Toxaras

Toxaras was a mason in Skopentzana during the reign of Maleinos II. He was a heavyset man with a thick black beard just beginging to go grey.

When the garrison of the city was recalled by Maleinos to reinforce his army during the civil war he fought with his grand domestikos Stylianos, Toxaras had the idea to form a city militia to defend it from possible attack by barbarians. He approached the city's eparch Zautzes who gave him permission to do so and appointed him its commander.

As feared, wandering Khamorth tribesmen crossed the border at Midwinter's Day and threatened the city. Peasants from the surrounding countryside fled their farms and came to the city for refuge. Toxaras objected stating they refused to join the militia to defend the city and further weakened it by eating up the food stores. His position was strengthened when a homeowner who had put up several refugees found one stealing his silver candlesticks. Toxaras demanded all be expelled from the city.

Zautzes refused but failed to convince Toxaras that he was wrong to make such demands. The prelate Rhavas intervened and met with Toxaras. He attempted to argue that while it was proper to expel the thief, the rest had done no harm and so would be evil to leave them at the non-existent mercy of the Khamorth. Toxaras objected to being made out to be a Skotos-lover and reiterated that the refugees weakened the city putting the city at twice the risk. Now Rhavas grew angry, pointing out that this would be true if the population had doubled but the number of peasants came nowhere near that number. Toxaras agreed but pointed out any increase would weaken the city and so they should be expelled. Rhavas disagreed and stated that if Toxaras did so then he would anathematize him in the temple for all to hear. Toxaras angrily agreed to leave the peasants alone but if the city fell it would be on Rhavas' head. He then stormed out of Rhavas' study.