Legio XVII: Battle of Zama (20 page)

Servilius arrived on May 30th just as the Legions were moving into their camp for the night.  Manius greeted him.  “You are the man of the hour.  Apparently, our complete strategy hinges on what you’ve discovered.  Freshen up, eat, and brief your report at 5:30 P.M., but tell me now, can we stop the mercenaries at the Mincio?”

Servilius said, “Sir, the short answer is yes, but with a few caveats.”

At the daily staff meeting that evening, Servilius stood and faced Manius and the staff officers.  Anxiety was written all over their faces. If the mercenaries could bypass their position at the Mincio, they would have to find a new location, and fast.

“Praetor, staff officers, I have good and bad news.  The only way to get around the eastern side of the lake is to follow the well-worn road north in the direction of Trento.  After a while, there is another road which breaks off to the west, crosses the Sarca River, and leads to the very northern end of the lake, which is occupied by a large settlement of mixed Cenomani and Raeti fishermen.  It is possible to continue down the western side of the lake, but it means climbing atop the cliffs which borders the lake for eight miles.  The top of the cliffs are passable by men and horses. After about eight miles, the path descends back down to the lake at Limone.  From Limone there is a narrow road that runs alongside the lake all the way to the southern end.”

“I did discover an ideal blocking position at the northern end of the lake on top of the cliffs.  It is about 2,000 feet up the hill from the northern most settlement.  On one side of the blocking position are the cliffs and on the other side is a small lake.  The terrain beyond that lake is mostly impassable.  A relatively small force could hold that position unless the enemy uses overwhelming force.  I also found multiple ambush sites along the road south of Limone and north of a settlement called Salo.  The best one I found was near a settlement called Maclino.  The ambush site runs alongside the lake and put me in mind of what happened to our Legions at Lake Trasimene.”

All eyes were on Servilius as he continued, “I mentioned Salo.  Any ambush must occur north of that settlement because at Salo there is a road that goes west, winds around the hills, and eventually comes out on the main east-west road that we are trying to block.  In other words, if the mercenaries can get to Salo, they can bypass us.”

“One additional item of note, on the eastern side of the lake, there is a ridge of tall mountains squeezed in between the lake and the road to Trento.  They are about seven miles wide and run alongside the lake.”

“I propose that we put an observation post in those mountains to watch for troops moving to the northern end of the lake and to monitor traffic coming from Verona.  The outpost could use signal flags to communicate with us.  The morning sun would prevent reading the signals from atop the mountain all the way across the lake until the afternoon.  Initially, the signals would have to be sent to the settlement at Castelletto along the lake’s eastern shore at the bottom of the hill.  They could then relay the message to Gargnano on the western side of the lake.  Gargnano could pass the message to Salo, who could pass it to Solarolo, and then to us.  I am familiar with signaling and will help set it up, if you approve.”

“Excellent report, Servilius.  Thank you for taking on this task. It provides a critical piece of missing information,” said Manius.  “I like the signaling idea.  Go ahead and set it up.”  Turning to the staff, Manius spoke solemnly, “Gentlemen, it now all depends on how many troops the Raeti and Suevi will provide, and we won’t know that until Andreas returns from Innsbruck.  We obviously cannot man two blocking positions.  If time permits, we can prepare the position on top of the hill by the cliffs and hope we get the troops to man it.”

*******

King Timo of the Rhaetian Tribe

Andreas and Elitovius arrived back at the lake on May 24th in the early morning.  They stopped long enough to brief Tomaeus and Decimus on the result of their meeting with Segovesus, picked up extra rations, and exchanged horses.  They left immediately for Trento, 56 miles (91km) to the north.  They arrived on the 26th and were expected.  Cavalrymen had come through Trento a week earlier saying that Andreas and Elitovius had an important message for King Timo.  Since it was late, they were shown to their second floor quarters in the Great Hall and served a private meal in their rooms.  The King’s aide informed them that the King would see them downstairs in the morning.

At 7:00 A. M., the two men were awakened for breakfast, which was served in a comfortable room off the main kitchen.  At 8:00 A.M., they were seated at the large table in the Great Hall waiting for Timo. Seven of his Advisors joined them.  Timo walked out of his personal quarters at the back of the room behind the great fireplace with his two body guards to his immediate rear.  He looked solemn.  “Gentlemen, thank you for coming. I hope your accommodations were satisfactory and the servants fed you well,” he said with raised eyebrows.  Andreas caught a glimpse of Rosa, King Timo’s Roman wife, at the far end of the Hall as she took a seat to listen.

“Yes sir, everything was fine.  Thank you for asking,” said Andreas.

Timo turned to a servant and said, “Pour some tea for our guests.  And now, tell me about this urgent message from Manius.”

Andreas and Elitovius slowly, carefully, and without undue emotions recounted for the King and his Advisors the same thing they had told Segovesus.  “We believe a mixed band of 30,000 mercenaries comprised of Boii, Eravisci, and Taurisci will sweep through the Inn River Valley to Innsbruck and cross the Brenner Pass.  Based on past experience with these tribes, they will take everything of value and leave the land without food or livestock.  Trento lies in their path and will suffer heavily.  Their foragers are known to travel 20 miles all around the column looking for food.  No one is safe from these marauding bands.  Men will be killed and the women taken as prisoners.  Manius suggested that you evacuate your tribe to the west towards the Reschen Pass to protect your people.  Your homes here will probably be burnt, including this magnificent Great Hall, I’m sorry to say.”

“When can we expect them?” asked Timo.  Inside Timo was raging with anger, but he presented a cool exterior.  He knew his Advisors expected him to be rational and make clearheaded decisions.

“Our best estimate is that they should cross the Brenner in late June, but that’s just an estimate based on many variables.  We think you would be safe to move the people by June 5th.”

“Is there anything I can do to prevent this from happening?”

“Yes,” answered Andreas, “but it will be extremely costly in terms of dead and wounded.  Even if you were to join forces with Bethica’s Suevi and defeat them, the cost would be very high.  These mercenaries have fought Roman armies and won.  They are battle wise, fanatical, and, I’m afraid, would be difficult to beat.  It’s a trade-off.  What do you value more, the lives of your men or a few wooden structures?  They will not stay and occupy your land; they are enroute to join Mago.  Trento is merely a food source.  I would recommend evacuation.  If you fight them and lose, the door is then wide open for the Insubres to attack your western territory and actually take land.  As I said, these mercenaries will not take your land.”

“The second part of this is that if they get through our defenses at Lake Benacus and join Mago, they will face seven Roman Legions. Our army is poised to engage them and prevent them from going south and linking up with Hannibal.  If the Legions defeat them, these same mercenaries, the survivors, will one day retrace their path and once again pass through Trento.  If you want to ensure they are stopped at Lake Benacus, Manius is requesting 10,000 of your men to help man our defenses.  He specifically mentioned that Lugano is an extremely capable commander and would be most welcome.”

“I understand what you are saying, and it makes sense, but what will prevent the mercenaries from simply turning around at Benacus and coming back to Trento and the Brenner?”

“Two things.  We will not simply man a passive defensive position.  If we have enough forces, Manius will take the offensive to destroy them.  Additionally, we hope that Bethica will contribute sufficient men to come in behind the mercenaries after they pass through Innsbruck.  Then we can trap them in between our armies and eliminate this threat to you and to us.”

The King said, “Andreas, you make a most persuasive argument.  I will discuss your proposal with my Advisors and give you our decision at dinner tonight.  You will be staying?”

“We would be honored.”  Andreas and Elitovius got up from the table, and the King and his Advisors retired to the King’s sitting room.  Andreas watched as Rosa joined them.  The two men were weary from their long ride and went to their rooms to rest.

At 6:00 P.M., a servant knocked on their doors and requested they come downstairs for refreshments prior to dinner.  Both men had taken a nap, and were eager to hear what the king had decided.  They were joined by several men and ladies who socialized with the two visitors while waiting for the King to arrive.  The aroma from the kitchen spoke of a scrumptious dinner awaiting them.  A short while later, Timo and Rosa entered the room and all eyes were upon them.  Both were resplendent in their royal finery for the occasion, and Rosa was by far the most attractive woman in the room.  Elitovius turned to Andreas and cautioned, “Don’t talk business until the ladies are dismissed.”

The meal did not disappoint, nor the conversation which was stimulating and filled the room with laughter. Andreas hated to see it end when Timo asked the ladies to leave so that the men could talk business.  Elitovius whispered, “The moment of truth is upon us.”

Timo took a drink of his wine before speaking and said, “Gentlemen, we have decided to provide you with 10,000 warriors led by Lugano.  They will leave Trento in three days and go to the southern part of the lake as you requested.  They should arrive by June 3rd.  I will lead my people and the rest of the army westward as suggested by Manius.  We will begin our preparation now and plan to leave Trento and the surrounding area by June 5th.  Following your audience with Queen Bethica, I would appreciate knowing what the Suevi plan to do.”

“Thank you, King Timo,” nodded Andreas. “Manius will be pleased.  With your permission, we will leave tomorrow and ride to Innsbruck.  On the way back, we will stop here and inform you of her decision.”

The King rose from the table, thanked his guests for coming, and retired to his study.  Andreas and Elitovius climbed the steps to their rooms.  On the way up, Elitovius said, “Congratulations Tribune, that’s two for two, and I want to tell you that you’re an excellent speaker and very persuasive.  I’ll be curious to see how you fare with Bethica.  She’s quite intelligent and analytical, and not easily flattered.  She’s all business.”

The next morning, the 28th, the two men and their escort prepared for the five day trip to Innsbruck.  Servants filled their saddlebags with food and drink. Before they left Trento, Rosa asked to speak with Andreas.  He was led to her private chamber.  One of the King’s Advisors stood behind her while her three servant girls busied themselves and appeared to be preoccupied.  Rosa was nursing her youngest while the other child played on the floor.

“Queen Rosa, it’s a pleasure to see you again.  Thank you for inviting me.  I hope you and the children are doing well.”  Andreas felt intimidated by her beauty.  She was now 22 years old and in the bloom of her youth.  He found it difficult to make eye contact.

She smiled; she knew her power over men and could see his discomfort.  “Thank you Tribune. We are all well.  I understand that a band of mercenaries will be passing through our land sometime in late June.  Is that true?”  She had heard bits and pieces of Andreas’ report to her husband and wanted to know more.  She also enjoyed speaking her native tongue, as she feared forgetting it through lack of use.”

“Yes, that is correct.”

“And what is the Roman Army doing to help us?”

“Actually, Queen Rosa, there are two mercenary armies that we are trying to block from joining Hannibal’s brother, a man named Mago.  He is in Genoa waiting for these mercenaries before he attacks south.  His brother is pinned in Bruttium by multiple Legions, so he’s not going anywhere.  There are now seven Legions in central Italy prepared to stop Mago.  Manius’ job is to prevent the mercenaries, one group who are coming down the Brenner and another coming from Venetiae, from joining Mago.  Your husband generously promised to provide Manius with 10,000 Raeti warriors to help us.”

“Will that be enough?” she questioned.

“I’ve already talked to the Cenomani who have promised additional troops, and when I depart Trento, I am going to visit Bethica to see if she can contribute even more men.”

“I guess you haven’t heard, but the Suevi Council has awarded Bethica the title of Queen.  She is now Queen Bethica.”

“I hadn’t heard that.  Thank you.  That is one less mistake I’ll make at Innsbruck.”