Preparing city of Tyre

[Malchior]

Tyre, the largest and most important city-state of Phoenicia, was located both on the Mediterranean coast as well as a nearby Island with two natural harbors on the landward side. The Island laid about half a mile from the coast, and its high walls reached 150 feet on the east side of the island. There were approximately 40,000 people in the city, though the women and children were evacuated to Babylon as news of war had reached their ears. Food for months had been stored in the city and impossible it was for armies to cross over without ships.

As the battle of Jerusalem were over, the survivors of the immortal Persian army reached the city of Tyre. Lead by Malchior they traveled over by ships, however since the battle of Greek long time ago they did not own many warships, but only a few that were newly built for safety for their kingdom. 415 000 immortals there were left, as well 15 000 city guard. Together they all placed them self were ordered, 30 navy ships that could carry 100 men each were stationed behind the island so enemies were not able to see. The city guards were told to watch the city with their lives as on the walls they stood ready for combat, the immortals were hidden inside as light armed they were but good skilled. A message to Cyrus had been sent, as well to Babylon. The news of Jerusalem had to reach their ears for victory to be achieved before enemy further crossing.

[Callisto]

Callisto had only recently arrived to the city, hearing the news of the invasion into Persia. The news had stunned and shocked her. Fear for her people and their way of life had coiled inside her heart like a heavy weight. She knew she had to find her brother. The very thought of losing him was one which she never dared think about.
Now she roamed through the city, watching as the Immortals returned. She knew she was not supposed to be in the city, as all the women and children had long since been evacuated. However, she was determined to stay, no matter the cost. She figured that if it should come down to a siege on Tyre then she could help the wounded. But she hoped that time would be long in arriving.
The cloak which she wore trailed around her, a slight breeze making it blow around her feet as she walked. Scanning the crowd of men she spotted the one she had been looking for.
"Malchior," she yelled excitedly, "My dear brother you have returned". She ran up and enveloped him in a hug, her happiness written clear across her face.
"How did the battle at Jerusalem fare?" Callisto asked worriedly. She hated the thought of death and of pain, all of which was embodied in the concept of war.

[Malchior]

Malchior who were busy in preparing the city of Tyre for attack, had lots to do before any enemy would appear. Inside the palace hall he tried to figure out a strategy he would use to break the army of Egypt, but difficult it seemed to be as great they too were in doing the right moves. On the table in front of him, he tried to figure with the wooden soldiers he had. However as he were in deep thoughts, a voice he recognized was heard behind him. Quickly he turned to see who it was, but in surprise he saw it were his sister Callisto. Her presence made him wonder, as soon the city were to be attacked though glad he were to have her on visit."Sister. "He said out loud with a smile and laugh, as he steps like running came to greet her with a hug."Jerusalem is lost, Egypt won the battle but I wont let them succeed again. What are you doing here, don't you know its dangerous for a woman to travel in the desert these days?"Malchior said protective as worried he were about her, but knew she could handle herself when needed.

[Callisto]

Callisto frowned at her brother with a grin, "It is my duty as High priestess to give hope to the men, and what hope can they find if not in the gods" she queried with a smile.
She stared down at the wooden figures on the table, thinking about the previous battle and the many lifes lost. "I would not go anyway, I would rather die here with you than go on with only the memory of my dear brother ... plus I need to keep you out of trouble" she finished with a grin. She personally found the best way to deal with pain and doubt was with humour.

"I do not think that Persia will be won over so easily" she began leaning against the edge of the table and looking up at her brother, "I have consulted the gods and our fortune looks set to brighten but as with all things divine I cannot fully comprehend their true intent for us as yet, but I have faith that our King and you of course can help achieve their will".
Callisto knew now that her role in this war would be to keep hopes and morale high within the soldier ranks. She smiled slightly thinking at the lengths she would have to go to achieve that.

[Malchior]

Malchior smiled to the words his sister spoke, she truly were wise as a priestess of Persia. However having her there was something he appreciated a lot, together they would inspire the men to fight in great strength. With a look of seriousness, he took her hands in his and spoke to answer."Both I and my men are happy to have you here sister, your presence gives strength to all."He said but kissed her cheeks in blessings, even unexpected he was of her arrival. Deep he looked into her eyes after, but sonly turned to look outside the window. With the sight of the sea, he sighed and breathed in the air who so fresh was. The thoughts of losing next battle, troubled him. If the city of Tyre would fall then it would not be long before the enemy reached Babylon, his home. He could not let it happen, as everything he loved lived there. His wife and sister meant everything to him, if anything was to happen them then he would never be able to forgive himself.

As he tried to calm down, he watched the living life outside the window. At the sea, ships sailed to get ready while the warriors went around to get in position. It truly was amazing to see how much the people cared about their land, as threatened it was by enemies. With his hands leaned on the window frame, he continued speaking."If your words are true about the gods thinking we may win, then I will believe it. However winning a battle doesn't always depend on what the gods may think, but also the strength and strategy in battle. Tell me, what does the gods tell about their next move?"He turned and looked at her, wondering if Persia had a chance in the battle to come.