10. With Enemies Like These

Nova Carthago

In a tower of the citadel, three men sat at a large table, a map spread before them. A banner stood behind each one. Two were identical: the Lion and Palm. One man had wavy dark hair and a slightly rounded face. He wore the harried look of a commander and the harassed mien of a middle brother. Hasdrubal Barca shook his head.

"Why are we wasting our time? Our resources are more than sufficient. It is time we moved on this most recent Scipio."

His brother Mago cracked his knuckles, drummed his fingers on the table and nodded. "With you, Big Bro. When do we start?"

The third man leaned forward. His banner was a Leopard crushing a bone in its jaws. He man was older; flecks of gray marked his dark hair. His angular face spoke of great energy. Dark eyes glittered as they went from one brother to the other. Hasdrubal Gisgo suppressed a smile as he spoke.

"Mago," he drawled, "I am always ready to come to your aid. But 'we' should indeed be all inclusive. Does your brother mean all of us, or just the two of us? Your brother's army is closest. Could he not confront Scipio, draw him out as we move on him from the flanks?"

"I am at war with the Carpetani." Hasdrubal answered. "A war which must be finished! The Iberians are alert for any sign of weakness."

"Such as your defeat at the hands of Nero last year." Gisgo smirked. "True, it was the most minor of set-backs, but it allowed the Romans to maintain the fiction that they are challenging our rule. Should not the man left in command of Iberia be the one to take the field against the invader?"

"The Carpetani are in rebellion, but others are restless." Mago shook his head. "You know what would be really useful right now? Another army! You know what would have made that possible? A little help when I needed it!"

"You left plenty of men behind at the Pillars." Hasdrubal reproached his brother. "You took too many infantry and not enough cavalry with you."

Gisgo smiled as the brothers argued. Playing one off against the other was almost too easy. "Two years ago we united and crushed our enemies. Why did we not finish the job then?"

"What was left? Has' here had plenty of men for that. Besides, what were the men going to eat? Iberia isn't Africa: you can't move that kind of food around even when you have it."

"Gisgo is right. We split up far too soon." Hasdrubal looked at Mago. "The Romans had a strong position and an assault would have been too risky for my army alone. Besides, there was rebellion to contend with."

"It's Iberia, there's always rebellion to contend with!" Mago snapped. "They killed Dad, our brother-in-law, and there have been attempts on all of us. And that's not counting the Romans."

Gisgo looked Hasdrubal in the eyes. "The Iberians are barbarians. You cannot trust them. At least Hannibal's invasion of Italy took many of the boldest with him."

"The men he took were more than just the boldest; they were the most loyal to our cause." Mago bristled.

"Nothing is being settled…as usual." Hasdrubal sighed. "I'm going back to the battlefield where a man can find some peace. We'll meet again after I've settled with the Carpetani." The brothers rose and took different exits.

Gisgo stood up out of respect for his commander, but let the pretense fall when he was alone. "Barcids!" he spat. "Leaving children in command when there are men ready to defend Carthaginian interests."

"That is the problem with serving under a republic. Who commands should not be a political decision." Gisgo turned as Elefist emerged from a third door. He bowed slightly to the Carthaginian.

"You did well to prevent any serious discussion of a uniting of forces. The last thing you want is Hasdrubal claiming credit for another victory won by his subordinates. Does anyone remember your role in destroying the armies of the Scipiones?"

"My supporters do, but it is still all 'Barcid, Barcid' with the rest." Gisgo sneered. "You had better be right regarding Scipio's plan."

"He is Roman. They do not plan, they bluster. He will attack here. All you have to do is be ready to march when he does, and trap him against the walls of the city. Then, you can claim the rightful title of Defender of Iberia."

"Just remember what I said. There have no doubt been many spies through here, but there will be at least one more."

"You're as obsessed with Ronicus as they are!" Gisgo furrowed his brow at Elefist. "He's just a boy, that's all. You'll get what you want. I don't need it and he won't be using it once we're done with him."

"One more thing." Elefist produced a sealed letter. "This arrived by ship as you met. I believe it is marked 'for Barcid eyes only.'"

Gisgo did not hesitate to break the seal. It was a modified version of the Barcid crest: the lion had one eye. "We shall have a guest arriving in three days. Too bad he missed Hasdrubal and Mago, they would have dearly liked to have seen him."

SPQR

"A messenger from Hannibal, sir."

"Send him in."

The guard opened the door. Two Iberians entered. The elder one leaned on a cane. Even his iron will could not conceal the grimace from the occasional jolt of pain sent by his partially healed leg. His son loomed over him in concern. Senioris drew himself up and saluted Gisgo.

"Hannibal Barca, Commander of Italy, sends greeting."

"And greetings are returned to his envoys." Gisgo replied smoothly. "How can we assist you? Would your son care to enjoy our hospitality while we discuss business?"

Senioris looked at Junuris. "I don't see why not? We have a lot to discuss. Go and have some fun, son."

"Thank you, Father." Junuris bowed. "It has been so long since I've seen one of our cities!"

"I've had a room prepared for you in the citadel. All your things are there already. Now go and enjoy yourself while Senioris and I talk."

Gisgo smiled as Junuris left. "A fine young man. The sort who will turn this province into the crown jewel of Carthage. It is good to have you home. What brings you here, old friend?"

"Recklessness and need." A chair was offered, and Senioris sat gratefully. "A minor skirmish led to a not-so-minor wound. Hannibal felt the only way for me to heal was to remove me from active duty. When I found too much to do in camp, he decided to use me in another capacity.

"I am here to go into the countryside to recruit cavalry. It is the key to our supremacy and we can never have enough. This war has gone on for nine years. We are losing both horses and men to simple aging now. The Italians were never as forthcoming as they should have been, and now the Romans are pressing them harder than ever. We need good Iberian and African men and horses. If we had them, the war would be over!"

"And we shall assist you in your recruiting efforts." Gisgo replied easily. "If we had stayed here, let Rome come to us, and then smashed army after army hopelessly far from their home, Rome might well have sued for peace by now. Hannibal gambled all on his abilities. The invasion of Italy has driven Rome to desperation. A more reasoned strategy could have prevented this."

"Assistance when we had Rome reeling would have ended this altogether!" Senioris's eyes flashed. "Armies have gone to Iberia, Corsica, but scarcely any help has come to the one general who can end this war."

"An unfortunate oversight which you and I will help rectify." Gisgo laid a hand on Seniroris's shoulder. "How long do you plan to stay with us?"

"A day or so at most. I find myself growing fatigued. The wound has not responded to treatment as it would have when I was younger."

"I have a room prepared you for also. I thought that since you and I would be spending so much time together on this, Junuris would appreciate a quiet place of his own."

"Most considerate, Gisgo. Now, let us review the situation…"

Off the Iberian Coast

Kim held onto her hammock as it tossed with the waves. She had definitely felt better. The cabin was damp and crowded. Even her days as an acolyte had not prepared her for this.

Some conversation might help distract her from her stomach. She looked over at Ronicus. The sailors had made all sorts of ribald comments when the two had booked passage in the same cabin. Her glare had shut them up quickly. May as well have had separate quarters with all the attention he has paid me lately.

Ronicus's eyes were glued to a scroll. A pitch nearly threw him out of his hammock. He still read. Kim was amazed at how little his lips moved.

"Ron, Ron, remember me, your betrothed?"

His eyes looked over. "Oh hey, KP. Didn't know you were awake."

"You wouldn't know if I were dead! Have you even set that scroll down since we came aboard?"

"At every meal! And during our strolls on deck." Ronicus's smile did little to cheer Kim. The strolls were as short as the deck. She wanted his attention, and felt shallow and needy for that, which made her all the angrier.

"What's so important? We have all the instructions from Wadeamedes. We've memorized where our agents will hide our gear outside the city for the trip back. What do you have there?"

"The Enkidu Sagas! Wadeamedes loaned me his copy. They're badicus! This Rongamesh is one tough, evil dude! He's famous…I have to know the character I'm playing."

"If he's so famous then how come we'd never heard of him before this?"

"Rome's so provincial, KP. Too bad we only have the three books. I wonder what happened with Rongamesh?"

"The Akkadians burned Uruk before the writer could finish the saga."

Ronicus scowled. "That's just not right! The fall of civilizations puts a real crimp on great literature."

He set the scroll down and swung out of his hammock. Despite the roll, he came over easily to Kim. She smiled as he placed his hands on her arms and leaned closer.

"Why don't we act a little more like the scoundrels those sailors think we are?"

Her giggle made a sailor passing outside the door smile.

Nova Carthago

"I wish to thank you for your assistance, Gisgo. The escort should be all I need, and the gifts should make a good impression on the chieftains I shall meet." Senioris looked out the window to the activity of the courtyard. "Where is my son? And his horse? I sent word to him to be ready."

"Your son will be staying with us for a while." Gisgo poured himself a glass of wine, hiding a smile as Senioris turned to face him. "He has been gone for so long. Our Senate has instituted a program of education for the elite of your people. Junuris is surely one of those. He will mingle among the best and brightest of Iberia, and enjoy the best our culture has to offer."

"He is an officer of the Carthaginian army, as am I. I know what your 'education' program is…you will not take my son hostage! Our loyalty to the Barcids cannot be questioned. I was the first to fight alongside Hamilcar! I taught Hannibal to use a sword, Hasdrubal to ride and I practically taught Mago to walk!"

"Yes, your loyalty to the Barcids is admirable, but the Barcids are a family, not Carthage. You are of the old Iberia, a new one is being created. Of Iberians whose loyalty will be more than just ties of blood; but also of culture, language and learning. It may seem cruel, but the end result will bring your people out of barbarism."

Senioris knew that there were swordsmen just outside the door. He would never be able to reach Gisgo. Even if he did, it would only doom himself and his son. Carthaginian executions were barbaric. He had learned much with Hannibal over the years, this included how to handle set-backs. There were duties to perform, troops to raise and perhaps a campaign to plan. He bowed to Gisgo and left.

"Do not worry, old friend. Junuris will like it here."

SPQR

"And so your Father agreed with me that it would be good for you to stay with us while he went about the business of raising the troops. It will make you a much better officer if you study war here for a time."

"But Father needs me! He has not been the same since his wound."

Gisgo smiled sympathetically. "Your concern is admirable, but he has the best field physicians that I could secure. He will be fine. Now, why don't you stroll around the grounds? There are others I will introduce you to later."

Junuris watched the man leave. He had learned long ago that people thought he was dense, just a strong body and a handsome face. Senioris had taught him to use their contempt to his advantage. The fine armor in his room came from the proceeds of many a successful night's gambling. Time would tell him what was going on. All he had to do was watch and wait.

He wandered into a garden. A fountain added sound and movement. Before it set a table loaded with fruits. Servants were close by. So are guards, I bet.

Junuris took a pear and bit into it. "If you must be in a prison, I guess this is not too bad."

"It's still a prison!"

Junuris turned to the voice. A young woman looked at him. She was slim and dark. Her hair was long and black. The eyes were dark, but burned. He found those eyes hypnotic.

"My apologies, I did not know you were here. I am Junuris of the Oretani. My Father is Senioris, a chieftain and one of Hannibal's most trusted officers. And who are you?"

"I am Zeta. My Father is a chieftain of the Carpetani. We are not so friendly to Carthage. Gisgo holds me to keep my Father from joining the rebellion. There are some three hundred other hostages here. I am to be your keeper."

"What does that mean?"

"It is my duty to ensure you do not escape. Should you do so, then I will go to the tree in your place. Gisgo finds this to be the most effective way to prevent escape. He gives each prisoner an interest in keeping another here."

"And if we both escaped?"

"They would choose two others at random and they would take our places. No matter what, freedom leads to someone being executed."

Junuris stepped forward slowly. He towered over the girl but felt like a child before her. It took all his courage to speak. "I will never, ever allow anyone to harm you."

She looked up to deliver a retort. Her eyes looked into his and saw no bravado, no arrogance. The sarcasm was forgotten as she took his hand.

"Let me show you around."

SPQR

"Wonderful! Wonderful!" Gisgo paced along the wall over the main gate. "Look at all of those beautiful conventioneers."

A man stood by the door of a tower. He was strongly built. Gray hair stood out on his temples, the rest was a dark brown. His face held a permanent smirk and made no effort to conceal the quick mind which directed it. A black cuirass of reinforced linen had gray accents. The sword was the Greek leaf blade model.

"Yes, sir. It's all very nice. Those incentives to the site selection committee really paid off."

"Well worth it, Hencharion. This is only the beginning. New Carthage has much to offer, especially to those tired of Alexandria or Antioch year after year. This will become the new convention destination! Think of the money!"

"Do I ever think of anything else?"

"You had best be mindful of security as well." Gisgo looked sternly at him. "Elefist is convinced that Scipio will send Ronicus to spy out our defenses. Perhaps I should let him be in charge of watching for him."

"Sir, while Elefist is no doubt an excellent soldier and advisor, he would be too…eager in his pursuit. His men are also alien. You don't get pushy and arrogant when dealing with this particular crowd of conventioneers. It takes a more polished approach."

Gisgo nodded. "Of course, this is one group we really don't want to get riled up! Just look at the ones coming from the docks. Have you ever seen such reprobates?'

"Here we go." Kim took a step down the gang plank and toward the waiting Carthaginian soldier. Ronicus followed close behind.

"Name please?"

"Beauticia, Princess of the Iceni." She flared her nostrils. At least the Gallic is almost acceptable. Maybe they'll just think it's the dialect.

"Here we are." The man checked off her name. "Just go to the table over there and pick up your materials. Your name, sir."

Ronicus swaggered over to the man. He cleared his throat. "Rongamesh of Uruk, wielder of the sword Blood Drinker, slayer of the Beast of Sumer, Destroyer of Ten Cities…"

"And the Taker of Too Much of My Time. Go get your stuff at the table."

"The man has no respect for greatness." Ronicus fumed as he picked up his scroll. Kim was already looking it over.

"There is certainly a lot to do. Seminars, demonstrations, mixers. We should get a good look at the city. We could even have a little fun. Money is no problem; we have Drachmas, Sesterce, and even Denarii."

"I don't know about those." Ronicus grumbled as they moved away from the table and slipped away from the crowd. "This new coin, I mean."

"Aren't you the one who's always complaining about Roman conservatism?" Kim smiled.

"That's cultural and social. This is fiscal conservatism, a very different matter. I just don't know how long this coin will be around. There are other things to think about besides the war. Once it's over, Nedius's dad wants to expand Bene Kebob into Africa! The last thing we want is another coin on the exchange table to confuse employees."

"Probably not that long if you see some new thing for Sam's saddle. Come on, this city isn't as big as Rome, but it's going to take some time to look everything over. There has to be a weakness somewhere."

"We'll find it." Ronicus was looking around. "Weird name: Carthago means 'New City' and now they have Nova Carthago 'New New City' why not go for 'New and Improved City' or 'New and Even Better City'? Come on, Beauticia, we have plenty of money and five days and four nights to spend it!"

Kim got caught up in Ronicus's enthusiasm. It had been so long since they had had this kind of time together. "It's a simple recon mission, what can go wrong?"

Notes

Loose lips…texts of the time had little in the way of punctuation or even word separation. Most people read aloud. Being able to read without moving your lips was considered the mark of a keen mind.

Denarii…introduced in 211B.C. this coin became the standard silver coin of the Republic and Empire. It would be around for quite a while.