Thanks for the support guys. All good health wise and I'm back in the swing of things now so.....

Chapter 18 – News from the wilderness (winter 262bc)

Gaius looked out across the city of Syracuse. He had arrived a week ago and it all seemed so unfamiliar. This was his new home and he was doing what he could to make it more comfortable for him and more importantly to his wife.
“Gaius this just will not do,” that was Marcus Agrippa, loyal friend of the Scipii and one of the best drill masters in the entire world. Gaius turned and greeted his aggrieved friend with a smile, “What is it now Marcus?” there was a hint of impatience in his voice.
“It’s the Legion. We have less than 700 men enrolled.”
Gaius was shocked as reports from his brother Aulus had led him to believe that the Legion was at full strength, “Hmm not quite the battle ready Legion we were led to believe was waiting for us.” This was an understatement and Marcus was very clear in who to blame, “You’re lying brother Aulus has left us vulnerable, just make sure you report this to Julianus.” Gaius was not so sure he wanted to land his little brother in trouble but he knew that he’d have to have a word to let Aulus know that he had been caught out and that he’d expect never to have to lie to the others on his behalf again. Placating Marcus would be easy though, “Well I want the Legion bought up to strength as soon as possible. Start drafting men if we don’t get enough signing on. Plus I have requests here from Julianus for reinforcements in Africa. It appears they’re fighting heavily over there. You’re going to be a busy man Marcus, I want these men drilled by the best.”
This thought did indeed give the Drill Master reason to be glad. Getting men ready for war was one of his favourite past times.

Secundus Barbatus had accompanied the 1st Legions scouting force south. The large Carthaginian army that was to the west had pulled back several days before the spy Aulus had arrived to inform them that Julianus and the 3rd had defeated Bisaltes and his army. The damned Carthaginians obviously knew the land well and had slipped away leaving little clue as to their direction. Still they had not counted on the skills of Aulus and such a large force could not move without leaving some trace. It had taken them a while but they had at last determined that the Carthaginians had marched in a south easterly direction, no doubt heading for Lepcis Magna. And at last today they had found them. Secundus turned to Aulus, “Maintain contact and don’t let them slip away again. I’ll head back to camp and tell the General where they are.” Aulus simply nodded before riding off.

Admiral Tertius, commander of the 2nd Scipii fleet was troubled. He had only one squadron of Biremes under his command. With this paltry force he was expected to blockade one of the largest harbours in the known world. And he dreaded to think what would happen if they ran into the Carthaginian navy enroute. Still he had his orders and he was not a man to disobey them. Tonight they would berth in Lilybaeum harbour and take on supplies. Two days from then they would sail for Carthage. What he wouldn’t give to swap places with the 1st fleet. They had the easier task of escorting some troop ships to Africa.

Julianus Scipio was amazed to receive news from Quintus Caecus, the Diplomat whom his father had employed to gather information from deep in barbarian territories. He had included more well drawn maps of the northern lands. It would appear that the barbarian tribes of this land had banded together under the leadership of one particularly charismatic chief and now allowed no foe to cross their boarders. Julianus was pleased to note that Quintus had secured trade rights for the Scipii but worryingly they had also entered into an alliance with the Gallic federation, this could lead to war between Rome and the German peoples. Flavius was puzzled by some of what he read, “Why would we want to trade with these people Father? What could they have that we would possible want?” Julianus smiled. His son was only young and had a lot to learn, “Well first of all it’s not just what we want from them but also what we can sell to them.” Julianus allowed this to sink in for a second before he continued, “And let’s not forget that some of the warmest furs come from that area. We will do well financially to have friendly relations with these people.” Flavius understood these points but has one more question, “But they are so far away. It is unlikely that any of our merchants will want to travel that far. So what good does it do us now?”
Julianus smiled, “Far from our lands they may be. But for how long?” Flavius understood.

Aulus Scipio was packing eagerly. He was fresh from a long discussion with his elder brother Gaius. Aulus had given an excuse for the diminished strength of the Legion but he knew that Gaius did not really believe him. Still Gaius had not said it out loud so it was ok. He would leave soon and visit his uncle Julianus in Messena before leaving Sicilia for Campania. He was a little nervous about this as he was now to be the voice of the family in Rome. And worse still he was to be the voice of his brothers in the Senate halls. He never did like public speaking much.

Quintus Scipio was in a good mood. Months of hanging around trying to locate the enemy had tested his patience to the limits. But today Secundus had returned with their location. Aulus and the Legions Equites were now shadowing them and at first light tomorrow the mighty 1st would be on the move. The one good thing about all this waiting around was that it had allowed reinforcements to arrive bringing their Velite numbers to full strength.