OrlandoNative wrote:
Well, Siddar City is closer to Zion than Telesburg is. And, one must admit, having *Caleb* march into the Temple himself rather than even the ranking Imperial Army commander would certainly make a statement like no other.
Of course, I don't really see the Temple's offensive collapsing quite that quickly, but one never knows.
Actually,however, I think you're missing the point. Or, at least, trying to read more into it. Caleb being in Siddar City is theatre, basically showing how important he - and, by extension, the entire EoC - considers the alliance with Siddarmark. It's not like he *has* to be back home, his wife and co-ruler should easily be able to handle any "administrivia" there that happens in his absence. But nothing short of having her swap places with him can show the EoC's solidarity with his (relatively new) allies, and I don't see him putting her in a more dangerous position if he can be there himself.
That's really all the reason needed for him to remain where he is at present.
I think that I agree that both Sharleyan and Caleb are overdue for an extended stay in Tellesburg. DE should probably be appointed theatre commander or perhaps Staynair could assume the role in Sidar City.
It isn't so much that he can't trust the people he has left behind or confer with them, because he can with reasonable comfort do both of those things.
The real issue is political. His primary job is King of Charis and Emperor of the Empire. His visible presence is important to rally his people behind the war as well as to boost morale. Also, Cayleb and Sharleyan are a symbol of the empire and what it stands for. Doing administration stuff can indeed be left to the bureaucrats, but it can put some spring into their step for the Emperor to look in on what they are doing and remind them that their jobs are important and that he is grateful they are doing them well.
Politics is a dirty word, I'm afraid. But it is also fundamental and needs to be done well. Cayleb and Sharleyan do it well.
Don