"Man is a mere phantom as he goes to and fro: He bustles about, but only in vain; he heaps up wealth, not knowing who will get it."
- Psalm 39:6
Suddenly, another messenger burst in, urgently whispering into Apostolos' ear. The old man's eyes widened with shock. He turned towards his sovereign; his voice heavy with gravity. "Your Majesty, I have just received another piece of information here: Abbas Pasha is amassing over eight thousand battle-ready troops in Burgas."
Antonius' eyes narrowed, a storm brewing in his gaze.
All eyes in the room fixated on the Caesar, sensing the weight of the moment.
The message from the Ottomans was unmistakable.