Hannibal: Enemy of Rome

‘Vaguely, sir,’ said Bostar. ‘It’s a big river quite near the Alps.’

‘That’s right. By all accounts, most of the tribes in the area are well disposed towards us. Naturally, there’s one that is not. The Volcae, they’re called, and they live on both sides of the water.’

‘Will they try to deny us the passage, sir?’

‘It would appear so,’ Hannibal answered grimly.

‘That could be very costly, sir, especially when it comes to taking the horses and elephants across.’

Hannibal scowled. ‘That’s right. Which is why, while the army prepares to cross, you’re going to lead a force upriver of the Volcae camp. You’ll swim over at night, and find a hidden position nearby. Your dawn signal will tell me to order the boats launched.’ He smacked a fist into his palm. ‘We’ll squash them like a man stamps on a beetle. How does that sound?’

Bostar’s heart thumped in his chest. ‘It sounds good, sir.’

‘That’s what I like to hear.’ Hannibal gripped his shoulder. ‘You’ll get further instructions nearer the time. Now, you’ll be wanting to get back to your men.’

Bostar knew when he was being dismissed. ‘Yes, sir. Thank you, sir.’

Hannibal called out when Bostar was ten steps away. ‘Not a word about this to anyone.’

‘Of course, sir,’ Bostar replied. The order was a relief, for it meant that Sapho would have no chance to be jealous because he had not been selected for the duty. Yet Bostar was already worrying how his brother would react when he did find out.

Chapter XIII: Departure

Hanno soon grew used to living in the hut, which had lain vacant since the shepherd’s murder. According to Quintus, Fabricius’ sheep were being grazed elsewhere and there was little likelihood of anyone passing by. Nonetheless, Hanno stayed alert. While Agesandros was his main concern, he had no wish to be seen at all. Hanno’s luck held out; the only visitors he had were Quintus, and occasionally Aurelia.

There was little news of Suniaton. Quintus did not want to appear too eager by visiting the official’s son earlier than had been arranged. Finally, though, Quintus reported that Suniaton had made an uneventful recovery. Hanno’s spirits soared upon hearing this, but his hopes were immediately dashed. ‘The whoreson still won’t sell. He says Suniaton is too promising a fighter. He wanted 250 didrachms for him.’ Quintus gave Hanno an apologetic look. ‘I haven’t got that type of money. Father does, of course, but I’m not sure he’d give it to me, even if I managed to find him.’

‘We can’t give up now. There must be another way,’ said Hanno fiercely.

‘Unless we can bribe someone to let Suniaton escape… I just don’t know who to approach.’ Quintus’ frown disappeared. ‘I could ask Gaius.’ He held up a reassuring hand as Hanno jerked forward in alarm. ‘Gaius and I have been friends since we could walk. He doesn’t necessarily approve of my helping you escape, but he won’t tell a soul. Who knows? He might be prepared to help.’

Hanno forced himself to sit down. Gaius’ trustworthiness had already been proved by the fact that nobody had come looking for him at the shepherd’s hut. It also seemed as if he was Suniaton’s only hope. ‘Let us pray to the gods that he agrees, then.’

‘Leave it to me,’ said Quintus, hoping that his confidence in Gaius was not misplaced. In an effort to protect Hanno, he had concealed the fact that Suniaton was already fighting as a gladiator once more.

Time was not on their side.

When Quintus finally brought word that Gaius’ efforts had come to fruition, Hanno’s relief was overwhelming. Autumn had arrived, and the woods were a riot of colour. The temperature had dropped noticeably too. Hanno was growing used to being woken by the cold at night. Quintus’ direction to pack all his gear was most welcome. Hopefully, he’d be leaving the hut for ever. ‘What are we going to do?’ he asked as they headed towards Capua.

‘Gaius didn’t want me to say,’ Quintus replied, avoiding Hanno’s gaze.

Worry clawed at Hanno’s insides. ‘Why?’

Quintus shrugged. ‘I’m not sure. I think he wants to tell you himself.’ He saw Hanno’s disappointment. ‘It’s only a few hours longer.’

‘I know,’ Hanno replied, forcing a smile. ‘And I owe you both so much for what you’ve done.’

‘It’s not about debts,’ said Quintus generously. ‘A man tries to help his friends if he can. Let’s just hope that Gaius’ idea works.’

Hanno nodded grimly. If it didn’t, there was a hard choice to be made. He couldn’t hang around for ever.

It was nearly dark by the time they reached Capua. Their journey had been uneventful, but Hanno still faltered as the massive walls loomed into view. Even though he was coming to help free Suniaton, entering the city now meant real danger. There would be guards at the gate, who could ask awkward questions. Descriptions of him pinned to the walls of houses. Hanno knew how fugitive slaves were hunted in Carthage. It wouldn’t be much different here. His feet dragged to a halt.

Quintus turned. ‘What is it?’

‘I’m not just an escaped slave. What if someone recognises me as a Carthaginian?’