[puffyn]

---- Arcoscephale, Turn 12 ----

Perhaps now I understand.

Whispers come from the furthest corners of this strange country. Men claim that the gods have returned, and flock to their side, forging empires out of what used to be quiet hamlets and backwaters. Thym... Thymbre knew that these madmen with delusions of god-hood had to be put in their place, or the light of human reason would forever be subdued to the darkness of religious slavery. To stop this descent requires a charismatic leader (Limmy), and a base of power, an empire (which is mine to forge).

This month we march south against Golana, the Last province bordering our home village which has not pledged allegiance to us. The locals describe the Golanites with all sorts of vile slurs, most commonly calling them "lizards" in the local dialect. I look forward to bringing these people together, by the sword if need be.

My new weapon is the mighty elephant. These beasts, far larger than any animal native to Greece, make fearsome weapons of war when properly trained by the locals. They have a tendency to startle easily, crushing our own men, but I am sure the valor of a full phalanx of Silver Shields will give all our troops courage.

Spring has come to these lands, and the slow trek up the mountains, and mad retreat back (in which Limmy was my constant, annoying companion) seem like a bad dream. When... I try not dwell on it, and realize what happened there... it is a bad dream from which I know I shall never awake.

If death awaits me in the swamps of Golana, I shall not cheat it again.
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