My dear friend,

I am not sure that the life of an soldier is harder than a farmer or a miner, but it certainly requires different skills. As apt as you are about flies, some things, like the discipline needed to keep comrades alive, must be learned at the end of a rod. I am not a cruel man, though I am certain there are those that would say I am. I do not take up the rod easily, as some officers might, in fact the Lieutenants in my unit are as likely to feel it’s sting as the men are. Some are quick to punish and have to be taught that these men are not like the slaves they mistreat at their homes. I do hope that you are right, and that some of them become like diamonds under the pressures of training and battle. I would be most pleased by that outcome, but most of all I hope they follow my orders and do not take flight.

I wish that I had met you when you were at the festival. I would have liked to see you hunt and speak more freely with all of those around you. Although it seems that two of your conversation partners are people that I would wish to avoid. As for this Master Panos, I do not know the name. I would doubt that he is Colchian, so perhaps he is from Athenia? Those are a strange people, I am not surprised that he turned his nose up at you. The people of Colchis may not know of all you do for your people, but they do know that you are wealthy. They tend to dislike those who have money to flaunt; life here is incredibly difficult and as such they resent those that have it easy.

I fear that you may be like the bird trapped amongst those who would happily feast upon you, but the bird may sore into the heavens, where all others may not. Do not be afraid of their games, or let them force you to play them. You do not have to lose your scruples to survive.

As for this unicorn, I am pleased that you did not allow that child to purchase it. Some have more money than they have sense to come close to such a scheme. If you wish to write to me about such events, then I will be glad to have an escape to more humorous places than the battlefield.

I know not what you mean about not being able to have the one you truly desire, but that is perhaps a feeling I am not entirely unaccustomed to. I must ask that you tell no one of what you are about to read. You see, I met a young woman at that Dionysa. We spent a lovely evening and night together, but she returned to her family. I learned later that she and her family were bandits, who roam the kingdoms stealing from others. I have been tracking them ever since, including at the festival where we met. I do not know what I will do if I catch them, but I don’t think that I can put her in prison. Do you have any advice?

If you wish to send me some of your wine, then I will certainly not decline your hospitality. I do not wish to inconvenience you, however.

Your friend,

Alexandros