The next morning dawned clear and cool, a gentle breeze carrying the salty tang of the Endless sea across the city of Mylonas.
As Julius stood on the ramparts overlooking the harbor, he watched the Carthaginian Grand Fleet preparing to depart.
The port bustled with the activity of legionaries and Carthaginian sailors working in tandem, loading the ships to their brim with captured treasures, spoils of war, and bound captives.
Queen Serena had negotiated for the first shipment to be escorted by her fleet, ensuring safe passage across the seas to Novo Carthago the Grandest Romaus Port city.
This bounty was a symbol of their alliance and would fuel Rome's continued expansion of operations into Greecian lands.
Julius watched as Serena, regal as ever, directed her officers with the grace and precision of a seasoned admiral.
Her demeanor held a confidence he respected, a reminder of why he had allied with her.
