To make sure you're safe

You're about to go clean up then check on Spook when you hear a commotion outside. You glance at Galeon and give him a quick nod signaling for him to notify Alexia that something's up and he slips out the rear exit of your Command Tent to let her know.

You decide to see what's the commotion so you walk calmly with Victor on your right Barticus on your left you exit the tent and spot Lord-Marshal Raxius and a dozen warriors from Polares standing guard in a shield wall around him surrounded by 40 of your fierce warriors. Before anything could happen you march up to the shield wall flanked by your Oath-Brothers and raise your hand then lower it slowly ordering your men to stand-down. They do respecting your wishes before going back to posts.

You glare at the 12 grim-eyed hoplites who do not seem intimidated in spite of your reputation and blood-covered armor. You then smile and look at Lord-Marshal Raxius.

"I must apologize for our missed meeting but was side-tracked attempting a shortcut through the city; lost my horse in a run-in with a few rogue mercenaries." You raise your hand and smile when you see his concern, "Nothing I couldn't handle, but it did throw off my schedule."

"Hrumph." Raxius snorts, "You're too much like your sire, our Lord Ares." The Lord Marshal seems willing to accept your claim of divine parentage at least as long as he's trying to get your favor. "Riding into a warzone unprotected..." he shakes his head again and then shifts his gaze to Barticus and Victor. "I came here mostly because I heard an army of horsemen just trotted into your camp, that coupled with your missing our meeting with no attempt to communicate why, had me a little concerned that your intentions had changed."

"Again, I apologize Lord Marshal, I should have sent word immediately but I was distracted by the arrival of my blood-brothers." You turn to the two, "allow me to introduce you, Lord Marshal. Crown Prince Barticus and Crown Prince Victor have come to visit and tell me of troubling news coming from the north-east of our lands. A coalition of plains-tribes that are expanding their territory at troubling pace and might be a threat if left unchecked" The Lord Marshal, like most hoplites, did not seem impressed by the threat of horsemen, no matter how many.

"Now King Kalion, a bunch of uncultured rabble shouldn't be that much of a problem what are their current numbers?"

" Lord-Marshal Raxius I disagree." You refuse to let this man ignore the threat from the 100 Tribes. "Their known strength is 12,000 to 15,000 light cavalry and maybe that many more light skirmishers. As long as the Hellenic states are too busy fighting each other, we'll be weakened by the time they turn eyes on our lands."

"Perhaps," Lord Raxius seems unconvinced, but he tries to use the news to his advantage. "Join with the United Armies, Your Majesty, with your help we'll take Athenapolis and end the rift between the city-states. You're not our enemy, Sire. Even my warriors, skilled as they are, respect your army and know Ares favors you and your city." You ignore his flattery, and in an attempt to get away from the many observers, you point down to where some of your men are mowing the grass and flattening the field by the river.

"Come Lord-Marshal Raxius let me show you where we'll be hosting the Games tomorrow and we can talk more without prying eyes and ears."