Chapter 13 – Africa (summer 264bc)

Cornelius Scipio had just received some good news form Aulus. A large Carthaginian navy had been spotted north of Sicilia. This was a blessing for if they were there then they were not in a position to threaten the vulnerable Scipii fleet as it sailed towards Africa. Aulus had of course bought the 2nd Legion up to combat readiness in case of an enemy landing on Sicilia. He did however long for some word of his sons.

Julianus Scipio gratefully dismounted his horse. It had taken the best part of a day to unload the 3rd Legion off the ships and get them into some order. The landing site was vulnerable to an attack so he led the 3rd west inland for some time to establish their beachhead. Just over a mile inland they had come across the trail that they had hoped would lead them directly to Thapsus. It wasn’t much, just a well worn track through the land but at least it would help keep them moving in the right direction. A mile down the trail they came across a small town. He decided to make camp here as it was as good a place as any, unsurprisingly the inhabitants offered no resistance. Aulus led the Legions Equites further west to scout out ahead and small detachments also went north and south to ensure their base was secure.

Quintus cursed his brother’s name. Trust Julianus to leave this chaos behind and leave it to him to sort it out. He’d managed to get all the troops off the ships but it had taken some time. He sent the mercenary contingents under the command of Alexander west to link up with the 3rd as being inland they were the more likely to me attacked now. Along with them he sent the main baggage train (this was now manned by the men who had until recently served as ships crew on the transports) The 1st Legion remained behind to break up the transports to ensure they were unusable by the enemy if discovered beached. There was no turning back now as the Scipii Bireme squadrons had sailed east as soon as the last transport beached.

Admiral Tertius was a content man. He’d fulfilled his objective and the invasion force had landed on Africa. He was now well on his way back to Sicilia and a safe port. There was little chance of running into the Carthaginian navy now. His quiet reflection was disturbed by the beating of the drums, general quarters was being sounded. The ship was now preparing for battle, oarsmen took their positions ready if needed for battle maneuvers. “Is it the Carthaginians?” enquired Tertius. The ships captain turned to face his Admiral, “No sir, we can’t identify the pennants. Could be pirates?” Tertius climbed onto sides of the ship to get a better look, “They’re big ships whoever they are and looks like we’re outnumbered too. Send signals to the rest of the fleet, full sails. We’ll outrun them” One hour later it became apparent that not only were they not outrunning them but in fact the enemy were closing the gap. Tertius sighed, “Send the signals, bring in the sails and deploy the oars. PREPARE FOR BATTLE!” By the gods he wished he had more marines on board.

Cornelius had just finished another briefing with Julianus, he hadn’t really been in the mood. There was nothing much going on in Scipii lands, the Carthaginian fleet had moved off and the treasury was looking healthy again. He was pleased to hear that last year the Julii had successfully taken the island of Sardinia and were now encamped in Caralis. That would probably mean the majority of the Carthaginian navy was up around there fighting making the odds on Julianus and Quintus reaching Africa even better. Still he had not yet heard any word.

With the transport ships sufficiently broken up to prevent easy use by the Carthaginians the 1st Legion had caught up with the 3rd and together with the mercenary contingents the army moved west at a measured pace. Alexander the Greek had also managed to find a company of 270 Numidian light horsemen who had been convinced to join the army, for a suitable price of course. They had yet to see any sign of enemy forces and that unnerved them somewhat, surely the Carthaginians kept a sizeable force defending their own lands?

Placida Scipio (the daughter of Quintus) was riding through the Sicilia country side, she loved to ride and had been given her own horse by her grandfather for her birthday last year. She stopped by a small copse of trees to take a rest when it happened. Out of nowhere a group of men appeared, they looked rough and were carrying crude looking clubs. The first man spoke, “that’s her, grab her” Placida heard a twig snap behind her a turned just in time to see one of the crude clubs swing at her face. With a crack the blow struck and she was unconscious.

Julianus and Quintus listened to Aulus give his report. He had infiltrated into Thapsus and had gauged the garrison strength. It was commanded by a man called Bachus. He was an important man in Carthage and had a bodyguard of 210 heavy cavalry. In addition there were 400 Skirmishers and 400 Iberian light swordsmen in the city. That wasn’t too bad at all, certainly no match for the combined strength of two Legions. Aulus was to return to the city whilst he could still get in unnoticed and see what he could do about the gates. Twice before he’d managed to render the enemies fortifications useless and all present had faith that he could make it three for three.

The bad news came the following day. To the south the Roman scouts had encountered Carthaginian Horsemen scouting in force. They had been forced to withdraw but the large clouds of dust they had seen meant only one thing.
Alexander just shrugged at the news, “Well I guess that’s that. I think our little secret is out, still you pay us to fight so no matter” Quintus smiled at his friend, he really did just see it as just another job.

Cornelius was in a rage. Just minutes ago a letter had been delivered to his residence. He was being ordered to pay the sum of 10,000 Denarii to secure the safe release of his beloved grand daughter Placida. “I’ll pay the sum of 20,000 Denarii to any man who brings her back to me unharmed along with the heads of the scum who have here” He screamed at Julianus. Before the hour was up armed men had begun the search for her.