The end, of the beginning
Barca looked over the map of Spain, in his tent. There was
now a little drawn Carthaginian banner over all the cities in
Spain. He traced his finger from Gader, to Baikor, then onto
the place where Six battles were fought against the Lusitani.
Then he followed his path of Victory as he fought other
tribes of Spain. The greatest of the tribes, the Lusitani, fell.
Then the Asturians, Cantabrians, the celtiberians, Vettones,
Carpetani and finally Edetani. They all fell to his mighty army.
He was 26 Years old now grizzled in battle, and understood
tactics well enough to lead an army in his sleep. His father
sent him documents and scrolls written both by the Romans
and Hellenes. Over the last 10 years, he had read hundreds
of accounts of battles and tactics which were written in
those endless scrolls.
(Kurush Wuzurg)
He read about the great Kurush Wuzurg, which created the
Persian empire. He read of the mistakes of Darius and Xerxes
when they attacked the Greek city states. He read about
the ferociousness of the Spartans which held the mountain
passes for 3 days. He read of Phillip which reformed the
Makedonian army in order to conquer the city states of the
Hellenes.
He remembered his heart swell when he read of the victories
of Alexander the Great.
(Alexander the Great)
He remembered crying when he read of the great siege of Tyre and how is mother colony held bravely but was sacked.
(Siege of Tyre)
He couldn't eat for days when he found out Alexander the
Greats empire was torn apart after he died because of the
lack of a successor. He greatly admired Alexander and his
style of warfare.
He remembered laughing out loud in the middle of the night
when he read of Brennus's sack of Rome. He fell asleep with
a smile on his face as he thought of the Gallic king throw
his sword onto the scale when the Romans complained that
the weights were inconsistent. His heart burned to rid the
world of the Romans.
He read of the great Estrucian wars in which Rome rose to
dominance. He read about how the romans fought. He
memorized every battle that they fought in. He could actually
lead a roman army in it manipular warfare. First he would set
up the skirmishers and slingers, then the Hastati, following them
Principe, and then Triarii. Behind the Triarii would be light reserves,
or Rorari. Oh yes, he know how they fought. He knew of their deadly
Pila, and their discipline. He would put it to the test.
He took a sip of wine while he over looked the map of the
Mediterranean sea. He looked at various maps of Italy, and
tried to imagine what it actually looked like. He imagined the
Po valley where the the Romans had beat the celts and now
called home. Soon, he would be able to see it.
His thoughts were interrupted by Likinos, his champion ever
since Uxentio left.
"Lord, the army is ready for your announcement." Likinos said stoically.
"Thanks you, Likinos."
Barca stepped out of the tent, and looked over at Kanmi who
had aged little the last 10 years. He was in his 40's now, but
he stood at attention with more pride than any young soldier
in the army.
He looked out at the encampment. Thousands of Warriors, clad
in their armour and armed to the teeth stood at attention, all facing
the tent which Barca had exited.
Their armour was cleaned and fixed for this occasion, as well
as their weapons sharpened and repaired. Many had personalized
their shields to depict the battles they were in. For 10 years
these men followed Barca. They all adored him.
"My brave warriors," Barca began. "For 10 years, we have
campaigned and conquered the tribes of Spain. Many times
I starved along side of you while campaigning. Many days I
marched with you all. I felt all the hardships you have felt. My
feet froze when yours did, my stomach grumbled when yours did.
In battle, I never hid from the enemy. No, I have many scars to
prove this. My sword has been bloodied just as yours has many
times. You are all my brothers."
The army cheered when he paused his speech. Never had Barca
seen his army held together by one spirit like they did today. His
heart ached as he continued to speak, as what he was going to
tell them was hard.
"My brave warriors, you know of my hatred toward the Romans.
You all know that they are nothing but barbaroi who sneak and
connive whenever possible. They do nothing honorably. They
killed my mother, and until recently, held a terrible yoke against
the main cities of Africa. My father, has defeated them and
restored power back to us, but we must strike them back. That
is why, I ask you all to follow me to Italy. I am in need of hardened
men who know war just as well as I do. I need you, to come with
me to sack their cities. The wealth you acquire as we go there
will be yours. I will not ask for a single obol from you."
There was silence now. Barca knew there would be, so he
continued. "But first, each man will return home for one year.
Go home to your wives, children, fathers. Go home and rest,
you deserve it. Let every man know, that if he does not return,
he will not be considered a coward."
After saying this, the entire army burst in cheers and ran toward
Barca. They kissed his feet and hands and lifted him up with their
hands. They passed him along on their hands through the entire
army singing songs of praise towards theri great general. Barca
loved the men for what they did, but in his heart, he was restless
for having to wait another year.
***********************
That night, back in the tent, Barca stood again overlooking the
map. Next to him was Kanmi listening to Barca tell him of his plans.
Likinos, once again entered the tent. He was dressed in traditional
celtic armour dress. He wore his chainmail, and his helmet. In
its sheath, there was his longsword. His shield was strapped
to his back. He wore his sturdy leather boots, which had a strap
for a little dagger to be held in place on his right boot.
Barca turned around to greet his friend when he noticed that
Likinos was dressed to leave. Sorrow came upon his face and
he turned back to the map.
"And where will my great Likinos be going now?"
"Home." Likinos gulped as he spoke.
"Home." Barca repeated "To your wife and child?" Barca spoke again,
still not looking.
"Yes, lord."
There was a moment of silence. Awkwardness
filled the tent for single moment, and Likinos turned to leave.
Barca whirled around asked Likinos "Will I ever see you again, Likinos?"
Likinos looked into Barca's eyes for a moment and replied. "Yes."
With that Likinos turned and left.
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