Ride Into the Sun by Patric Verrone

Author:Patric Verrone [Verrone, Patric]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: The Barbera Foundation
Published: 2019-03-01T05:00:00+00:00

10

Dinner in Sigo—206 B.C.

Once the Carthaginian forces had been ousted from Spain, Scipio immediately set his sights across the sea. The sudden and enormous victories on the Iberian Peninsula sent the Roman Senate reeling and scrambling to organize the newly acquired land and resources. While the senate adjusted to Europe’s new layout, Scipio had time to plan. On a warm summer evening, Scipio invited Laelius into the commander’s tent to discuss their next move.

“The city of Carthage,” Scipio reminded his friend, “lies at the northeastern edge of the African coast, just a few days southwest of Sicily. The senate in Carthage controls the city and the military, which in turn exercises their control over the kingdoms of Numidia to the west. By marching west, crossing into Iberia and conquering the Alps, Hannibal infiltrated Rome’s home country. When the First War beat Carthage back from Sicily, Hannibal found another way.”

Scipio heaved a thoughtful sigh. “We have been celebrating our victory against Mago and Hasdrubal Gisgo for weeks now, but all I have been able to think of are my father’s words long ago—the words you reminded me about. Carthage will always find another way. To end this war is to defeat Carthage itself. As long as the city stands, they will find another way to get at Rome.”

A warm breeze rustled the tent and displaced a few of his curls. “Massinissa now marches as an ally to Rome,” Scipio continued. “Should he regain his father’s throne, he will be a powerful asset in a Roman campaign across the sea, but it will not be enough. We will have to surround Carthage completely, drawing all of its neighbors to march with Rome.”

“So, what do you suggest?” Laelius inquired.

“Syphax, the man supporting Massinissa’s usurper, is the most powerful Numidian king. With both him and Massinissa as Rome’s allies, the other, smaller principalities will fall in with them.”

Laelius hummed reservedly, considering Scipio’s plan. He had heard stories of Syphax from some of the Iberian riders who had fought alongside Massinissa’s cavalry in the Carthaginian army. He was rumored to be clever and cunning, a shrewd negotiator with opulent habits. Syphax was also hungry for power. He had gained most of his military and his kingdom through strategic attacks and political maneuvering with little remorse for those who stood in his way. His domain had grown so large that it had two capitals, though Syphax was primarily stationed in his palace in the western capital of Sigo. He was said to host extravagant feasts, inviting neighboring princes and generals to dine with him in his glorious abode. However, few of his guests left without paying some sort of price: Sometimes it was a payment to Syphax’s treasury or a transference of land or resources; other times it was their life.

One story that had struck Laelius was the disappearance of a young Numidian prince who had visited one of Syphax’s feasts. The prince was the only heir of a friendly neighboring kingdom famous for their iron mines.

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