Hannibal Enemy of Rome (2011) by Ben Kane

Author:Ben Kane
Language: eng
Format: mobi, epub
Tags: Ben Kane
ISBN: 9781848092280
Publisher: Arrow Books Ltd
Published: 2011-05-26T23:00:00+00:00

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.

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