Free Legio XVII: Battle of Zama by Thomas A. Timmes Page A

short distance back to camp, Manius told Sempronius, “I want the signs up today, and the guards posted tonight.”
    “Yes sir, it will be done,” said Sempronius.  “I might add that I’ve received many complaints about The Helmsmen from my men.  They tell me that the owner waters down their drinks, doesn’t pay off gambling debts, and charges high interest rates when he extends credit.  I found out that he’s of Carthaginian descent from Panormus (modern Palermo).  He says his people have lived here in Sicily for hundreds of years.  He’s not particularly fond of Romans, and is always surrounded by five or six unsavory looking body guards.”
    Later that day, Sempronius marched 16 Legionaries and one Centurion to the taverns.  He nailed the signs to the doors, and posted eight fully armed men at the entrance to each of the three taverns.  Seventeen fresh men replaced them every three hours.
    When the off-duty Legionaries approached the taverns that first night, they were told they are off limits by order of Praetor Tullus.  Even the local civilians took their business elsewhere.  The taverns were empty and business plummeted.
    The next morning, three angry tavern owners arrived at Manius’ office, and demanded to see the Praetor.  Cassius asked Manius how he wanted to handle this.  “First, go get the Provost, and when he arrives, show the owners in,” said Manius.
    The tavern owners were irate.  They demanded the guards be removed or they would write the Senate in Rome and tell Scipio when he arrived.  “Gentlemen, Consul Scipio has authorized me to take all necessary steps to preserve the fighting men of his Legions.  Your establishments are reducing his end strength through the numerous and damaging brawls taking place at your taverns on a daily basis.  Too many highly skilled Legionaries are now combat ineffective because of those fights.  I will give you 10 days to hire men to stop the fights before they start.  At the end of the 10 days, I will remove the guards and you can reopen for business.  If any Legionaries are injured in your establishments after that, I will have your taverns torn down brick by brick.  Is that clear!”
    He then looked at the owner of The Helmsmen.  “I’ve heard several reports that you are cheating the Legionaries and charging them exorbitant interest rates on loans.  If I hear any more such stories, I will have you flogged and sent back to Panormus.”
    The men walked out cursing and threatening retaliation if Manius ever showed up in their taverns.  Manius ignored it, but Cassius did not.  As a body guard, Cassius was always fully equipped for battle: helmet, gladius, pugio, shield and pilum.  Cassius signaled Modius and said, “Modius, grab your equipment and follow me.”
    They followed the tavern owners outside.  Cassius grabbed the one making the threats by the shoulder and spun him around.  His fist sunk deeply into his soft puffy face; the man fell backwards hitting the ground hard.  “Now your face looks like the faces of our Legionaries in the hospital.  Don’t ever threaten my Praetor again!”  He drew his gladius out of its scabbard and snapped it expertly down within inches of the man’s throat.  “Do I make myself clear?”
    The other two men instinctively drew their daggers from their belts and stood facing Cassius menacingly.  Modius assumed an attack position facing the other two men: shield up, gladius protruding alongside the shield with just his helmet and eyes visible above the shield.  The two men had never before faced a Legionary in an attack position and instantly stepped back still holding their daggers.  “So you want to fight,” yelled Cassius as he raised his shield, crouched behind it, and advanced on the two men.  They immediately turned and fled leaving their friend lying on the ground.  “Who are you?” demanded Cassius.
    “I own The Helmsmen,” he said while holding his swelling cheek.
    “You’re