Herald of Steel - Chapter 1612: Ptolomy’s Consent
Chapter 1612: Ptolomy’s Consent
“… I will not order any army to march without first knowing who the poisoner was!” Ptolomy’s abrupt decision caused many in court to roll their eyes in disbelief, astonished by how easily the man was swayed.
At the same time, it brought immense relief to Pasha Vivizan’s heart as even he did not think he would be able to get such a good result so quickly- he could not help but curve his lips a bit.
“….” While in contrast, Alexander only pursed his lips and narrowed his eyes.
However given that his main objective was never Ankoot but its northern neighbour, Bahu, it was also not as devastating as Amenheraft’s base thought it to be. Alexander never had the intention to attack the province in the first place, finding it foolish given how much advanced warning he had already given them.
His true aim was only to shift all focus from Bahu to here.
Hence, stepping up, he rebutted both Ptolomy and Pasha Vivizan’s claims with a simple proposition,
“Esteemed lords of His Majesty Ptolomy, I understand that not all of you like me. Understandable! If I were in your shoes, I too would have trouble believing an outsider with no background.”
“However, let that not detract you from realizing the pristine opportunity we have here- understand that the only reason Pasha Vivizan is talking so much is because he is genuinely alarmed by my battle plans. It proves that he knows… if we are able to march quickly enough, we can finish this evil war just like that.”
“Now- for those still who are still apprehensive… those who believe Pasha Vivizan’s words that I will harm you for not going to war…well, let me assure you with this- I swear by the heavens and the earth that neither me or Pasha Farzah will claim any war booty from the campaign. Not even the payments for our men. You can have it all to yourself!”
“What!”
“Is that true?”
“No way!”
“It cannot be true. Is Alexander that rich?”
“I mean I heard the rumors! But… to fund an entire army and not take a single coin!”
“Bah! I always thought they were exaggerated…”
“Hahaha, who cares! Be it true or false… since Alexander has offered, we should take it!”
“Once we take Ankoot… we… ”
“We can have it all. Hahaha..a whole province!”
Predictably, Alexander’s grand promise produced a lot of excitement with the nobles under Ptolomy, turning them jubilant. Ankoot was quite the real estate, with some of the country’s most fertile lands as the mighty river Naher ran through it, regularly depositing its silts along its banks. Anyone would be very happy to own farmland there.
That huge waterway also facilitated easy trade among the neighboring provinces, thus making it a robust economic powerhouse. Perhaps it was not as rich as Matrak which produced great quantities of gems, gold and silver, but the gold its markets, temples and cities contained was not shabby either.
In addition, the province was geographically very significant- as it was the centermost province of the country, giving its ruler very easy access to all parts of the country.
In fact, once there was even a push by the Adhanian Royal family to relocate their palace there. However that idea quickly faced resistance from Pasha Vivizan’s family who were natives there as well as from the clergy of the Grand Temple who viewed control over the Life Sea as a key part of the royal family’s legitimacy.
They wanted to see the king rule directly from there- from the holy sea where all the Father’s blessing originated. Thus the idea never went anywhere, and once that king died, the whole thing got shelved for good.
As a side note, Ptolomy’s control of Adhan was also one of the greatest reasons he had been able to rule for as long as he had- the fact managing to convince many of the priests of his legitimacy. They might have been unhappy at the underhanded tactics he used to get hold of the place, but since Ramuh had also allowed this to happen right under his divine gaze, many were yet convinced of Ptolomy’s right to rule.
And even those unhappy with the events mostly chose to remain silent. They simply obeyed the instructions the respective Pashas of their province gave them and were content to just let things be as is for now.
That is why you will find the tussle over the throne was mostly between the nobles, with the priests being mostly a disinterested third party.
“….” Pasha Farzah’s lips slightly twitched at Alexander’s grand promise, slightly cursing him for saying such a huge thing without any prior consultation. This was not a cheap thing to fulfill.
However given how much Ptolomy had already stabbed the poor young lord, Pasha Farzah knew he could not follow suit. So stepping up with a wide grin, he outwardly promised with a firm nod,
“That’s right! Alexander and I will pay for all our men out of our own pockets. We need nothing more in return. Victory over the rebels will be our greatest reward. Let this show His Majesty that we are truly loyal retainers of his!”
“….”
That bit was of course a clear jab at Ptolomy for the way he was acting towards both the men. And it indeed succeeded in making the man slightly blush. His eyes, which were already muddled, now turned even chaotic, as he began to feel too many scorning rays landing on him.
Many of the nobles, lured in by the promise of war booty began to not so subtly pressure the king to reverse his previous decision and call for a levy. With the way Alexander put it, they thought they had a pretty good chance to snatch enormous quantities of spoils even if they could not outright take Ankoot.
“Your Majesty! What are you waiting for? Alexander has never lost a battle in his life. With him in our ranks… victory is already in our hands.” And that is why, Pasha Farzah, sensing the cracks in the meek man strategically made the call right then, raising his fist and swinging it in the air like a waving flag.
“….” Ptolomy’s eyes turned even more watery at this, and with almost a bitter voice, he cried inside, ’Ahhh, I wish Assazd was here!’
It was not like Ptolomy that foolish that he could not see how his two ’loyal retainers’ were forcing him. But Ptolomy was not the most eloquent type and even if he was, he simply lacked the strength and prestige to make things go his way.
Why was Alexander and Pasha Farzah allowed to talk in front of the whole court with such strength and power?
Why did everyone listen or at least pay heed to what they said?
Because they had an army, simple as that.
While Ptolomy’s own forces were really weak, having to rely mostly on nobles as officers whose loyalty was very questionable. If you wanted a true example- just look at how easily Pasha Farzah was able to replace the palace guard of the court of all places with Alexander’s own men and none was the wiser- the royal family had become that weak.
Even the only reason Ptolomy was still alive and not usurped by a Ceaser like figure was because of his lineage. Thus Ptolomy right now suspected, if he were to say no to the call to war despite the popular demand, the nobles would either ignore him, or simply flip sides.
“Good! It is decided then. My lords, gather your armies as soon as possible,” Ptolomy finally gritted his teeth and ruled just as Alexander wanted, much to his glee and much to Pasha Vivizan’s dropping heart.
“Pasha Vivizan, you have two weeks to leave Adhan. We do not recognize the treaty with you any longer.” And then, before the old man could even try and make a comeback, he was promptly shut down by this crisp declaration from the plump man.
“*Nod*” Surprisingly, the elder lord and his entourage did not cause much chaos at this near unilateral violation. All the high level men present understood they had finally reached an impasse here, so they quickly left the court with a simple nod. They would give their reply on the battlefield.
“Mmmm! Your Majesty has chosen well. Let Lord Alexander be in charge of the men. He can win the battle for us. My dear… I want you to stay by our side for your first son!” While watching the large crowd abruptly leave without a single word, the Queen Mother promptly stepped in, grabbing Ptolomy by the hand and making the offer with a long, loving look.
“Snort!” However the poor woman did not get the result she had hoped.
Rather, brusquely slapping away the warm hand as soon as they touched, Ptolomy quickly leaped out of his seat with muted rage, addressing Pasha Farzah with quite a dismissive note, “I will leave you to work out the details, my lord. Let the Father grace you.”
Then, with this simple statement, he gathered his bodyguards and promptly left the hall without saying anything more. Even Alexander was treated more like thin air, for the king was furious that nothing had gone his way today.
“Brat! Are you sure about this?” While Pasha Farzah simply ignored the small tantrum and instead turned to Alexander with a twinge of concern in his tone, “Now that you have set it in motion… understand that there will be no going back.”
