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.