Empire: Total War Heaven

I do get really excited when writing battle sequences. I just get caught up in the moment.

But I can understand where you are coming from.

Chapter Eighteen: Recriminations & Cover Ups.

“You mean to say the Peloponnesians have escaped?” Erasinides spluttered in belief.

“Aye,” Conon nodded. “They left yesterday evening and are probably headed south towards Chios,” Conon looked at the eight Athenian commanders that stood before him, as they convened inside a wrecked building in Mytilene after the city was relieved by the victorious Athenian fleet. The joy of the admirals at winning the battle and saving Conon’s battered squadron was tarnished. Their mood had soured when Conon had told them the remnants of the mauled enemy squadron had escaped. Pericles called for a guard who soon arrived.

“Find Theramenes and Thrasybulus,” he ordered the soldier. “Tell them to meet us here at once!” The guard nodded and dashed out of the building so to carry out the orders given to him. Aristocrates looked at Conon with some sympathy, as the general saw how rugged the admiral was after being blockaded and starved of food for weeks.

“Go and rest, Conon,” suggested Aristocrates. “You and your men must been tired after your ordeal. Great trials and tribulations have been hurled towards you and it has been met with sturdy defiance while facing adversity. On behalf of all the generals here we are proud of you,” Conon could see the faces of the eight generals were looks of appreciation. The Athenian showed his gratitude by nodding in acknowledgment and gratitude before heading out of the wrecked building so to find a house and bed to sleep on. When Conon left the room the generals prepared themselves, as they awaited Theramenes and Thrasybulus knowing there would be few pleasantries.

Their predictions would prove correct.

*****

“You failed to rescue any warships?” Protomachus tore into the two trierarchs after the eight generals received their report of their aborted mission to save the dead and wounded sailors that lied adrift in the Aegean.

“The weather seriously handicapped our efforts to save those men,” Theramenes protested strongly. “The rescue squadron sailed straight into the storm where most of the stricken triremes were unfortunately located,”

“Visibility was poor and we were barely able to sight any sailors that were alive or triremes,” Thrasybulus added. “As the night wore on the storm got worse that damaged some of our own triremes. We had no choice but to pull out,”

“So you just left them to their fate at the hands of a storm?” Lysias angrily shot back. “You decided to save your own backs using a storm as a excuse so to hide your deficiencies as commanders?” The two trierarchs resisted the urge to strike their generals who gave them looks of scorn and disdain. Both trierarchs were surprised that their long time friend Thrasyllus was not even being impartial towards them.

“I doubt many of you know what it is like to sail into a full bloodied Aegean storm,” Theramenes spoke coldly. “It is as chaotic as a battle and twice as deadly because you do not know when the next wave will smash your hull and tear your warships to bits. The decision to withdraw was done with much regret. But every sailor within the rescue squadron did not challenge the order. They knew if we stayed any longer inside the storm then you would have lost forty-forty five warships,”

“But thanks to your incompetence we failed to save up to a thousand men. It is likely they are all dead!” Erasinides scathingly retorted. “To make things worse the Peloponnesians have managed to link up with the fleet that besieged Conon at Mytilene. They now have eighty to ninety warships, which is likely residing at Chios and replenishing their losses suffered at Arginusae. The enemy manages to slip away in rough waters yet you balk at the sight of rough waves?”

“Then it is you who failed to destroy the enemy fleet and not us!” Thrasybulus shot back. “Moreover, from the tone of your voices it sounds like you think rescuing those shipwrecked sailors was an easy task. If that is what you think then why didn’t you lead the rescue squadron yourself?” Tempers began to rise with the possibility of blows being struck. Pericles soon stepped in before blood was split.

“Theramenes and Thrasybulus, I think you should return back to your quarters,” the young admiral suggested. “Both of us have said things that in time will be regretted. Now go to your quarters before something counter productive happens,” The two trierarchs agreed that Pericles’ proposal was wise, as both captains left the wrecked house commandeered as a makeshift command post and headed back to their quarters. When they were out of sight the eight generals looked at each other anxiously.

“So what now?” wondered Diomedon. “We head to Chios?”

“That is the likeliest option,” Aristogenes replied before shaking his head ruefully. “But the Peloponnesians are not going to come out of their harbour for battle. Their fleet is battered after the beating they took at Arginusae and have no appetite for another fight. They rather hide behind their defences knowing they can replenish their depleted ranks with Persian money. Even though we know the Peloponnesians won’t fight there is no option but to go to Chios so to keep up morale among our men,”

“That brings us to the matter of our report to the assembly regarding the battle and its aftermath,” Pericles added. This brought about looks of trepidation among the generals. They knew what happened if the Pnyx found out they had neglected to pick up the bodies themselves, as well as tasking two trierarchs to do it, while they headed towards Mytilene so to seek glory and try to destroy the enemy fleet.

“Well, what should we write in the report regarding our attempts in picking up the dead and stranded sailors after the battle?” asked Aristocrates. Silence filled the house as anxious expressions were etched upon the generals’ faces. Erasinides took it upon himself to break the impasse.

“It is clear what we must write in our report to the assembly,” he decreed. “We shall explain the truth and present the full facts of what happened. Explaining why we decided to head towards Mytilene - so to destroy the remaining Peloponnesian fleet instead of picking up the dead and dying - will help us exonerate us of all charges should we be truthful. Besides, if the Pnyx do try to cast blame then it will likely be directed towards Thrasybulus and Theramenes. But we should tell both of them our plans because if we stick to a pre-arranged story then no charges will be brought against us,” Some agreed with the plan while others did not: especially Thrasyllus.

“No, I don’t like the plan. It looks like we are trying to push the blame to Theramenes and Thrasybulus,” he disagreed strongly. “If accusations are brought against them it could put all of us in a dangerous position,”

“Thrasyllus is right,” nodded Diomedon. “Should they be charged due to us blaming them for what has happened then we could find ourselves outflanked. Thrasybulus and Theramenes are popular figures within Athens because of their efforts in the Hellespont and Aegean during the last five years. They are skilled speakers and have strong political support meaning they will be formidable foes should we turn against them. Therefore, I feel Aristocrates’ proposal is valid yet not the right choice,”

“Then what should we put in the report?” Protomachus wondered with great anxiety.

“We tell the truth,” Lysias answered back. “But we omit the true reasons behind the rescue mission and explain it was us who organised and led the mission. No blame will be cast upon one another and we will fault the storm in our failure to deal with the survivors and pick up the dead for burial. It is likely we could suffer a backlash from Athens but they will soon realize how dangerous a vicious storm can be to a fleet operating at night. However, I do agree on informing Thrasybulus and Theramenes the plan. If we form a united front then the Pnyx cannot charge us,”

“Better to suffer a backlash due to a storm that will pass over in a few days,” said Aristogenes. “But if the citizenry find out it was two trierarchs that tried to save our stricken comrades and not us then questions will be asked by the Pnyx,”

“Which is why we omit the truth and say it was us who tried to save our comrades but failed to do so because of a storm,” Erasinides added. “A storm can be seen as a legitimate reason to call off a rescue even though some storms pass quickly,” The eight generals agreed to the plan and sent their fabricated report to the assembly. A few days later the Athenian fleet sailed towards Chios so to confront the Peloponnesians. But Eteonicus was no fool and stayed within the harbour.

The Athenian armada were resigned to set sail for Samos so to rest and recuperate. A sense of frustration rippled among the generals, as their victory at Arginusae was not exploited. The generals knew that because of their failure to take advantage of their victory the Peloponnesians had a formidable fleet lurking in the Aegean eager to cut off Athens’ grain routes in the Hellespont. The only positive outlook the generals could be pleased with was the fractious aftermath of the battle had been sorted out. But what the Athenian generals did not know was there would be further repercussions out of Arginusae’s aftermath.

*****

It was mid-August as Theramenes and Thrasybulus entered Athens on horseback with one of their subordinate officers. The two ex-generals were pleased to be back home, as they scanned the city to see what had changed. Their eyes pried to the increase in soldiers upon the battlements, lookout posts and sentry towers that cluttered Athens.

“Why the increase in soldiers?” asked Thrasybulus. “What has changed in the past few years while we have been fighting in the Aegean and Hellespont?” Theramenes’ subordinate officer Antiphixus soon answered Theramenes’ question.

“A lot has happened during the last five years since the revolutions that paralysed Athens,” the officer said. Some of these events I know you are aware of but what you don’t know is the impact it has had on the city,”

“Impacted on the city how?” enquired an intrigued Theramenes, as the three Athenians used their horses to navigate the market road, which was streaming with people at this time.

“Well, the fall and secession of Euboea from the empire rattled many Athenians here,” Antiphixus explained. “The only thing separating Euboea from Attica is the Straits of Oropus and many Athenians are worried about an enemy attack. But the main reason is Agis,"

“I'm not surprised. I heard of his multiple attacks against the Long Walls of Athens not long ago,” deduced Thrasybulus. “Thankfully, the garrison commanders were able to repulse them while the bulk of the Athenian fleet was away,”

“Because of the multiple Peloponnesian assaults the city decided to step up military patrols and double the guard,” Antiphixus added. “Athens may now be awash with soldiers but at least the city is safe,” Thrasybulus and Theramenes nodded in agreement at Antiphixus’ opinion. The three men did not talk for the rest of the journey, as they headed towards the main barracks to meet an old friend who held high rank after serving under the two ex-generals in the Hellespont. The captain was certainly pleased to see them when he saw them enter the barracks.

“Thrasybulus and Theramenes, aren’t you a sight for sore eyes!” he exulted as he walked so to embrace them warmly. “How long has it been since I last served with you in battle? Four years?”

“Nearly six," chuckled Thrasybulus. “And it looks like you have made a name for yourself since then. Captain of the guard!”

“A title that I am proud of,” Philtres proudly chuckled. “But enough with the pleasantries! Accompany me to my quarters and we shall talk more!” Philtres led his friends to his quarters as the captain politely shook Antiphixus’ hand when the two ex-generals introduced him to Philtres. While making their way through the barracks the group saw new recruits training to become hoplites. Thrasybulus looked on as he saw the young soldiers be taught by an instructor who sported several scars.

“New lambs for the slaughter,” he thought darkly to himself. After a few minutes they reached Philtres’ quarters. For an hour Antiphixus heard the captain talk of tales about Thrasybulus and Theramenes in battle. Antiphixus was intrigued by the stories and with each tale brought new founded respect for his superior officers.

“So what truly brings you here to my quarters?” enquired Philtres. Theramenes and Thrasybulus looked at each other momentarily.

“We wanted to visit Athens after spending many years fighting the Peloponnesians,” Theramenes replied. “But mainly because we wanted to visit you seeing you now outrank everyone in the room!” The two ex-generals felt guilty at not disclosing the truth but that was because their trip to Athens was important. They were eager to know whether their commanders’ report regarding the battle- of which they had been told by the generals what the report entailed - contained information that could incriminate the two trierarchs and lead to charges brought against them. They had come with Antiphixus to defend themselves if necessary and decided to visit Philtres because he was captain of the guard and knew the word of the street.

“Ah, well I can actually tell you a few stories about what is happening in Athens,” Philtres replied. “Including a few interesting things regarding what happened when the people heard about the glorious victory at Arginusae,”

“How did they react” asked Antiphixus who like Theramenes and Thrasybulus were eager to hear what Philtres had to say.

“Well, when we first heard of what happened at Arginusae there was great joy and relief among many Athenians. We revelled at how our navy tore through the vast Peloponnesian fleet,” Philtres remembered with great pride in his voice as he spoke. “There was a sense of relief because the people knew if the battle had been lost then our vital grain routes would be cut off by the enemy. Then Athens would have no choice but to surrender to those wretched Spartans and their allies.

Thankfully, our makeshift fleet had the gods on their side and won the battle. An amazing feat seeing many within the armada were sons of nobles, farmers, hoplites and slaves. Moreover, the assembly in celebration passed a motion in the assembly praising the generals who orchestrated the victory,” Antiphixus, Theramenes and Thrasybulus felt aggrieved at the assembly for not praising the rank and file sailors along with the marines and rowers who died during the battle.

“But now there is a sense of growing anger among the people,” added Philtres.

“Why is that?” Theramenes said curiously.

“Not long after hearing what happened at Arginusae the people partied in the streets into the night and gave thanks to the gods inside the temples for the victory against the enemy,” Philtres replied quietly so that he was not overheard by any passing soldier that walked past his quarters. “But this changed a few days later. This was about a week ago. The mood among the citizenry changed slightly after the generals sent their report to the assembly regarding what happened at Arginusae.

“What did it say?” Thrasybulus asked as his heart began to beat rapidly.

“They wrote about how they had won the battle but also told of its aftermath,” the captain of the guard recollected. “It was sad to learn how the generals failed to save those poor sailors that lay out to sea because of a violent storm,”

“How did the assembly react?” Antiphixus asked.

“A few nobles in the Pnyx were angry at the failure to retrieve our stricken men,” Philtres replied. “As you well know burying the dead is as important as trying to save a man’s life. During this long war us Athenians, as well as the Peloponnesians, have always allowed retrieval of the dead so they can be buried. The only reason why no charges have been brought against the generals is the assembly accepted their reasons behind the failure, which was a storm. Many councillors and nobles in the assembly have served in the navy and know what it is like to sail through a punishing storm,”

“So was that the end of the matter?” Theramenes asked Philtres, as the Athenian hoped the assembly decided to focus on winning the war rather than trying to unearth more information about the failed rescue attempt.

“There is still some anger especially among those relatives of soldiers who died in the stormy waters of the Aegean because of the failed rescue operation,” Philtres said with sorrow in his voice for he felt sorry for the bereaved relatives. “But I think the clamour will die down seeing that Arginusae was a glorious victory that has helped reinforce Athenian naval supremacy,”

Theramenes, Thrasybulus and Antiphixus were relieved at finding out no action had been taken against the Athenian generals, as a result of neglecting the dead and wounded. The atmosphere within the room soon lightened as the topic turned to one of reminiscing where many laughs were shared as they looked back at good memories when Philtres served in the Hellespont. As evening arrived the three Athenian officers said their goodbyes to Philtres with Theramenes and Thrasybulus warmly embracing their close friend.

As they left the barracks the three men headed to a local inn so to stay for the night before they were to head back to their respective homes the following morning. Once they paid for their lodging the three Athenian officers could relax in their beds. They were glad that so far their pre-arranged story, which was concocted by the eight Athenian generals, was holding up and the assembly decided that no one would face charges.

Or so they thought.

[This message has been edited by Legion Of Hell (edited 05-21-2011 @ 04:58 PM).]

It would have been better for them to have told the truth- two squadrons went back for the survivors, but were driven of by the fiercest storm in near memory. Maybe they should have lost a ship or two as evidence.

Excellent write-up. Fewer run-on sentences, better overall presentation. Very thorough, too.

The stupidity of civilians in some military matters is incomprehensible except to those with room-temperature IQ's (Centigrade, not Fahrenheit).

[This message has been edited by Terikel Grayhair (edited 05-23-2011 @ 01:54 AM).]

Here is a new chapter you will surely like for its intrigue. Moreover, this is the 600th page written on MS Word, so I'm pleased with that.

*****

Chapter Nineteen: The Unravelling Of The United Front.

The eight generals looked at each other uncomfortably, as they received a scroll from their contacts in Athens, which informed them of recent events they found quite disturbing. Aristogenes read the report out loud so to confirm what the scroll said.

To the eight strategos of the Athenian fleet,

Forgive me for not sending a letter of congratulations on your victory against the Peloponnesians at Arginusae but I have news that regards all of you. The report sent to the assembly explaining what happened after Arginusae at first seemed to be accepted by the assembly. This is despite some uproar from some nobles for failing to retrieve the dead. However, two weeks later and it seems the mood has changed.

More citizens, who include the relatives of the fallen at Arginusae, are wondering why and how the dead along with the shipwrecked soldiers were not picked up. With each passing day more and more people are questioning your conduct of the campaign. I don’t know what has precipitated this, as the assembly approved your report and no charges were brought against anyone for the rescue failure. But I suggest you should be careful because someone is trying to discredit you.

The eight generals looked at each other feeling rattled at what the scroll entailed.

“Ho-How could this have happened?” stammered Lysias in shock.

“Right now I’m unsure,” Thrasyllus shook his head regretfully. “But something wrong must have happened because the public turning against us occurred after the assembly accepted our report,”

“Well, I know exactly why the people have turned against us and who did it,” Erasinides replied darkly.

“Thrasybulus and Theramenes?” Diomedon said surprisingly. “But why?”

“Probably to discredit us so to detract blame,” Aristocrates suggested. “However, their motives if they actually went to Athens so to denounce us is unclear. But there is no doubt it was them,”

“I can’t see how it could not be them,” Pericles shook his head. “No one knew of our plan apart from those two,”

“So what should we do to counter this predicament we find ourselves in?” Protomachus asked.

“Play the same game as Thrasybulus and Theramenes!” Erasinides grinned menacingly. “Send a letter to Athens and inform them that the rescue mission was assigned to Theramenes and Thrasybulus. The people will focus their ire towards those two traitors for leaving up to a thousand Athenians to die in the Aegean. No doubt, the assembly will summon them, so to extensively question them,”

“But what if Theramenes and Thrasybulus are able to defend themselves in the Pnyx?” Pericles pointed out. “You seem to be forgetting a few things about these two men, Erasinides. They are ex-generals, have an abundance of experience in battle, as well as being able to wield mass political support from their followers if needed. Moreover, what will happen if they can defend themselves in the assembly and persuade the assembly that this was our fault?”

“Then it is vital we get our story straight in our letter! I for one will not allow two trierarchs try to ruin our reputations that we have worked so hard for!” Erasinides retorted angrily at having his proposal heavily scrutinized.

“I say we take it to a vote,” proposed Aristogenes. “If the majority of us agree with Erasinides’ proposal to send a letter that denounces Thrasybulus and Theramenes then so be it. But if the majority disagree then we shall concoct a new method of dealing with this troubling attempt to undermine us. The other seven generals gave out looks of agreement thinking Aristogenes’ proposal was fair.

“Those against Erasinides’ plan?” said Aristogenes. Pericles, Diomedon and Aristocrates put their hands up.

“Those for it?” Erasinides, Aristogenes, Protomachus, Thrasyllus and Lysias put their hands up. Pericles sighed in resignation at the vote and stared intently at Erasinides’ smug face. Pericles was annoyed that his efforts to deny a confrontation with two of Athens’ experienced generals had failed at the hands of Erasinides’ selfishness.

“Then it is settled,” Thrasyllus decreed after the vote was taken. “We shall write a letter to Athens explaining that it was Thrasybulus and Theramenes who led the rescue mission that failed,”

“Those two turncoats will see what happens to those that foolishly decide to go behind our backs and try to discredit us in a vain attempt to detract their own past failures!” Lysias defiantly exclaimed, as he menacingly grinned at picturing Thrasybulus and Theramenes be indicted by the assembly. The eight generals knew they were taking a calculated risk and were aware what the assembly and council would do if it went badly wrong.

But a commitment had been made and each general vowed to honour it. They knew each man had crossed the point of no return.

*****

A week later and Thrasybulus and Theramenes stood before the assembly. The mood was tense, as the two ex-generals had been summoned to the Pnyx. They had received a scroll two days ago ordering them to make their way to the Pnyx in light of new evidence received regarding the generals’ report relating to Arginusae. Both men felt and looked nervous.

“What new evidence do you think the assembly have?” Theramenes asked.

“I don’t know,” Thrasybulus shrugged in reply. “But it will be interesting to learn who spoke to the Pnyx, which has forced us to come here,” The hubbub inside the Pnyx was loud, as those in attendance wondered why they had been called to attend a special session. Their curiosity was heightened when they saw Thrasybulus and Theramenes standing near the front row. Many remembered their bravery in the Hellespont, as well as the revolutionaries and were thankful for their efforts. Suddenly, the arena fell silent, as the presiding officer stood up to address the crowd.

“This special session of the assembly has been called at the behest of prosecutor Lamnitus on behalf of the council,” spoke the elderly presiding officer who motioned the prosecutor to speak. Lamnitus walked to the middle of the arena, which made the assembly curious to hear what he had to say. However, the two trierarchs were immediately suspicious at a prosecutor being called to speak. Both of them knew a prosecutor spoke in the Pnyx when he wanted to press charges against someone.

“The reason why the council has called the assembly here today and has allowed me to speak on its behalf is because of what happened at Arginusae,” the dark haired Athenian shouted at the top of his voice so to make himself heard. Thrasybulus glanced towards Theramenes and gave him a look of anxiety that was reciprocated by Theramenes. Something is not right.

“I have here a letter sent to me by the eight generals behind the glorious defeat of the Peloponnesians at Arginusae,” Lamnitus further added, as he brandished from his tunic a scroll that had the seal of Athens. “The contents of what is written on this parchment makes for scandalous reading…especially to Thrasybulus and Theramenes!” The prosecutor pointed at the two ex-generals that brought mutterings among the citizens watching Lamnitus.

The prosecutor then began to unfold the letter so to read it but Thrasybulus and Theramenes knew what it entailed. Both of them were fuming at the generals betraying them and had realized they had done so when Lamnitus talked about receiving new information from the generals. The Pnyx soon descended into uproar when they found out that Thrasybulus and Theramenes and not the generals had led the rescue mission. The majority of those in the Pnyx uttered jeers, whistling, debauchery comments and explicit threats. Lamnitus icily stared at the two Athenians.

“Now the truth has been revealed it is time for you to answer yourselves,” Lamnitus suggested to the two nobles with a hint of malice in his voice. “You may speak now or hold your tongue and await the judgement of the assembly. Thrasybulus and Theramenes stood up, as they prepared to defend themselves infront of an assembly who were surprised yet angered at their perceived transgressions.

“Men of the council and assembly!” cried out Thrasybulus. “Your anger at the failure to retrieve the bodies of the fallen and wounded is understandable. We do not deny that it was us who led the rescue mission and failed to succeed due to the storm’s severity. But the fault does not lie with us but the generals!” Some of the male citizens and nobles that made up the audience were unsure of whether the two Athenians were telling the truth. But they were willing to hear what they had to say.

“Once victory against the Peloponnesians was achieved the normal procedure would be to regroup and tend to the dead along with the wounded and missing that lie adrift out to sea,” Theramenes added. “But the generals did the exact opposite. They wasted valuable time in vain pursuit of the enemy who were scattered across the Aegean. The defeated Peloponnesian warships retreated in several directions after being mauled by us in battle. There was no need to chase them because it would lead to our fleet being scattered unnecessarily and would take hours to regroup. However, the generals went ahead with their pursuit that lead to the fleet not arriving back to camp on the Arginusae Islands until that very same evening,”

“And what happened then?” enquired Lamnitus.

“When we found out there were up to a thousand men stranded out to sea, as well as thousands of Athenian floating corpses, the generals were faced with a dilemma,” Thrasybulus answered back. “The generals debated for quite a long time that would prove detrimental for it would shorten the time available to save our stranded men. Moreover, from what I heard of the meeting, some of the generals proposed to do things that would disgrace the name and reputation of Athens,”

“Such as?” shouted a boisterous Athenian noble from the crowd eager to know more.

“Erasinides suggested that it would be better to leave them to their fate,” Theramenes replied, as he shook his head in disgust. This revelation was met with gasps and cries of revulsion from the assembly. “Erasinides felt it was strategically important to go to Mytilene and destroy the small Peloponnesian squadron besieging Conon. He didn’t think saving our drowning soldiers was important,”

“Instead of utilising all their resources to pick up the dead and wounded they decided to compromise,” Thrasybulus further added so to reinforce Theramenes’ defence. “They decided to give us just a third of the fleet to pick up the survivors while they headed to Mytilene. The generals cared more about gaining glory than respecting the sacred traditions of our fallen brothers who perished for Athens,”

The people inside the Pnyx became angry towards the generals when hearing of the alleged grievous dereliction of duty by their elected commanders. The two trierarchs could see this shift in anger was occurring for their testimonies had been conducted without any interruptions from the citizenry whatsoever. Both of them sought to exploit this and exact their revenge on the generals who betrayed them.

“The debate regarding what to do took some time to conclude,” Thrasybulus spoke further. “Once they decided to compromise me and Theramenes were given the orders to help our stricken men. We tried our utmost best to try to save them but the storm was just too strong. Many men among the rescue squadron were wounded from the storm. If the generals had not taken so long to make a decision then maybe we could have saved them. If you wish to have us tried for insubordination then so be it but do not label us cowards for we nearly killed ourselves trying to save them,” Anger and jeers soon erupted within the assembly but it was not directed at the two defendants but towards the eight generals.

“These ex-generals have been placed as scapegoats by those eight men!” screamed a noble who was angered at the generals’ antics especially Erasinides. “They wanted us to have them take the blame for their mistakes!” This was met with shouts of agreement from the citizens sitting in the Pnyx.

“Thrasybulus and Theramenes have shown in the past their loyalty to Athens,” added a middle aged blacksmith who had served in the navy during the battles along the Corinthian Gulf in the early years of the war. “Their accomplishments in the name of Athens include repulsing Peloponnesian incursions in the Hellespont, defeating several enemy armadas in battle and helping to destroy those extremists that tried to betray Athens to Sparta. They have done no wrong and have shown time and time again that they are an invaluable asset to Athens!” Cries of agreement reverberated across the assembly. A grizzled carpenter also stood up so to air his view.

“These men are innocent of any wrongdoing whatsoever! Their defence has shown it is not they who have committed transgressions against the dead,” he spoke assuredly. “In my view it is the generals who are in the wrong especially in not leading a rescue squadron to pick up the dead. Their infidelity is shown by the fact they changed their story in the second letter trying to pin the blame on Thrasybulus and Theramenes!” Before the assembly could cheer at the comments made by the carpenter a noble stood up so to make a proposal that was borne out of his disgust at the generals’ actions.

“Due to the revelations heard from these two respected ex-generals I would like to table a motion to the assembly,” he suggested. “I propose that we depose these eight men of their generalship and order them back to Athens so to face trial. I suggest the assembly recalls these generals via the euthynai so that each general can be examined as they would at the end of a general’s term of office. It is fair that they be examined thoroughly, which includes their financial accounts and every aspect of their conduct while they were generals. Naturally, this will include the events during Arginusae,” Those in attendance liked the proposal for it would allow the eight generals to be tried in front of an assembly instead of a private inquiry. Thrasybulus and Theramenes wanted it to happen as well.

“All those in favour of deposing the generals from office and bringing them back under the euthynai so to face trial?” asked the presiding officer. There was a resounding chorus of ayes so loud that the officer didn’t need to ask those who objected to the proposal.

“The motion is carried,” the president said. “Summons will be written up ordering the generals that they are stripped of their command and are to make their way to Athens so to forego the euthynai,” There were cheers of approval after the assembly was dismissed with Thrasybulus and Theramenes displaying looks of satisfaction at managing to weave their way out of trouble. However, both of them were intrigued to learn why they were betrayed; yet the two trierarchs did not know it was just bad luck.

The result of the motion to recall the generals was met with shock and dismay in Samos. The eight generals voiced their scorn at Erasinides who had persuaded them to try and pin the blame on Thrasybulus and Theramenes. Now it was they who lost their command and were forced to sail to Athens so to stand trial. However, the night before their departure, Aristogenes and Protomachus fled Samos in their attempt to avoid trial. The remaining six generals were angry at the departure of their two ex-comrades knowing it made them look bad.

They had no option but to face the Pnyx’s wrath, as their world turned upside down.

[This message has been edited by Legion Of Hell (edited 05-26-2011 @ 06:04 PM).]

Don't you just love armchair generals and coffee-table admirals?

Of course the civilian at home knows far more about the battlefield than any general ever could, even without CNN.

Some things just do not change.

Frikkin excellent write-up, Legion. You captured the armchair generals perfectly.

The question is, who actually betrayed them?

Unless I misunderstood ofcourse.

[This message has been edited by Ischenous (edited 05-27-2011 @ 12:12 PM).]

The eight current generals, as well as the two ex-generals, agreed to stick to a pre-arranged story so to make sure nobody was implicated by the assembly due to their report. When Theramenes and Thrasybulus went to Athens they saw no-one was demanding an inquiry be made into the conduct of the generals regarding the failed rescue mission.

However, anger soon rose up within the Athenian public (kind of like a second wind), as public sentiment grew against the generals out of nowhere. The eight commanders in Samos heard about it and PERCEIVED to think Theramenes and Thrasybulus betrayed them. However, as I said at the end of the chapter it was bad luck, as the generals made their decision to denounce the two generals based on what they had heard (the letter sent to the generals did not really happen but is a representation of what happened) from people witnessing this anger from the citizens of Athens against the generals.

So it was the eight generals who betrayed the two Athenians but only because those eight commanders thought it was Thrasybulus and Theramenes who was betraying them hence the sudden surge in public anger against the eight generals. As you see in the last chapter the eight generals deciding to betray their two fellow Athenians has not gone well so far.......

Ah, so I'm not confused, the generals were confused.

The fog of war applies to the political arena as well.

Chapter Twenty: The Trial Of The Generals.

The six former generals arrived into the assembly that brought about looks of anger among those sitting in the audience. Within the front row seats were Thrasybulus and Theramenes who were ready to defend themselves if necessary. The six generals had been brought before the assembly so to be put under the euthynai, which was the review of a general’s term of office.

The six men that had been deposed of their command at the behest of the assembly looked sheepish, as the presiding officer - who presided over the assembly by a lot for a day - addressed the capacity crowd. Many of those in attendance were eager to see justice served to those who had left their fallen comrades to die when they needed help. The presiding officer thanked the citizens for attending before introducing the chief prosecutor Lamnitus to start proceedings.

“You six former generals have been brought to Athens under the euthynai,” he spoke, as he sharply pointed at each of the men who had once been heroes for orchestrating the victory at Arginusae. “However, the five of those accused are innocent in terms of your financial history, which has showed no irregularities. But the same can not be said for you, Erasinides!” The ex-general’s face turned sullen.

“Your records over the past year have showed several counts of misappropriation of public money that has been funnelled out to places unknown. No doubt this stolen money has been used to benefit you, Erasinides!” continued Laminitis. “Do you or do you not deny this?” The attending crowd turned to Erasinides who looked a shadow of his former defiant self. The ex-general realized he had been found out.

“I do not deny it,” Erasinides spoke quietly. This elicited mutterings of surprise from the assembly members and cries of anger. The presiding officer called for order to be restored with Lamnitus brandishing an evil smile, as he prepared to bury Erasinides.

“Due to your confession there is no need to transfer this case to the council of the Five Hundred and the assembly who would have put you under trial should you have plead not guilty,” Lamnitus concluded before motioning towards the detachment of guards standing watch upon the exits of the Pnyx. “You will be accompanied by these guards to the prison where you will be imprisoned till sentencing. Take him away,”

Erasinides walked to the guards who bounded his hands with rope and led him away from the Pnyx. Thrasybulus saw that Erasinides’ face stared at the ground and didn’t show any remorse for his actions as he exited the Pnyx. Good riddance! thought Thrasybulus. As Erasinides was taken away the prosecutor looked to the other five men who hid their fury at Erasinides for pleading guilty in an attempt to escape a trial and have his name be blackened even further.

“As for you men!” Lamnitus exclaimed so to sound menacing. “I table a motion to the council and assembly regarding what to do with these five ex-generals. What I propose is they be imprisoned and be turned over to the council, as well as the assembly in regards to its judicial duties, so they can be tried,” The presiding officer conducted the vote and the majority of the assembly voted in favour to imprison the generals till the start of the trial. The five generals had their hands tied, as they were led away by soldiers who escorted them to the prison in the city.

*****

The hot summer bared its warmth on Athens, as Thrasybulus and Theramenes rode on horseback towards the notorious prison. The two of them sweated profusely while stopping at a crossroads so to allow a regiment of hoplites to traverse the road that blocked the road leading to the dungeons. As the regiment marched past the two nobles talked to each other so to discuss the reasons behind their journey to the prison.

“Why did we even agree to Aristocrates’ request to meet them?” Theramenes spoke crudely. “We should just let them rot in that prison until the trial starts. It is the least they deserve for what they have done to us!”

“I want to hear what they have to say for themselves,” Thrasybulus replied. “The only reason I agreed to their request is to learn why they denounced us even though we did nothing of the sort,” The two nobles resumed their journey after the regiment of hoplites finished crossing the road. A short while later and they reached the prison where the five defendants were being housed. The prison was shaped like a citadel with a circular wall surrounding the main grounds. Walkways among the walls and battlements were erected, as well as observation posts, which were all filled with guards who watched out for anything suspicious.

“I have heard stories about this place,” Theramenes said warningly, as they neared the prison gates. “The largest prison in all of Athens where they house rapists, cut-throat thieves, high ranking prisoners of war of which there are many and pirates,”

“A place fitting for Thrasyllus, Diomedon, Aristocrates, Lysias and Pericles!” chuckled Thrasybulus. “From what you say it sounds like a betrayer’s paradise,” The two men rode towards the large wooden gate where they abruptly stopped. Thrasybulus and Theramenes did not even need to do anything for the gate opened with a loud creak and revealed three men who walked towards them. The two riders could see two of them were guards while the third person in the middle of the group was dressed in armour that signified he was a man of high rank.

“You do not need to state your name and rank for I know who you are from the look on your faces,” the high ranked Athenian assured the two men. “Thrasybulus and Theramenes: the men who have saved Athens on several occasions. You must be here to see the five generals who requested your presence?” Both men nodded in unison to which the high ranked officer motioned to his two guards.

“Then follow me,” the officer instructed Thrasybulus and Theramenes. “My guards will take your horses to the stables and you will receive them once you leave the prison,” The two Athenians dismounted, as their horses were taken away while the officer led them past the wooden gate into the prison. They entered the main hall where the guards were making their way towards the prison blocks.

“My name is Temnius,” he introduced himself. “And I am in charge of this accursed place. Have done so for six long years,”

“I am guessing you detest your job?” Thrasybulus asked sarcastically, which elicited a smile from Theramenes.

“On the contrary. I enjoy it immensely, as the job gives me a good wage that supports my family especially during a time of war,” Temnius answered back, as the three of them went past a door and walked down a winding hallway. To the left of them were the blocks of cells where the prisoners were housed. The two nobles were astounded at how big it was and Temnius smiled when seeing their faces.

“This place houses nearly a thousand prisoners,” he explained further, as they turned left and traversed to a narrow walkway leading into another block. “Sometimes the prisoners can act unruly seeing we are also housing Peloponnesian prisoners of war. A few days ago a brawl erupted between Spartans, Corinthians and Athenians. It started after an Athenian kept boasting towards the Peloponnesians- who have formed into potent gangs - about how he served at Cyzicus and killed several Peloponnesians,”

"I take it they did not warmly applaud the Athenian’s accomplishments?” asked Theramenes. Temnius cackled.

“They ambushed him, had four men hold him before one tall Theban mercilessly broke his arm. That poor Athenian screamed at the top of his lungs that alerted his friends and started the twenty-man brawl. Seven men were sent to the physicians with the Athenian who had his arm broken rarely coming out of his cell after the brawl,” The two men realized this was not a prison but a death trap. Before Temnius could speak further they reached their destination as they stood outside a door.

“There are guards inside so to make sure nothing unruly happens there,” Temnius informed the two men. The nobles thanked the prison commander and proceeded to open the door. As they entered the room Thrasybulus and Theramenes saw the five accused men sitting on chairs next to a table. The two nobles saw they looked rough despite being in the prison for just a few days. Standing guard in the room were two bulky soldiers who looked as if they were experts in torture than keeping watch.

“You came?” Lysias said surprisingly, as Theramenes and Thrasybulus sat on the vacant chairs adjacent to the five prisoners. “I would not have blamed you if you had decided not to come,”

“I only came here to see what you have to say for yourself!” Thrasybulus shot back acidly.

“Very well,” Thrasyllus said defensively. “But we will tell you on one condition: we talk alone,” The two guards looked at Thrasybulus and Theramenes to see if they would allow this.

“Fine,” Theramenes nodded before pointing to the sword placed in his scabbard. “But if you try anything then by the gods I will draw my weapon and slay you where you sit!” The five men acknowledged the warning, as the two guards left the room.

“So why did you do it?” Thrasybulus asked. “Why decide to betray us when we agreed to stick to a pre-arranged story?” The five generals looked on in disbelief at what they just heard.

“Betray you?” Aristocrates spluttered. “It was you who betrayed us when you went to Athens!”

“It could not have been us,” Theramenes shook his head. “We were called by the assembly where the prosecutor put us on the spot due to a letter written by you, which explained how it was us and not you who led and failed the rescue mission,” The reason why we denounced you because you did it first when you sent a second letter to Lamnitus!”

“We do not deny that we sent that letter to Lamnitus!” Pericles retorted. “But only because we were told by one of our contacts that someone was trying to turn the people against us: despite the assembly accepting our report entailed in the first letter that all of us agreed upon. That is when we realized you must have told the citizenry what had happened hence the public anger towards us!”

“That did not happen,” Thrasybulus replied, as he raised an eyebrow. “Myself and Theramenes went to Athens so to find out if the assembly and council accepted the first letter. Even the captain of the guard told us that despite some anger from sections of the assembly the council decided that you had committed no offences. I guess this public anger grew from those who lost a relative as a result of the failed rescue attempt.

They must have wanted revenge because those who were left to die were not sailors but immigrants, slaves and sons of influential nobles. The only reason why they were called up was to fill up a shortage of trained sailors. Those nobles who lost their sons wanted revenge and could use their influence to denounce you. No doubt, you must have thought it was us who had betrayed you, as we were the only ones that knew of your intention to write a fake report to the assembly,”

The five generals could see in the eyes and voice of the two trierarchs that they were telling the truth. They had known Thrasybulus and Theramenes for many years and knew when they were lying. Erasinides had managed to cloud their judgment by persuading them to denounce the two trierarchs. But since his departure the five ex-generals saw things in a different light and realized things were not right.

“Then it was all just a misunderstanding!” Diomedon exclaimed in shock.

“It looks that way,” Theramenes regretfully.

“There is still a way out of this,” Lysias probed opportunistically. “We can go back to our united front and motion to have the trial thrown out. Explain to the council of the Five Hundred and assembly that it was all a misunderstanding!”

“That is something we cannot do. It is too late for that,” Thrasybulus shook his head before pointing at the five men. “It was you that decided to break from the agreed story and had turned against us. If there was suspicion then you could have easily summoned us back to Athens for questioning and we would have proved our innocence. However, you decided to jump to conclusions by trying to turn us in when you did not know the full story.

It is too late to reverse what has been done, as the people are now aware of the full extent of what happened at Arginusae. So now you are on your own and have no one to blame but yourself,” The two nobles stood up to make their exit from the room with Theramenes opening the door, as the five ex-generals gave them looks of disdain because of their refusal. Suddenly, Lysias stood up and pointed at them threateningly.

“So be it!” he shouted. “But let it be known that it was you who failed the rescue mission and condemn those men stranded in the Aegean to their deaths! We shall see what happens in a few days!” The door closed upon them, as Temnius accompanied the two Athenians while walking to the stables where their horses were hitched. Thrasybulus and Theramenes knew the hearing, which was scheduled in the new few days, could turn nasty. But they had fought in several battles and were confident a trial would be easy to go through, as long as they told the truth.

*****

The assembly was packed to capacity during the late afternoon. The people of Athens eagerly awaited the trial of the five generals who were under trial for gross misconduct and failure to honour the dead. The presiding officer of the day addressed the crowd, as Thrasybulus and Theramenes along with the five defendants, sat on the front row waiting to start proceedings.

“We are gathered here today so to trial Aristocrates, Lysias, Pericles, Thrasyllus and Diomedon for gross misconduct while in office,” he spoke solemnly to the assembly. “Chief prosecutor Lamnitus represents for the prosecution against the defendants. Lamnitus, you may speak,” The prosecutor stood up from where the council members were located and walked to the centre of the assembly.

“I call Theramenes as my witness,” he proclaimed, as he turned to the noble. The ex-general stood up and prepared to give his testimony. Lamnitus brandished a letter from his tunic as he walked up to Theramenes.

“How many letters did the former generals send to Athens?” he asked.

“Two,” replied Theramenes.

“I have here the first letter,” Lamnitus proclaimed to the assembly as he gave the scroll to Theramenes. “Could you read this please?” Theramenes read the letter, which had been written by the generals, out loud to the audience that explained how it was their own fault for failing to reach the survivors and the dead. Those within the assembly shouted at the generals in anger before Lamnitus concluded his questioning and Theramenes sat back down. The prosecutor then turned to the five generals.

“So who do you think is to blame for the failed rescue mission?” Lamnitus inquired.

“Them!” Aristocrates pointed to Thrasybulus and Theramenes, which elicited negative mutterings from the assembly.

“And why do you think that?” added the prosecutor.

“Us generals – I mean former generals – were the ones who gave them the orders to retrieve the dead and wounded,” Diomedon explained. “The assembly should not be putting under trial the ones who issued the order but those who carried it out and failed to accomplish it,”

“No further questions,” Lamnitus said in reply. The presiding officer stood up so to address the assembly.

“As it is getting late I think it is prudent that we postpone the trial,” he proposed. “We shall reconvene tomorrow when the council will vote on whether the defendants will continue their defence and the assembly will deliver its findings,” There was a sense of agreement as the assembly was dismissed for the day. The defendants were taken away and escorted by guards while the two trierarchs made their way home. As they did so they debated about what happened in the Pnyx.

“Even though they are guilty I have to admit their defiance is admirable,” Theramenes said, as they entered the city of Athens for the Pnyx was half a league away from the city. Thrasybulus chuckled at his friend’s assessment.

“Admirable but also foolish,” he replied back. “They will be found guilty,”

“What do you think will happen if that does happen?” asked Theramenes.

“I remember about twenty years ago what happened to Eurymedon, Pythodorus and Sophocles,” recollected Thrasybulus. “They were charged with bribery after participating in the Congress of Gela, which ended the first Athenian expedition to Sicily, after the Sicilian kingdoms participating at Gela agreed to stop fighting. I remember the three of them were found guilty with Eurymedon heavily fined while Sophocles and Pythodorus were exiled. So I think the worse that can happen to them is to be exiled for life,”

“A severe punishment but better than death,” nodded Theramenes. “I remember what happened twenty years ago. Sophocles and Pythodorus getting exiled was harsh because a charge of bribery was brought before them only because they had failed to succeed in Sicily due to what happened at Gela. Then again the Syracusians brokered the peace agreement and we all know what happened afterwards,”

“Indeed,” Thrasybulus nodded regretfully, as he remembered the Sicilian disaster. “That second expedition still haunts many Athenians to this day. I know many men who died there,”

“As did I,” sighed Theramenes. The two men reached a fork in the road where both of them would separate so to reach their homes. Thrasybulus and Theramenes said their goodbyes to each other and wished good luck to one another for the trial tomorrow.

But what they did not know was something would happen tomorrow that would have repercussions on the war.

[This message has been edited by Legion Of Hell (edited 05-28-2011 @ 02:32 PM).]

An intriguing portrayal of the trial and circumstances.

I liked this installment very much. Looking forward to the next one.

Chapter Twenty-One: The Madness Of The Athenians

The following day the assembly reconvened in the Pnyx. But as Theramenes and Thrasybulus sat in their seats the two Athenians saw something different amongst those sitting in the crowd.

“Who are they?” Theramenes pointed curiously to a group of people sitting nearby. Thrasybulus shrugged his shoulders. The man sitting next to the two nobles could hear their conversation and butted in so to answer Theramenes’ question.

“They are relatives of the dead that fell in the battle of Arginusae,” the stranger replied, as they looked at the group of mournful Athenians who shaved their hair off.

“Why have they decided to cut their hair off?” Thrasybulus wondered.

“The festival of Apaturia comes in a few days,” the man replied. Theramenes gasped.

“Of course! How could I’ve forgotten such a thing?” he thought to himself.

“Wait, the Apaturia is an occasion that celebrates the rites of birth, manhood and marriage,” countered Thrasybulus. “It brings families together from across Attica apart from the territories occupied or raided by the Peloponnesians. It should be a time of celebration,”

“Sadly, most Athenians don’t see it that way,” the stranger retorted. “This year’s Apaturia has served as a painful reminder to families who have lost someone because of the war. Notably, powerful sentiments have been awakened from deep within families, especially those who lost someone at Arginusae. I fear those shaven people over there could try to influence this trial by seeking retribution,”

The two nobles began to ponder the stranger’s comments while the five accused ex-generals walked to their seats, as the presiding officer stood up to address the Pnyx. However, just as the day’s proceedings were about to start, one of the men belonging to the group who had their hair shaved off stood up. Thrasybulus looked to the stranger who in reply gave a knowing nod at his predictions being proven correct.

“I apologise to the honourable members of the council and assembly for this unexpected interruption,” the man bowed apologetically before motioning to the shaven group whom he represented. “I speak on behalf of these people that sit next to me. They are the relatives of the dead from Arginusae and past battles. Due to the revelation heard these past few days I bring a request from these relatives. Thrasybulus and Theramenes wondered what would happen next, as the representative of these relatives spoke with great authority.

“These people among us are but a fraction of our true strength that are appalled by the action of the ex-generals!” the man spoke further with his voice rising in anger, as he pointed sharply at the five accused men. “We beg the people to punish those who allowed good men, which willingly gave their lives to defend Athens, to be unburied in a clear breach of our sacred laws!” The assembly and councilmen were moved at the sincere yet powerful words uttered by the representative. His words were reinforced when seeing the looks on the relatives’ faces that were sad and gloomy. Within the council of the Five Hundred a man by the name of Callixeinus stood up in response to the request given by the spokesman, which he had found moving.

“In light of the request submitted by the representatives,” he spoke brashly with his voice booming across the spacious Pnyx. “I suggest a procedure that will conclude the trial quickly and effectively!”

“And what procedure is this?” asked a noble who was curious to hear the answer.

“I propose that when it comes to passing judgment on the accused a vote be conducted deciding whether they are innocent or guilty,” Callixeinus explained in detail. “The question put forth towards the assembly is whether these defendants are guilty for failing to rescue the men who won the naval battle at Arginusae,” Thrasybulus and Theramenes looked on in surprise at what was occurring. Both of them disagreed with this method thinking it was too simplistic and dangerous.

“And what if they are found innocent?” asked a council member sitting on the same row as Callixeinus.

“Then they will be released and will be eligible for the generalship elections this month,” the council member replied. “But if they are found guilty then the penalty will be execution with their property confiscated,” Loud mutterings erupted from the assembly with the accused looking on in surprise at Callixeinus’ proposal. The greying presiding officer of the day whose name was Socrates, a respected and renowned philosopher and writer in Athens, stood up so to put it to the vote.

“Those against Callixeinus’ motion?” he asked the assembly. A chorus of ayes reverberated around the Pnyx that made up a third of those in attendance. It was clear what the verdict would be.

“Those in favour?” A resounding roar came from the assembly that made up the remaining two thirds. The five generals slumped in despair when realizing they were not fighting for their careers but their lives.

“Now the punishment has been set we shall proceed onwards,” Socrates replied. “Lamnitus, you may speak,” The prosecutor stood from his seat and looked at his audience before addressing the assembly.

“I would like to bring my final witness,” he spoke dramatically,” A survivor of the failed rescue attempt at Arginusae,” Gasps and looks of shock came across everyone in the Pnyx, which included members in the council of the Five Hundred. The man that sat next to Lamnitus stood up so to confirm himself as the man who survived the hellish experience of being stranded in the Aegean. Thrasybulus could see the survivor was a bearded man who had facial scars that was suffered in battle.

“Can you confirm who you are and your rank?” Lamnitus questioned the survivor.

“I am Asopius, son of Eenias,” he decreed to the assembly his voice sounding shaky and nervous. “I am a proreus in the Athenian navy and have done so for two years. I took part in the battle of Arginusae,”

“Tell me what happened that day in the waters off the Arginusae Islands?” the prosecutor asked. Asopius took a moment to speak recollecting back to that fateful day. All that sat in the assembly were keen to hear what he had to say.

“The warship I was stationed on fought gallantly in the battle,” he remembered vividly. “We managed to fend off two boarding attempts exacting heavy losses on the enemy. However, our ship was rammed hard upon the starboard bow, which caused the ship to start taking on water. A stray javelin killed our trierarch, as the crew began to abandon ship. I latched onto a group of rowers from the same warship, as we swam to a nearby wrecked Athenian trireme that was still floating.

Clinging onto that ship was one of the worst experiences of my life. The smell in that trireme was repugnant, as we could see blood splatter sprayed all over the trireme. Moreover, we discovered the bodies of several Athenian and Peloponnesian soldiers that had fought and died over this vessel that now lay crippled. We took shelter upon the damaged warship, as outside the battle continued to rage furiously. When the battle ended myself, as well as the group I was with, was astounded to see the surrounding waters be a picture of such carnage and destruction. At that time we were optimistic that our warships would arrive to pick us up and others that were stranded,”

“But that didn’t happen?” Lamnitus countered. Asopius shook his head.

“No, it did not,” he replied with strong bitterness in his voice. “We waited throughout the late afternoon and evening for help but none came. Then the storm arrived out of nowhere. Its swiftness and severity surprised us, as we held onto whatever we could inside that trireme. We could see in the distance stricken warships, which housed fellow stranded Athenians be overwhelmed with apparent ease, thus condemning those defenceless sailors to their deaths. Some within our group perished from the violent waves, despite our attempts to save them, which was in vain.

Those sailors, marines and rowers in our group that were killed because of the storm had one final request. They asked if any of us survived the storm then we were to tell you how the generals had failed and abandoned those who saved Athens from possible defeat. Thankfully, I managed to survive the storm because the gods favoured me that day. However, they did not favour those killed in the battle and the storm,” The Pnyx was moved by Asopius’ testimony, as the witness tried his best not to cry. The relatives of the dead who had shaved their hair began to cry quietly.

“Thank you,” Lamnitus nodded who was also moved by what Asopius said. “No further questions,” The witness and prosecutor sat back down to their seats. The atmosphere was heated and tense due to the emotions stirring up because of the trial. Within the audience was Euryptolemus, cousin of the ex-general Alcibiades, who was displeased at how the accused had been treated like scapegoats. He fumed at Callixeinus trying to appease the crowd for his own benefit by motioning to sentence the defendants to death should they be found guilty. Euryptolemus now found it within himself to show bravery, as he stood up so to address the assembly.

“I wish to speak on behalf of the accused if it is permitted!” he decreed to the assembly. Callixeinus and his cronies looked at him suspiciously as did most of the assembly. Socrates nodded and motioned the cousin of Alcibiades to speak.

“Callixeinus’ proposal to sentence the ex-generals to their deaths if found guilty is an illegal motion, which goes against our sacred constitution,” Euryptolemus proclaimed. “I call forth the graphe paranomon against Callixeinus!” There was mutterings among the Pnyx at this revelation, which brought applause and support from some sections of the Pnyx. Callixeinus looked troubled at Euryptolemus’ manoeuvre against him especially when he knew what the graphe paranomon was.

This was a measure, which forbade action on the motion made by the person who suggested it until the person who tabled the proposal stood trial for making an illegal motion. Only when the person was acquitted could the motion be implemented. Callixeinus knew if the assembly voted to put him through the graphe paranomon then his approved motion to put the ex-generals to death if found guilty would be quashed and they would receive lesser sentences if convicted. Before Callixeinus could utter a response to Euryptolemus a noble intervened on his behalf.

“Why should we agree to your proposal, Euryptolemus?” he enquired. “You are a cousin and associate of Alcibiades: a man who looked after his own interests than his fellow Athenians! What I like to know is why are you defending these ex-generals in the first place. If you are going to continue with your motion then I shall table a motion that Euryptolemus be included in the charges made against the generals!” There was a roar of support at that proposal, which included Callixeinus and his cronies.

Thrasybulus and Theramenes looked on with intrigue wondering what would arise from this confrontation. Euryptolemus was troubled at the threat put across him should he continue with his motion to enforce the graphe paranomon.

“I withdraw my motion,” the cousin of Alcibiades pronounced to the assembly. Callixeinus smiled menacingly, as he stood up to turn his gaze towards the prytanies- the committee of the council that presided over the assembly.

“Seeing that the prosecution and the generals have uttered their testimony over the last few days,” he spoke confidently with a hint of smugness in his voice. “Shall we put it to the vote so to decide the ex-generals’ fate?”

“There are those among the prytanies who refuse to put the question to the vote,” sternly replied one of the council committee members against Callixeinus’ intentions. Callixeinus stared intently at the prytanies.

“Refuse?” he shot back disbelievingly. “Refuse? The assembly agreed to my motion! Why would you now refuse the will of the people who voted to execute those generals based on a single vote if they are convicted of failing to retrieve and bury the dead?” The five defendants looked on, as they hoped Callixeinus’ motion would be denied and escape execution should they be found guilty.

“There are several reasons why!” the council member retorted scathingly. “To put the accused under trial en masse in one go violates the traditional practice of the assembly. Callixeinus, you know very well the trial has violated the decree of Cannonus, which stipulates a separate trial for each defendant.

Moreover, the assembly’s hostility to these ex-generals means the defendants have not been given the time or opportunity to speak in their defence, which you know very well is inscribed in our laws!” Callixeinus knew the council member was correct in his analysis of the trial. The crowd was hostile to the accused and in his view were right to do so. He smirked at the prytanies, as he responded to the councilman’s claims.

“I guess if the prytanies is unwilling to respect the rights of the people then maybe we should put them under trial with the generals as well!” Callixeinus suggested icily. The crowd, which now descended into a baying mob under the incitement of Callixeinus, roared in agreement at the proposal. The prytanies were frightened at this proposal and suspected that Callixeinus was trying to undermine sacred democratic laws so to get what he wanted: the generals’ execution so to satisfy the people and boost his popularity with the citizens of Athens.

Socrates who sat among the prytanies looked at his fellow council members with a heavy heart. The philosopher, as well as his fellow council members, did not want to withdraw their objection to Callixeinus’ motion but were under immense pressure to do so by the people. Socrates sighed knowing he would be indicted and arrested should he go against the people’s wishes.

“Very well,” he resignedly proclaimed. “The prytanies hereby withdraws its objection to Callixeinus and allows the vote to be concluded. The defendants looked on in horror knowing their lives were in the hands of a crowd they felt was hostile. Theramenes and Thrasybulus could only look on in disbelief. The two nobles were angry with the people being swayed by the words of Callixeinus and his cronies. Euryptolemus looked at the panicked expressions on the ex-generals’ faces and saw he had to do something so to save them from being executed.

“Do not be clouded by your judgment!” he rose bravely, as he looked at the people sat around him. “There is still a way to punish them severely if found guilty yet allow them to be tried separately. That way a balanced defence and prosecution can present their case to the assembly. Do not forget these men won Athens a glorious victory against the Peloponnesians. I propose to the assembly that each general be put under trial separately,”

“All those against?” enquired Socrates. Half of the Pnyx put their hands up.

“Those for the proposal?” The other half who agreed put their hands up yet managed to shade those against the proposal.

“The motion is carried,” Socrates announced. For the first time the generals’ faces were one of joy, as their chances of survival increased now they were given time to formulate a better defence. Callixeinus was incensed at being ridiculed by his rival. Yet the council member soon realized he was not undone as he stood up again.

“This assembly seems to forget my proposal to put them to death if found guilty was agreed!” he exclaimed. “Therefore, if you are to exonerate the agreed motion, you must take a second vote,” Thrasybulus and Theramenes were instantly suspicious.

“And what vote would it entail?” Euryptolemus enquired suspiciously.

“A vote on whether they are guilty or not,” Callixeinus explained. “If they are innocent then my motion is defeated and each general will be put under trial separately. But if they are found guilty then all eight generals that include Erasinides and the other two who fled, will be put under death! It is what the council agreed upon and all of us here know that breaking our sacred laws is a violation of everything Athens stands for,”

Theramenes, Thrasybulus, Euryptolemus and the five generals fumed at Callixeinus’ antics. He had managed to outmanoeuvre his opponents by using past motion, which were binding because they had been voted unanimously by the assembly. Therefore, Socrates had no option but to put it to the vote, which would decide the ex-generals’ fate. The five accused men were nervous wrecks.

“Those in favour to put Thrasyllus, Diomedon, Erasinides, Lysias, Pericles and Aristocrates to death?” Socrates asked the assembly. “As well as Protomachus and Aristogenes under the sentence of death in absentia?” There was a momentary pause before three quarters of the Pnyx put their hands up. Socrates did not have to ask those who were against it. The five condemned ex-generals had their heads bowed while Thrasybulus and Theramenes looked on in shock. Euryptolemus shook his head in shock, as Callixeinus’ face was one of satisfaction thinking justice had been served.

“Guards, take them back to the prison where they will be imprisoned until their execution,” Socrates ordered. The five convicted men stood up from where they sat and had their hands bounded by the guards before being taken away from the Pnyx. As they were led away the ex-generals looked at Thrasybulus and Theramenes for what seemed like an eternity before being ushered out of the room. The two nobles felt guilty for what had happened but knew it was the generals who had started and were reaping what they had sow.

*****

The six convicted men that included a surprised Erasinides were executed a few days later via a detachment of archers. They were buried outside the city and had their property confiscated. Aristogenes and Protomachus were soon captured and they too were executed. The Athenian people soon felt guilty for what they had done and turned on those whom they felt had deceived them. Callixeinus and four of his cronies were arrested but escaped before their trial. Yet Callixeinus willingly returned to the city where he was despised and soon died.

The execution of the eight generals meant Athens’ ten generals for the year 406/05 had no battle experience whatsoever. Thrasybulus was not selected for the generalship while Theramenes was but had been disqualified with some thinking the motive behind it was political. The Athenians were worried, as they faced the rest of 406 and 405 without their best commanders who were dead, un-elected or disqualified.

But what the Athenians did not know was the Peloponnesians were suffering several problems of their own as well.

[This message has been edited by Legion Of Hell (edited 06-02-2011 @ 12:06 PM).]

And none of the people in the Pnyx realized that the generals led their squadrons in pursuit of a broken but still powerfule enmy, and that their primary mission was the relief of Conon, not the rescue of shipwrecked? The fact that two generals were sent back once the enemy was dispersed is evidence that they followed tradition.

Idiots.

Well written, though.

Quoted from Legion:

maybe we should them under trial with the generals as well

Missing a word here. try them, or put them on trial, or something like that?

Loved the trial scene. Callizeinus is quite the oratorical ass, is he not?

Chapter Twenty Two: Athenian Greediness & Peloponnesian Trickery

Eteonicus was a tired man, as he finished going through tiresome paperwork in his quarters inside the city of Chios, which he had spent most of the day completing. As night arrived the Spartan sighed heavily when assessing the situation he and his men found himself in. The city and island of Chios had been under martial law since their arrival after the disaster at Arginusae. Eteonicus had been made temporary navarch until the government at Sparta appointed a replacement. Suddenly, the door flung open, as a gaunt, dark haired man burst through Eteonicus’ quarters. A guard soon followed the stranger.

“Navarchos, he just burst through!” the soldier said apologetically. “Should I arrest him?”

“No,” Eteonicus shook his head. “Go back to your post, soldier,” The guard nodded as he closed the door on the way out. The navarch knew who the stranger was: Peditius, an influential Chian nobleman.

“What a pleasant surprise, Peditius! So what brings you here so late in the day?” Eteonicus asked the Chian. Peditius grunted with the look on his face indicating he was incensed and in no mood to tolerate Eteonicus’ light-hearted tone.

“The actions of your men bring me here, Spartan!” he snarled. “The council, which generously gave you sanctuary after your capitulation at Arginusae, has learned of a plot hatched by soldiers under your command!”

“What did it entail?” Eteonicus replied surprisingly at this accusation.

“To launch an treacherous attack upon this city!” he spluttered. “Thankfully, the ringleaders have been arrested and will be executed as soon as possible!” The Spartan showed no emotion but inside was fuming. The Chians had been good enough to give us shelter and in return this is what the soldiers of Sparta and her allies do?

“You know very well that we provided you shelter in Sparta’s hour of need,” Peditius lectured the acting navarch. “While what remained of the Peloponnesian fleet lay anchored in our port us Chians gave you jobs as lowly farmhands. Our gratitude extends so far and the council can easily revoke the decision to give your armada shelter. Just remember a fire could be easily started where your ships lay anchor!”

“I do not like to be threatened even when they are poorly veiled, Peditius!” Eteonicus lashed out acidly. “I am grateful for your people’s assistance but remember that it is our fleet that protects Chios. Little is left of the once formidable Chian fleet, which was destroyed by Athens long ago. It will be very interesting to see what would happen if the armada of ninety triremes I currently command decide to leave Chios defenceless. Especially if the Athenians landed and sought those who sympathised with the Peloponnesians?” Peditius paused for a moment knowing if Eteonicus’ force left Chios the Athenians would sweep in and kill him for collaboration.

“You may be able to frighten the Chian council and people with your threats of withdrawing the fleet to leave Chios open to the Athenians,” Peditius concluded, as he made his way for the door. “But at least my people are not in a situation as dire as the Peloponnesian League!” Peditius slammed the door on his way out, as he exited the building that was located near the city’s port, which was the makeshift headquarters of the Peloponnesian fleet. Eteonicus sighed after his verbal confrontation with Peditius and sat down on his chair.

“He may be a conniving leech but he is right,” the navarch thought to himself. “Sparta and the rest of the League are in a perilous situation,” Eteonicus was displeased at the actions by some of his men who had plotted to attack Chios but had not been surprised at them being forced to do something so extreme. For a month the Peloponnesian fleet had been located at Chios, as it licked their wounds from Arginusae. Even though the armada consisted of ninety warships there was one major flaw: no money was available whatsoever to repair the triremes or build new ones.

Eteonicus cursed his predecessor Callicratidas for building too many warships prior to the battle of Arginusae where he had been killed. Callicratidas had also increased the pay of its crews so to entice Athenian sailors to desert. The Peloponnesian fleet expanded rapidly but exhausted the treasury, which had been financed by powerful Ionian nobles and to a lesser extent by the Persian king’s son Cyrus.

The consequences of losing at Arguinsae were that there was no money left in the treasury, which meant the naval crews and soldiers could not be paid. Sailors and soldiers did not violently revolt solely because they were able to feed their hungry stomachs by hiring themselves out as farmhands. However, Eteonicus realized some soldiers had decided enough was enough, hence the plot to attack Chios.

“What a sorry state of affairs!” the Spartan hissed to himself. “Callicratidas’ values was to refuse Persian support and seek it from the Ionians so to pursue his “freedom for the Greeks” vision. But now he is dead there is no money left and the Persian will be displeased at spending lavishly with little success,” Eteonicus was rattled because he realized without Persian aid they could not prosecute the war in the Aegean. The navarch’s dark musings were then interrupted by a knock on the door.

“Enter,” Eteonicus bellowed. The door opened to reveal a despatch rider.

“I am sorry to disturb you, navarch,” the rider apologised. “But I bring a sealed scroll bearing the markings of Sparta that is addressed directly to you,” The Spartan saw the horseman take a letter out of his pouch and hand it to Eteonicus. The rider saw himself out with the navarch unsealing the scroll and read it. As he pored through the letter his eyes widened in surprise at what it entailed.

“It cannot be!” he gasped, as he dropped the letter onto the floor, comprehending the impact of what he had just read. If what the scroll says its true then what happens next could end the war or further prolong it!

*****

Unbeknownst to Eteonicus the contents of the letter had been implemented, as a delegation of Spartan horsemen headed towards Athens. Their attire indicated to Athenians who were watching warily that they meant no harm and rode under the terms of parlay. The delegation dismounted at the Pnyx, as four guards flanked the spokesman Midas, while making their way inside so to meet the assembly. The assembly had tasked Midas to carry out their orders.

He was fully aware the importance vested within him by the ephors, kings and assembly. The Pnyx had been hastily assembled to meet this delegation with its members still feeling guilty and resentful over the role they had played in the execution of the eight generals. However, when the spokesman was given the right to speak by the prytanies and the presiding officer, the Pnyx were keen to hear what the Spartan representative of the Peloponnesian League had to say.

“People of Athens!” he shouted loudly to the audience. “I come here on behalf of the Peloponnesian League. What I say now has the direct backing and approval of Sparta along with her allies!”

“Then cease with your rhetoric and tell us what your masters want!” shouted a noble.

“Very well,” Midas nodded. “Sparta seeks a honourable peace with Athens where a just settlement can be drawn up. Many good men on both sides have fallen with families losing husbands, sons, brothers, uncles and cousins,” The assembly suspiciously looked at Midas, as they tried to find out what his true intentions were with many in the audience feeling distrustful of Peloponnesian intentions.

“Tell us your peace offer or be gone!” shouted the demagogue Cleophon. Murmurs of agreement rippled across the Pnyx with Athenian nobles giving icy looks towards Midas. The Spartan was angered at these upstarts and was tempted to slay what he felt were snobs for their arrogance towards him. However, Midas was quick to answer Cleophon’s question, as he had been ordered by the ephors to address the Pnyx.

“The peace terms are as follows,” Midas decreed to the assembly. “In return for a cessation of hostilities that will lead to a permanent peace treaty, depending on whether the treaty is ratified by both our governments, Sparta is willing to withdraw from Decelea and cede it to Athens. Moreover, each side shall keep the lands they have acquired during the war, with the notable exception of Decelea,” Clamour rose from the noblemen and citizens in attendance at this offer. Members of the council were in furious discussion with each other in regards to the proposal. Midas looked on feeling they would accept what he felt was a generous offer.

“Why wouldn’t they agree?” the Spartan thought to himself. “The Athenians know very well how vital Decelea is as a strategic town.” Midas remembered how the Spartan agora reluctantly accepted the peace terms that had been crafted. Decelea had served the Peloponnesians well, as they had built a major base that housed thousands of soldiers. Seizing the town allowed Agis to control rural Attica and cut off any food supplies travelling towards Athens causing many Athenians to suffer.

Midas knew it would take a painful concession to get the Athenians to accept peace. Ceding Decelea was that concession. In response to the peace offer the council asked Midas to step out of the room so they could debate it. For two hours did the Pnyx discuss the peace offer before Midas was called back in. As he stood in the middle of the Pnyx a prominent council member stood up to address him.

“Your peace offer has been debated within this arena intensively,” he spoke loudly. “Though we thank you for coming here under the rules of war, which us Greeks have strictly adhered to, I’m afraid the council and assembly has rejected the peace offer,”

“Reject the offer of peace?” Midas sharply shot back in disbelief. “Why be foolish and decide to prolong a war that you will lose in the future?” Cleophon stood up with his hand shaking in anger in response to Midas’ words.

“Do not question the assembly’s actions, Spartan!” he angrily rebuked Midas. “There are several reasons why the assembly voted to dismiss your offer. Firstly, we do not trust the words and promises of Sparta. You seem to forget what happened last time we ceased hostilities in the Peace of Nicias: it was your people who breached the treaty when it was our people who wanted peace,”

“Be gone, Spartan!” snarled another noble that was met with great approval from the crowd. Midas with his entourage proceeded to walk out of the Pnyx to a chorus of jeers. As the Spartans left the assembly Cleophon looked on gleefully.

“There are also other reasons why Athens can never accept a peace treaty,” Cleophon thought to himself. The noble, as well as the rest of the assembly, were worried the Peloponnesians would use the ceasefire as some sort of temporary truce like they did during the Peace of Nicias. Many Athenians had guessed the Peloponnesians were weakened after Arginusae but did not know the full extent of their financial situation and what was happening at Chios.

“The Spartans and their lackeys could use the peace treaty to regroup, recover from their heavy losses and break the peace in an attempt to regain their lost territories,” the noble concluded. “But that will not happen. The Spartans coming here for peace proves they are weakened and are ripe for the taking. Next year we shall rip them apart and victory will be ours!” But what Athens did not know was the Peloponnesians were planning to make sure the Athenians would pay dearly for rejecting the peace offer that could have ended the war.

*****

In the winter of 406/05 representatives of Sparta’s allies in the Aegean and Asia Minor, as well as Cyrus’ representatives met with a ephor that came on behalf of Sparta. They met inside a compound at Ephesus, which was a Peloponnesian held stronghold that had served them well in past battles against the Athenians. As the meeting began the ephor could see the tension on the faces of those in the room. He knew they had suffered badly since the horrific fiasco of Arginusae.

“Fellow allies,” he spoke. “I am glad that you managed to make it to Ephesus for this meeting. I am aware that many of you have concerns regarding the situation we find ourselves in,” The Chian Peditius interrupted in response.

“There are several concerns, Sthenus!” he retorted scathingly. “Your Aegean allies, as well as the coastal cities of Western Asia Minor who join us here today, have suffered immensely from Athenian raids. Each of these incursions brings heavy losses and causes morale to plummet to new lows. These Athenians raiders are able to attack us unopposed waging havoc by destroying food depots, guard towers and barracks!”

“We are worried at the Athenians’ ability to raid at will,” pointed out Phanos who was Cyrus’ second in command and was representing the Persian prince in this meeting. “Do not forget that it is the Great King himself who finances your fleet and is the sole reason for the Peloponnesians’ ability to prosecute the war against Athens. Cyrus and the Great King himself expect a satisfactory return on our lavish funding, Sthenus. What we have seen if far from satisfactory. However, there is still one option that will appease my master, as well as assure your allies here today that these heavy Athenian raids on their territory will cease,”

“And what option is that, Phanos?” enquired Sthenus curiously.

“Appoint Lysander as navarch,” the Persian replied, which was met with a roar of approval from the allied representatives. Sthenus knew very well why the Persians wanted Lysander to command the Peloponnesian fleet. Phanos’ master Cyrus enjoyed a close relationship with the Spartan mothax, which rumours back home in Sparta suspected mischievous Persian intentions regarding the relationship with Lysander.

However, the allies of the Aegean, as well as the coastal cities of Asia Minor were eager for Lysander to take command. The Spartan was a figure that oozed respect, tactical brilliance in the ways of naval combat and had not caused such panic among Athenians since the days of Brasidas. But Sthenus could see a major flaw with Phanos’ recommendation that Lysander be navarch of the Peloponnesian fleet.

“Spartan laws are quite different to the Persians,” the ephor shook his head rejecting the proposal to the dismay of the allied nobles. “The laws embodied in our sacred constitution indicates a man must serve as navarch only once in his life,”

“Then we do not break the constitution but go around it!” countered a noble from Ephesus. Place another Spartan as navarch but appoint Lysander as his secretary and second in command. However, all of us here will know the real truth. That way the sacred laws of Sparta are respected and gives the Peloponnesians a chance to defeat the Athenians who were stupid enough to reject our peace offer,” Sthenus looked around and saw that everyone was in agreement at this idea. The ephor dissected the plan in his head and could see it was an idea of very little flaws.

“Very well,” the ephor nodded. “Lysander shall be appointed as vice navarch but he will be commander in all but name. Phanos, go to Cyrus and tell him what has happened,” The meeting was dismissed with the representatives leaving for their homes. As they did so Sthenus was confident Lysander would excel as navarch even if his loyalty and intentions were questionable. When Lysander received his orders in Sparta a few weeks later the Spartan could not help but laugh menacingly.

“I will finish this war and become the greatest commander of all Greece!” he thought to himself defiantly. “And when this war ends Sparta will embrace me as king and Persia will fear and respect me. But for now my wrath is singled at Athens who foolishly think their navy cannot be defeated in war. Well they shall rue their recklessness at rejecting that peace offer. For I have Ares at my side!”

[This message has been edited by Legion Of Hell (edited 06-11-2011 @ 04:51 PM).]

Nice twists. But it does seem that the Spartans are indeed two-faced as the Athenians pointed out. One the one hand they seek a peace treaty, while at the same time they fortify their position with Persian aid.

Bastards.

Of course, the Athenians are bitter, obnoxious prunes themselves, prone to the words of whatever charismatic orator comes along trying to make himself the next-best thing to a king.

Nicely done, Legion!

Chapter Twenty Three: Resurgence

Lysander rode with his military escort along the Royal Road, which was a feat of engineering brilliance that extended throughout the Persian Empire, to the city of Sardis where the navarch had an audience with Cyrus. As the Spartan detachment rode closer to Sardis Lysander felt supremely confident. The mothax had spent the winter and early spring of 405 working profusely after unofficially being given the title of navarch. In public it was Aracus who Lysander regarded as a competent man who officially had been appointed navarch but everyone knew who was in charge. Now as late spring arrived Lysander looked on his achievements these past months.

The Spartan had spent the last few months relocating the Peloponnesian fleet’s base to Ephesus. It had served him well before and was aware their stay at Chios had not pleased the locals there. Lysander had used what was left of the treasury to order the construction of new ships so to bolster what remained of the fleet. As Lysander recollected to the present day the detachment reached Sardis and entered the governor’s palace where Cyrus was located. Lysander soon knocked on Cyrus’ door.

“Enter!” came the cry in Greek. The door opened to reveal the mothax who walked into Cyrus’ quarters. The Persian commander smiled at the Spartan whom he highly respected. Cyrus walked towards the navarch and shook his hand.

“My friend, it has been too long!” Cyrus exclaimed joyously, as the two men sat down on chairs with a table inbetween them. “I am glad that you have received your command even if it is unofficial. Phanos told me what happened at Ephesus,”

“I am glad too,” Lysander chuckled. “Sparta needs a strong man in a time of crisis,”

“Indeed,” Cyrus nodded. “Arginusae was a shock for us and my father. Callicratidas was a determined navarch but his command that day was poor and the fleet paid dearly. So what brings you here to Sardis, Lysander?”

“To request more financial assistance,” the Spartan said sheepishly. The mothax disliked asking people for aid from a position of weakness. “My predecessor’s actions have put me in this position where money is tight,” Cyrus sighed heavily.

“My friend, I would help you in your efforts to bring the Athenians to their knees,” he replied in a regretful tone. “But all of the Great King’s money has been spent, as well as some of my own finances, which have been used to bankroll the fleet. But do not be disheartened, Lysander! I promise that I shall finance the armada from my own money even if the Great King refuses. As a token of good faith in a few days a large sum of money will be sent to you allowing the Peloponnesian fleet to be maintained until the end of the year,”

“Thank you for your generosity, Cyrus,” Lysander replied gratuitously. “If there is anything you need then write to me and it shall be done!” The Persian mused for a few seconds before responding to Lysander’s proclamation.

“Actually there is something you can do so to repay the favour I have given to you,” Cyrus said slyly.

“What is it?” Lysander asked, as he was slightly suspicious at what Cyrus wanted.

“I have urgent personal family business to attend to in Susa,” Cyrus explained. “I regard you Lysander to be a good friend and a close associate of mine. Seeing I will be away from my duties here at Sardis I will have to hand over control to someone so to govern this satrapy while I’m at Susa. However, there is no Persian I trust to govern the province while I am absent. Therefore, I have decided to appoint you as temporary satrap over this province,” Lysander was stunned at this announcement but realized it could allow him to carry out his plans under the mask of authority.

“What would you have me do while you are away?” the Spartan replied back.

“I will leave the entire budget to you. You have my permission for a significant portion of the treasury to be spent on financing your fleet with the rest used to improve my satrapy,” Cyrus explained. “In addition, you will be able to collect tribute within the province that is owed to me. However, there is one thing I demand of you to do while I am gone, which is very important that you fulfil,”

“Name it and I will do it,” Lysander nodded.

“Don’t attack the Athenians until I return,” Cyrus instructed Lysander sternly.

“That suits me fine,” the navarch agreed. “My fleet is badly mauled and as of now is in no shape to attack the Athenians. It will take me a few months before my armada can become battle worthy prior to Arginusae. I will spend many months rebuilding,”

“Good,” Cyrus smiled, as he stood up so to conclude the meeting with Lysander following him to the door. “You arrive back here at Sardis in a week to take up the post. I trust you not to let me down seeing nothing like this has been done before,”

“I won’t,” Lysander replied, as they shook hands and the Spartan left the room. As Cyrus closed the door he sat back onto his chair and sighed. He was pleased that he found a willing and trusting associate in Lysander to take care of important business while he was away at Susa. But the reasons behind his recall back to the Persian heartland annoyed him greatly because it could have been easily avoided.

“Damn you, Minus!” he thought furiously to himself. Over a year ago Cyrus had plotted with the assassin to murder his royal cousins. The assassin had succeeded but to Cyrus’ bewilderment a prosecutor had managed to find a trail that somehow lead back to the Persian prince. The parents of the murdered cousins had aired their grievances to the Great King loudly.

“Now I find myself being recalled to Susa by my father so to be questioned. I never should have trusted that oaf of an assassin!” he angrily said to himself. Cyrus was confident he would weave his way out of trouble because of his mother Parysatis. She had influence over her husband and was the main reason why he gained the command at Asia Minor. Parysatis wanted Cyrus to have a senior post before Cyrus’ brother Artaxerxes succeeded to the throne when the Great King died. Cyrus backed Lysander because if Sparta won the war under Lysander then the young prince could prove to his father that instead of being second in line to the throne he should be king.

But Cyrus felt assured knowing he could trust Lysander to perform well as acting satrap while he was away. The Persian was aware what he had done was an unorthodox move but his motives were clear. If Lysander succeeded as acting satrap then it would benefit Sparta greatly in the war. It would help Persia who wanted Athens to be defeated so to acquire the lands of Ionia seized by the Athenians. Cyrus’ main goal was to gain favour with his father and discredit Cyrus’ older brother and heir to the empire Artaxerxes. If it meant appointing Lysander satrap then so be it.

“But the plan rests on Lysander! I pray to the gods he does not let me down!”

*****

………………….“My predecessor Callicratidas was a pioneer in promoting pan-Hellenic sentiment and for that I respect him. This is the end of factionalism and a new age of unity!” The nobles of Miletus in attendance applauded Lysander’s speech, as the meeting concluded and the Spartan navarch walked out of the room with his armed guard. As they headed out of the city towards Ephesus Lysander chuckled.

“Those foolish nobles think I agree with Callicratidas’ “freedom of the Greeks” and anti-Persian rhetoric?” he thought sarcastically to himself. “I would rather die than be part of those traditionalists back in Sparta who want to dismantle Athens’ empire and redistribute its lands to fellow Greek city states! By the gods, will those democratic buffoons that control Miletus will be in for a nasty surprise soon!”

On the surface Lysander had spent the last two days championing nationalistic attitudes fostered by Callicratidas who was anti-Persian. But beneath the façade Lysander had a sinister agenda. He was determined to undo all that Callicratidas had done: especially at Miletus where the nobles disliked Lysander despite applauding his speech. The navarch wanted to dispose those nobles that controlled Miletus. But he couldn’t attack the city because Miletus was an ally. So Lysander turned to his oligarchic lackeys who were staunchly opposed to the democracy to do his bidding.

As Lysander and his cronies rode away from Miletus the plan was implemented. Terror gripped the city, as the navarch’s subjects went to work. Over the next three days up to three hundred forty nobles and powerbrokers were murdered either in their homes or brazenly in the marketplace with up to a thousand fleeing Miletus. Fear gripped the city, as the democracy was overthrown and replaced by an oligarchy loyal not to Sparta but to Lysander.

*****

The fires burned brightly, as the once beautiful city of Rhodes was consumed in flames. Black smoke billowed into the air with Lysander watching on, as his men enacted their blood thirst upon the citizens of Rhodes. The garrison of the island had been easily despatched with the woman and children brutally enslaved. Dead bodies were strewn across the city while Lysander smiled at the destruction he had caused.

“Now Rhodes will rue the day they decided to ally with the Athenians!” he thought darkly. “There shall be no pan-Hellenistic sentiment throughout the lands of the Aegean and Asia Minor whatsoever! Those who stay loyal to me will be rewarded and those who go against me shall face the same fate as Rhodes!”

Lysander thanked the gods for his good fortune, as he saw his soldiers lead the slaves to the port, so to be put under the control of grinning slave owners. The Spartan had initially been worried before the battle. To get to Rhodes he had to sail past the Athenian fleet at Samos. The navarch, as well as his fellow officers, were worried at being ambushed. But the ambush never happened and Lysander knew why.

“Because they are weak and hesitant!” he cackled gleefully to himself. “What happened after Arginusae haunts those generals who have replaced their executed predecessors. They are inexperienced admirals unlike those in the past who could destroy our fleet with ease. No wonder they did not try to ambush us seeing they are timid and afraid of the consequences if their attack backfired!” As Lysander mused over the weakness of the Athenian generals a rider galloped towards him.

“Strategos, Aracus and Thorax require your presence. I’ll show you the way,” the rider replied. Lysander rode his horse with the rider, as they headed to a ruined house where Thorax and Aracus were stationed.

“Why did you summon me?” the navarch asked his second in command.

“Throax and I have the casualty figures,” Aracus replied. “Our men sustained light losses and inflicted heavy casualties upon the enemy. Hundreds of Rhodesians lay dead out in the city, as well as thousands taken into slavery with their valuable possessions seized. Whatever was left of the slaves’ possessions and property have been burned to the ground as ordered,”

“Good,” Lysander nodded satisfactorily. “Both of you have done well,”

“Thank you, strategos!” Aracus and Thorax both said in unison.

“Thorax, get an messenger and have him ride to those officers in command of the divisions,” he commanded his best field commander. “He is to inform them on my behalf their soldiers are to sleep in houses that haven’t been demolished for the night,” Thorax summoned an runner to which the messenger acknowledged the orders given to him. He saluted to his navarch and left the makeshift headquarters. As the runner scampered away from view Thorax and Aracus turned to their commander.

“So what do we do now we have cut a bloody swathe through the towns of Caria and Rhodes that opted to support Athens?” asked Aracus. Lysander summoned his two subordinates to a table where the acting satrap ordered a large map of the Aegean be placed onto the wooden table. The Spartan drew his dagger so to use it as a prop. With it he pointed towards the marker on the map: the ruined city of Rhodes.

“As you all know this is where we are,” Lysander explained intently, as he moved his dagger north towards the Hellespont. “But to win the war we need to defeat the Athenians here. By controlling the straits we cut off their sole and most vital supply line. But they know to get to the Hellespont in the shortest time we have to go past Samos where the enemy fleet is based. Should we go through the quickest route then we will likely be confronted by the Athenians and be forced into a unwanted battle,”

“How can we sneak past the Athenians and get to the Hellespont unscathed?” Thorax pointed out. Lysander smiled mischievously, as he pointed his dagger on the map towards his preferred destination that elicited stunned looks from Throax and Aracus.

“Attica?” Aracus hissed in disbelief. “That is at least a week’s journey and an additional week if we sail from there to the Hellespont. Our supplies will run out by the time we land at Attica!” Thorax’s face showed he too had the same doubts.

“I understand your concerns,” Lysander conceded. “But I have good reasons in proposing this dangerous plan. The Athenians will place watchtowers and squadrons around Samos’ coast because they think we are desperate to reach the Hellespont. But by placing most of their fleet in Samos so to try and intercept us they have overlooked one thing: their home waters and surrounding coast is perilously unguarded,”

“How can this be?” Thorax countered back.

“Their commanders are inexperienced and do not know the seas well enough unlike their predecessors who were executed,” the mothax explained. “Our scouts say they have placed most of their fleet in Samos, which means their admirals think we’ll make a run for it through the narrow Aegean waters between Samos and Asia Minor. Hmph, what they don’t know is they have given us an perfect opportunity to strike!”

“Raid Attica and the surrounding territories in the Saronic Gulf. It will cause the Athenians to chase after us fruitlessly,” Aracus replied majestically, as he realized the full plan. “We can obtain supplies from the booty captured from the raids,”

“Exactly!” Lysander exclaimed gleefully. “The Athenians at Samos will have no choice but to race back to Attica. What they don’t know is by the time they reach the Saronic Gulf our armada will be long gone towards our original destination,” Lysander then used his dagger to point towards the Hellespont, which brought about devilish smiles from his two top field commanders.

“When we capture those lightly defended Athenian towns in the Hellespont the enemy will have no choice but to send their entire fleet so to safeguard their precious Black Sea supply route that still keeps them in the war,” cackled Thorax.

“And that is where the decisive battle will be,” Lysander pointed to the Hellespont on the map,” If we can destroy most of their armada then we control the straits, cut off their sole supply line and isolate the Athenians from the rest of the world by hemming them in Athens. Then we can pick off their remaining strongholds in the Aegean, which will starve the Athenians and cause us to win the war,”

“We will do as you say!” Aracus exclaimed, as he and Thorax nodded in agreement with Lysander's elaborate strategy.

“Implement the orders and have the battle fleet ready to set sail in three days,” Lysander commanded. “By the end of 405 the Athenians will die in the seas of the Aegean where their empire was forged and it will be me who shall reap the glory!”

As Lysander’s subordinates rushed out so to fulfil the commands given to them the Spartan navarch realized that history beckoned, as the long war was nearing its end.

[This message has been edited by Legion Of Hell (edited 06-24-2011 @ 05:02 PM).]

Been a while since I updated the war story but have no fear for I have another chapter. Enjoy.

*****

Chapter Twenty Four: The Brilliance Of Lysander & Athenian Ineptness.

It was the dead of night, as the clustered coastal villages of Attica lay quiet with the villagers soundly sleeping in their beds. However, in the pitch darkness, a squadron of thirty triremes descended upon its lands. Upon the ships’ decks were marines that were adept at raiding islands or coastal territories. As they neared the shoreline Lysander walked up to his contingent of marines allocated to his flagship. The raiding party were quick to salute their navarch.

“You, as well as the other marines taking part in this raid, know what to do,” the Spartan addressed his soldiers. “Once we land ashore we are to head towards the villages and storm it. When we leave everything these Athenians once had in their possession will be utterly razed to the ground,” The marines acknowledged the orders given by their navarch, as they waited patiently to land disembark. Lysander smiled profusely when looking back at what his men achieved these past few days.

The fleet had managed to slip past the Athenians at Samos and sailed westward across the Aegean. Their first destination was the Saronic Gulf where Lysander’s marines raided the islands of Aegina and Salamis where they destroyed several villages, killed its inhabitants and captured a sizeable amount of supplies that Lysander was eager to seize so to use it for replenishing his fleet. The navarch now found himself taking a small contingent of thirty warships with the rest of the armada placed in reserve and ready to assist if needed.

“Now it is Attica’s turn: the one place apart from the Hellespont where those inept Athenian generals will have no choice but to race to their homeland so to defend it!” he thought to himself broodingly. The Spartan’s musings were then interrupted, as the signal came from the lead ship that they had begun to disembark its soldiers. Within a few minutes up to eight hundred marines, as well as fifty archers and fifty javelinmen leapt from their triremes. Once the raiders had formed into groups Lysander soon gave the order to head inland.

The Athenian soldiers patrolling the road leading in and out of the villages had no idea of what was happening. By the time they did it was too late, as Peloponnesian archers quickly silenced them with the Athenian guards groaning in pain before falling to the ground. Once the sentries were taken out the raiders pushed forward into the villages.

Lysander accompanied twenty soldiers who were put his reserve and tasked to protect him. From a vantage point to the rear he observed his men conducting their attack. The quietness that had filled the coast of Attica was soon punctuated with screams and cries of agony. Athenian men were killed in their beds while women and children were brutally disposed with. Lysander looked on contently, as he saw his men fulfill his orders: no prisoners were to be taken.

Spartan, Corinthian, Theban, as well as the city-states of Boeotia took part in the pillaging of the villages. Valuables and possessions were plundered before Lysander gave the order to set fire to the villages. As the raiding force embarked on the boats and prepared to link up with the rest of the fleet Lysander along with his raiding soldiers looked back on what they had done. Black smoke billowed into the night sky with the bright flames crackling loudly as the villages were burnt to the ground. A few hours later the Spartan navarch met up with Thorax and Aracus who were both pleased at what they achieved.

“Where to now?” Thorax asked Lysander.

“Back to Rhodes,” the navarch replied. Thorax and Aracus were flabbergasted.

“Not to the Hellespont or even back to Ephesus?” Thorax enquired.

“That is what I want the Athenians to think,” Lysander chuckled. “When word reaches Athens of our raids and they hear the frightened stories of what we have done to their people then those generals will be forced to chase us. We shall toy with them and make them travel across the Aegean looking for us. And when they are tired with their supplies running low then that is when I will strike: the Hellespont. It has always been my main goal to seize the Hellespont. So have patience, my fellow Spartans. I understand your concern but this is a golden chance to end the war. Let us savour it!”

*****

Philocles looked at the piece of sealed parchment he had just received from a messenger who had boarded his flagship. The Athenian general was part of six admirals, as well as leading one of the largest Athenian fleets assembled in the form of one hundred and seventy warships. Before he analysed the scroll the Athenian sighed mournfully due to the last few weeks.

“Damn you Lysander for mocking me!” he hissed to himself angrily. During the past few weeks Philocles along with his fellow commanders had been put under pressure by their assembly. This is because the Pnyx, as well as the citizens of Athens, were in uproar after hearing of stories from their own people who had to contend with heavy raids from the Peloponnesians. Philocles knew these raids were tragic but was irritated at the victims exaggerating their ordeal and in return piling more pressure among Philocles. All the raids did was increase the admiral’s hatred for the Peloponnesians.

“At least the assembly passed a decree allowing me to sentence enemy prisoners to have their hands cut off! Thankfully the law includes those despicable traitors who choose to desert Athens and run to the Peloponnesians for wealth instead of glory,” Philocles thought to himself darkly. “My second in command Adeimantus may have disagreed with the decree but he is strong willed, as well as the four other generals, that will no doubt lead to the enemy fleet being destroyed and the Hellespont secured,” The optimistic admiral soon turned his focus to the scroll that lay on his desk. He picked it up and unfolded it before reading its contents.

To the strategos of the Athenian fleet,

You may not know me but I am Sixnos, son of Molonus. I command the fort of Lampsacus that sits upon the Athenian held side of the Hellespont. I write to you urgently for events here have spiralled out of control. Strategos, the Peloponnesians have reached the Hellespont. One of the sentry towers overlooking the mouth of the waterway managed to locate a vast war-fleet. The sentries were quick to light the beacon towers that lead to Lampsacus so to alert the city’s garrison that I command.

As I write this down every available man is being conscripted by my soldiers in an effort to help our soldiers defend this fortress. Traders, merchants, ordinary people and soldiers that were patrolling the surrounding areas have been ordered back to the city with its gates now firmly shut. Our soldiers seem optimistic that they will hold out against the Peloponnesians.

However, what my men do not know is the strength of the Peloponnesians. By the gods, the runner who was sent by the sentry post who located the fleet told me he counted up to one hundred and eighty warships with each trireme holding many hoplites and sailors. The Peloponnesians will not arrive until sunset and at the very worst could attack at dusk or sunrise. However, my messenger who holds this letter, knows the waters of the Hellespont well. I hope he is able to find you or any Athenian that can tell of the predicament the garrison of Lampsacus finds itself in.

I hope that reinforcements arrive to help us but if not then my men will hold this fortress to the last man.

Philocles crumpled up the scroll and slammed his fist onto the table in fury.

“I thought they were headed towards Ephesus or try to raid the coast of Attica!” he spoke to himself in shock. “If the Peloponnesians can capture Lampsacus then they could block the Hellespont, seal off the Propontis, as well as Byzantium and Chalcedon. If that happens then our sole trade route along the Black Sea will be cut off!” Should the supply line be blocked off by the Peloponnesian fleet then there would be no way Athens could continue the war.

The Black Sea trade route was the only way the Athenians could replenish their treasury and feed their people. Philocles knew the Peloponnesians had to be stopped from destroying the vital supply line because he knew very well should the trade route be cut then the sacrifices given by his people at Cynossema, Cyzicus and Arginusae would be in vain. It was this dark thought that prompted Philocles to call for a guard who soon entered the admiral’s quarters.

“You called, strategos?” the soldier asked his commander as he stood to attention.

“At ease,” replied Philocles. “I need you to relay a message to my second in command. Use the small craft and sail to his flagship. Inform him on my behalf that he, as well as the other generals, are to be summoned to my flagship at once for a urgent council of war. If Adeimantus should ask any questions then tell him that I have received important information that requires every general to be at this meeting tonight!” The guard nodded and walked out of the room so to carry out the order. Meanwhile, Philocles knew what strategy he wanted to propose to his fellow commanders at the upcoming council of war.

“It is obvious we have to confront Lysander’s fleet in the Hellespont if we are to safeguard the Black Sea trade route, he concluded. “The Peloponnesians have been clever: especially Lysander. He has forced us to sail across the Aegean trying to look for him when his main target all along was the supply route in the Hellespont!”

*****

“Loose!” came the order. Several arrows and javelins were released from the Athenian garrison of Lampsacus towards the oncoming Peloponnesian soldiers. Cries of agony reverberated across the Peloponnesian line with several men falling to the ground. Most of the missiles released tore through the armour, especially among the ladder bearers who had little protection from the archers.

The garrison commander Sixnos looked on anxiously, as he saw his missile troops cut down the first wave of soldiers that tried to storm the coastal fortress from the landward side to the east across the river. Although the Peloponnesians were able to replace those cut down by the archers, things momentarily were going well for Sixnos' garrison, as hundreds of enemy soldiers had been killed and many more wounded. However, a soldier below the battlements alerted the Athenian commander, who looked deeply troubled.

“Peloponnesian warships sighted from the east!” he shrieked, as he pointed towards the sea. “They have landed many hoplites and archers near the seaward walls to the west!” Sixnos swore heavily in frustration at this development. He wasn’t surprised at this tactic but from what the soldier had just divulged it looked like the attack to the east was just a diversion. This troubled Sixnos because he had placed over half his troops to the landward wall. His reserves were small in number but did contain his best regiment. The commander soon got a runner and got him to summon his second in command for him. It didn’t take long for Tynus to reach his strategos.

“What’s happened?” he asked Sixnos.

“The Peloponnesians are landing a second force to the west towards the seaward wall,” he explained much to Tynus’ frustration. “I will lead those soldiers we have in reserve so to stop this new threat. While I do that you hold the landward wall. Should you have any problems then send a runner and I shall do the same,” Tynus nodded in reply and both officers wished each other luck, as Sixnos rounded up the soldiers he had in reserve and made their way towards the seaward wall.

*****

Meanwhile, Thorax watched on from his flagship, as his men charged upon the walls of Lampsacus. The commander hoped that his soldiers could take this strategic fortress, as it would have him gain favour with Lysander: an achievement the Spartan knew would help him in later life. While Thorax looked at the besieged fortress he saw the imposing shadow of Lysander head close towards him.

“The battle seems to be at its most fiercest,” Lysander remarked.

“Indeed it is, strategos,” Thorax replied back nervously. “The Athenians seem to be putting up heavy resistance, which is why I sent a second detachment towards the seaward wall. Stretch the Athenians until they break and are forced to capitulate,”

“I hope for your sake that they do capitulate,” Lysander reminded his subordinate. “For they are others who can replace you should the Athenians repulse your attack,” As the strategos walked away from Thorax the second in command sighed heavily, as he knew too well what Lysander meant by having him replaced should he fail. Thorax focused upon the coastal fortress, as he saw the miniscule figures along the horizion that were his men charge towards the Athenian walls.

By the gods I hope Lampsacus falls, as my command that depends on it,” he thought worryingly to himself. “Should the Athenians repel the attack and Lampsacus holds then my men will feel my wrath!”

*****

Sixnos felt the blood seeping onto his hands, as he heard the cry of agony from a Peloponnesian hoplite after the Athenian pushed his spear deep into the gut of the soldier. As Sixnos ripped the weapon out blood began pouring out with the dying soldier falling to the ground. The Athenian commander looked around to assess the situation along the seaward wall. The enemy had sent hundreds of men to attack it aided with the use of ladders but they had been repelled with heavy losses. Sixnos knew that despite these casualties the Peloponnesians greatly outnumbered the garrison and would soon overwhelm it. The runner that rushed up the battlements towards Sixnos confirmed the commander’s worst fears.

“Strategos, we are undone!” he cried out in horror. “Tynus is dead. The Peloponnesians have broken through and are swarming across the landward wall! Orders have been issued to form a makeshift defence in the city centre,” Sixnos swore loudly, as he realized the main defences were now overrun. He turned around to his men who were battling to repulse a new wave of Peloponnesian soldiers.

“Back to the city centre!” he roared. “Pull back from the battlements and outer walls!” It didn’t take long for the Athenians to retreat towards the city centre. A contingent of soldiers volunteered to cover the withdrawal by forming a rearguard. As Sixnos retreated with his soldiers he looked back feeling a pang of sadness and guilt creep inside him. Tears trickled down his cheek under the claustrophobic helmet Sixnos wore , as he saw the Athenian rearguard valiantly fight off several Peloponnesian soldiers before being overwhelmed and cut down.

While the Peloponnesians cheered under the corpses of the Athenians, which lay dead upon the battlements, the Athenians formed a circle within the city centre for their last stand. The tired, bloodied and battered Athenians waited for the Peloponnesians to attack but instead of engaging they stood there. Within the defensive circle Sixnos wondered why the Peloponnesians did not begin finishing them off after easily breaking through the outer defences. Suddenly, a horseman emerged from the block of Peloponnesians that surrounded the Athenians. The rider bore Spartan markings upon his armour and held a white banner indicating he came to talk and not fight.

“Soldiers of Athens!” the Spartan shouted at the top of his voice. “You have fought bravely in the face of adversity and for that my leader commends you. But your resistance has proven futile for you are now surrounded and with no hope of victory! However, there is a way where unnecessary bloodshed can be easily stopped. Drop your weapons, as well as your armour and surrender. Do this and on behalf of Lysander you will not be harmed and shall be treated well. What say ye?”

It took as little as a few seconds for the Athenians to reply resulting in the herald receiving a javelin onto his chest.

The reaction was swift as the mass of Peloponnesian soldiers charged towards the Athenians seeking retribution for what the Athenians had done to the unarmed herald. The collision was brutal as soldiers on both sides clashed into each other with the impact causing men to be thrown off their feet. While Lysander watched from the rear he smiled menacingly, as he saw the surrounding Athenians be killed one by one. Sixnos was among the last of the Athenians to fall, as the garrison was butchered and Lampsacus fell to the Peloponnesians.

Lysander looked on with a smug look on his face. He could see the war had now turned sharply in his favour.

[This message has been edited by Legion Of Hell (edited 07-14-2011 @ 05:31 PM).]

Thought I'd pop in for a read of your latest chapter, Legion, and the night raid drew me straight in right up until the closing lines. I love your artful blend of action, politics and dialogue - enriches the plot very well. Kudos.

That gesture will not go unnoticed I presume. Nice one Greek soldier!

An excellent pair of updates.

One thing, though- Rhodes is the English name for Rhodos. Like the people of Chios, the inhabitants drop the -os and add -an. Thus a citizen of Rhodos is not Rhodesian, but Rhodian.

Rhodesia was the old name for Zimbabwe back before Mugabe. Those people were Rhodesian; the people of Rhodes were Rhodians.

/lesson.

Otherwise outstanding.

Chapter Twenty-Five: A Renegade’s Cameo.

Philocles broodingly looked at the landscape before him from outside his tent. A series of tents had been propped up across the shoreline on the western bank of the Hellespont. This was where the Athenian fleet had just set up camp, as they prepared themselves for battle. While Philocles looked at his men he sighed heavily, as he comprehended the perilous situation the Athenians found themselves in.

“The worse battles are the ones that your enemy forces you to fight in,” he said ruefully to himself, as he looked at the shoreline illuminated by the camp fires, which was lit up by Athenian soldiers that hadn’t gone to sleep. Philocles was angry for allowing to be embarrassed by Lysander’s manoeuvres in the Aegean these past few months. The capture of Lampsacus was the final straw for the assembly and had ordered the battle fleet of up to one hundred and eighty warships to confront the Peloponnesian armada. However, Philocles was well aware within the ranks there was dissent regarding the base the navarch had chosen.

“My men rather would have me choose Sestos as a base to set up my fleet and my camp,” Philocles thought as he shook his head mockingly. “But that is why they are soldiers and I am part of a group of six generals that will lead the greatest fleet into battle since the great wars with Persia!” Philocles had selected the town of Aegospotami, four leagues north of Sestos, as his naval base. Philocles remembered the shocked reactions of his soldiers when their orders were given to sail north.

“The decision made to relocate to Aegospotami is a logical one,” he thought to himself. Philocles and the other five generals decided to rotate command of the fleet each day. It resulted with the decision to move to Aegospotami where they resided. The Athenian general had to admit there were some flaws in having their naval base at Aegospotami instead of Sestos. The town had no harbour but just a beach to house the Athenian fleet. Food and water reserves were low at Aegospotami with the six generals fully aware that supplies would have to be foraged by soldiers. However, the six generals knew there were several reasons why Aegospotami was a good base.

Aegospotami was just over a league away from Lampsacus across the narrow straits. Philocles, as well as the other generals, were keen to keep a watchful eye on the Peloponnesians and felt stationing their fleet at Aegospotami would help them do this. In addition, Philocles knew the small town would help the Athenians pin Lysander in the Hellespont and prevent him from sailing north to the Propontis or Bosporus that would result in the Peloponnesians cutting off their vital and remaining trade route.

“We must force Lysander to engage us in battle at the Hellespont before what little money that remains in our treasury runs out,” Philocles remembered Hemnon, one of the six co-strategos, had said in a council of war conducted a few days ago. “Should we make camp at Sestos then we would have to sail north to Lampsacus against the wind to force a battle, which would mean by the time we face Lysander’s armada our men will be tired after battling against the strong wind.

I motion that we station our fleet at Aegospotami. Sestos may be awash with food and water reserves but it is far from Lampsacus while Aegospotami is not. By having a fleet in such close proximity with the Peloponnesians across the narrow waterway it would be seen by Lysander as a provocative move. This could force him to send his fleet out in an attempt to push us off the Hellespont," Philocles recollected how the generals were in full support of the plan after Hemonn’s assurances. Philocles was aware Lysander had time on his side so it was imperative the Peloponnesians be forced to fight. The general just hoped when battle did come his men were ready.

*****

For the next four days the Athenians sent their entire battle fleet to the harbour of Lampsacus. They were focused on confronting Lysander’s fleet and force them to fight in the straits instead of the confines of a port. However, the Spartan navarch knew exactly what the Athenians were trying to do. Lysander found great enjoyment in knowing the Athenians were running out of time and every day the Spartan refused to fight meant the Athenian war chest would be depleted.

The Athenian generals knew this as well and cursed the Spartan for hiding behind his fortress of Lampsacus. On the evening of the fourth day the Athenian generals retired to the command tent. Their confidence had shrank to a mere pittance of what it once was when they had been confident of defeating Lysander in battle. But before they could air their frustrations a guard entered the command tent.

“Strategos, there is a man outside that wishes an audience with you and the generals,” he announced.

“Tell him to wait until tomorrow,” one of the generals said dismissively. “We are busy!” But before the guard could carry out the order the stranger entered the tent. The generals were about to berate the man for entering a restricted area without permission but were stopped in their tracks when they saw who it was. The generals, as well as the guards inside the tent, were stunned to see the stranger's identity.

“I can see why all of you are surprised to see me,” the stranger grinned. “But your eyes do not deceive you! For it is indeed I: Alcibiades, son of Cleinias,” The shock on everyone’s faces soon was palpable, as Adeimantus addressed the noble.

“So what are you doing here?” he challenged the ex-general. “You do know there are those within Athens and among the fleet here that seek your arrest for the transgressions committed while serving as a strategos of Athens?”

“Do not think I don’t know that, Adeimantus,” he retorted. “I come here to offer you my assistance, as I know now is a time of great peril for Athens. For nearly a week I have observed your fleet that has made camp here at Aegospotami,”

“How have you been able to spot us from afar for so long?” wondered Hemnon.

“Simple,” Alcibiades replied. “Ever since I left Athens after the debacle at Notium I have resided in exile in the lands of Gallipoli. From my own funds, while I served as commander of the Athenian fleet in the Hellespont almost six years ago, I built a castle so to take shelter should I find myself under distress. From the castle I have observed your standoff against Lysander. Let me tell you of how I can help you defeat the Peloponnesians, as Athens’ defeat in the straits will no doubt give the enemy victory and the Pnyx will have no choice but to sue for peace,” The generals looked at each other, as they mused the ex-general’s offer.

“Let us hear of your plan,” Philocles said reluctantly.

“It is vital that you move the camp from Aegospotami to Sestos,” Alcibiades urged the generals before explaining further. “The town is not suitable at all to billet or supply a fleet of one hundred and eighty warships and over thirty five thousand men! Moreover, I have seen your pitiful attempts to coax Lysander out of his fortress, with the reason behind your failure simple. You have no hoplites to storm Lampsacus,”

“But you do,” Hemnon concluded. The son of Cleinias nodded.

“I have been promised by two Thracian kings to supply me with an army and within a month or two they will arrive. All of you know what land troops in a naval battle can do. Just remember what happened at Cyzicus. If the Thracians can capture Lampsacus then Lysander will be forced out of the city and will have to fight out of the strait in hostile waters with your fleet waiting to pounce. Allow me to help and I will send word to the Thracians to come to your aid,” The six generals had to admit the plan sounded good but were suspicious of Alcibiades’ intentions, as he had been deceitful in the past.

“And for your assistance what do you want in return?” enquired one of the generals. “We know your help does not come freely and a man of your reputation will always want something for his services,” Alcibiades smiled.

“That is true. But I ask very little of you in return for my assistance,” he replied. “All I want is a fair share of the command: equally divided between the seven of us,” Scoffs and disapproving looks erupted from the generals at the demand.

“I knew that you had some ulterior motives as soon as you stepped into this tent,” Hemnon sneered. “I see what you are trying to do! You want us to shoulder most of the burden in defeating Lysander. When victory is achieved you will no doubt claim most of the credit so to have our people and the assembly back home clamour for your return once again. By the gods, I will make sure that’ll never happen, Alcibiades!”

“Hemnon is right,” Adeimantus nodded. “Why should we yield our power to a man twice condemned by the people and sent into exile? There was a time long ago that your words would have carried weight but that time has long gone because of your deceitfulness. We are the generals now and not you! Our answer to your offer is no. I suggest you leave before your enemies within the fleet try to arrest you,” Alcibiades’ face turned to one of scorn and disdain. He walked out of the tent and made his way to his horse. While trotting towards his castle the Athenian shook his head ruefully, as he looked at his fellow Athenians soldiers who stood watch or talking with friends.

“These soldiers are not the same men who myself, Thrasybulus and Theramenes commanded, cared and led through the bloody Hellespont campaigns,” he thought to himself. “Having six generals command a fleet can be disruptive and should they lose against the Peloponnesians then they have only themselves to blame,” And with that the son of Cleinias galloped into the darkness to his castle.

*****

While Alcibiades headed back to his exiled home Philocles retired to his quarters. The general was under stress, as it was he who would hold the command tomorrow. For the past four days his fellow commanders had been given control of the fleet and had done the same thing: row the entire fleet towards Lampsacus and try to force a battle.

But on each occasion Lysander simply waited the Athenians out and took refuge behind the walls of Lampsacus while the Athenians loitered wastefully in the straits. Philocles was angered at Lysander deciding not to fight, which brought untold frustration among the generals. Moreover, Philocles was equally troubled at the effect it was having on the ordinary rank and file sailors.

“With each passing day that we stay here at Aegospotami and do nothing our sailors lose morale and become ill-disciplined,” he thought worryingly. Philocles had seen men go off in small groups to forage for food and commanders were not regulating their men, as others would have done so in previous campaigns. Each day the fleet spent waiting outside Lampsacus for a battle that would not come meant the strength and quality of the fleet was further weakened. Philocles knew something had to be done and was adamant that he would be the one to do it.

“I will be the one to force Lysander out to fight!” he cried out defiantly to himself. “I shall lure him out of his fortress to engage my fleet in a way different to my fellow generals. And when both armadas clash in battle it will end with the Peloponnesians having their fleet sunk to the bottom of the sea. My name will be written into the annals of history with my name being glorified by ordinary Athenians and future travellers from ancient lands will know me to be the saviour of Athens!”

In his mind the general quickly devised a plan that in his mind would help regain control of the Hellespont. Philocles called a guard and ordered him to summon the rest of the generals to his quarters for an urgent council of war. It didn’t take long for the other five generals to arrive, as each general was curious to learn why they had been summoned to Philocles’ quarters at the dead of night.

“My fellow generals, I am sorry to have summoned you from your quarters,” Philocles apologised profusely. “But the circumstances behind this meeting is important, which warranted your presence here tonight,”

“So why call us at this time of night?” asked a tired Hemnon. “Can’t it wait?”

“No, it can’t. The reason why I summoned you here was so I can discuss my strategy against the Peloponnesians and seek your approval,” Philocles replied. “As you all know tomorrow is the day the command of the fleet is rotated to me. I intend to use it to the best of my ability…..which is why I want to attack,”

“You roused us from our beds in the middle of the night so to tell us this?” one of the generals replied in a irritable tone. “That is the same tactic myself and the rest of the generals have tried to do with little success. Putting the fleet outside Lampsacus and trying to lure Lysander out into the straits so to fight does not work. You will have a better chance assaulting the realm of Hades than doing that,”

“My attack is different from previous attempts on Lampsacus these past four days,” Philocles shot back. “The plan I have drawn is complex yet if done right can destroy a enemy fleet like at Pylos or at Cyzicus. I shall lead a small squadron of thirty warships and sail downstream while the rest of the armada waits at Aegospotami. The enemy will think our fleet is moving south to Sestos in small groups.

Once Lysander chases my squadron downstream I will send a signal to the rest of the fleet waiting at Aegospotami to man their ships and proceed to cut off the Peloponnesians chasing me. When the Athenian fleet smash into the enemy’s rear then they will be cut off and destroyed. With one simple swoop the Hellespont will be ours,” The five generals looked at each other, as they dissected the plan intensely.

“The attack is set to commence tomorrow?” enquired Adeimantus. “That is not enough time to inform, train or prepare our men for the impending offensive. It takes weeks to train a army and we simply do not have enough time!”

“I think it would be enough,” Hemnon disagreed. “Our men have been waiting to fight against the Peloponnesians. They yearn to spill blood in revenge of the raids Lysander and his cutthroats have conducted mercilessly throughout Attica. The plan may be complex yet it can be done. The Athenian navy have won battles against the Peloponnesians under worse conditions. It could work if given the chance,” Philocles waited nervously, as he prayed to the gods in the hop that his plan was approved.

“Very well,” one of the generals replied, as Philocles saw his request had been granted. “The attack shall commence tomorrow afternoon with the sailors woken up at sunrise so to be informed of the battle plans. Seeing the offensive was of your creation then it is fair that full command and responsibility of the fleet will be given to you, Philocles,” The general nodded in appreciation to his fellow commanders, as Philocles felt ecstatic knowing he had a chance to prove his worth to Athens.

“By this time tomorrow the Peloponnesians will be praying to the gods for clemency and wish they never set foot into the Hellespont!” the general thought confidently. Philocles was sure that tomorrow he would fulfil his ultimate destiny.

For the Athenians knew all too well that the war and Athens depended on him.

[This message has been edited by Legion Of Hell (edited 07-23-2011 @ 04:22 PM).]

Wow. This is going to take me a long time to read...

Deliberate attacks are complex and planned to the minute details; a hasty attack is a spur-of the moment very fluid battle.

What Philocles is trying to do it a hasty, complex attack. Such things almost never work out. It will be interesting to see how this turns out (I shall not look upo the outcome in other sources. Surprise me.).

Chapter Twenty Six: Cunning, Incompetence & Surprise.

The sun rose and shone brightly upon the waters of the Hellespont, as the sailors of the Athenian fleet were mustered and roused from their beds by their officers. During the morning trierarchs, kybernetes and ordinary sailors were informed of the battle plans created and fine-tuned by the six Athenian generals. As noon arrived Philocles and thirty of the fastest warships in the fleet prepared to sail south.

Before they did set sail the general looked back to the beach, so to look at the rest of the fleet, as his squadron prepared to sail to Sestos. Thousands of Athenian sailors rested upon the beach or sought refuge in their tents, as their warships were beached on the shore and protected by enclosed wooden stakes on three sides to the north.

“It is vital the other generals and naval crews keep up the pretence on the beach long enough for the Peloponnesian scouts over the straits to see,” Philocles thought to himself, as the squadron left the safety of Aegospotami. “Once we are at least halfway towards Sestos the Peloponnesian fleet will come out to chase us. Then that is when the signal will be released and Lysander shall find himself surrounded!”

The Athenian general thought it would take a short while for enemy scouts to inform Lysander of Philocles’ movements, raise the alarm so to get the crews to their warships and have the Peloponnesian fleet in a position to chase Philocles downstream. But the Athenian had severely underestimated his opponent.

Lysander knew the Athenians at some point would be forced to head south towards Sestos after spending the last four days seeking battle with little success. The Spartan had opted against battle because he knew how Athens in the past had used cunning and deception to win naval battles against the Peloponnesian League. This prompted Lysander to rigorously drill his crewmen intensely, as well as the land army, so to keep them fit and alert for any Athenian manoeuvre. So when Lysander saw his scout head towards him the Spartan knew something had happened.

“Navarchos, up to thirty Athenians warship have just been spotted leaving the town of Aegospotami heading south,” he announced. “Their destination most likely is Sestos where their defences is natural and hard to storm,”

“What of the rest of the fleet?” Lysander replied curiously.

“Their sailors do nothing but rest upon the beach, eat their food or sleep in the tents that are dotted across their camp along the shoreline. Their triremes are beached further north, protected by wooden stakes and guarded by a small contingent of soldiers up to a hundred strong,” Lysander chuckled darkly, as he knew a golden opportunity had opened up for him to exploit brutally. He didn’t know whether the thirty Athenian warships sighted by his scouts were heading to Sestos to obtain supplies or try to lure him out to a trap. But it prompted him to turn to his commanders Eteonicus, Thorax and Aracus who were by his side.

“Thorax, raise the alarm at once and have our quick warships intercept the Athenians!” he commanded before turning to the other generals. “Eteonicus, ready the land army and have them embarked upon the troop ships at once. Aracus, you are to be at my side and help me oversee the naval component of the attack. Thorax, have the fast triremes outflank and cut the Athenian squadron off so they cannot sail downstream. However, if they decide to head upriver then let them, for I’ll strike from the north with the rest of the armada. They will be surrounded and once the Athenian squadron is destroyed then we head to Aegospotami!”

The three Spartan generals were quick to implement the commands given to them. Once the alert had been called the Peloponnesians manned their triremes and headed out to sea. The light warships were quick to ready their sails and headed south in pursuit of Philocles’ squadron. Lysander boarded his flagship, which had been already prepped, soon quick to observe how his fast triremes had already closed the gap on the enemy squadron.

“Look at how my warships hunt these Athenians. The gods surely favour us today, Aracus!” Lysander cried out triumphantly. “At this rate the enemy squadron will be surrounded before they even reach Sestos. Now let us help them by having the rest of the fleet seal the Athenian squadron’s doom!” As Lysander barked out orders to his deck crew Philocles’ face was one of horror.

He was bewildered at just how fast the Peloponnesian ships were able to man their crews and closed the gap between the Peloponnesian and Athenian squadrons. No doubt the Peloponnesians had judged the wind direction better than him and his squadron was now paying for it.

“These Peloponnesians have improved their naval prowess, seamanship and tactics,” Philocles admitted to himself. “These are not the same sailors who were scared to traverse the Aegean all those years ago in the hope they did not come upon an Athenian fleet. How time has changed, as it was not long ago the Athenian navy once killed up to thirty thousand men and sunk or captured one hundred and forty triremes in the space of nearly a year. No, these are indeed different sailors, led by a man who has given them confidence,” Philocles’ musings were then interrupted by his kybernetes who dashed towards him.

“Strategos, the Peloponnesians are attempting to outflank us!” he cried out. The kybernetes pointed towards the stern where Philocles’ eyes widened in despair. The Athenian squadron sailed in single file formation with one ship per row and was shaped like a long staff. Philocles could see the enemy were arrayed the same but had three ships on each row and outnumbered the Athenians. The Peloponnesians sailed parallel to the east bank of the Hellespont while the Athenians were at the west bank.

The Athenian squadron looked on helplessly, as the Peloponnesians split off a small contingent of fifteen warships from the chasing pack of nearly sixty triremes. Philocles could see what they were trying to do, as the large block of Peloponnesian ships chased the Athenian squadron, while the small detachment of fifteen triremes began to use its speed to go past Philocles’ squadron and proceeded to cut them off. The small detachment then formed a barrier so to surround the Athenians. Philocles looked on helplessly, as his plan had been destroyed before it could be implemented.

“Swing around the fleet! Swing them around!” he screamed. “Head north back to Aegospotami!” But Philocles saw that option would prove catastrophic, as he saw the full might of the Peloponnesian armada head downstream towards him from the north. From his flagship Lysander looked at the surrounded Athenian fleet and smiled devilishly.

“They are trapped!” he shouted gleefully to Aracus. “Now to destroy them!” The navarch looked to his signaller and ordered the destruction of the encircled Athenians. Philocles could see the Peloponnesian triremes now closed in on him. As he looked at his rattled deck crew the Athenian knew there was little he could do.

“Men, we find ourselves surrounded!” he shouted to his sailors defiantly. “But I would rather die bravely with you men than surrender to a Spartan dog. So I say let us attack them so no one can speak ill of us. Let us fight to the death so your families and our enemies saw how we gave up our lives willingly for out people. To the death!” A roar of approval reverberated across the flagship, as Philocles turned to his signaller and commanded him to signal the attack. Lysander, who stood on the bow, could see from his flagship the surrounded Athenian squadron head towards the oncoming Peloponnesians. He scoffed at this apparent defiance.

“These Athenians choose to attack my fleet instead of embracing death?” he said to Aracus in a puzzled tone. “While that is to be commended now is not the time for heroics. They will die!” Both fleets clashed with each other in the Hellespont, as sharpened rams slammed into wood and men fell into the death, As battle raged, Philocles concentrated on steadying his flagship, as it was set on a collision course with a Spartan trireme that was battling furiously against an Athenian warship.

“Ramming speed!” Philocles roared to the men below deck in charge of the rowers before turning to his kybernetes. “Have the archers get into position to harass nearby enemy ships that get too close and have the marines support them in case we are boarded,” The kybernetes nodded but before he could implement the orders the deck crew were quick to hold on to something, as they braced for the collision.

There was a loud thud before a loud screeching sound of the ram tearing through the astern of the Spartan trireme. Men on both warships were flung off their feet as a result of the collision. Philocles looked around to see if his crew were safe, which his men signalled they were. He then turned to his wounded kybernetes and pointed to the Spartan warship whose dazed sailors were slowly getting to their feet.

“Loose!” the kybernetes ordered his archers. Up to fifteen bowmen released their missiles towards the Spartan sailors who were cut down by the volley of arrows including the captain of the ship. But Philocles’ joy was short lived when he turned around to see just why his men were shouting and pointing to the portside bow. The general was horrified to see a heavy Megarian trireme descending upon the flagship’s portside bow, as its menacing ram protruded outwards, eagerly seeking a victim.

“Prepare for impact!” the Athenian general shrieked to his men who scampered across the deck so to hold onto something. But before Philocles could find shelter the Megarian ram ripped into the ship’s vulnerable portside bow where the oars were placed. The results were devastating, as the ram punctured through one of the quarters below deck where the rowers were stationed. The sharp black ram impaled one of the rowers, as the unfortunate Athenian was dragged across the room, with the ram destroying the support timbers that held the rooms below deck in place.

Water soon gushed through the punctured flowing cold water below deck, which caused the support structures to collapse and panic the trapped rowers. Philocles saw his flagship was interlinked on its portside with the Megarian trireme while the Athenian warship’s ram was linked with the astern of the now stricken Spartan vessel. But things got worse for Philocles, as the sheer force of being rammed by the heavy Megarian trireme, along with taking on water caused the flagship to list severely.

The Athenian warship swayed to its right, as its portside was now suspended in mid air. The Megarian warship began to back out and reverse so to avoid any damage to its vessel while the Athenian ram snapped with the remains of it embedded into the stern of the crippled Spartan warship. The entire Athenian crew were thrown about effortlessly, as they slid to the starboard bow, with men desperately trying to cling onto something so to avoid falling into the deep cold sea. Philocles clung for his life onto a wooden ledge placed near the portside now.

The Athenian gasped for air, as icy water smashed into him while he tried to cling onto the ledge. Philocles looked around so to see what was going on while he battled to stay afloat. All around him he saw sailors be thrown into the sea, as his battered warship slowly began to list. The general could hear the screams and shouts of rowers below deck who were wounded as a result of the ramming causing them to be left behind. The general felt helpless at not being able to help but all he could do was try and live.

Philocles was at pains to see the Peloponnesian fleet tear into the rest of his squadron that little over an hour ago he once proudly commanded. The entire Athenian squadron was wiped out with most of the ships sunk, burnt or captured with its crews brutally slain. Philocles knew that grave danger awaited the rest of the Athenian fleet who were languishing on the beach.

The sailors were doing nothing, while they waited for the signal Philocles’ squadron were supposed to release. It had now gone horribly wrong but before the general could lament his failures a large wave swept him away and Philocles fell into the depths of the icy sea for Poseidon to claim. The sea also claimed his flagship, which sank and took its inhabitants with it.

Lysander looked at the battlefield from his flagship and smiled at what his men had achieved. Wrecked Athenian ships, as well as floating corpses bobbling along the bloodied straits meant Philocles’ squadron was no more. The Spartan walked to the bridge where Thorax, Aracus and Eteonicus waited for him.

“What now, my navarch?” Aracus asked. Lysander pointed to the north.

“We finish off the Athenian fleet!” he replied. “They are oblivious to what has transpired here and now an opportunity of immense rewards awaits us. It will require speed, skill and ruthlessness. But I am sure it is possible to win the war in one fell swoop,” And with it Lysander divulged his battle plan to his officers.

*****

Hemnon walked along the beach, as he looked to the south where Philocles’ squadron had sailed to Sestos in their attempt to lure Lysander’s fleet out into the open sea. No signal had materialised from Philocles so the generals had permitted their men to rest across the camp, which was scattered across the beach near Aegospotami, until they sighted Philocles’ signal and came to his aid.

Across the camp lay over thirty five thousand men while across the beach was up to one hundred and eighty triremes clustered together to the north of the camp. Hemnon, as well as the other generals, had wondered what was taking Philocles so long. The Athenians were unaware what had become of Philocles because at the southern end of the camp a large ridge blocked off the Athenians’ line of sight in the direction where Philocles had sailed.

Meanwhile, the guard occupying the beacon tower at the southern end of the camp, which faced towards Sestos, sat in his post patiently wondering what had become of the Athenian squadron that had sailed to Sestos. However, the soldier soon spotted several warships come into view passing the jagged ridge that blocked the guard’s line of sight. The markings and insignia of the warships prompted the guard to climb his ladder and light the beacon with his torch. Most of the soldiers lazily resting upon the beach did not pick up the alight beacon tower to the south but a few did.

“Strategos, the tower to the south has alighted its beacon! They must have found something,” one of the young sailors cried out to Hemnon, as he pointed to the tower. The general looked to the beacon, which grabbed the attention of the Athenian sailors, as they pointed at it and looked at it with great curiosity. But as Hemnon looked closer he quickly realized that something wasn’t right.

“A beacon tower is not like a ordinary observation or sentry post that are scattered across the camp tasked to watch for Philocles’ signal,” he muttered to himself worryingly. “Those beacon towers are used to observe enemy warships and are only to be alight when they find enemy ….-” Hemnon soon realized the guard had alighted its beacon tower because it had found something: but not Philocles’ signal.

While Hemnon worried at what the beacon tower had found the rest of the fleet were eating their food under the hot afternoon sun. Soldiers had taken off their helmets, armour and discarded their weapons so to eat their food or rest. As they did this, a young hoplite looked to the south for a brief moment, which caused him to stare curiously at something that had caught his eye.

“What’s that?” he asked his fellow soldiers. Other Athenians from around the beach and near the camp, which was located to the west of the beach, had spotted what the young soldier had seen. It didn’t take long for them to find out what it was.

Coming into full view, just under a thousand paces away to the south of the beach where the Athenian soldiers lay, was the entire Peloponnesian armada. The relaxed faces of the sailors who grazed lazily upon the sandy beach of Aegospotami soon recoiled in horror and disbelief at seeing a vast war fleet come out of nowhere from the south. The soldiers were paralysed with fear wondering what had happened to Philocles. But one man was not shocked, as Lysander looked at the Athenian positions from his flagship.

By sunset the Athenian fleet will be destroyed on the shores of Aegospotami, And Athens will have wished they had accepted peace!

[This message has been edited by Legion Of Hell (edited 07-25-2011 @ 05:25 PM).]

Ouch!

This reminds me of an old saying: Men plan; God laughs.

Poseidon is getting a great chuckle out of this one.

Well done!