Rise of the Scipii

**The Wandering Scholar** · 03-01-2008, 17:32

W00t so have I, the HoFs are over.

**Horseman** · 03-05-2008, 23:41

Chapter 6 – A defeat! (winter 268bc)

Aulus Ovdius shrunk back into the shadows, it was almost time. A commotion could be heard not far from where he was hidden and all of a sudden a young boy came running down the street, “The Romans, the Romans!!!! From the north” Aulus hearing this slipped away towards the southern gate.

The Carthaginian garrison was out in force within minutes, deployed in various defensive positions around the settlement walls. They weren’t much, a simple wooden palisade. But they were enough to give them the edge if the Romans attempted to assault the city. The garrison commander Theages knew that any attempt to meet the enemy in open battle would not go well for the Carthaginians as the majority of his troops (if you could call them troops) were Town Militia, ok for keeping the peace but not much use in a stand up fight.

Quintus Scipio was sat now waiting for first light as that was the signal for the attack to begin. He couldn’t help admire the plan that he, Alexander and Aulus had cooked up. Under cover of darkness the 1st Legion had approached as close to the city as they dared. Quintus hoped they had gone unseen, if not this could go badly. Still he trusted in Aulus and his skills.

The first rays of light hit the mighty city of Lilybaeum this was the allotted time. Quintus mounted his horse and drew his sword, “Now sons of Mars with me, onto glory onto victory, for Rome and for the Scipii!” As one the Romans charged towards the gate with Quintus and 140 bodyguards taking the lead.

Mago had deployed with the rest of the 400 Carthaginian Skirmishers at the southern gate, the alarm had been raised, the Romans attacked from the north and they had been sent here just in case the Romans tried something sneaky. All of a sudden he heard a terrible roar from outside of the city, he ran to the wall and peered out though the gaps in the wooden logs that made the palisade. The sight he saw filed him with fear, still with the walls and the gate firmly closed there would be time to redeploy the defending garrison. Then it happened as he turned to send one of his men back to worn their commander the left hand gate simply fell to the ground with a crash followed mere seconds later by the right. Mago contained his fear well enough to issue his orders, “You boy, run like the wind, find Commander Theages and tell him, tell him the Romans attack the southern gate and it has been breached, we’ll hold them for as long as we can”

Mago had managed to get his men into a fighting formation scant seconds before the Roman horsemen burst through the open gate house. It was a one sided fight but not one of the brave Carthaginians fled. Quintus reformed his bodyguard quickly, they had gained entry to the city but the streets were no place for cavalry. As the rest of the Legion began filtering though Quintus ordered the Hastati to take the lead backed up closely by the Archers. Studying the map that Aulus had provided allowed the men to find their way even in the low levels of light.

Theages had acted quickly and ordered his men to stem the Roman tide. But it was too late, man for man the Roman troops far outclassed the Militia garrison and slowly but surely they were pushed back until at last a great swirling melee erupted around the town plaza.

Spoiler Alert, click show to read:

Aulus had watched the assault play out in a text book fashion, he allowed himself a small measure of pride for he had been involved in the plans conception and was then pivotal in its execution. He had followed the Legion through the city and now watched the men of the 1st in their orgy of blood letting. For a full twelve hours the Romans ran rampant through the town massacring the Carthaginian men where ever they found them, only the woman and children were safe.

Cornelius Scipio was furious. Two days ago they had spotted a Greek Bireme squadron anchored off the north coast of Sicilia, the squadron looked under strength in ships and the lead bireme flew the personal pennant of Kleomanes of Sparta, further more there were several transport ships anchored with them. He had of course sent orders to his fleet of two Bireme squadrons to intercept and destroy. The Greeks had pulled back as soon as they sighted the Roman fleet and as per their orders the Romans pursued. Two days later, with no word from his own fleet the Greeks had returned and again dropped anchor. Cornelius felt it in his bones, the Scipii fleet had been defeated.

Alexander the Greek walked through the streets of Lilybaeum, they were deserted for the Romans had massacred the population only a week ago. He came at last to the villa that Quintus Scipio had commandeered. The guards of course recognised him and parted to let him past, “Hail Quintus” The second son of Cornelius Scipio looked up and smiled, “Ah Alexander, what news?” The Mercenary Captain took a seat and pulled some parchment from his robes, “Well we didn’t do too badly at all my friend, our own loses amount to less than 300 men including 60 of your heavy horse and ten archers”
Quintus was pleased, “Do we have any estimates on the number of men left in the city? And how much loot did we take?” Checking his parchment again Alexander answered, “Fewer than ten thousand adult males remain, we estimate fully three in four were killed. Many that survived are very old or crippled. I have sent a chest of 2450 Denarii with escort to Messena and a further thousand was shared amongst the men”
Quintus was pleased with this, “I’m sure that’ll keep father happy”

In the city of Capua Marcus Agrippa was raging at his friend, “By the gods Gaius, what do you want me to do with THEM?” Marcus was referring to the 600 unwashed, unshaven and downright smelly Gallic mercenaries that the Senate had sent as ‘reward’ for the Scipii completing their latest mission. Gaius was faintly amused at his friend’s plight, “I don’t know, put them on patrol around the city I guess” Gaius suddenly caught the scent of something unpleasant, “By the gods, what’s that stink?” It was Marcus’s turn to smirk, “Guess”
It was at that point that both men decided maybe some policing in the countryside would be in order.

**The Wandering Scholar** · 03-06-2008, 00:12

I really enjoy this.

**Horseman** · 03-06-2008, 00:54

Originally Posted by The Wandering Scholar

I really enjoy this.

Thanks, its nice to have an audiance

**The Wandering Scholar** · 03-06-2008, 17:35

Ooo nice twist with the ships.

**Horseman** · 03-06-2008, 00:52

Chapter 7 – Diplomacy (summer 267bc)

Cornelius Scipio was sat with his friend Julianus, as usual Julianus was giving a detailed report on the state of the Scipii domains.
“All in all Cornelius the treasury is looking healthy. We have almost 2000 Denarii in the vaults and we’re looking to make another fourteen hundred after expenses this season” This was certainly good news thought Cornelius it was the healthiest the treasury had been for some time. Julianus continues, “Military wise things are looking up, the 3rd Legion has been sent a detachment of 270 Equites and we expect to see the 1st receive their own detachment in a mater of months. And if I may make a suggestion, it might be prudent to pull the 1st back to Syracuse to allow them to rest and reinforce in peace as it’s not unconceivable that the Carthaginians will send an army to retake Lilybaeum”
Cornelius did not need to think to long on this and within minutes a messenger was riding to Quintus and the 1st with his orders. To ensure the City remained under Scipii control Cornelius also sent a messenger to his eldest son Julianus who commanded the 3rd Legion ordering him to march and garrison Lilybaeum.
“Any news from our fleet Julianus?” The elderly man shook his head, “Nothing my friend, it looks as if they were wiped out in the battle”

Julianus Scipio stalked the corridors of his villa in Syracuse, he was seeking his eldest son. Less than an hour ago he had received written orders from his father and he was going to be leaving in the morning with the 3rd Legion. He intended Flavius to accompany him whilst his wife and other children would remain here (Lilybaeum could still be dangerous) As he approached his sons door he heard a strange noise, it almost sounded like an Owl and the noise was coming from Flavius’s room. Confused to why this would be Julianus opened his son’s door. “Father, are you looking for another lesson in Latrunculi?”
Julianus frowned, “Not at this moment, have you got an Owl in here?” A bemused Flavius answered, “An Owl? Why would I have an Owl?”
Julianus had to admit to himself that he had no idea, “Oh don’t worry, I could have sworn I heard an Owl” Flavius could not stop himself from laughing, “Are you sure you’re quite sane father? Did you come to my room looking for an Owl?”
Julianus frowned once more, “No! forget it. I’m here to tell you to pack your bags for tomorrow morning we leave for Lilybaeum” This news exited Flavius, he’d always wanted to march with the Legions and now he would have his chance.

Cornelius Scipio couldn’t believe his luck. Two weeks ago a diplomat from the Greek Alliance had come to Messena and asked for a ceasefire. Well normally Cornelius would have seen the logic in this as at this time his family had little need to be at war with the Greeks and the trade they could bring it would help. But the Greeks had demanded Syracuse in payment for this ‘generous’ offer of peace. Well Cornelius was no fool and he sent the Greek away with a firm no. He did however feel insulted so decided to send an insulting offer of his own back in repayment. Yes he’d agree to peace but only if the Greek Alliance paid him 1000 Denarii in compensation for the brave Romans whom had lost their lives storming Syracuse. Well today The Greek had returned with a chest full of Denarii! Peace it was and he was substantially richer to boot, the Greek fools must be desperate, maybe The Brutii were giving them a hard time.

“Cornelius we have received word from the Senate” Cornelius looked up at his friend Julianus and took the scroll from his hand, “Lets see what our esteemed Senate want today shall we” Minutes later he was red with rage, “Do they know our fleet is missing and presumed annihilated? Now they want me to blockade Carthage!” Julianus smiled, “I doubt they have heard. We’ll just have to build a new fleet, a stronger fleet” Good old Julianus thought Cornelius, he always thinks practically.

Gaius Scipio was tired, he spent much of him time now on the road. He had duties as governor of Campania and also looked to further his political career in Rome, he also liked to spend as much time as he could with his wife (If your wife was as beautiful you’d want the same) He was pleased to note that when in Rome the Senators he met gave him much respect, his families victories on Sicilia gave him much respect from these old men. He was however taken aback by the Plebs, whilst they weren’t downright hostile or rude (to be so would have seen them flogged or thrown in jail) they were not exactly civil and polite either. This shocked him as he always thought the Plebs loved winners, had him family not expanded Rome’s domains with several great victories? He did long to be back in Capua tonight with his wife.

Cornelius arrived in Syracuse with mixed feelings. He was happy that he would have a chance to visit with two of his daughter in laws and of course his grandchildren. He was angry that he had been forced to make this journey. Shortly after Julianus and the 3rd had marched west to Lilybaeum small riots had begun breaking out all over the city, Quintus was still some time away with the 1st Legion so it fell to Julianus and the 2nd to come and return order. It didn’t take long even with the depleted man power available (the 2nd was still only 400 men strong) and peace soon settled back over the city.

Whilst Cornelius was in Syracuse he decided to make the best of it and visited the docks, he instructed them to lay down the Keels on several warships as he was in need of a fleet. Two days later as if Neptune himself had heard his commands two battered squadrons of Biremes entered the port of Syracuse. The Roman fleet though defeated had managed to escape with half of their ships still intact. They would spend the rest of the summer refitting here before taking to the seas again in an effort to blockade Carthage.

**Emperor Mithdrates** · 03-06-2008, 22:36

I love the greeks myself but after reading this story even I cant help feel their my enemy.
And as for carthage, F them. In my views they have always been a bunch of cowards and routers.

Cant wait for the next chapter

**Horseman** · 03-23-2008, 01:07

Spoiler Alert, click show to read:

Chapter 8 – Consolidation (winter 267bc)

Gaius Scipio missed Capua a great deal. Although it was still his home he currently spent most of his time in Rome. This was because several months ago he had gained a position on the Senate floor and now he had his eye firmly on the Senates inner circle, if he could get elected to a position there he felt sure he could help his families position. Part of him still longed to serve in the Legions and he did hope that some day his father would give him command of a Legion, until then he would serve his fathers wishes the best he could.

Cornelius Scipio was back in Messena and whilst he liked Syracuse (and did enjoy visiting with his grandchildren) he was happy to be home. His eldest son Julianus along with the 3rd Legion had arrived in Lilybaeum several weeks ago and had reported that it was still secure, there had been no trouble even with the absence of Roman troops to keep the peace. That news had cheered him no end as it freed up the 3rd for action elsewhere if required. Syracuse was a different matter, Cornelius had not left there until his second son and the 1st Legion had returned to maintain a military presence in the city. Still they were resting and refitting now and would be ready to move again in several months. They were still a long way from full strength but had recently been reinforced with a detachment of 270 Equites increasing their power in battle. Additionally the Spy Aulus had been recalled to Syracuse. He had been tasked with finding the rebel leaders for Quintus to hopefully put down these damned riots once and for all.

Flavius Scipio was sat playing Latrunculi with his father Julianus. He was of course winning though this time it was closer than usual, “Tut tut father, do you really want to make that move?” Julianus frowned, “What’s wrong with this” he stopped himself mid sentence as he spotted what was wrong with that move, “Damn the gods Flavius, who taught you to play this game?” Flavius grinned, “I believe that would be you Father, still at least your have proven to be a great teacher!” That was small consolation thought Julianus, one of these days he would beat his son.

Quintus was in a rage, “Bring this blasted Carthaginian to me, I want him to suffer” Alexander the Greek was far calmer and was thinking of a far better way to deal with this matter, “Better to have him watched my friend, we need to ensure we capture all his co conspirators to truly ensure this matter is dealt with” Aulus the spy agreed, he had been recalled to Syracuse to help Quintus find the ring leaders of these riots, it had taken him three weeks and he hadn’t found the ringleaders but he had found a spy in the employ of Carthage, “Alexander is correct master Quintus. Better for me to watch this barbarian for a little while longer and find who is helping him, then we strike” Quintus knew he was being impatient and that this was indeed the best course of action, “Very well, but don’t fail me Aulus, I want this scum dead” Aulus gave a short bow before retiring and returning to his work. Alexander reassured his friend, “Aulus lacks honor as a true warrior but he IS good at what he does. Don’t worry my friend this treacherous Carthaginian will soon be in our hands”

Tertius now truly believed his was a life cursed by the gods. After suffering a humiliating defeat against the Greek navy he had somehow managed to steer his ‘fleet’ to a safe port. To compound his woes Cornelius Scipio was in Syracuse at the time. Well he had thought that would be it, failure was rarely tolerated, especially considering he outnumbered the enemy fleet. But against the odds Cornelius had accepted his apology and had even given instructions to repair and reinforce both his Bireme squadrons to full strength. Now Tertius looked at his orders. He was to take all available ships across to Africa. Once there he was to initiate a full blockade of the port facilities that serviced Carthage and allow no ship to pass. Considering all that had happened Tertius did not consider it prudent to point out that the Carthaginian navy was considered the strongest in the known world.

**Horseman** · 03-24-2008, 01:08

Chapter 9 – The 1st elections (summer 266bc)

There was much activity in and around the Scipio Villa in Messena. Unexpectedly Aulus had announced that he intended to wed and had asked for permission from his father to do so as soon as possible. Cornelius Scipio was happy for his youngest son, not only was the girl Fulvia pretty (although maybe a touch young for his own tastes) but she was also extremely caring. Only recently Aulus had again fallen sick, Fulvia had stayed with him throughout this time and had helped nurse him back to health. Further more such an occasion was all the excuse that Cornelius needed to summon all his family back to Messena.

Quintus Scipio had left Syracuse only several days ago. The going was slow as he travelled with his family as well as his older brother’s wife and younger children. He had mixed feelings. On one hand he always looked forward to these occasions, he would have a chance to drink into the night with his father and brothers which these days were far too rare an occurrence. On the other hand the plot to capture certain rebellious characters in Syracuse was coming to its conclusion. Still he trusted in Alexander and to a lesser extent his fathers favourite spy Aulus to see it through.

Cornelius was finding it hard to concentrate, by the end of today all his sons would again be with him in Messena. “I’m sorry Cornelius, am I boring you?” Cornelius caught that and looked sheepishly at his old friend and mentor Julianus, “Sorry old friend, I’m just thinking of the wine that will be consumed over the next few days” Julianus grinned, “Well maybe today isn’t the day to be going over these report, there’s nothing we can’t pick up next week” Cornelius was glad, “Shall we start on the wine whilst we wait for the others?”

Several hours later Julianus Scipio along with his eldest son Flavius arrived at the Villa, “Drinking so early in the day father?” Even as Cornelius thought of suitable retort Julianus the elder spoke up, “Well young man, we thought it sporting to start early to at least give you youngsters a chance of lasting longer than us before passing out” The group fell about laughing. Aulus rushed to join them as soon as he heard his older brother had arrived, he had exiting news that he couldn’t wait to tell. The brothers embraced before the news was shared, “Father has placed me in command of the 2nd Legion” Julianus was surprised, Aulus had never really shown any real talent for military command and his sickness would prevent him from much activity during campaign, still he wasn’t about to second guess his father or show anything but support for his younger brother, “Well its about time” he turned to his father, “Campaigning with the army is hardly a job for an old man” Cornelius felt obliged to defend himself, “Well its not that I am incapable, more that I just don’t have the time to get down to the barracks regularly. And it’s good for the men to see their commander once in a while!” Julianus understood the decision, the 2nd Legion was based in Messena and was unlikely to take to the field anytime soon, not with the 1st and 3rd ready for action at any rate. But it gave Aulus something to do and made him feel like he was doing something for the family.

In Syracuse Alexander the Greek couldn’t believe it, “Aulus we had a hundred men surrounding the place so how in Jupiter’s name did the scum get away?” Aulus shrugged, “Looks like he had a bolt hole, it leads to a small opening in the west wall so at least it looks like he is no longer in the city” Small consolation thought Alexander, Quintus would not be happy. His personal desire to see the Carthaginian spy captured had escalated when he read some of the graffiti scrawled over the walls of the city, “Well I’m sending riders out to scour the country side, and someone get that gap in the walls filled in”

Gaius Scipio woke to find someone pounding on his door, it did not help that his head was a little sore. He’d been in Messena for a week now and he figured he’d drunk enough wine to last the rest of his life. Still he was together with his father and brothers so rarely now and it made a pleasant change to the company of old and conservative senators. “Ok, ok, I’m awake, what is it?”
“Message from Rome master Gaius” That was Julianus, his fathers old friend and as close to an uncle as Gaius knew. He forced himself to his feet and once he found his balance he moved to open the door to his chambers, “How long is this master rubbish going to last?” Julianus chuckled, “Well you ARE the Quaestor now. Surely I should show due respect?” Gaius took the parchment and fixed Julianus with the meanest stare he could muster, “Well ok then, I order you to stop this master business” Julianus gave a short bow before he turned to leave, as he rounded the corner Gaius heard him break into laughter. Gaius shock his head and muttered to himself. He’d been had, Julianus was just having fun at his expense. He remembered the parchment and opened it up. One hour later he was on a ship bound for Capua. An army of the Greek alliance had landed in southern Italy and whilst he expected the Brutii to be able to deal with it he wasn’t going to take any chances.

Cornelius and Julianus at last caught up on the briefing that had been interrupted earlier in the month. The treasury was not as healthy as it once was and profits were down. This was partially due to increased military wages as the Legions were slowly brought up to strength so it was not a great blow. Gaius had of course bought a full list of the recent Senatorial elections. There weren’t any great shocks. Tiberius Brutus (head of the Brutii family) had advanced his position and was now Aedile, this didn’t please Cornelius but at least his son was now in a position to support the Scipii in the inner circle. The position of Praetor had gone to Marsias of Pythion. The new Consul was Marcus Maxentius. The Censor was Publius Maxentius and the Pontifex Maximus was Lysippos of Same. None of these men were affiliated with any of the three great families so could be relied upon to be at least somewhat impartial.

“One last thing, we have at last received word from Quintus Caecus. He has sent detailed reports of the world he has seen. Most importantly he has sent detailed maps of Macedonian and Thracian lands as well as a promise from both kingdoms to treat traders bearing the mark of the Scipii with due respect”
Cornelius smiled, “That’s good, though I don’t see too many of our sponsored traders going that far a field it could prove useful in the future” Julianus nodded in agreement, “Oh he also reports that the barbarians of Dacia and Scythia are fighting amongst themselves, doesn’t really concern us at this point but it might be an opportunity for the Brutii to exploit?” Cornelius shock his head, “Maybe in several years time. The Brutii have barely secured control of Epirus at the moment so I can’t see them moving that far north for a long time” Julianus wasn’t going to argue the point, “And finally it appears he heard a rumour that Parthia has attacked Seleucid lands” Well if the Seleucid empire was half as big as he had heard that might be a good thing in the years to come thought Cornelius.

Tertius thanked Neptune for the storms that had halted the Carthaginian pursuit of his fleet and thanked him again for sparing his ship from the storms wrath. As ordered he had initiated a blockade of the port of Carthage. For four days all had gone well. On the fifth the Carthaginian navy came to break the blockade. A full half of his ships had been sunk, either in battle or by the storms that followed, the remainder were badly damaged but had managed to remain together and now limped towards friendly waters, he hoped this time they wouldn’t be sent back out without further reinforcing.

**Horseman** · 03-24-2008, 03:29

Chapter 10 – My kingdom for a fleet (winter 266bc)

Cornelius Scipio sat staring at a chest full of 1000 Denarii. The good news was that the Senate had received words from various traders that a blockade had been put in place around the port of Carthage by squadrons flying Scipii flags, the Denarii were reward for achieving this. The bad news was that he still had not yet heard from his fleet. No doubt the Carthaginians had recalled their own fleet to break the blockade. Cornelius hoped that the fool of an Admiral Tertius had the good sense to run as soon as he saw the enemy approaching.

Gaius Scipio was nervous. He had attended many Senate meetings and a few of just the inner order to date but this time was going to be different. This time he was going to try and sway opinion on the floor to issue a new mission to his family, a mission of his fathers choosing. “Well here goes nothing” he spoke to no one in particular before he entered the Senate chambers.

Julianus Scipio sat with his son, Flavius, “Son, you have a great mind and will soon take your place in the family. Are you ready? Do you know all that you need?” Flavius nodded, “Yes father I am ready, I hope to do you proud” Julianus smiled warmly and clasped a hand on his sons shoulder, “You have made me proud from the very moment of your birth” Father and son embraced before parting. Julianus did however have one nagging doubt. He had heard some of the slaves talk, they said that Flavius sat in his room on an evening making owl noises. He could scarcely believe it but he remembered back to the night back in Syracuse. The slaves in question had of course disappeared but still that would not be enough.

Alexander the Greek cautiously entered the room where Quintus Scipio sat reading, “General, reports from the watch have come in” Quintus looked up, “Anything interesting?” Alexander shook his head, “Well we haven’t had any real trouble since we chased that Carthaginian spy out, it’s all peaceful” Quintus took a swig of his drink before replying, “Chased out? You mean since you let him escape?” Alexander sighed, it had been several months and still Quintus was in a mood with him.

Cornelius was pleased for he had received a message from Rome. Gaius had been successful and the Senate ordered the Scipii to attack Africa directly. Better yet, their first target would be the city of Thapsus. This would allow them to gain a stable base of operations on the African continent before they moved onto the real target. Carthage herself would not fall easily and Cornelius had been worried that the Senate would expect the Scipii to take her before they were established in Africa, he was sure this would not have gone well. He called out for his friend, “Julianus, stop skulking around back there” Julianus moved forward and took a seat, “Thapsus?”
“Indeed, how are our Legions looking?”
“Well the 1st and the 3rd both have 1200 Hastati and 270 Equites. The 1st also has 400 Velites. The 2nd Legion is weaker, only 400 Hastati and 270 Equites. We also have 400 Archers, 400 mercenary Peltasts and 400 mercenary Hoplites In our employ” Cornelius scratched his chin, “Even backed up by the mercenaries and the archers I’m not sure any one of our Legions are strong enough to take the fight to Africa”
“No my friend, I fear you are right. I’d recommend sending the 1st and the 3rd together”
“Agreed, Julianus can lead the combined Legions and I’ll keep the 2nd back on Sicilia in case of problems here, send for my sons”

Gaius couldn’t suppress the smile as Tiberius Brutus spoke to the Senate, “Those damned Greeks need to be crushed. Even as I speak they have squadrons blockading the ports of Tarentum and Croton” An elderly Senator whose name Gaius did not know spoke up, “We should send word to the Brutii, they need to bring their fleets home to protect our waters” The colour rose in Tiberius’ cheeks, “The Brutii navy is heavily engaged further east with other elements of the Greeks navy, I propose we send assistance at once. If not the fleet still under the direct command of the Senate then maybe we could order the Julii or the Scipii to send aid?” There was a general murmur of agreement at that last sentence. Gaius knew the Scipii currently had no navy so to speak but he also knew that to admit that could effect his families standing, “My esteemed colleagues, I don’t see how we could ask the Scipii to send their fleets east to support the Brutii. Why only recently we have issued directives for the invasion of Africa to begin. I fear the Scipii navy is currently fully tied up preparing to escort their transports across the sea in the face of the far superior Carthaginian fleet” That speech led to more than one cry of “Hear, hear” but it also led to the suggestion that the Julii should direct their navy east to secure the Italian coast. The debate raged on but at least no one else suggested the Scipii send aid. That would have stung, to have had to aid the Brutii.

Nothing like the promise of action to spur Quintus on thought Alexander. It had only been a day since Quintus had returned from Messena and already the Legion was preparing to move out. And best of all Quintus had appeared to have forgiven him for failing to catch the spy. “Looks like we’ll be gutting Carthaginians again my friend” Quintus had said to Alexander on his return. Well that was good news. There were two things that troubled Alexander though. The first was that they would be linking up with the 3rd Legion and that Quintus would defer to his older brother whilst they were operating together. Alexander was not sure where he’d fit in here. The second thing was that they would be trying to cross the sea against a vastly superior Carthaginian navy. Already sufficient transport ships were being assembled in the port of Lilybaeum but the Scipii currently had no war ships to escort them across. Alexander knew a few new Bireme keels had been laid but he felt it would take more than that to ensure a safe passage.

Tertius was thirsty. The storm had blown them massively off course and the fleet had ended up no where near where he thought they had been. They had spent 3 months hugging the African cost looking for safe berths to effect repairs and also easy targets to raid to resupply. Once he was confidant they then made a dash north towards Sicilia and a safe port. If he had got this right they’d be arriving at Syracuse harbor in one week. If he had it wrong, well best not to think about that with the water supply already running low.