The Trading Republic of Kart-Hadast. (AAR)

[Aenos]

In the Council Halls of Kart-Hadast.

The council met to discuss the trade fleets, mining income etc.. When suddenly a scout entered the room.

Shophet Mago: ‘Wha.. What are you doing here scout? This hall is off-limits to commoners during council.’

Scout: ‘Councilors.. I apologize for this interruption but I bring terrible news.. The Romans.. Their fleet was reported blocking the port of Karali! And their army on Sicily is marching to Lilibeo..’

Some councilors gasped, whilst others nearly turned red from anger.

Councilor Hamalcar: ‘I knew those dogs would betray us! We should never have disbanded our fleet!’

Councilor Hasdrubal: ‘*looks shocked, regains control of himself and replies* Th.. the Roman fleet is weak, our remaining fleet can easily overcome them.’

Councilor Hamalcar: ‘But our fleet is still near Ippone! It cann..’

Shophet Mago: ‘Hamalcar! We shouldn’t be accusing others at this time! We must think of a plan to react, militarily if need be to do so!’

Councilor Hamalcar: ‘Pardon me for my mistake, shophet. About a plan..*thinks for a moment* Well, the walls of Lilibeo have been reinforced during the last few years and the garrison there is one of the strongest in our republic. I’m certain we can withstand even a strong assault their for some time, but defending may not be enough to overcome the Romans.. I suggest we build a new fleet in Mastia (the main Iberian colony) and transport part of the army stationed in Arsé to Sicily whilst our fleet at Ippone moves to destroy the Roman navy, that way we might be able to throw the Romans out of the island and regain naval supremacy.’

Councilor Hasdrubal: ‘Councilor Hamalcar, that is a fine plan, but wouldn’t that leave the Iberian colonies, and then especially the rebellious town of Arsé, vulnerable to an attack? Can we afford such a risk?’

Councilor Hamalcar: ‘We are allied with the ‘united’ Iberian tribes and the other remaining ones are hardly a risk to our garrison at Mastia. Of course it will be a risk, but I’d rather risk that then losing wealthy Sicily!’

Shophet Mago: ‘I agree with you on that point, Hamalcar. Let us vote then. *raises his hand and sees that 17 out of the 20 councilors do the same* Then it is decided, I shall instantly send a message to our fleet as well as a message to the towns of Mastia and Arsé.’

And thus the decision was taken. The Iberian army would be send to Sicily to force the Romans out of the island. But shocking it was that the Romans had declared war on us.. And yet, what else can one expect from such traitorous dogs? Soon we would see who were superior on the seas and land.