The young messenger was running as fast as he could through the streets of Carthage, towards the Imperial Parliament where Hannibal was.
"Emperor! I bring urgent news from general Novius!"
"What news?" said a surprised Hannibal.
"Egypt gave away a large part of their land to Judea and Nubia and swithed allegiance. Emperor, we are now at war with Egypt!"
"Those cowardly bastards! They will suffer for this. Order Pervius and Leptus home from Greece immediatley!" said Hannibal. It was quite apparent he was furios. "Also, send word to general Novius to withdraw to Carthage. He will burn down everything he comes across, from a small field to a large village. Let nothing remain!"
"Yes Emperor." said the messenger and ran away.
"Give word to my generals to meet me at my Palace!" Hannibal signaled his guards to follow him.
A few hours later, in Hannibals palace the generals had all arrived. Exept for Leptus and Novius, ofcourse.
"General Spartacus. You will take the Spanish army south and wipe out the vile barbarians. Leave no one left alive. Then head east towards Carthage." Hannibal pointed on his maps.
"Yes Emperor. Will our allies send help?"
"We do not know yet, we have asked for assistance, but we have not yet had a reply. Either way, the cowardly Egyptians and the poorly trained Judeans will be no match for our brave soldiers." answered Hannibal. "I will lead the Imperial Guards here in Carthage south towards the Egyptian borders. General Lucas, you will accompany me."
"Yes Emperor." replied Lucas "But perhaps we should build fortifications on the Egyptian borders, to slow their armies down while we build ours up"
"Good idea, see to it that it happends. We will ride out tomorrow. Good luck gentlemen"
Orders:
To come later in a PM