AFRICACNUS - THE CITY ON THE HILL EP.4

The aftermath of the battle at the river Trebia has left the romans in a dreadful state. Sempronius' lack of control has led him to wage battle with Hannibal. The result has been an utter masacre. Publius Cornelius Scipio, his counterpart, has left in a rescue mission to find his son. Little does he know the scene he is about to behold. Back in Rome, Fabius Maximus and Cato begin their machinations towards controlling the Senate and ruining their rival's estate. The news of the defeat in the north reaches them by word of tribune Decimus Varro who is sent by Scipio himself to brief the Senate on the state of affairs. Maximus wastes no time taking advantage of the situation and declaring, through other means, that the Scipios are dead. Luckily for the house of Scipii, they still have friends in the Senate. However, Rome being Rome, rumors spread like wildfire. Hannibal's new found victory shows a side of him not yet seen in full light. For one, he proves to be a ruthless strategist by making good use of his resources to the best of his abilities. However, also showing a side of hesitation. One that he quickly tries to remedy. The vows to his late father, Hamilcar, are his motivator. During the feasts of the Carthaginian victory, the General dispatches Maharbal and his Gauls to hunt down any survivors. Young Scipio, Laelius and Titus are now in trouble. They and a few other men manage to escape death not because of their prowess but because of Hannibal's strict orders to Maharbal, surround the main force and eliminate them. After recovering themselves from the shock battle, they escape, seeking refuge on the other side of the river Trebia, hoping to put as much distance between them and the Carthaginians. Little do they know the Carthaginians have started a search and kill operation. After spending the night at the village that started it all, the boys and their entourage flee the scene. Maharbal, his Numidians and Aesarius are in pursuit. Gneaus Scipio Calvus finds new allies in Iberia. Publius Scipio finds his boys as they attempt to outrun the Carthaginians. A brief skirmish ensues, and they are safely reunited. Back in Rome, they are pronounced dead. Publius Scipio, his son, and the rest of the men reach Rome. The Consul surprises everyone as he interrupts the Senate's session, even his undertaker, Fabius Maximus. Young Scipio, Laelius head home to reunite with Pomponia. The father soon follows. Capitalising on his efforts, Hannibal makes preparations to go south. The Senate summons Sempronius.