The admiral, who had been expelled by the Athenian populace, was able to be used in Phrygia not only because of his talent in naval warfare, but also because he was a good friend of the Phrygian governor Ariobazenis.

How could a down-and-out wandering Athenian befriend a venerable Persian governor?

The reason goes back to decades ago, after the Peloponnesian War, the famous Athenian admiral Conon fled to Persia, where he was courteously treated by Cyrus the Younger, the military commander of western Asia Minor, and had close contacts with the Persian nobles of Asia Minor at that time, which laid the foundation for his later appointment as commander of the Persian fleet in Asia Minor.

His son, Timothys, had lived in western Asia Minor for many years, and had befriended many young Persian nobles, one of whom was Ariobazenis. After Timothys returned to Athens, the two sides were in constant contact, and this time he was driven out of Athens and his first thought was to join his friend who had become a satrap.

Ariobazenis was delighted by his friend's arrival, and he was well aware of his friend's abilities, and after only half a year, he was very bold in promoting him to fleet commander.

Today, Ariobazenis sent to inform Timosius that he had something important to consult with. Although the messenger did not tell Timothy what was important, he had a hunch that what he had been asking for might have come to fruition, so he rode anxiously to the Doge Phrygia's residence.

Ariobazenis was living in the central town of Phrygia, in Gerdium, on the right bank of the Sakarya River, and Timosius broke three horses and finally arrived there at dusk on the fifth day.

Ariobazenes, who had been informed by the messenger, went out to greet him and said earnestly: "Timosius, I'm sorry! I have just punished the messenger who brought you, he did not fully understand my order, nor did he explain it to you, in fact, the matter is not urgent, but it turns out that you have almost no rest all the way, in case something happens to you on the way, I will be very guilty, but fortunately the god Mazda is blessed! ”

Timosius was a little touched by Ariobazenis' concern, and he hurriedly saluted and said, "Your Excellency—"

Ariobazenis immediately interrupted him with a displeased face: "Eh, why haven't you seen me for a few months, and your name for me has changed!" You're my friend first and then my subordinate for the time being, and I want this friendship to last, so you'd better call me the way you always did. ”

For the Athenians, who did not like to grovel, this was exactly what Timosius wanted, and he immediately changed his words: "Ario, I wonder what you called me here for?" ”

Ariobazanes laughed, took his arm, and welcomed him into the mansion, saying, "Although the messenger made a mistake, I am glad to see you so soon!" You must be tired and hungry all the way here, go to the bath first, and then eat together, and we will talk while eating. ”

After bathing in the service of the maid, Timosius briefly told Ariobazenis about his succession of the Phrygian fleet during the meal.

After listening attentively, Ariobazenis expressed his satisfaction with Timosius's actions in Aspendus, and then turned to some interesting stories about their young interactions.

Timosius also interjected from time to time, and although there were only two of them in the dining room, except for five or six maids, the whole atmosphere seemed to be relatively lively.

After three rounds of wine and five flavors of food, Ariobazenis said in a straight voice: "Timosius, the last time you told me that you wanted to lead a fleet to support Athens and fight against the navy of Dionia...... I can't promise you that. ”

When Timosius heard this, he was disappointed, and although he did not express this emotion, he remained silent for an instant.

Seeing this, Ariobazenis took out a letter from his bosom unhurriedly, handed it to him, and said, "You take a look at this first." ”

Timosius took the letter puzzled, unfolded it, and soon his face changed: "The king of Persia is going to attack Egypt, let you provide troops and baggage, and also name me to lead the fleet to Tyre?!" ”

Ariobazenis sighed: "When you made this request to me before, the reason why I hesitated was not because I was stingy, but because the king of Persia was planning to attack Egypt, if at this time I agreed to your request and sent the fleet to Athens, after the king knew about this, with his suspicious and grudgeful nature, I am afraid that I was unwilling to provide him with military support and deliberately made such an excuse in advance, and I am afraid that I will not be better in the future......

Alas! Ever since the defeat of His Highness Cyrus, the Great King has had a good opinion of Asia Minor...... When Sparta invaded our land, instead of helping, he eventually supported Sparta's rule over Greece...... Of the several wars that took place in the country after that, which one did not make the most contribution to Asia Minor, and of course suffered the most losses......"

When Timotheus heard these words, he not only felt dissatisfied, but also felt guilty, and he said earnestly: "Ario, I have been expelled from Athens, and I am very grateful that you have not only taken me in, but also entrusted me with a great responsibility!" I shouldn't have made such a request to embarrass you, it's my fault! ”

Ariobazenis shook his head and said helplessly: "Athens expelled you, and you still want to help Athens, which makes me admire!" It's just unfortunate that the two things came together, otherwise Lord Fanabazos could have done that back then (Fanabazos, in order to take revenge for Agosilaus's ravage of western Asia Minor, persuaded the governors of Asia Minor to agree to let Conon lead the combined fleet of western Asia Minor to attack Sparta, and finally acquiesced to Conon privately incorporating these warships into Athens), with your friendship with me, I will support you even more! ”

Timosius could only lament his bad luck, he was silent for a moment, took a sip of wine, and then asked suspiciously: "I have never met the king of Persia, how can he mention me specifically in his letters?" ”

Ariobazenis smiled and said, "Timothys, you underestimate yourself too much. You have shown the world to be as good a naval commander as you are as good as your father, and I think that the king who has been following the Greek war must have known your name. You know, although our Persia is strong, but it lacks a good naval commander, otherwise it would not have lost many times in the previous naval battles with Greece, although Egypt's naval strength is not strong, but-"

Ariobazenis sneered: "But that great king has suffered defeats in several previous wars, and this time he will personally crusade against Egypt, he will never allow himself to fail again, so of course he wants to choose a good admiral to help him...... Either way, this is a good thing for you, and if you can get the king's appreciation, you may be able to ask him to lead the entire Persian navy to the rescue of Greece and fight against Dionia. ”

Timothys' heart moved, and at that moment he had already decided to go to Tyre.

Ariobazenis clearly saw what he was thinking, and continued: "Timosius, if you agree to accept the invitation of the king, can you do me two small favors?" ”

"Ario, you are too polite, since I left Athens and came to Phrygia, you have always taken good care of me, I am worried that I will not have a chance to reciprocate, let alone two, even if it is 100, as long as I can do it, I will do my best to help you!"

"Okay, then I'll get straight to the point! It took me several years to reluctantly build such a fleet with all the Phrygian taxes, and if you are of great use with the king, I hope to keep as many of my ships as possible in the war against Egypt. ”

Timosius replied simply: "Don't worry, I will do my best!" ”

"The second thing is ...... When you are under the command of the Great King and participate in the war against Egypt, will you be able to ...... Periodically write to me in detail about the movements of the entire army? You know...... Well, there is a lot of trade between Frisia and Egypt, and I need to make some decisions depending on the development of the war, so that the Frisian merchants who remain in some towns in Egypt will either leave as soon as possible, or simply take the opportunity to seize some important supplies and minerals there......"

Timothys hesitated for a moment, then responded: "I will write to you, but after I arrive in Phoenicia, I may still be in charge of the navy, and I may not be very clear about the movements of the Persian king's army in the future......"

"Just do your best!" Aliobazenis smiled and raised his glass: "Let's have a toast and wish you all the best in the next battle!" ”

In the middle of the night, the henchman of Ariobazenis, who had disappeared for some time, quietly returned to the governor's palace.

Ariobazenis summoned him alone in his study.

"Master, fifteen days ago I arrived at Samalla in Capadesia, and I was secretly received by the Governor, and I showed him the letter you wrote and the letter written by the Pharaoh of Egypt, and this is his reply."

Ariobazenis quickly took the letter and looked happy when he read it.

Although the henchman was curious, he didn't ask.

However, Ariobazenis could not help but speak: "Not only did Sridates agree to my suggestion and decided to accept the plan of the Egyptian pharaoh and join forces, but he also offered to persuade the governors of Pafragoni, Lukaunia, Armenia, and other regions. ”

"Master, there are too many people to contact, it's difficult to keep it secret!" The henchman reminded worriedly.