The Asian and Assyrian armies crossed the Bosphorus over a period of several days. The Rhodian-Greek Allied Fleet did not appear, to the great relief of Asian King Alujah. The troops landed several miles north of Byzantium; two thousand Asian advance infantry moved immediately to secure the city. Phocaeos, Prince-Councillor of Byzantium, consulted with the leaders of the Polis Militia. They all agreed that it would be best to welcome the invading army into the city. There was not really any other choice. The men of the militia were ordered to return to their homes, and the weapons were hidden. Phocaeos personally greeted King Alujah, who road at the head of the Asian army. "Greetings, Glorious King! I am Phocaeos, Prince of Byzantium. On the behalf of the Council, I welcome you and your men to our humble city." The King smiled. Everything was going as planned! "Thank you, good Prince. From this day forward, you will serve the Kingdom of Asia. Serve well, and you will find great rewards! But only an iron first shall await traitors!" Alujah was young and arrogant; he was ready to conquer the world. He frowned as he recalled the Seleucid King's cowardly demand that the alliance avoid attacking the Roman Empire. "Those stupid, lazy Syrian Greeks!" he thought to himself. But it didn't matter... Alujah knew that he could never attack Rome alone. But perhaps someday things would change.

One week after the crossing of the Bosphorus, Aegean League envoy Ioconsicles arrived in Byzantium. He greeted the Assyrian and Asian monarchs in customary style. Then, he began to question them. "Your Majesties, the Aegean League is concerned that your invasion of Thrace has violated the political sphere of the Roman Empire. Rome has long held sway over all European affairs. We do not understand why you want an outpost on this side of the Bosphorus." Of course, Ioconsicles knew the answer. Asia was taking advantage of Rome's civil war to gain a new realm in a region of Roman influence, but outside of the actual Imperial domain. But he asked the question anyway; it was a necessary part of diplomacy. Alujah smiled and declared, "Dear friend, you can rest assured that I harbor no ambitions against your great, almighty, fearsome Roman conquerors and masters! Of course, if you would join us, we could provide...." King Galikanasus broke into a fit of coughing, cutting off Alujah mid-sentence. Ioconsicles surpressed a laugh... obviously, it was a strategic cough! The Greek diplomat sensed tension between the two "allied" Kings. As soon as the coughing stopped, Galikanasus began talking. "We wish you and your Proto-Archon and the Roman Emperor long lives of prosperity and peace. Is there anything more to discuss?" Before the envoy had a chance to respond, King Alujah cut in once again. "Tell me, Greek, when will the puny Rhodians recognize my authority over their island? They have never been and will never be a sovereign state. I am a kind King, but my patience wears thin." Ioconsicles frowned. "Your Majest must realize that Rhodes is a Greek state. It is member of the Aegean League, and its ships are a part of our Allied Fleet. We did not choose to interfere with your little adventure here in Thrace. For this, you can thank us. Please do not chide us about your dubious claims of sovereignty over our ally." The Greek Envoy realized that very little could be accomplished through conversation with Alujah. However, he now knew that the two Kings were not particularly strong allies. This was valuable information.

Over the next several weeks, the Asian and Assyrian armies occupied several major Thracian cities and fortified centers. The locals didn't attempt to resist. Everything seemed too easy. Alujah continued to insist that the allies attack Rome, but King Galikanasus refused to reconsider his position. And so the Asians went about the task of establishing a provincial government in their newest territory.

-----------------

By: GM (QMA), others?