EMPIRE REWRITTEN [Isekai ? Alt-History ? Strategy]

Chapter 31: The Reckoning Approaches

Thomas meets Constantine's gaze, his anger tempered by a grim understanding. "I understand, brother. And I'm with you. But Theodore won't stop—he's too consumed by his hatred. Eventually, he must answer for this, or his poison will spread through all of Morea."

Inside the war council tent, the air was thick with the scent of wax and parchment. Constantine, Thomas, Captain Andreas, and George Sphrantzes stood around a table littered with maps and scrolls. The flickering lamplight cast shifting shadows across their faces, mirroring the uncertainties they faced.

"We're beset by threats on all sides," Constantine began, his voice steady. "The Ottomans press us from without, Theodore undermines us from within, and our defenses are weakened. We need a decisive plan."

He pauses, glancing at the others before turning his gaze to Thomas. "First, we fortify the Hexamilion Wall. Its strategic importance is too great to overlook—it's our main defense against Ottoman incursions, and I don't intend to leave this wall so exposed again. More than that, it's a symbol of unity, a responsibility we share as Palaiologos brothers. Repairing it would show our strength to the Ottomans, our people, and even to John in Constantinople."

George Sphrantzes nods thoughtfully. "Reinforcing the Hexamilion Wall is essential. Without it, we won't hold against another Ottoman attack if they come again."

Constantine turns to Thomas, his expression firm."Thomas, I need you to stay here and oversee the repairs. This wall is critical. While I march south to deal with Theodore, I'll leave you a hundred of my conscripts and enough gold to hire local laborers."

Thomas's eyes flashed with disbelief. For a moment, he simply stared at his brother, his jaw set in defiance. "You want me to stay here? Guarding a broken wall while you confront Theodore?" He looked past Constantine, watching the distant hills as though he could already see the road south stretching out before him. His grip on his reins tightened, the leather creaking under his fingers

Constantine held his ground, his voice steady. "This isn't just any wall, Thomas. It's our first line of defense against the Ottomans. If both of us leave, it will be vulnerable."

Thomas's lips pressed into a thin line, his brow creased. "A Palaiologos shouldn't be left behind to mend stones," he muttered, the bitterness seeping through despite his efforts to hide it. He cast another glance at the soldiers gathered around the wall, fresh recruits looking to him with expectation, men who would follow him if only Constantine allowed it. "I should be at your side, not buried under rock and rubble."

Constantine stepped closer, clasping his brother's shoulder firmly. "Thomas, there's no one I'd rather have here than you. And there's no one I trust more to hold this line. Our people need to see a Palaiologos here—a strong one, one they can believe in."

Thomas's hand clenched, then relaxed as he forced a nod, trying to swallow the resentment rising in his throat. "Fine," he murmured. "But don't expect me to stay here forever, Constantine. I'll hold this wall because you asked me to. But one day... I'll be the one leading beside you."

Constantine's grip on his shoulder tightened, his gaze softening. "It will be sooner than later brother."

Turning to Captain Andreas, Constantine's tone grows thoughtful. "But we need more than fortifications. As we already discussed, we'll need more troops to secure Morea in the long term. We will try recruiting men as we march toward Mystras.

Andreas, ever the pragmatist, nods. "It's possible, though it will take careful planning to manage supplies and organize training. Many nearby villages have able men, and if they know they'll be on payroll, they'll be more motivated to join."

George raises a cautionary hand. "But remember, a larger force means more strain on our resources. Every soldier is an expense—armor, weapons, food. We'll need to ration carefully."