The Conquest of Lampsacus
After the fierce battle, Legate Mark led his troops straight towards the Tylisian city of Lampsacus. Having no walls and no troops, the helpless citizens wisely offered no resistance to the blue-clad northerners.
Because of this, Mark gave strict orders that no loot was to be taken and no one was to be injured. The questionably loyal troops obeyed their orders with only a few grumbles.
Mark ascended the stairs of the massive temple and addressed the populace thus.
"People of Lampsacus, today is a day for celebration! You have been freed from your taskmasters in Tylis. I know that there has been ill-will between yourselves and your mother city. The taxes they extracted from you allowed them to enrich themselves and their island, even this grand temple behind me was built by the fruits of your labor. We Pierians are not unfair judges. To help you recover from the excesses of war, you shall be free of all taxes for the next year! No garrison shall be placed over you and you shall be free to build mighty walls to protect yourselves. We shall now depart for our own territory. If you feel threatened by any foe send word to Lycaonia and the legions of the trident shall come to your aid."
The bewildered crowd gave sigh of relief and some even cheered.
As the Pierians got ready to leave, Labienus rushed to Mark's side.
"Legate, is this a wise course of action!? So much freedom?! And all so quickly?! What will the Senate say?!"
Mark smiled at his flustered friend.
"Calm yourself, Labienus. Surely this is the wisest course of action! Were we harsh with them, they would immediately rebel as they have many times against Tylis. No, the only way to control them is to treat them with kindness and mercy. Afterwards they shall become our allies. The enemy is more hurt by desertion than by slaughter."
Labienus stood for a minute perplexed, then shook his head and sighed in resignation.
"If you think this is the wisest course, I shall follow your orders."
Mark good-naturedly slapped the tribune on the shoulder.
"Good! And don't worry, I have recently received word that the Tylisians have just landed near Alezaria. And that Legio II Aquarius is in need of help. You no longer need trouble yourself over the concept of benevolent government, I trust."
Labienus' face brightened at the thought of more battles with Tylis.
"I think that shall keep me fully occupied, Sir!"
To Be Continued! (Someday!)
Man, I really like that building in the center. ;)
I'm going to be really busy the next few weeks so the series will take a pause for now. I'll still be around, and hopefully I'll get a few LoR Mocs built for my buddies. ;)
TFVAHAGD!
Also on Facebook!
www.facebook.com/mark.of.falworth
The Conquest of Lampsacus
After the fierce battle, Legate Mark led his troops straight towards the Tylisian city of Lampsacus. Having no walls and no troops, the helpless citizens wisely offered no resistance to the blue-clad northerners.
Because of this, Mark gave strict orders that no loot was to be taken and no one was to be injured. The questionably loyal troops obeyed their orders with only a few grumbles.
Mark ascended the stairs of the massive temple and addressed the populace thus.
"People of Lampsacus, today is a day for celebration! You have been freed from your taskmasters in Tylis. I know that there has been ill-will between yourselves and your mother city. The taxes they extracted from you allowed them to enrich themselves and their island, even this grand temple behind me was built by the fruits of your labor. We Pierians are not unfair judges. To help you recover from the excesses of war, you shall be free of all taxes for the next year! No garrison shall be placed over you and you shall be free to build mighty walls to protect yourselves. We shall now depart for our own territory. If you feel threatened by any foe send word to Lycaonia and the legions of the trident shall come to your aid."
The bewildered crowd gave sigh of relief and some even cheered.
As the Pierians got ready to leave, Labienus rushed to Mark's side.
"Legate, is this a wise course of action!? So much freedom?! And all so quickly?! What will the Senate say?!"
Mark smiled at his flustered friend.
"Calm yourself, Labienus. Surely this is the wisest course of action! Were we harsh with them, they would immediately rebel as they have many times against Tylis. No, the only way to control them is to treat them with kindness and mercy. Afterwards they shall become our allies. The enemy is more hurt by desertion than by slaughter."
Labienus stood for a minute perplexed, then shook his head and sighed in resignation.
"If you think this is the wisest course, I shall follow your orders."
Mark good-naturedly slapped the tribune on the shoulder.
"Good! And don't worry, I have recently received word that the Tylisians have just landed near Alezaria. And that Legio II Aquarius is in need of help. You no longer need trouble yourself over the concept of benevolent government, I trust."
Labienus' face brightened at the thought of more battles with Tylis.
"I think that shall keep me fully occupied, Sir!"
To Be Continued! (Someday!)
Man, I really like that building in the center. ;)
I'm going to be really busy the next few weeks so the series will take a pause for now. I'll still be around, and hopefully I'll get a few LoR Mocs built for my buddies. ;)
TFVAHAGD!
Also on Facebook!
www.facebook.com/mark.of.falworth