Chapter 25
"Such a beautiful city, it is a shame they choose to resist."
On the ridge overlooking Babylon, the high commanders and Polemarch of the Eastern Army sat upon their mounts, peering down into the city.
Lovely wide streets lined with homes and public buildings, he could see the colorful cloth sun shades draping over the streets from many of them. Most structures were constructed from a golden brick matching the desert sands in hue. The wide Euphrates running directly though the city. Numerous ships were lined up against the docks. The high wall surrounding the city was also of brick, the crenelations at the tops of every square turret a striking cobalt blue
"The army in position?" asked Sevastian.
"Yes Polemarch, we now surround them." Talmadeus stated from behind. "The key to the city is obviously the river, we tear down those metal gates they have up and we are in."
"True." Sevastian agreed. "I think they would expect that, wouldn't you agree?"
"It is the only route, those walls are 5 feet thick, impervious to-"
"Let's just give it a try Talmadeus; you haven't seen what these machines can do." Meleager argued.
"You've spent three fortnights cobbling these giant monstrosities together we've wasted time, and allowed the enemy to better organize their defense."
"Why are you so opposed to trying?" Siri asked pointedly. "We do it your way and men die, by firing the Trebuchet's stationed round the city we loose nothing.
"Your opinion Menticlies? Asked Sevastian while taking a bit of linen in hand to wipe his brow.
"As before, I say try it, no risk in it."
"Fancy siege weapons do not-"
"New ideas in warfare Talmadeus," Menticlies tisked while waging a finger, "we must be open to at least testing them."
"Meleager, have you men, ready this giant contraption. Honestly, I'm curious to see it how it works." Sevastian, dismounted, the other commanders following suit, grooms taking hold of the horse reigns.
"Would you like to give her a go, Polemarchos?" Meleager smiled as Sevastian's eyes drifted up to the top of the six story tall weapon, that height did not include the long firing arm pointing straight up into the sky.
"You know, I think I would." Sevastian took of his helmet, placing it on the ground. "What first?"
"We must ready the machine, by storing up some energy." Meleager pointed to the two great wheel's on either side of the firing arm.
"Alright," Sevastian walked up to the wheel, which was the size of many wheels back in Greece, except those used the power of water to grind grain. These used leg power to turn.
Stepping inside, he was quickly elbowed over by Siri, the two of them now together within the wheel.
"Talmadues, Menticlies, care to join?" Sevastain asked tauntingly.
The two commanders took the bait, walking over to the other side to enter to wheel opposite.
"Here we go then!" Meleager announced merrily. "Ready!" he commanded.
All four began walking to rotate the huge wheel. Stout rope began to coil around a massive wooden center axle raising a huge wooden hopper filled with rocks. On the other side, the long oak firing arm lowered.
"This is fun..." huffed Sevastain."
"I shall need to have you run more," Siri poked him. "Running is good for building endurance."
Sevastian wished he'd held his tongue, the Amazon regimen for fitness was quite demanding. How those women loved to tease when he faltered, even just a little.
"Hold!" Meleager yelled. "None too soon as Menticlies and Talmadeus were also feeling the effects of raising tons of rock.
"Not bad for a bunch of first timers!" Meleager complimented after locking down the massive firing arm. "You best step out now."
"Load!"
All four stood watching at a fair distance as Meleager shouted the order. An absolutely gigantic bolder was hefted into position by 35 men stout men.
"Take 10 Amazons..." muttered Siri derisively. She then got a look from Sevastian. "Okay, 15 she conceded, "tops."
"There is no way this machine can fire that!" Talmadeus charged.
"Wait and you will see." replied Meleager. For some time the men struggled to place a thick chain round the gigantic rock, then they slathered it generously with sticky Greek fire.
"Clear!" he shouted causing the men to scurry away. Walking forward he grabbed the stout rope tied to the net round the bolder. Making a loop at the end Meleager then hooked it round a straight iron rod jutting up from the end of the long firing arm.
"I believe the men would dearly love to see you loose the first volley Polemarch."
"Alright Meleager."
"This rope is attached to the pin keeping the axle from turning. When I give the command, pull on it hard!" Meleager clasped his arms, guiding Sevastian back some distance from the machine until the rope was taut.
Sevastian tightened his grip on the rope in preparation.
"Light!"
A soldier walked forward with a torch, igniting the Greek fire, then scampered away
"Loose!" Meleager screamed while pointing to Sevastain who pulled on the rope with all his worth.
"Gods!" Menticlies shouted as the giant counterweight dropped. The long oak arm rose up.
Talmadeus ducked down instinctively as the boulder was pulled from under the machine and up into the air.
"By Artemis!" Siri whispered as the blazing rock flew though the air. It looked like one of the shooting lights of the night sky cast down from the heavens by Zeus.
Moments later the beautiful Cobalt gate of Ishtar, decorated with golden lions of Persia, dissipated in a great cloud of dust. The bolder having smashed the gate completely though. The stone tumbled on, demolishing a brick structure in the city, setting the contents inside on fire.
Three other machines stationed round the city then opened up. One boulder, smashed down a gate house on the eastern side of the wall, the other tore the top completely off a tower. Both rocks then slammed into the city, plowing down everything in their path.
Both the high command and their Polemarchos stood in silence for some time looking over the destruction wrought by the siege engines, listening to the screams rising up from the city.
"Do it again!"
Sevastain's remark caused Meleager to laugh. "Looks like we won't have to," He pointed. There upon the the high temple, the Ziggurat as the Persians called it the city colors were being hauled down. In its place a small flag of white was raised.
All watched as the Polemarch raised his arms to the sky, hands out. "By Ares!" Babylon is ours!" he yelled out. His voice a mix... part joy, mostly relief."
The cheers of the men surrounding the high command floated down from the ridge they stood upon, to be heard and picked up by the rest of the army below.
"We must move quickly before they change their minds." whirling about, Sevastian moved to huddle with his commanders. Talmadeus, lead your men on, all 50,000 into the city, take control.
"As you wish, Polemarch."
"I give you the rest of this day, and through the night to wipe any and all who may decide it better to die fighting. Round up the leadership of the city. I want them all in the governing palace in the morrow. You are free to kill any man that opposes you, but you will not harm any woman or child. I need not remind you of the Empress' commands about the men taking any woman against her will?"
"You do not."
"Good, Ride then, I will enter the city tomorrow."
Talmadeus gave the Imperial salute which Sevastain returned.
"Menticles, organize your men, tomorrow before first light you march. Move as fast as is possible, swarm over the land, take towns and villages, and kill all who resist. If you encounter towns with strong fortifications, bypass them, leave troops to cut the flow of supplies so that they die on the vine. Remember; have your scouts looking for this Eli and his followers.
"We haven't had much luck, Polemarch." Menticles reported. "Finding this man Eli has been like chasing ghosts. His followers shuttle him from one hiding hole to the next."
"With your permission..."
Sevastain looked to Siri.
"I will send 200 of my Amazons to aid in the search, they will find this man."
Menticles was unimpressed.
"No better trackers than the Amazons." Sevastian said flat wondering if pride would cause Menticles to disagree.
The commander said nothing.
"I will follow you once Babylon learns to heel to her new Mistress."
With a salute Menticles also departed.
"And me Polemarch?" asked Siri
"He touched her arm gently. Seemed he'd been doing that a lot lately, a bad habit. "Have your Amazons ready Siri, tomorrow we enter the city with great show."
Brutus looked down at the colorless face of his dearest friend. "Could you have found Romans as good as these here?" he asked those standing round him to include a bereaved Pompey.
In front of Brutus lie, Trebonius, Casca, Decius Brutus, and his dearest friend Cassius. All killed in the sea battle with Crassus' forces.
"Rome will never produce your equal." Brutus said firm. Taking the torch from Pompey, he walked along the line, lighting the pyres as the waves crashed along the beaches of Sicily.
"Friends, I owe more tears to these dead men than you will see me shed. I will find the time to cry for you," Brutus vowed, "I shall find the time." Looking out far over the waters, he watched as the bodies of plebeian soldiers were lowered into the sea.
"Lucius." called Brutus. The boy came forward.
"After the pyres have burned, take a little of the ash from each, place it in urns so we may take it back to Rome to inter in their family crypts."
"Yes sir."
Brutus turned, walking past Pompey who moved to follow, but not before clasping Fucus by the shoulders. To all watchers it appeared to be a moment in which the general was thanking the Admiral of his fleet for the sacrifices made in battle. Truthfully, it was thanks for that, but also thanks for ensuring these senators would die during the fighting.
Unfortunately Fucus and his henchmen would have to die. First rule of assassination, kill all the assissins when the job is completed.
The Army struggled, the long lines of men staggering under the onslaught of the wind and the sand. The sun itself had been conquered, blotted out, by the sands.
The Roman's had never seen the like. From the south it had approached a wall of sand reaching high into the heavens. Silently it moved over the landscape catching all in its grip. Men used their cloaks, pulling them over their nose and mouth, trying desperately to breathe in the choking sand. Some of the animals had succumbed to the conditions, the supply carts they pulled left behind the advancing army.
Caesar was leading the snaking line of men, He, trying desperately to keep his bearings in the mist of so much blowing sand. When night fell, he hoped the howling winds would stop.
Dagnine had told of Xena's defeat of the Persians and of her turn to Egypt. Autolycus had told of the death of Dagnine, having been found by Xena to be a spy.
Dagnine's death mattered little to Julius, what stunned him, what drove him to get to Egypt was that Xena had defeated the Persians.
The time was right; he'd sent a missive as well, to the little fire-brand that Crassus had discovered long ago, the one who claimed to hate Xena so much. His network in Egypt would ensure it was delivered. On the parchment he had written one word only...
Strike!
Caesar forged on telling himself this march across the sands was necessary, not wishing to admit that he had made a mistake in moving the army inland, allowing it to be caught up in this storm of sand.
Nor did he wish to admit, he'd underestimated Xena…Again.
"Beautiful, she is absolutely beautiful."
Xena walked slowly to the ship, placing her hand against the stout timbers. This was the first time she had seen her vision come to life. The hull of her new ships was long and sleek, easy to propel though the water unlike the squat, slow Roman ships. Each of her ships had two masts, forward and amidships with large square sails to catch the wind. Speed was attained by having quadruple decks of rowers. On her prow was the painted eye, below that, peeking above the water the metal ram.
This was her flagship, the Hellas.
"Have you ever been on the waves Solari?"
"I have not, Empress." The Amazon looked out over the forest of masts jutting up from the water across the whole of Alexandria's harbor. Each mast marking a sunken ship.
"I feel we are tied to the ocean Solari." Xena's look was pensive for a moment as she gazed out over the shimmering waves. "And when we go back to the sea, whether it is to sail or to watch we are going back from whence we came."
"Come, my admiral is expecting us." Xena turned to walk down the long dock, her blood red cape billowing out as she did. Stepping up the gangplank, a flute sounded, piping her on board. Her personal ensign rose to the highest point to on main mast, there it fluttered in the sea breeze, black "X" upon a field of white.
On deck were her men, lined up for inspection all except the person she wanted to see most.
"Empress, welcome aboard."
"You are?"
"Leosthenes, Empress." The man bowed low. Like all long time sailors, his skin was tan, rough, from sea and sun. "I am acting commander of the fleet."
"Where is Cecrops?"
"Empress we do not know what happened to Cecrops."
"What?" Xena said low.
"At last word, he was returning with the Romans from Ephesus. We sent an escort to Piraeus to meet the Admiral, but he never appeared, no ship carrying him ever docked."
A myriad of questions came to her mind immediately.
"With me" she walked toward the stern and the Admirals cabin contained within. Once she, Leosthenes, and Solari were inside her Amazons outside moved to guard the door.
Xena couldn't help but take a moment to sigh in pleasure. Finally, here was a space purpose built for her inches. In a land where the vast majority men and women were small, her height made for cramped conditions in most structures, nothing was built to accommodate someone like her or the Amazons. Here she'd changed all that, demanding taller ceilings on her ships but also in all her palaces. It wasn't vanity, it was necessity.
Unhooking her cape, she tossed it aside, and then settled into a large chair.
"Why did you move the fleet to Alexandria?"
"Empress, we were attacked!" Leosthenes anger shone. "The Roman sea-dogs sent fire ships into the harbor at Olynthus! The only thing that saved this fleet was the massive iron chain you bid us create and string across the harbor entrance one shore to the other. Those fire ships were stopped by that enormous chain from entering the harbor and setting this fleet alight."
"Pompey!" Xena cursed the man inwardly. Unable to come up with an original thought, the dolt had used her fire-ship idea against her own fleet, oblivious that she would have thought of a way to counter it. No doubt Pompey was behind the disappearance, no... The death of Cecrops.
"We sailed here," Leosthenes continued, "it was my impression that you would eventually come to Alexandria. I tell you Empress this has to be part of a larger plan, friendly merchant ships signaled to us news of a Roman fleet massing at the port of Palermo in Sicily.
She liked this man, he spoke straight on.
The obvious problem was, that at the moment, she didn't have the recourses to fight Rome at sea, 18 ships, no matter how well constructed, were not enough.
Xena rose to her feet. "Send lookout ships to guard the entrance of the harbor, I want no surprises.
"We'll make sure to do so."
"In the meantime, help our Egyptian friends to clear the harbor of wrecked ships, but be ready to sail in a moments notice."
Walking to the door, she opened it and walking though she reappeared on deck. All work to stopped.
"Carry on." At her words, the men resumed the tasks necessary to keep a ship fit for sailing.
Stepping to the rail, Xena looked out with pride at her fleet while allowing Solari to reattach her cape. Pompey had used his one advantage, the ability to control the waves.
But... Pompey would also be stretched very thin; this fleet he was amassing was all Rome had left.
There was an opportunity here, if she could figure how to turn this to her advantage.
"What did you christen them?" Xena asked, referring to her ships.
"Named by Cecrops. This here," Leosthenes moved to her side and pointed at the ships anchored farthest away The "Olympias, Amphitirite, Siren, Tritogenes, Euia." Next he pointed to the ships closer.
"The Delphis, Panthera, Lykaina, Aura, Dikaiosyne, Nike, Kallennike,"
Now he named the ships nearest. "Dynamis, Charis, Doxa, Strategis...
But here!" he announced proudly is the ship we love best.
"The Kallixena!"
The crew on deck cheered.
As stoic as she was, Xena had to smile at the name... Beautiful Stranger.
"She's a bit wild, hard to handle, gives her crew fits on the waves, seen it myself as we sailed here." Leosthenes smiled as he looked out over the rail. But she is fierce of heart and fiery of will. She'll be vicious in battle."
"I'm sure she will be." Xena smiled down at Leosthenes, "Have one of the ships made ready; I have missives to be delivered to Greece." Praxis and her various Governors in Greece must be alerted to the possibility of a Roman sea or land attack.
"We'll have one ready."
"I fear our Admiral has met an untimely end.
"Say it is not so!"
"Yes..."
"Feared as much myself, Cecrops was the best sailor I have ever known." Lesothenes bowed his head. "Always did he act in honesty and for the general good of his men."
I place you in command of the fleet."
"I will do my best in your service Empress." a somber Leosthenes replied
"Good." She walked toward the gang plank.
"With your pardon Empress, might I ask where you are heading now?" called her new admiral from behind.
"I have a coronation to attend." she said loudly, "Seems the Egyptians desire to make me their new Queen!"
The men cheered at her pronouncement.
Her hands wrapped round his waist, causing him to blush slightly.
Siri stood back rather proud of herself for having perfectly tied the Imperial Blue sash round his waist. "Now this..." she picked up his sword, moving to his side intending to tie it to the blue cords attached to his black armor.
"Siri, you don't have to-"
He stopped speaking as her hands slapped his away, keeping him from tying the cords himself.
"Where's your cape?" she looked around the interior of the tent.
"It's-"
"Ah." she walked to the chair his cape was thrown over. Grabbing it, she returned throwing it round him with a flourish, then clasping the silver chain to his armor.
"There!" Siri said happily while making little adjustments.
Sevastian thought Siri was being a bit, well, doting. Not that he minded her attentions for a number of reasons, but the largest stemmed from the fact that he'd never had someone actually looking out for him. From an early age, his world had been the temple school. After his father passed, Sevastian became head of a family he barely knew. Nonetheless, he took full responsibility to care for his mother and a very young Kodi till his mother remarried.
"It may not be easy this day." Sevastian said while looking down. "People who are used to ruling over others do not take kindly to being told they rule no longer."
"You must be firm," Siri paused a moment to make final adjustments to her own armor and cape. "Show them your fist now and remove the possibility of a revolt."
"We already are showing our fist." Sevastian poured them both a bit of tea. "Talmadeus reports many chose to resist and were killed. Many men are dead, many women widowed, children orphaned."
"These people will harbor much hatred." Siri stated while taking hold of the cup he brought her.
"That's why I believe it best we send the most rebellious westward, ruling class included. They will begin building a road network across the eastern lands."
"The orphans?" Siri asked with interest.
"I had thought to use the Empress' own precedent as a guide. "If there is no family to claim them, male orphans inducted into the Greek Military or taught a trade by a willing master. Female orphans much the same or given the choice to join the Amazons. This is a far different culture, though; the girls will most likely prefer to stay with any family no matter how tenuous the bond of blood is."
"Perhaps," Siri put down her tea. "Would you would consider allowing my sisters to talk with these girls, urge them that it is for the best that they join our nation?"
"Of course," Sevastian sat, visibly irked at having to stand again to adjust his cape before re-seating himself. His own clumsiness stood in stark contrast to the grace Siri displayed.
"If some do chose to become Amazons, would you give approval for my sisters to take them to Ephesus? The Amazon presence must be rebuilt there."
"Certainly."
"You are most generous."
"Well..." Sevastian's voice trailed off as he looked to the tent flaps, so see dawn approaching."It is not just me, I follow, and also believe firmly, in the Empress diktat that the Amazon nation should be revived, though many men both in Greece and even in this army remain stubborn in their foolish opposition to the idea.
"I am sure our Queen would not mind me extending her thanks to you."
"Let me say it plain Siri, that I am very glad... you... and the Amazons are here with me. I have lived in Greece and in the east; the Amazons are the best fighters in the known world, bar none."
He looked at her for some time, his mind wrapped up in thought. Finally he spoke direct. "Your skills may soon be put to the test again."
"You worry..." Siri's voice was soft.
"That noticeable is it?"
"To me, who spends much time near you, it is. The army sees nothing but confidence from you."
"Truth be told," She watched him slump in his chair. "The Empress is a natural at running an army. I'm far better at being a second."
His honesty was so endearing to Siri; there was no pretense within him.
"Seems to me, you've done well, she said. "No causalities in the taking of Babylon."
"Yes, but this is just the beginning, Siri. By gods, I'm ordered to take India, all of it. India is so vast a land. And I..." his voice trailed off.
Siri had found men do not always express all which troubles them; they speak to only part of what is on their mind. Yes, Sevastian was rightly concerned about India, but she knew from observation that he also worried about Talmadeus. The elder commander, having experience in the east, clearly thought he should be in charge. Any perceived misstep on the part of a young Sevastian and Talmadeus would use the opportunity to pounce.
She and her Amazons had agreed, they would watch and wait to see if Talmadeus would make a move against Sevastain. If so they would strike him down. There was a fair amount of calculation in the decision. Sevastain, in both word and deed, had proven himself to be a friend of the Amazon Nation. In the cold light of political expediency, his death would be a setback to the revitalization of their nation
"The Amazons will be there to aid you, after all you do require a far amount of help." she added the last to rile him.
"I appreciate..." Sevastian sat up in his chair. "Wait, what?"
"Well," she sighed dramatically "you are a man." She loved nettling him.
"Now don't start-" Sevastain stood.
"Just be glad that you are adorable and we Amazons have all taken to you... you've become dear to us like a... a mascot." Siri stood as well, knowing it was time for the show to begin as Sevastian termed it.
"Mascot! I am not a mascot!"
"Well, then just adorable." she replied.
"Oh?" he smiled deviously. "None of them has ever called me adorable, just you. In fact that's thrice now you've used the term. Course the first time you were a bit soused."
"I-well..." Siri floundered, he loving every moment of it.
"C'mon" Sevastian walked to the tent flaps, she happy to follow as it meant the end of this turn in conversation.
Outside the Amazon guard was mustering. Siri's voice called them to attention at his presence. He could have just mounted Gisela, rode into the city, knowing they would follow, but looking at them, dressed in the regalia of their people, he understood this was a defining moment.
He hoped Siri did as well
"Dismount." Was her order.
She had.
Siri gestured for them to come near. Soon 1,000 Amazons surrounded the both of them on all sides. Those in the front sitting upon their haunches so the hundreds behind might see as well. Closest were Siri's most loyal, the 250 who had first trained with Sevastian long ago.
"Amazons…" she began soft voice rising in volume, "Loyal and true to our nation. Your actions will be forever immortalized by our people. Generations ahead will tell of your bravery and skill in battle."
"But they will also speak of what you do today."
With a step forward, Siri allowed her hand to fall gently on the shoulder of Echephyle.
"Those in Babylon have never seen the likes of us." Siri's hand dropped from Echephyle's shoulder. Next she walked to a kneeling Kreousa, placing her hand on the woman's shoulder. "Warrior women, intelligent, capable, we are everything the overlords of Babylon say women cannot be."
"Yet..." Siri continued, "Here you are, for all to see."
The women let out a defiant cheer.
So today, when you ride into Babylon, when you pass through the streets I humbly ask one favor from you."
Siri paused to hold her hands out, in entreaty
"Look into the eyes of the women you pass today, show them what they can be."
As one the women surged to their feet, their cheers rising, joining together into one fearsome cry.
Silently walking through them, Sevastian moved to Gisela to step up into the saddle. Siri bellowed out the order and 1,000 Amazons mounted up, sitting proudly upon their steeds all had swords drawn and held at the ready.
"Give the order Siri." Sevastian said quiet as her horse drew even with his.
"Amazons!" she yelled. "By fours, double wedge ahead!"
With precision, the women formed up. The riders in front of the line, formed wedges in a "V" shape to clear the road ahead of the main force.
"Polemarch?"
Sevastian looked back to find Echephyle holding the flag of the Army.
"Your bearer is ill, May I have the honor of carrying the colours?"
"Raise the standard," he paused dearly hoping to get it right, "Echephyle."
The Amazon smiled wide, and Sevastian knew he'd finally pronounced her name correct.
The Rising Phoenix rose behind him as both he and Siri rode to the front of the lines. To either side, Amazons formed a ring around him for protection.
"Ready then?" asked Sevastian.
"Amazons, prepare to advance!" she rose in the saddle while giving the command.
A cheer sounded.
"March!"
The column began to move, and as it did, the men of Meleagers Engineers saluted, the first grudging respect, any of the rank and file soldiers had ever shown Amazons.
Through the destroyed Ishtar Gate the column rode.
The men of Talmadeus army group, stationed on the sides of the avenue saluted as he passed. For a moment Sevastain watched as Talmadeus' standard, the stylized yellow Helios on a field of of burnt red was lowered. The men on the tower saluted again as, the Rising Phoenix of the high commander was raised in its place.
The emotions of the people ran the gambit Sevastian noticed, mostly fear, but confusion and even hope shone on some faces. Past the Hanging Gardens the column rode, toward the massive palace of the kings of Persia, hooves striking the cobblestone pavement, loud in the silence.
Just past the massive gate the lead wedges pulled off to the side, the Amazons forming a three sided square 18 deep, the open end facing the front steps of the giant palace. The gates closed behind and the populace ran to line up against the huge iron fence surrounding the palace.
For long moments, Sevastian gazed at the golden brick of the structure with its huge multi story arches and wide balconies.
Meleager's men on those balconies were ready. The old commander was ready to give the signal when Sevastian got into position.
Dismounting slowly, the dry wind caught Sevastians black cape as well as that of Siri's behind him.
With slow deliberate steps, he walked. Forward of the Amazons stood a multitude of palace officials, thousands of citizens packed against the fenced perimeter of the palace.
Stopping his progress, he waited for a moment as the massive banners were unfurled the fabric draping down over the front of the palace, the same that had adorned the Parthenon in Athens.
The black "X" of the Empress over a field of white bordered by cobalt blue.
Bracing at attention, he raised his right arm, fist striking his left shoulder before extending outward at an upward angle, his palm down, fingers extended.
The Imperial Salute.
Siri behind raised her sword so the hilt was momentarily close to her face before dropping it to her right side.
Talmadeus' men came to rigid attention.
Sevastian held his salute, eyeing the various palace officials who, one by one, mimicked his action, many with tears streaming down their cheeks.
Lowering his arm, Sevastian walked forward briskly, up the steps and into the main hall. Amazons moved to follow. His goal was the throne room and the nobles held within.
The guards ahead opened the doors and he strode directly in.
Immediately his mood soured.
Without acknowledging the nobility of Persia, Sevastian marched straight down the center of the room and up the steps to the throne to grab Talmadeus roughly.
"Only, the Empress lays claim to this!"
Siri behind, noted Sevastian could display some strength when need be as old Talmadeus was tossed out of his seat on the solid gold throne of Persia. Down the steps he tumbled to land square upon his ass.
Walking behind, Sevastian, pulled down the magnificent tapestry behind the throne. The golden lion of Persia tumbled to the floor in a heap of fabric.
"Learn it now! What once was is no more!" Sevastian yelled.
The nobility before him in their hundreds stood shocked.
"Your king is dead, your army destroyed, and your empire is gone." He walked round the grand throne.
"Your people now serve a new mistress, one who demands total obedience! Anyone who forgets that does so at his own peril! In her name, I hereby strip you of all land and titles. You will be taken westward under guard, there you will be put to work building Greater Greece!"
"With a gesture from Sevastian the Amazons surrounded the former nobility, herding them away at sword point."