Out of Exile - Chapter 4
The Regional Council meeting for Terripanos was largely unproductive, but it played perfectly into Laleos’ ambitions. The discussions all centered around the, so far, non-violent invasion by a Syverenian army. Arguments broke out as to how to handle these savages, and if, and where, their march should be stopped.
“They must be stopped at all costs!” yelled Agianos, the head councilman from the port city of Psylogianos. He slammed the table as he continued, “You who have never experienced their raids do not understand. You cannot understand. They carry off our young women and small boys back to their homelands, and those who remain are crippled and left for dead. All that we are able to do is alert our people of their coming and run deep into our forest strongholds. They act as though they are on a cat-hunt, riding their ferocious bears, allowing them to devour those who are so unfortunate as to stumble.
“Even within the safety of our strongholds, they harass us. They launch our dead covered filled with feces into our walls. They do this as they laugh at our plight. These barbarians must not be allowed to remain in our land. I fear they may settle here, and if they do, we will either be forced into the deserts of Achinos or used as sacrifices to their gods. And even if we do make it to the desert, who’s to say how many of us will survive. I do not believe that they will stop at the desert. Even with the aid of our brethren and the Xotokians, we may not be able to hold them off.” Agianos sat, breathing deep from exhaustion.
A smirk rose from the lips of Pegisagos. “They passed peacefully by our village. All we had to do was promise them that the serfs will become citizens,” he laughed. “The fools do not know how our politics work. They are so naïve as to trust any politician at their word.”
At that, the room erupted in laughter. That is, all except those representing the coasts.
“Then, it is settled, we let them walk into a trap,” Laleos chimed in. He stood at the head of the long table and walked over to the map which hung on the wall. “From talking to each of you, they are currently camping near Andiano’s district of Neolycos. I suspect that they will remain there until they are sufficiently satisfied by the response of your council. I trust that you have instructed Patarios to feign compliance.”
Andianos grew uncomfortable with the mention of his town. “Of course. We can trust Patarios. He is an expert at manipulation.”
Many in the council were barely able to contain audible laughter at this remark. It was well known that Andianos had given his daughter to the young noble, and many suspected that Patarios had only wanted to marry her to gain influence. The daughter was a feeble and ugly girl. She looked too much like her father, and rumors were that she, too, had to shave.
Laleos, without missing a beat, continued. “We will need fodder on our front lines against these brutes. Gyophonos, how long will it take to dispatch word to your contacts in Achinos? Surely, the nobles there will be able to spare some Xotopodos.”
“We have been preparing for another shipment of blades from our people there. Perhaps we will send a promise of copper for each Xotokian head that is sent,” replied Gyophonos.
“Careful,” quipped Angianos whose territory also bordered with Achinos. “Our brethren there might just send the heads without bodies and still expect payment.”
“I’m sure the heads alone would be just as useful for fodder,” Gyophonos retorted. “After all, I am sure a Syverenian would not be able to pass up such an exotic meal. I am sure that they, too, like to relax after a mid-day snack.”
Again, a chuckle was heard throughout the hall, but Laleos pretended not to hear it. Laleos pointed to a river that ran from Psylogianos to a forest stronghold somewhere between his city of Gyphorono and Neolycos.
“All coastal regions should amass an army to Psylogianos. As many as you are able to spare while protecting your citizens. From there, go up river to our ancient stronghold of Gaphios. Those of us who are inland will march as secretly as we can to that location. Adianos, no one of your hamlet should make the journey. It would risk our plan for the Syverenians to see your army leave.”
Adianos concealed his relief at this statement. He feared that Patarios has already swayed the council to side with the Syverenians in his absence. If the army was to march, in all likelihood, it would be alongside the invasive force.