Hannibal: The Patrol (10 page)

Hanno watched with rising dismay as the length of metal was pushed into the brazier’s heart. He had seen a runaway slave who’d been branded in a similar way once before. The puckered F on the man’s forehead had filled him with revulsion. Now he was to endure the same fate. He writhed in his bonds, trying to free his wrists. All he did was to send waves of fresh torment through his arms and shoulders.

The officer seized another hot iron and approached Bogu again.

‘Who are these men, sir?’ ventured the slave.

The officer paused. ‘They’re soldiers who answer to Hannibal. We captured them outside the walls.’

‘Hannibal?’ repeated the slave slowly.

‘That’s right, you idiot!’ The officer raised his iron in threat and the man cowered away.

I’d wager that your heart is singing at the idea, thought Hanno. As mine is. Let the gods bring our army to the gates soon. Give this monster and his henchmen a lingering death. But he knew that his family and his comrades would come too late for Bogu — and for him.

It was time to prepare for death as best he could.

Published by Preface 2013

Copyright © Ben Kane 2013

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Maps by John Gilkes

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ISBN 978 1 84809 235 8