Marcellus Durrell's
Suitable Cruelties
a novel of Hannibal's war on Rome
Young Marcus must survive: kidnapped by brigands, he is sold to the hated Poeni as a plantation slave. When he learns what they do to Romans, he uses his knack for languages to convince everyone he is a Gaul. Unsuited to heavy labour, he endures brutality for years before he proves that his translation skills are more valuable to his captors than his labouring abilities. He eventually finds his way onto the staff of Hannibal Barca--who just so happens to be on his way to Rome. He initially questions Hannibal's sanity--only a lunatic would try to bring dozens of war elephants to Rome--but eventually realizes the general is a genius and the greatest enemy Rome will ever face. Marcus then decides that he must do what he can to sabotage the venture or there may not be a Rome for him to return to.