The sun rose over the fertile valley, casting a golden glow upon the thriving city that had once been little more than a struggling outpost. Now, after nearly three years under Daniel's rule, it had transformed into something extraordinary — a testament to vision, discipline, and unrelenting effort.
The palace was finally complete. Rising proudly on the highest hill, its polished stone walls gleamed in the morning light, with tall columns and finely carved reliefs depicting scenes of prosperity, harvests, and even the unique beasts Daniel had introduced to the land. The people called it "The House of the Future", and it was unlike anything in the Empire.
Wide, straight roads stretched from the palace gates to the heart of the city. Open plazas and market squares bustled with merchants, farmers, and craftsmen. The streets were orderly and clean, with paved paths and proper drainage canals, innovations Daniel had imported from distant lands and perfected here.
Innovative agriculture had changed everything. Under Daniel's direction, new grain fields had been cultivated outside the city walls using advanced irrigation systems fed by the nearby lake and seasonal streams. Fields were plowed with the help of Iguanodons and Protoceratops, beasts the people now affectionately called "Great Oxen of the East."
The result was staggering. Grain production had doubled, then tripled — enough to store for winter, feed the growing population, and even export to nearby cities. What had once been a poor, food-scarce province now overflowed with abundance.
That morning, a grand assembly was held at the palace. Daniel stood before his council — a mixture of loyal Sardians, former nobles who had pledged allegiance, and new officers he had personally elevated. The atmosphere was different now: respectful, organized, hopeful.
Reports came in:
The granaries were full.
Walls had been rebuilt, fortified stronger than before.
Crime had dropped, thanks to stable governance and fair grain distribution.
The port construction was beginning — a vital future link to the sea, and a key to Daniel's long-term plan for summoning an aquatic dinosaur.
There were rumors, of course — the coming war with the Greeks, the preparations in Athens and Eretria. Persian envoys passed through with news of King Darius' plans. Sardis was expected to provide men, but Daniel cleverly cited recent bandit troubles and the lingering effects of rebellious nobles to explain his moderate troop contribution. Still, he quietly prepared.
At the assembly, Daniel laid out new proposals:
Expand irrigation channels.
Clear more land for barley and wheat.
Create a new public granary system to prevent famine.
Design a larger square for public meetings and festivals.
Introduce a standardized system for weights and measures.
The people's faces showed wonder and excitement. Such organized, long-term thinking was rare. And it worked.
At night, Daniel walked the palace terraces, looking out over the shining city he had built. The palace gardens were lush, filled with exotic plants and small pools reflecting the stars. In the distance, the glow of hearth fires marked the homes of his citizens. The air was filled with peace and promise.
He thought of the future — the war ahead, the opportunity to reshape history. But for now, he allowed himself to admire what had been achieved. Sardis was no longer just a city but a symbol of what was possible.
Tomorrow would bring new challenges.
But tonight, Cicico lived, strong and proud.
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The sensation was unlike anything Daniel had known. The Nothosaurus glided through the waves with a grace no horse or Iguanodon could match. Daniel clung tightly, the harness secure. As they dove beneath the surface, the light dimmed and the world transformed.
Daniel realized the rumors were true — he could breathe easily, as if the water itself granted him the same stamina as the creature beneath him. Time passed differently down here, the world muffled, yet alive. Shoals of silvery fish scattered as they passed, and Daniel saw the submerged pilings of the new port from below.
When they resurfaced near the edge of the bay, cheers erupted from the workers and citizens watching nearby. Daniel waved from the water, feeling both triumphant and oddly humbled by the ancient, alien strength of the beast beneath him.
He had plans now — naval patrols, underwater reconnaissance, even coastal raids in the future. The possibilities were limitless.
That afternoon, back at the palace, Tension in the Council, Daniel met with his council. The newly completed palace gleamed — its high columns and marble floors giving weight to every decision made inside.
Rumors of the Greek conflict were growing. Reports spoke of Athens and Eretria preparing fleets. Darius had chosen Datis and Artaphernes to command the campaign to crush the Greek rebellion. Persian envoys had passed through Cícico, urging loyalty and requesting men for the cause.
Daniel addressed the assembly:
"We remain loyal to the Great King," Daniel said. "But Cícico has endured much these past years. The nobles' rebellion, bandits, and unrest left scars. Our harvests and people must be protected."
His tone was firm but measured. "We will send a detachment, as duty demands. But our main task is to complete our defenses, continue our expansion, and secure our coasts."
The council approved — some with relief, others with frustration. The merchants, particularly, feared how war might threaten trade.
New Proposals
Daniel presented bold new proposals:
Expand the farmland further, with new irrigation ditches from the mountain streams.
Introduce double-harvest cycles, using early-maturing barley varieties.
Standardize grain storage in public warehouses, protected and carefully rationed.
Complete the port, extending the defensive breakwater and building grain warehouses by the docks.
Organize a city festival to celebrate three years of peace and prosperity, reinforcing loyalty and unity.
He spoke too of the new creature — the Nothosaurus — and its potential to safeguard trade and patrol the coasts.
The council was astounded by the vision. The people, when told, reacted with pride. No other city in the Empire could match what Cícico had become.
That night, Daniel walked along the palace terrace, overlooking the bustling port and city lights. The streets were alive with laughter and music. The fields beyond glimmered like a patchwork quilt under the moonlight.
Cícico was no longer a forgotten corner of the Empire.
It was a beacon — proof that with courage, innovation, and stubborn will, even an outpost could become a center of culture and strength.
War loomed on the horizon. But for now, the city thrived.
And in the dark waters of the bay, the Nothosaurus waited — a silent guardian of what Daniel had built.