Assembly
1012 Words
“I vow by my father Heracles,” cried Kryzos, “that I will avenge the death of our comrades and uphold the lives of my fellow brothers.”
“I, by my father Heracles, as well brother will honour your vow and pledge to come to your aid and rescue no matter the circumstance,” cried Kokkino.
“And I my brothers,” cried Mavros coolly, as he placed his hands on his brothers’ shoulders, “will vow to our father Heracles, that I will fight to purge evil and protect the innocent, or death shall have me.”
The three friends swore an oath as brothers as they left the king’s palace. They placed their trust in each other, knowing that they always had someone to rely on. The coming years saw the brothers grow up mighty in their ranks, each honing their skills to terrifying extremes. The king saw their might and resolve to protect the kingdom and entrusted them with the duty of leading his army.
Sixteen years after the ambush on the eastern camp site, the brothers, having prepared for many years to avenge their fellow comrades, went up to the king and laid their case before him.
“Lord, we have been thinking for quite some time now that a direct attack is necessary for dealing with the wretches in Antakya.”
“Lord, their army continues to advance, taking our lands and slaughtering our good men.”
“We ask Lord that you allow us to convene for a military meeting, to discuss our retaliation against them.”
“My sons,” answered the king, “I have watched you blossom into the finest men this kingdom has ever seen. You have shown me that the grace I showed you long ago did not go unappreciated. I trust that you have a great plan in dealing with the enemy. If it agrees with me then I will allow you to march the entire army into their walls. Now let me hear your proposal.”
Kryzos spoke up, “My king, I have devised a plan to thwart the defenses of the Antakians. My men and I will advance up on the eastern shores of the sea. I have sent messengers to the inhabitants of the land, the Asmoneans. They are willing to ally with us for they have been persecuted by your enemy as well. They require a large sum of gold however, but I am sure that we can match it. If you would be willing, Lord, to forfeit this sum, I would send word to them immediately to persuade them into joining us.”
And with that Kryzos scribbled on a piece of paper and handed it to the king. The king took a few moments to consider the price and then nodded. “Send another messenger to the Asmoneans. Tell them we accept their terms,” ordered Kryzos to his right hand. “Now, as I’ve said Lord, I will ride up the eastern shores and ally with the Asmoneans. We will attack Antakya at its western point. Although it is heavily guarded, along with our allies, we should be able to succeed. Mavros on the other hand will go directly through the desert. His men are trained to endure and I believe they will provide us with a great advantage when they cross over and attack the unfortified southern side. The confusion caused by my men in the west and Mavros’ men in the south will draw their men in both directions, away from the centre and that it where Kokkino will attack, taking down their walls and advancing into the capital.”
The other leaders at the meeting all looked at each other with suspense. They all seemed in favor, looking on Kryzos with pride and gratitude. They all looked to the king hoping for his cooperation.
“Kryzos, my son, I believe in you and your brothers. Take every man, rally the forces and by goddess’ grace may you be successful on your journey. May the gods all shine their light on your bravery and skill. I will alleviate a portion of my royal guard to you as well. Use them wisely. But before you depart I wish to address the troops. Gather them all outside the northern wall of Alexandria in three weeks’ time so that I may give you my blessing.”
“Yes Lord!” they all shouted.
In three weeks’ time, all the army was gathered at the northern walls of Alexandria. The merchants and shops took advantage of the influx and sold triple their usual. The soldiers bought mementos of their gods: tiny statues, hand-drawn pictures, necklaces, armbands, red sashes and much more. The king and his three generals were standing under the arch of the northern entrance. He greeted them and then addressed the army. “Soldiers,” he cried, “take arms and march. Be proud today for our gods have given us this opportunity. Mars has been lending us his ear and he has made his decision. Today begins the fight, the fight for our land, our people, our comrades, our dreams and our gods. Saturn awaits their destruction; he has been patient with them. Venus comforts your wives and lends her strength to you. Amun-Ra has seen your strength and has given you his light. Now let us conquer death before it conquers us and may Anubis be overjoyed with his sickle harvest. Let all the gods know that we are no cowards, by Heracles himself. Now march and may the gods be with you!”
The soldiers started cheering and waving. Some were yelling and some were crying but all were excited. The king unsheathed his sword from his gleaming waist of gold, raised it high above his head and yelled “Attack!” lunging his sword forward. The soldiers all started yelling; they turned to face north.
“March!” yelled Kryzos. And with that they all marched forward.
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