-
We have updated our Community Code of Conduct. Please read through the new rules for the forum that are an integral part of Paradox Interactive’s User Agreement.
Always good to take a prisoner, I just love when wars are won in a single fight because you grabbed the heir by chance and knocked down enough of their forces that things are over before they've really started.
Chapter IV
—————|CHAPTER IV|—————
—————|BANKS OF THE SUVASTU RIVER — NIGHT of APRIL 18th, 769 AD|—————
The assembled strategoi stood and sat silently under the canopy of the pavilion tent, illuminated by the light of a single oil lamp. Skoidos Traianos stood with his arms crossed and his head lowered, awaiting word from the Protostrator's physician as to his condition. Anatolios Kungratides and Dionysios Aibakidites sat to one side, and on the other sat Eusebios Padmaphulasseas. A few lower commanders stood in the corners. In the darkening distance, the moaning of the amassed casualities subsided as some succumbed to their wounds.
—————|BANKS OF THE SUVASTU RIVER — NIGHT of APRIL 18th, 769 AD|—————
"So, Skoidos," said Anatolios Kungratides, breaking the silence.
Skoidos Traianos looked up at Anatolios, and grunted, "hm?"
"With the Protostrator in such a grave state, the next most senior officer will act as a provisional Protostrator in his stead," said Anatolios. "That would be the Skoidos."
The Skoidos nodded. "I am aware of this, Strategos," he replied.
"So, Skoidos," Anatolios pressed on. "We must continue our campaign, with our without the Protostrator's guiding hand."
"I know." Traianos took a deep breath, sighed, scratched at the nape of his neck, and looked around. "So, I am to assume command of this army, then?"
"Aye," said Anatolios.
"Aye," the other Strategoi repeated in relative unison.
"Alright," said Traianos, nodding. "I shall send a messenger to the Queen to inform her of the change in the chain of command." He looked over at Dionysios Aibakidites. "And I'm going to have to move one of you to fulfil the role of Skoidos for the time being. Dionysios — since you're currently floating about the companions without a formal office, would you be interested in filling the role?"
Dionysios stood and placed a closed fist over his heart. "It would be my pleasure to serve in this capacity, Protostrator."
"Excellent." Traianos looked around at the remainder of the strategoi. "As for the rest of you — we cannot afford to waste any time. We have won a victory on this field, but there are more battles which must yet be fought. I want all of your respective commands to be prepared to move at sunrise, as we'll be moving southward through the mountains towards the Indus floodplain."
"Was this Šarvin's plan?" asked Eusebios, scratching at his beard.
"Indeed it was." Traianos unfolded his arms and placed his hands upon his sides. "There's a fortress near the course of the Indus. It overlooks the largest crossing in the Khyber Pass. It was Šarvin's intent to assume control of it. I propose that we hold true to that plan."
"It sounds like a plan to me," replied Anatolios.
"And to me as well," added Eusebios.
Hardly the ideal outcome for the battle, but it's still a victory. The war marches on...
