their spears and swords.
Draggus warned them to behave more prudently.

They continued on their way but were now escorted by the Tuscan cavalry, and the prices in the markets were higher and rising. Unsurprisingly this led to further trouble. This time a cavalry brigadier appeared and told them that they were to surrender their armour, and their mounts: all too late they realised that this was Regan’s vengeance. She can be vindictive!

They fought but were heavily outnumbered and under-armed and were no match for the Tuscan cavalry. In the end about 450 surrendered and have been sold into slavery.

Back at Marseilles there was a lull when the Greeks had left, the Tolosans and the pro-Gallic citizens all too aware that they needed to co-operate. But the growing shortage of food sparked frequent trouble and on the 17th fighting flared up again.

That night the pro-Italian faction seized and held a gate and next day Senilitas entered the city with 1,000 or so infantry and opened negotiations. The fate of the Greeks was of course unknown to the defenders and they accepted terms: the Tolosan garrison and any Tolosan refugees who wished to leave would be escorted to the Nimes bridge and could thence return to their homes.

When they reached the bridge they found it barred against them and with the Rhone in flood and Tuscan cavalry watching, they headed north up the valley, now harassed by the Tuscans.

The ford north of St Etienne was dangerously deep: despite this many tried to cross and drowned: the remainder continued north increasingly harassed by Tuscans and now by locals. Few are thought to have survived.
Back in Marseilles there was a blood-bath as the long victimised pro-Italian faction sought its revenge, aided and abetted by Senilitas’ men. Cerdic’s governor, Caractacus the Briton, brilliant but deeply unpopular, fell on his sword in preference to falling on Regan’s mercy.

“They’ve arrived then, these Dunaricans. I wonder why Alkibiades wouldn’t talk to them: his sister in law Berena I dare say.”

“Anyway, so late in the season and them with no siege equipment and the walls just refurbished, they’re mad.”
“Well, yes: I think the Dunarican idea may have something going for it, but I wouldn’t say so out loud if I were you.”
“Hey, the Dunaricans have drawn up to the west astride the old imperial road, and Berena has had a platform erected.”
“You what? Everything? Berena, starkers? Well of course I know that her magical charms stopped Cerdic’s siege train from even damaging the walls of Graz last year, but they can’t help a siege.”
“They’re painting what on her where?”
“No!”
“You say Rheann’s joined her: are you sure?”
“B*gg*r duty, she’s a real sweetie, I’m going to watch this! Where are you going then you great prat, the best view will be from the west wall, not from over there.”
“Why’s Rheann laughing; what’s she pointing at?”
“How did they all get in here? You and your mates opened a gate for that Drusus. You b*st*rd. What a sensible idea, I wish I’d thought of it: Rheann only took off her helmet!”

Berena, still gorgeously painted, persuaded Drusus that Alkibiades should stand trial for the murder in 117 of her late husband, his brother Hesiod. There was little hard evidence but Alkibiades is … well, was … quite unpopular and there was little protest when she refused him the benefit of the doubt: she gave him the choice of being impaled or of confessing and being garrotted: he chose the latter and Drusus’ men carried out the sentence.

Less popularly, but no one was willing to argue with Drusus, Berena then had the leading citizens of Sombor brought before her to be questioned about their complicity in the now proven murder: any who failed to maintain steady eye-contact when she spoke to them were also garrotted; quite a few of them in the event, as she had an unnerving way of twitching her paintings.

Royer was made Earl of the Vales. Drusus announced that he would make Sombor the headquarters of the Dunarican Federal army and there being no suitable local candidate, he graciously accepted the Baronetcy of Sombor.

The cities of the Lower Danube have been invited to join the Federation, though without any attendant threats. It is likely that Turnu and Lugoj with their Slavonian majorities may well do so: the response of the predominantly Wallachian cities of Arad and Hateg is less certain.