Ben Kane: Clouds of War

‘It is the stepping stone between Africa and Italy, sir. Supremacy there would make our task immeasurably easier. Reinforcements and supplies could be moved from Carthage to Italy with few problems. Our army could be fed with the island’s produce, meaning that we wouldn’t need to change camp so often. The problem is that Rome controls most of Sicily, and the rest belongs to Syracuse, which has been no friend of Carthage for many years. Syracuse’s ruler allied himself to the Republic before the first war between our states.’ Here Hanno faltered a little. He knew that Hiero, the tyrant of Syracuse for more than half a century, had died soon after Cannae, but not the exact details of the deals and counter-deals that had happened since. ‘Since Hiero’s death, I know that his grandson was briefly in power. I’ve heard in recent days that Hippocrates and Epicydes may be ruling the city, and that they favour Carthage. More than that I don’t know, sir.’

‘It’s not surprising that you’re unaware of the very latest news. I’ll explain. Hiero’s grandson Hieronymus was a youth of fifteen when he ascended the throne. I had high hopes for him, because he initially spurned Rome. Before long, though, it became clear he was both rash and impetuous. Having sought alliance first with me, he began communicating directly with the authorities in Carthage.’ Hannibal frowned. ‘Cheeky pup.’

‘You were quick to respond to his overture, sir. I remember the departure for Sicily of Hippocrates and Epicydes. So their efforts have finally borne fruit?’

‘Indeed. The rumour you heard is true. At first, it seemed that they wouldn’t achieve anything, and for more than a year, Syracuse’s ties with Rome remained unsevered despite Hieronymus’ overtures to us. Their chance came some months ago when Hieronymus was murdered by a faction of disaffected nobles; soon after that his successor, an uncle, was assassinated along with much of the royal family. The bloodshed left a power vacuum. Hippocrates and Epicydes lobbied hard for two of the most powerful magistracies in the city — positions that had been left vacant by the wave of killings — and managed to secure them. When I heard that, I hoped that they would take control of Syracuse. But many still regarded them as outsiders, and they couldn’t rally enough support. So, instead, they seized Leontini, a town some two hundred stadia north of Syracuse. Bit of an unwise move, because it attracted the immediate attention of Marcus Claudius Marcellus.’

‘That’s the commander of the Roman forces on the island, sir?’

‘Yes. Within weeks, Hippocrates and Epicydes were driven from their new fiefdom. Humiliation — and then, on the road back to Syracuse, the two of them ran into a strong force of local troops marching to Leontini’s aid. Things looked dire, but instead the pair’s fortunes completely reversed. It’s funny how, for no apparent reason, disasters can turn into triumph,’ Hannibal said, chuckling. ‘Truly the gods can be generous.’

‘I don’t understand, sir,’ said Hanno.

‘The soldiers leading the force were Cretan mercenary archers, who as fortune had it, were well disposed towards Hippocrates and Epicydes. Even that wouldn’t have been enough to take over the entire Syracusan force, however. So, undeterred, the brothers told the rest of the soldiers that Marcellus had massacred the population of Leontini — which was a downright lie. Yet it was believed. They succeeded in persuading the eight thousand men to drive off their Syracusan officers and to accept them as commanders. With this small army at their backs, Hippocrates and Epicydes marched on Syracuse where, against the odds once more, they managed to seize power.’ Hannibal banged his cup on the table. ‘So there you have it! A city of huge importance to Sicily, and therefore the whole war, is in the hands of two men who are no friends to Rome.’

Hanno felt rising confusion. ‘I don’t understand how I can help, sir.’

‘I’ve picked you because you are loyal to me, heart and soul.’

Hanno’s heart swelled at this unexpected recognition. ‘Aye, sir,’ he muttered thickly.

‘That’s more than I can say of Hippocrates and Epicydes. They only ever fought for me in the hope that I could one day help them to become the twin tyrants of Syracuse. They’ll side with Carthage while it suits them, but either one would slit my throat — or yours — if the price was right.’

Hanno saw some of Hannibal’s intent now. ‘I am no spy, sir. I’m a simple soldier. Fighting is what I do. There must be other men you could send in my stead.’

‘Maybe so, but I have need of them here. That’s not to say that I don’t require you also,’ Hannibal added reassuringly, ‘but your second-in-command can fill your place for the moment. You’re an experienced officer, used to leading men and making decisions in a crisis. Hippocrates and Epicydes had the same opportunities as you, but neither ever made a particularly good leader. They have done well to achieve so much, but I worry for their future. You can help them. You’re intelligent and, even better, you are decisive. You showed that today.’

The praise made Hanno’s cheeks flush with renewed pride. ‘Thank you, sir. So you want me to assist them, militarily?’

‘Something like that, yes.’ Hannibal saw his indecision. ‘I won’t order you to go if you don’t want to. I’m asking you because I think you will do well.’ His eye burned with an intensity that held Hanno’s gaze.

Hanno forgot Bostar and Sapho. Forgot Mutt and his men. ‘I’d be honoured to do it, sir.’

A pleased nod. ‘I want you to be my eyes and ears in Syracuse. You will gather intelligence — about everything you can — and send word of it to me when possible. Hippocrates and Epicydes will be told that you’re to act as a military aide to their cause. You’re to win their trust if you can, and to help them carry the fight to Marcellus and his legions with all of your ability. When reinforcements arrive from Carthage — and within twelve months, they will — you are to try and ensure that relations between the two sets of leaders are cordial from the start. When the Romans are beaten on Sicily’ — here a wolfish smile — ‘you are to keep Hippocrates and Epicydes sweet. Once that happens, all Carthaginian forces on the island will need to be transferred to Italy, but I’ll want Hippocrates and Epicydes to provide us with soldiers and supplies as well.’ Hannibal finished and studied him in silence.

Hanno’s heart thudded in his chest. Gods, he thought. This is massively important to our cause. To the war. Far more important than leading a phalanx. ‘I will do my best, sir, or die in the attempt.’

‘Good man!’ Hannibal clapped him on the shoulder. ‘Let us hope that you succeed, and that you also survive to appreciate the fruits of your labours.’ He slipped a heavy ring off the index finger of his right hand and held it out. ‘I will give you letters of introduction of course, but this will act as proof that you are my man.’

Awestruck, Hanno took the gold ring, the top of which was embossed with a lion: one of the symbols used by the Barcid family. He would never be able to show this to Sapho. ‘I …’ he began, ‘… thank you, sir.’

‘May the gods go with you to Sicily. We’ll talk again before you leave.’ Hannibal turned back to the parchment he’d been studying when Hanno entered.

He was being dismissed. Gripping the ring tightly in his right fist, Hanno stood. ‘Thank you, sir.’

Wrapped up in his thoughts, with the ring burning a hole in his hand, Hanno wasn’t watching where he was going. Thump . His head collided with someone. ‘I’m sorry. That was my fault.’ Even as the words left his mouth, he was stunned and delighted to recognise Bomilcar.