Detained on city business (i.e. the question of finding a new young mistress), Attalus sends his most promising general, the youthful yet headstrong Tlepolemos of Pamphylia to deal with the Bosphoran rebels.
A wide array of mercenaries offer their services.
Tlepolemos settles on two units of Scythian axemen, for he plans to let as few rebels survive as possible. None do. And the city is taken.
Yet, there are always men who look to profit from instability. A host of mercenary brigands attempts to control the only road leading from the city. Tleptolemus leaves his Scythian axemen to garrison Chersonesus (such men of the steppes being fickle when fielded against their countrymen, but highly effective for keeping the populace in check) and marches his Greeks out to meet the mercenaries.
The battle opens as rebel Scythian axemen rush from the woods and surprise a column of Greek hippies.The horsemen swiftly turn their mounts, driving spears home to the unarmored scythians. The ambush becomes a rout.
The Greeks are as swift as they are merciless. Tleptolemus and his bodyguard ride down the rebel general. A firm spear-thrust to his spine sends him screaming to the dust
The few remaining resisters are mopped up by the efficient Greek hoplites.
With Chersonesus secured, and Crimea safely in Greek hands, Tlepolemos turns his eyes northward. Does he dare move on the peaceful traders of Gerrhos?
But Tleptolemus is nothing if not a loyal tool of the oligarchy. He will await word from Attalus before making any move.