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Snot-nosed, scrawny children wearing little more than rags swarmed in, clamouring for a coin or a crust, while their lank-haired, pregnant mothers gazed at them with eyes deadened by a life of misery. Half-dressed girls posed provocatively in some doorways, their rouged cheeks and lips unable to conceal the fact that they were barely out of childhood. Unshaven, ill-clad men lounged around, rolling sheep tail bones in the dirt for a few worn coins. They stared suspiciously, but none dared hinder the friends' progress. At night it might be a different matter, but already they were under the shadow of the great wall, with its smartly turned out sentries marching to and fro along the battlements. Although common, lawlessness was punished where possible by the authorities, and a shout of distress would bring help clattering down one of the many sets of stairs. It was a shame, thought Ha
The tang of salt grew strong in the air. Gulls keened overheard, and the shouts of sailors could be heard from the ports. Feeling his excitement grow, Ha
The nearest sentries, a quartet of Libyan spearmen, glanced idly at the pair, but seeing nothing of concern, looked away. In peacetime, citizens were allowed on the wall during the hours of daylight. Perfunctorily checking the turquoise sea below their section, the junior officer fell back to gossiping with his men. Ha
Trumpets blared one after another from the naval port, and Suniaton jostled past, outstripping him. 'Quick,' he shouted. 'They might be launching a quinquereme!'
Ha
Ha
Since her defeat, Carthage had done little to reclaim the waves.
Ha
Truly all their hopes lay on the land, with Ha
'A good morning's work,' Suniaton declared.
'Morning?' challenged Ha
Suniaton regarded him solemnly. 'Don't put yourself down. Think of the money we'll make selling this lot. I think our efforts deserve a toast.' He reached into his pack and with a flourish, produced a small amphora.
Amused by his friend's irrepressible character, Ha
'Not the most expensive wine in Father's collection, I recall, but a palatable one nonetheless.' Using his knife, he prised off the wax seal. Raising the amphora to his lips, he gulped a large mouthful. 'Very tasty,' he declared, handing over the clay vessel.
'Philistine. Taste it slowly.' Ha
'Now who's being pompous?' Suniaton kicked a tu
Gri
'Don't finish it,' cried Suniaton.
Despite his protest, the amphora was quickly drained. At once the ravenous pair launched into the bread, nuts and fruit which Suniaton had bought. With their bellies full, and their work done, it was the most natural thing in the world to lie back and close their eyes. Unaccustomed to consuming much alcohol, they were both snoring before long. It was the cold wind on his face which woke Ha