Hannibal: Enemy of Rome

It rapidly became clear that Suniaton would take months to recover; that was, if his wounds ever healed fully. Hanno was not at all sure they would. Certainly, his friend would never be fit to fight again. There was little doubt now that Suniaton’s heavy limp would be lifelong. But, as he repeatedly told Hanno, at least he was alive.

Hanno nodded and smiled, trying to ignore the resentment that clawed at his happiness over Suniaton’s rescue. He failed, because his friend was not fit to journey on his own, and might never be. Hanno grew irritable and withdrawn, and took to spending his time outside the hut, away from Suniaton. This made him feel even worse, but when he returned, determined to make amends, and saw his friend hobbling about on his home-made crutch, Hanno’s anger always returned.

On the fourth day, the pair had an unexpected visit from Quintus and Aurelia. ‘It’s all right, there’s been no news from Capua,’ Quintus said as he dismounted.

Hanno relaxed a fraction. ‘What brings you here then?’

‘I thought you’d want to know. Father and Flaccus are about to leave. Finally, Publius Cornelius Scipio and his legions are ready.’

Hanno’s heart stopped for a moment. ‘Are they headed for Iberia?’

‘Yes. The northeast coast. That’s where they think that Hannibal is,’ replied Quintus in a neutral tone.

‘I see,’ said Hanno, fighting to remain calm. Inside, his desire to leave had resurfaced. ‘And the army that’s bound for Carthage?’

‘It will be leaving soon too.’ Quintus looked awkward. ‘I’m sorry.’

‘There’s nothing to be sorry for,’ Hanno muttered gruffly. ‘It’s not your doing.’

Quintus was still uncomfortable, because he moved off to check Suniaton’s injured thigh without answering. Hanno thought guiltily, I should be doing that. For all the good it would do, his mind retorted. He’ll never walk properly again.

Aurelia’s voice cut into his reverie. ‘We won’t see Father for months,’ she said sadly. ‘And Quintus never stops talking about going to join him. Before long, Mother and I may be left alone.’

Hanno made a sympathetic gesture, but he wasn’t concentrating; all he could think of was following Publius’ army to Iberia.

Aurelia mistook his silence for sorrow. ‘How could I be so thoughtless? Who knows when you will see your family?’

Hanno scowled, but not because of what she’d said. Hannibal and his host would shortly face a Roman consular army. Meanwhile, he was stuck here with Suniaton.

‘Hanno? What is it?’

‘Eh?’ he answered. ‘Nothing.’

Aurelia followed his gaze to Suniaton, who was gingerly following Quintus’ instructions. The realisation hit her at once. Like a cat, she pounced. ‘You want to go to war too,’ she whispered. ‘But you can’t, because of your loyalty to Suni.’

Stricken, Hanno stared at the ground.

Aurelia touched his arm. ‘There is no greater love you could show a friend than standing by him in his time of need. It requires true courage.’

Hanno swallowed hard. ‘I should be happy to stay with him, though, not angry.’

‘You can’t help it.’ Aurelia sighed. ‘You’re a soldier, like my father and brother.’

Almost on cue, Quintus came striding over. ‘What’s that?’

Neither Aurelia nor Hanno answered.

Quintus grinned. ‘What’s the big secret? Have you guessed that I’m going to go and find Father?’

Aurelia’s mouth opened in horror. Hanno was similarly shocked, but before either could respond, Suniaton joined them, obviously intent on speaking. Surprised by the Carthaginian’s interruption, Quintus deferred to him. Suni’s words struck everyone dumb. ‘I know how hard it is for you, Hanno. Waiting for me to recover, when all you want to do is join Hannibal’s army.’

Hanno’s guilt swelled immeasurably. ‘I will stay with you as long as necessary. That’s all there is to it,’ he declared. Quickly, he turned to Quintus. ‘What made you decide to leave now?’

‘I have to tell Father about the way Agesandros has been carrying on. Power has gone to his head.’

Aurelia butted in angrily. ‘That’s not your reason. It would be crazy to get rid of an experienced overseer at a time like this, and you know it. Besides, Agesandros hasn’t done enough to warrant being replaced. We’ll have to live with him.’

Quintus set his jaw. ‘Well, I’m going anyway. My training is finished. The war could be over in a few months. I’ll miss it if I just wait to be called up.’

You underestimate Hannibal, thought Hanno darkly.

‘You’re crazy,’ accused Aurelia. ‘How will you find Father in the middle of a war?’

A flicker of fear flashed across Quintus’ face. ‘I’ll reach him before that,’ he declared, full of apparent bravado. ‘All I need to do is take passage to the Iberian port that Publius made for. I’ll buy a horse there, and follow the legions. By the time I find Father, it will be far too late to send me back.’ He glared, daring Hanno and his sister to challenge him.

‘It’s madness to talk about travelling so far on your own,’ Aurelia cried. ‘You’ve never been further than Capua before.’

‘I’ll manage,’ Quintus muttered, glowering.