Hannibal: Enemy of Rome

Over the following weeks, it became the siblings’ daily norm to go to the clearing. Pleased by the constant stream of mushrooms, hazelnuts, and the occasional deer brought down by Quintus’ arrows, Atia did not protest. Because Aurelia had given Hanno the credit for their haul, he was allowed to accompany them. To Hanno’s surprise, Aurelia’s skill with the gladius was slowly improving, and Quintus had begun teaching her to use a shield. Not long after that, he brought two genuine swords with him. ‘These are just to give you an idea of what using the real thing feels like,’ he said, as he handed one to Aurelia. ‘I want no funny stuff.’

Hanno eyed the long, waisted blade in Aurelia’s hand with unabashed pleasure. It wasn’t that different to the weapon he’d owned in Carthage.

Quintus saw his interest and frowned. ‘You know how to use one of these?’

Hanno jerked back to the present. ‘Yes,’ he muttered unwillingly.

‘How?’

‘My father used to train me.’ Hanno deliberately made no mention of his brothers.

‘Is he a soldier?’

‘He was,’ lied Hanno. The less Quintus knew, the better.

‘Did he fight in Sicily?’

Hanno nodded reluctantly.

Quintus looked surprised. ‘So did mine. He spent years in the cavalry there. Father says that your people were worthy enemies, who only lacked a decent leader.’

No longer, thought Hanno triumphantly. Hannibal Barca will change all that. With an effort, he shrugged at Quintus. ‘Maybe.’

Quintus’ mouth opened to ask another question.

‘Let’s practise!’ interjected Aurelia.

To Hanno’s relief, the moment passed. Quintus responded to his sister’s demand, and the two began sparring gently with the gladii.

Hanno headed off to check their snares. Shortly afterwards, and some distance from the clearing, he found the trail of a wild boar. He hurried back with the news as fast as his manacles would let him. Because of its rich flavour, boar meat was highly prized. The creatures were secretive too, and hard to find. An opportunity to kill one should not be passed up. Hanno’s news immediately stopped Quintus practising with Aurelia. Sheathing the gladii, he rolled them up in a blanket and stuffed them into his pack. ‘Come on!’ he cried, sweeping up his bow.

Aurelia rushed after him. She was as keen as any to bring a boar back to the house.

Within a hundred paces, Hanno had fallen well behind. ‘I can’t go any faster,’ he explained when the young Romans turned impatiently.

‘We might as well give up now, then,’ said Quintus with a scowl. ‘Or you can just stay here.’ He had the grace to flush.

Despite this, Hanno clenched his fists. I found the damn trail, he thought. Not you.

There was a short, uncomfortable pause.

‘I can help,’ Aurelia announced suddenly. From inside her dress she produced a small bunch of keys. Kneeling by Hanno’s side, she tried several on one of his anklets before it fell apart.

‘What do you think you’re doing?’ demanded Quintus.

Aurelia ignored him. Smiling broadly at Hanno, she opened the other. She couldn’t help thinking how like the statue of a Greek athlete he looked.

Incredulous, Hanno lifted his feet one after another. ‘Baal Hammon’s beard, that feels good.’

Quintus stepped forward. ‘How in Hades did you get those keys?’

Aurelia swelled with pride. ‘You know how Agesandros likes to drink in the evenings. He’s often snoring before Vespera. All I had to do was creep in and take an impression of each in wax, and get the smith to make them for me. I told him that they were for Father’s chests, and gave him a few coins to make sure he told no one.’

Quintus’ eyes widened at his sister’s daring, but he still wasn’t happy. ‘Why did you do it?’

Aurelia wasn’t going to admit the real reason, which was that she had come to abhor Hanno’s fetters. Most slaves didn’t have theirs removed until they’d been around for years and were no longer deemed a flight risk, but a small number were never trusted. Naturally, Agesandros had persuaded Fabricius that Hanno fell into this category. ‘For a day like this,’ she challenged, lifting her chin. ‘So we could hunt properly.’

‘He’ll run away!’ Quintus cried.

‘No, he won’t,’ Aurelia retorted hotly. She turned to Hanno. ‘Will you?’

Caught off guard by the bizarre situation, and stunned by Aurelia’s action, Hanno stuttered to find an answer. ‘N-no, of course not.’

‘There!’ Aurelia gestured in triumph at her brother.

‘You believe that? He’s a slave!’

Aurelia’s eyes blazed. ‘Hanno is trustworthy, Quintus, and you know it!’

Quintus matched her gaze for a moment. ‘Very well.’ He looked at Hanno. ‘Do you give your word not to run away?’

‘I swear it. May Tanit and Baal Hammon, Melqart and Baal Saphon be my witnesses,’ said Hanno in a steady voice.

‘If you’re lying,’ muttered Quintus, ‘I’ll hunt you down myself.’

Hanno stared stolidly back at him. ‘Fine.’

Quintus gave him a curt nod. ‘Lead on, then.’