Hannibal: Enemy of Rome

Martialis slammed his beaker on the table. Fabricius spat a curse, while Quintus and Gaius gaped at each other, stunned that anyone would treat the Republic’s most prominent statesmen in such a manner. Atia took the opportunity to mutter something in Aurelia’s ear. Hanno, meanwhile, had to bite the inside of his cheek to stop himself from laughing out loud. Carthage had not lost all of its pride when it lost Sicily and Sardinia to Rome, he reflected proudly.

‘There were some who spoke out against Hannibal,’ Flaccus conceded. ‘The loudest among them was a fat man called Hostus.’

Treacherous bastard! thought Hanno. What I’d give to stick a knife in his belly.

‘But they were shouted down by the vast majority, who disputed the treaty signed by Hasdrubal six years ago and rejected any need to acknowledge Saguntum’s links with Rome. They were shouting and hurling abuse at us,’ growled Flaccus. ‘We took counsel with each other, and decided we had only one option.’

Quintus glanced at Hanno. He had had no idea that the Carthaginians would react with such force. Stunned by what he saw, he looked again. Quintus knew Hanno’s body language well enough to realise that he had known. Flaccus’ voice stopped him from dwelling on the matter further.

‘Fabius walked into the middle of the chamber. That shut the guggas up,’ said Flaccus fiercely. ‘Gripping the folds of his toga, he told them that within he held both peace and war. They could have whichever they pleased. At his words, the place descended into chaos. It was impossible even to hear yourself speak.’

‘Did they opt for war?’ demanded Fabricius.

‘No,’ revealed Flaccus. ‘Instead, the presiding suffete told Fabius that he should choose.’

By now everyone in the room, even Elira, was hanging on his every word.

‘Fabius looked at us to confirm that we were of one mind, and then he told the guggas that he let fall war.’ Flaccus barked a short, angry laugh. ‘They’ve got balls, I’ll grant them that. Fabius had hardly finished speaking when practically every single man in the chamber stood up and yelled, “We accept it!”’

Hanno found he could no longer conceal his delight. Picking up two handfuls of dirty plates, he headed for the kitchen. No one except Aurelia noticed him leave. But once outside the door, Hanno’s desire to hear more was so great that he lingered on, eavesdropping.

‘I always hoped that another war with Carthage could be avoided,’ said Fabricius heavily. His jaw hardened. ‘But they leave us no choice. Insulting you and your colleagues, and especially the consuls, in that manner is unforgivable.’

‘Absolutely right,’ thundered Martialis. ‘The curs must be taught an even better lesson than last time.’

Flaccus was pleased by their reactions. ‘Good,’ he muttered. ‘Why don’t you both come with me to Rome? Much needs to be arranged, and we will need men who have fought Carthage before.’

‘It would be my honour,’ replied Fabricius.

‘And mine,’ added Martialis. An embarrassed look crossed his florid face, and he tapped his right leg. ‘Except for this. It’s an old injury, from Sicily. Nowadays, I can barely walk more than a quarter of a mile without stopping for a rest.’

‘You have more than done your duty for Rome,’ said Flaccus reassuringly. ‘I shall just take Fabricius.’

Quintus was on his feet before he knew it. ‘I want to fight too.’

Gaius echoed his cry a heartbeat later.

Flaccus’ smile was patronising. ‘Both quite the dogs of war, aren’t you? But I’m afraid that you’re still too young. This struggle needs to be won fast, and the best men to do that are veterans.’

‘I’m seventeen,’ protested Quintus. ‘So is Gaius.’

Flaccus’ face darkened. ‘Remember whom you are speaking to,’ he snapped.

‘Quintus! Sit down,’ Fabricius ordered. ‘You too, Gaius.’ As the two reluctantly obeyed, he turned to Flaccus. ‘My apologies. They’re eager, that’s all.’

‘It’s of no matter. Their time will come,’ Flaccus replied smoothly, shooting Quintus a look of venom. It was gone so fast that no one else noticed. Quintus wondered if he’d been mistaken, but a moment later he saw something else. Aurelia made her excuses and retired for the night. Flaccus watched her retreating back as a serpent might look at a mouse. Quintus blinked, trying to clear his head, which was fuzzy from wine. When he looked again, Flaccus’ expression was benevolent. I must have been imagining it, he concluded. Quintus was then disappointed to see the three older men gather in a huddle and begin muttering in low voices. Atia jerked her head at him in a clear sign of dismissal. Frustrated, Quintus beckoned Gaius outside to the courtyard.

Their appearance startled Hanno. Having hidden from Aurelia, he was only just emerging from behind an ornamental statue. Looking guilty, he scuttled off to the kitchen.

Gaius frowned. ‘What in Hades is he up to?’