Legio XVII: Battle of Zama (24 page)

Venice, Italy at top of map and Shkoder
at red flag
(Google Maps)

Mintho disliked travel by water.  The trip from Glades to Genoa was the worst he had ever experienced.  If not for the long stops at the Balearic Islands, Sardinia, and Corsica, he felt he would have expired from dehydration and exhaustion.  This trip was not as bad, but he was still sick.  The horses were in a constant state of fright and would not settle down.  On the 13th day, May 4th, the Captain slid the boat into the port at Bar.  Scodra lay 40 miles to the east, but required riding south for 20 miles to get around the mountains before turning north.

Once offloaded, Mintho said, “Let’s find the nearest tavern and rest for a day or two.  I still feel sick.”  Not wanting to draw attention to themselves, they left the port and rode north; away from the main southbound road.  They rode around the town rather than through it.  On the isolated north side, they found a tavern and stopped.  Mintho went straight to bed.

The owner was delighted with the business and showed them every courtesy.  When he asked about female companionship, Bostar immediately said, “No.”  The others looked at him with puzzled faces.

He explained.  “Drinking and women are a bad combination when we have secrets to keep and business deals to make.  By now our presence is probably already known by King Scerdilaidas’ spies.  We all talk too much when we’re drinking and particularly when we have pretty girls to impress.  Hold on to your coins, and don’t let the bags out of your sight.  Let’s eat!”  After dinner, they each retired to their rooms, alone.

The next morning while they were eating breakfast, they heard horsemen approaching the tavern.  They seemed to be in a hurry.  Mintho yelled, “Arm yourselves!”  The 13 men drew their weapons and backed into a corner of the room.  The tavern owner and servants ran for the back door just as the main entrance way burst open.  Twenty men with drawn swords pushed their way inside and faced Mintho and his men.  Then the 20 men parted and a tall, well dressed, but dangerous looking man entered the room.  Mintho assumed he was the Captain of this band.  As Mintho looked at him, he recognized his clothing and weapons as Ardiaei, King Scerdilaidas’ tribe and largest of the Illyrian confederation.

“Carthaginians, the King want to know your business in Scodra,” the man said.

“Mago, the brother of Hannibal, sent us to speak with the King about hiring men to fight for Carthage against Rome,” answered Mintho.  “Carthage is going on the offensive to destroy Rome once and for all.”

The Ardiaei Captain looked at him and his men for a few seconds and said, “Follow us.”

Two days later, the group arrived at King Scerdilaidas’ oppidum.  A stone wall and formidable ditch surrounded the huge circular fort that extended far into the distance.  As they passed through the massive gates, Mintho could see hundreds and hundreds of huts, some built of wood and others of stone, scattered throughout the interior.  Few soldiers manned the walls, but the markets’ stalls, vendors, and busy streets were filled with ordinary people going about their daily lives.  The scene was tranquil and reassuring.

The Ardiaei guards led Mintho and his men to an empty wooden hut and told them they would stay here until they could see the King.  Mintho asked if his men could walk around and see the city.  The Captain shrugged his shoulders and said, “Don’t get lost; it’s a big city” and turned to leave.  At the doorway, he stopped and added, “It can get rough out there; I’ll assign three soldiers to accompany you.  It’s best to stay together for your own protection.  Don’t leave until my men arrive.”

When the man left the room, Mintho sat his 12 men down and said, “Let’s go over what we plan to do.  We’ll go to town to buy our dinner and look around.  That’s it; stay out of the taverns and stay away from the prostitutes.  We’re here as guests and I don’t want to start any trouble.  When we see the King, I’ll do the talking.  I’ll ask him for 20,000 soldiers and offer him $5 per man.  That’s low, but I’ll tell him the war with Rome is draining our Treasury.  He should understand that; he’s been fighting Philip V of Macedon for years.  I hope to learn more about that war as we mingle with the people tonight.  I think he will probably ask for $10 per man, so then I will counter with $6.  If he drops his number to $8, I’ll say $7, but I’ll settle for $8.  Keep your coins on your body and out of sight.  I’ll pay for our food.  No fighting no matter how badly you are provoked.  Keep a cool head, or we may fail our mission.”

Thirty minutes later, three Ardiaei warriors appeared at the hut and the group walked to the market place.  They talked to the people, ate, and generally wandered around the town.  It wasn’t Carthage, but it was better than anything they had seen so far on their trip.

When they arrived back at their hut, the three Ardiaei left them, but took up positions around the hut.  After a few hours, they were relieved by three more men.

Once Mintho’s men settled onto their bunks, he said, “Let me tell you a little about the King.  He’s been the Illyrian Army Commander since 229 BC.  He served first under Queen Teuta and then under the child King.  For most of that time, he’s been fighting Rome or the Macedonians.  He’s been a warrior his entire life.  I learned tonight, that the long war with Philip just ended in an Illyrians victory.  It seems he’s also made peace with Rome, but still bears them a lot of ill will.  Some of the people say he doesn’t look well.  Some even said he may be dying.  Over the years, he’s provided a lot of men and material to Hannibal and, I think, will continue to do so.  We’ll find out tomorrow.  Let’s get some sleep; we’ve got a busy day tomorrow.”

The next day, Mintho’s men and their guards walked to town to get something to eat.  When they returned, the Captain was waiting.  “The King will see you at 10:00 A.M.  My men will escort you.  Follow their orders.”

Two hours later, an armed detachment of 20 warriors arrived to escort Mintho and his men to the King.  Thirty minutes later, they were ushered into a huge ornate hall.  The walls were covered with trophies of war, statues, and colorful paintings.  The King sat waiting at the far end, but rose from his seat as the men approached and greeted them with the utmost courtesy.

Mintho and his men were provided seats and refreshments.  Guards and Advisors stood close to Scerdilaidas, and Mintho noticed immediately that the King did not look well despite his exuberance.  The King asked about their trip, progress of the war with Rome, and Hannibal’s situation.  Mintho answered each question to the King’s satisfaction.  The King then bragged about his victory last month over his old nemesis Philip and that peace was once again upon his land.  He mentioned that his Treasury, like that of Rome’s and Carthage’s, was running low because of the expenditures required by war.

Mintho recognized that last statement presaged hard bargaining ahead.  “Your Majesty, on behalf of Mago, the youngest brother of the great Hannibal, we are pleased to offer the congratulations of the Carthaginian Senate on your recent victory.  Mago is now at Genoa raising an army to defeat Rome and join his brother.  Our mission from Mago is straightforward.  Mago told us to beseech you with all urgency to continue to support Carthage, and help us defeat our common enemy.  Rome must be brought to her knees, and taught not to interfere with the affairs of her neighbors.  Just as Carthage is destined to control the Mediterranean, Illyrian ships will once again dominate the Adriatic.  Our goals and our enemy are the same.  We can advance our mutual cause by continuing our long history of cooperation and support.”

“Mago respectfully requests a total of 20,000 Ardiaei, Albani, and other veteran warriors to join with him to defeat the arrogant Romans.  In exchange, Mago will pay $6 per soldier into your Treasury.”

“Please thank Mago for his generous offer and thank the Carthaginian Senate for their offer of congratulations,” replied the King.  “I understand the demands war places upon State funds and that Carthage and Rome have been at war for 13 years.  Nonetheless, Illyrian troops are without parallel.  They have just defeated a much larger Macedonian army and will deal the Romans a similar fate.  We need $10 per soldier.”

“Your Majesty, Mago understands our common dilemma and offers $7 per man.”

“Make it $8 and tell Mago that I am making this concession because he is the brother of Hannibal, the conqueror of Rome!”

“I will convey your message.  When may I tell Mago that your troops will begin to march north?”

“Five days from today, on May 12th, they will leave Scodra.  I assume you have the funds?”

“Yes your Majesty, we do.”  The King thanked them for the visit and left the room.  Mintho and his men were led to a small side room and began to count out the coins.  Mintho handed the Illyrians 3,200 silver coins worth $160,000 USD.  He kept the remaining 800 coins under wraps.  He planned to give the 10 cavalry escorts 50 coins each and keep 100 each for Bostar, Sirom and himself.

The Illyrian Captain escorted Mintho and his men back to the hut and said to Mintho, “Congratulations.  You did that very well.  What are your plans now?”

“Thank you, Captain.  We would like to remain in Scodra and accompany the troops to Genoa when they begin marching.”

“I will mention your request to the King’s Advisors, and I’m sure that they will approve. If you would like, I will maintain the guard force around your hut while you are here, but I do not believe an escort into town is necessary any more.  I would caution you and your men to be constantly alert.  Every town of this size has thieves and murderers.”

“Thank you Captain.  Yes, please maintain the guard force.”  He then reached into his pouch and handed him four coins and said, “There will be four more for you when we leave.”

*******

Haggith meets Chief Magimarus

Haggith, Tendao, Merbal, and the 10 cavalrymen rode atop a hill and dismounted to allow the horses to graze.  After leaving Chief Sirium and Ptuj, they had passed through endless grasslands dotted with small hills.  Barely visible in the distance was the sprawling oppidum of Magimarus, Chief of the Eravisci and Boii Tribes, and his capital city of Posonium (Bratislava).  The Boii occupied the west banks of the Danube all the way to Vindunia, and the Eravisci the east bank.  The Eravisci were the larger of the two Tribes with numerous settlements extending far to the southeast.  Magimarus also ruled 14 smaller tribes spread out to the north and east of Posonium.  He was known as a warrior, administrator, builder, judge, and conqueror.  Once he subdued the Boii and consolidated his power, he ruled wisely and dealt fairly with the people.

Merbal, the youngest of the three, said, “Let’s spend the night here and ride to Posonium tomorrow morning when we’re fresh.”  It seemed logical to him.

Both Haggith and Tendao turned to look at him.  “Merbal, listen to me,” said Haggith shaking his head.  “A good rule to remember is that if you can see them, they can see you.  We’ve probably already been spotted, and Magimarus’ cavalry is mounting up to ride out here to see who we are.  If we camp here, we may never wake up.  It’s better to keep going and stay in plain sight.  When we are approached by Magimarus’ men, I want all of you to keep your weapons in your scabbards.”  He then looked hard at the cavalry escort.  “Keep calm, and let me do the talking.”

They mounted up and continued riding north towards the oppidum.  Two hours later, they spotted 50 approaching horsemen.  “Here they come; keep calm, reminded Haggith.”  He reined in his horse and called his Boii cavalryman to act as interpreter.  When the group was close enough, he raised his right hand and said, “We come in peace.  We are on a mission from Hannibal, the conqueror of Rome, to talk to Chief Magimarus.”

The Captain of the group reined in his horse and faced Haggith while his men formed a circle around the strangers.  “Where are you coming from?” he asked.

“Ptuj.  We met with Chief Sirium and now would like to talk with Chief Magimarus.”

“Why are you approaching from the east?  Why didn’t you travel the easier route to the west through Graz?”

“Captain, as strangers in your land, we sought to avoid causing undo alarm to the people of the settlements.  We dress differently and speak another language.  Foreigners cause fear and anxiety.  We rode to Lake Balaton and then due north to avoid passing through the settlements.  Our intentions were good.  I apologize if we have violated an Eravisci rule.  It was not intentional and we ask your forgiveness.”

Satisfied, the Captain asked, “And what do you want with the Chief?”

“Carthage and Rome are at war over the Mediterranean and Iberia.  The great Carthaginian, General Hannibal, has defeated multiple Roman armies, but they still fight on.  Hannibal’s brother had arrived in Italy to combine his army with that of Hannibal’s and finally end this long war.  We are here to ask Magimarus for 20,000 troops to help Mago defeat Rome.”

The Eravisci Captain thought about what Haggith had said.  It made sense.  He said something privately to two of his men and they rode off toward the oppidum.  He then looked at Haggith and said, “Follow me.”  The group rode to the oppidum still surrounded by the Eravisci.  They arrived as the sun was setting, and the Captain led them directly to a large vacant hut where they were told to remain for the night.  A squad of Eravisci and Boii warriors took up positions around the hut.