"Men of the Empire!"
"Today, we march to step onto the grand stage of a new world! We sail to the West, to show the entire world the might of Rome!"
"Forward!"
With a unified precise stomp of boots, the grand army of the Byzantine Empire began to move.
The people of Constantinople cheered wildly and tossed bright flower petals from the balconies as the column marched proudly toward the ships.
Nikephoros rode at the front, a thrilling sense of anticipation pumping through his veins.
***
Bab al-Dhahab, The Golden Gate of the Round City of Baghdad
The city, known across the entire world as the Jewel of the East, filled with the peaceful sounds of shouting merchants, debating scholars, and the gentle flowing waters of the Tigris River.
Grand Marshal Tariq, the newly appointed Amir al-Umara - the Commander of Commanders - sat straight upon the back of his warhorse, Midnight.
