Hannibal: Enemy of Rome

It was then that Quintus arrived. Instantly, he took in Aurelia standing over his mother with the letter in her hand. ‘Is that from Father?’

‘Yes,’ Atia replied.

‘What news does he send?’ he asked eagerly. ‘Has the Senate decided on a course of action?’

‘To attack Carthage and Iberia at the same time,’ answered Aurelia.

‘What a fantastic idea! They won’t know what hit them,’ Quintus cried. ‘Where is Father to be sent?’

‘Iberia. So too is Flaccus,’ said Atia.

‘What else?’

Atia handed the parchment to Quintus. ‘Read it for yourself. Life goes on here, and I have to talk to Julius about the provisions that need buying in Capua.’ She brushed past Hanno without as much as a second glance.

Hanno’s anger crystallised. Whatever debt he might owe, it was time to run away. Carthage would now need every sword she could get. Nothing and no one else mattered. What about Suni? asked his conscience. I have no idea where he is, thought Hanno desperately. What chance is there of finding him?

Quintus scanned the letter at top speed. ‘Father and Flaccus are going to Iberia,’ he muttered excitedly. ‘And I am nearly finished my training.’

‘What are you talking about?’ Aurelia demanded.

He gave her a startled look. ‘Nothing, nothing.’

Aurelia knew her brother well. ‘Don’t go getting any crazy ideas,’ she warned. ‘Father said you were to remain here until called for.’

‘I know.’ Quintus scowled. ‘From the sound of it, though, the war will actually be over in a few months. I don’t want to miss it.’ His gaze flickered across the courtyard and made contact with Hanno. Instantly, Quintus glanced away, but it was too late.

Hanno’s fury overflowed at last. ‘Are you happy now?’ he hissed.

‘What do you mean?’ Quintus replied defensively.

‘The guggas will be defeated, again. Put in their rightful place. I expect you’re delighted.’

Quintus’ face grew red. ‘No, that’s not how it is.’

‘Isn’t it?’ Hanno shot back. Clearing his throat, he spat on the mosaic floor.

‘How dare you?’ Quintus roared, taking a step towards Hanno. ‘You’re nothing but a-’

‘Quintus!’ cried Aurelia, aghast.

With great effort, her brother stopped himself from saying any more.

Contempt twisted Hanno’s face. ‘A slave. Or a gugga! Is that what you were going to say?’

Quintus’ visage turned a deeper shade of crimson. Bunching his fists with anger, he turned away.

‘I’ve had enough of this.’ Hanno grabbed his broom.

Aurelia could take no more. ‘Stop it, both of you! You’re acting like children.’

Her words made no difference. Quintus stormed out of the house, and Aurelia followed him. Hanno retreated to the kitchen, where misery settled over him as it never had before. The news he’d heard a few months before, of Hannibal’s successful siege of Saguntum, and the challenge it had issued, had bolstered his flagging spirits. Given him a reason to go on. Fabricius’ letter had destroyed this utterly. Rome’s plan seemed unbeatable. Even if he reached Hannibal’s army, what difference could he make?

Aurelia came looking for Hanno upon her return. She found him slumped on a stool in the kitchen. Ignoring the other slaves’ curious stares, she dragged Hanno outside. ‘I’ve spoken to Quintus,’ she muttered the moment they were alone. ‘He didn’t mean to offend you. It was just a spontaneous reaction to you spitting.’ She gave Hanno a reproachful look. ‘That was so rude.’

Hanno flushed, but he didn’t apologise. ‘He was gloating at me.’

‘I know it seemed like that,’ said Aurelia. ‘But I don’t think that’s what he was doing.’

‘Wasn’t it?’ Hanno shot back.

‘No,’ she replied softly. ‘Quintus isn’t like that.’

‘Why did he call me a gugga originally, then?’

‘People say things that they don’t mean when they’re drunk. I suppose that you haven’t called him any names in your head since?’ Aurelia asked archly.

Stung, Hanno did not answer.

Aurelia glanced around carefully, before reaching out to touch his face.

Startled by the intimacy this created, Hanno felt his anger dissipate. He looked into her eyes.

Alarmed by her suddenly pounding heart, Aurelia lowered her hand. ‘On the surface, this argument looks quite simple,’ she began. ‘If it weren’t for your misfortune, you would be a free man and, in all probability, enlisting in the Carthaginian army. Like Quintus will do in the legions. There would be nothing wrong with either of those actions. Yet Quintus is free to do as he chooses, while you are a slave.’

That’s it in a nutshell, thought Hanno angrily.

Aurelia wasn’t finished. ‘The real reason, however, is that first you, and then Quintus, were hurt by what the other said. Both of you are too damn proud to make a sincere apology and put it behind you.’ She glared at him. ‘I’m sick of it.’

Amazed by Aurelia’s insight and sincerity, Hanno gave in. The quarrel had been going on long enough. ‘You’re right,’ he said. ‘I’m sorry.’

‘It’s not me you should be saying that to.’

‘I know.’ Hanno considered his next words with care. ‘I will apologise to him. But Quintus has to know that, whatever the law of this land, I am no slave. I never will be.’