Hannibal's Foe by Edward Green

Author:Edward Green [Green, Edward]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Fiction
ISBN: 9781732792043
Publisher: Windheim Publishing Inc.
Published: 2018-11-06T00:00:00+00:00

XXI

Emporium

The next day, priests of Mars and Jupiter performed the rites to send the fallen across the River Styx. Pyres burned, and the stink of burning flesh and the pall of smoke lay heavy over the floodplain of the River Padus. Gaius Flaminius and Sempronius Longus led the procession to the evening parade, walking from the city to the camp by the Trebia. They wore full armor, dazzling in the setting sun, and were followed by the surviving officers of the legions.

Sempronius Longus climbed onto the dais to address his men. His slow steps and lowered head gave dramatic weight to sorrow. He gazed out at the men of two legions, raised his right hand, and spoke in a clear voice.

“The fallen feel no more. They feel no pain, no remorse, no regret of failure. They feel no love, no passion, no comradeship with their fellow man. No, these things are left to the living to endure. Another burden, heavy upon our souls. Today we take upon ourselves a heavy burden. One of our own devise.”

Sempronius spoke slowly, allowing the cadence of his speech to strike the raw emotions of the men gathered before him. “For we who survive must carry the burden of continuing this life of strife and war. We must stand strong as a shield to our people, deflecting the blows of our enemy until our sword falls to end this war. You and I together bear the burden these brave souls cherished in life. They now journey to the Elysium Fields as surely as the sun shall rise on the morrow. We must face our hated foe and drive him from our lands, destroy his ability to fight, and sap his will to oppose the Senate and People of Rome!”

The outpouring of rage and sorrow from the men was a profound sound – a roaring wail that echoed through the valley. Sempronius Longus had given them a purpose again, a meaning to their lives that all would strive to fulfill. He had regained command of an army, bent to his will and purpose and ready to face any threat for the sake of Rome.

I watched the men who had despised General Sempronius Longus now shouting for him to lead them into battle again. He was a good orator and, ever the politician, took any chance to persuade the masses to his cause. Veritas would strike me down if I did not admit it – he persuaded me too. Finally, he yielded the dais and Flaminius stood alone before the legions of Rome.

As had Sempronius, Gaius Flaminius raised his hand, and the crowd quieted to hear his words. “Legionaries, men of Rome, hear me. For we honor your brave comrades who fell in defense of this very city that their fellow Romans could live. My fellow colonists, many of whom served as you do now, give thanks and praise to you and your fallen brothers. For our very lives and the lives of our families were saved by your sacrifice.

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