To Kill a Consul by Kidd Robert M

Author:Kidd, Robert M.
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2023-10-20T00:00:00+00:00

FIFTEEN

By now the tribune commanding the Roman squadron had almost certainly recognised the Carthaginian standard emblazoned on their supparum as that of the enemy. Merchantman or not, they were now fair game, and judging from the enemy’s course changes, it was obvious they were closing in for the kill.

At the prow a scramble was going on to take down the supparum. Sphax knew it was far too late for that. ‘Leave it!’ he yelled. ‘Leave it alone!’ They would fight in their true colours or flee, and he would see them in Hades before he sanctioned the latter.

The look of sheer horror on Sabinus’ face told him the boy had already guessed what terrors lay in their path. Placing a steadying arm around the lad’s trembling shoulders, Sphax willed himself to speak calmly.

‘Courage, Sabinus! Hold your nerve. All those ham-handed arsewits have are their oars. We have the wind! The advantage is with us, not them.’

Months ago he’d faced a similar desperate situation in the narrow confines of the harbour at Brundisium. Hopeless as it had first appeared, the Illyrian crew had managed to fight their way out. At the very least he knew what they must do.

‘Listen to me carefully, Captain—’

‘But I’m not a proper—’

‘You are our Captain, Sabinus, and your crew have every faith in you. Trust me. Believe in yourself. All you have to do is steer directly for that trireme in the middle. Don’t let its bowsprit out of your sight.’ Sphax risked a glance forward. Three hundred paces he guessed, and closing.

‘Do you see the trireme to the left of it, on our larboard?’ The lad nodded. ‘Though the vessels are abreast, can you see there’s still clear water between them?’ Although ashen grey and rigid with fear, the boy still managed to nod.

‘That’s the clear water I want you to steer into. But only when you’re almost on top of that trireme. You must hold your nerve until the last possible moment. Leave it until you think you’re about to collide before you wrench the tiller bar and steer into that clear water between them. Turning south-east will give us all the wind.’ Again, Sphax frantically checked the distance between themselves and their foe. Two hundred paces. This was not the time for speeches. He had to make this quick.

‘Don’t avoid their oars. Smash them! This sturdy old corbita will make kindling of them.’ Sphax forced a grin. ‘Have you got all that?’ Despite his fear, that look of fierce concentration had returned to the lad’s face. ‘Do this for Captain Tarbo, Sabinus.’

Turning to the boys on deck he saw they too were frozen with fear, staring up at him. ‘Sabinus will abruptly change course to the south-east. You must prepare and be ready for this. We’ll need all the power of this north-westerly. Our mainsail must not spill a breath of wind! Have you got that?’ Only Naso nodded. ‘If we all do our duty we’ll get through this.’ If only he could be certain .

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