The Eastern Front

Civil action

After Christopher's death, Constantine had become closer with Helena and Romanos become focused on religious matters. This put the young couple at the center of the political world in Constantinople. Syres enjoyed a high rank and gifts from courtiers but grew bored with the tedium of governing. So, Constantine appointed him his official legate to the eastern front in Anatolia where domestikos Kourkouas was fighting.

• Constantine has gained the upper-hand, keeping Romanos' two younger sons out of the political arena and putting more focus on himself and Helena
• They are the political center of the Empire now as Romanos has decided to focus on the religious matters of theology and doctrine to try and deal with his beloved son's death.
• Syres quickly becomes bored of the politics and banquets and so asks Constantine for a more challenging charge.
• Reluctant to be rid of his body guard, Constantine doesn't readily agree until Helena, suspicious but thankful for Syres, insists he go where he is most useful.
• Syres is given an honorific title, Patrikios, to allow him access to the nobility of Anatolia on his travels.