Malchus entered the guest quarters which had been assigned to the senators from Rome...they had a fine view from the Byrsa hill looking southward to the temple complex west of the harbor...from the children's cemetery to the temples of Melquart, Baal and Tanit, and further toward the city's craftsmen's guilds. He was sure the Romans were impressed, as the city was as big as Rome itself, and situated in a nicer locale.

"Gaius Aemilius and Publius Cornelius, you are summoned to the palace to meet with Gesco and Aderbaal, and they will present you to the Council once they have determined your mission."

Malchus led the Romans out of their quarters, through a series of gardens and courtyards, and at length into an imposing chamber with windows on two sides, and imposing statues of Ba'al and Tanit, the chief deities. Sunlight streamed in, but the room was cool and breezy despite the heat outside.

Gesco and Aderbaal received them graciously; both men were of middle years with dark hair and curled beards--one was shorter and heavier, the other thinner. Several messengers and assistants were occupied in various tasks, while a small group of men were seated to one side, all of them dressed in rich robes and obviously important. Malchus announced the Roman senators, and then backed away, leaving the four some space for their discussion.

The taller suffet addressed them first.

"Greetings to you, I am Gesco, one of the rulers here. My companion is Aderbaal. We serve essentially the same office as your consuls, though the title would more properly be translated as 'judge'....

"So far as I know, we have abided by all terms of our treaty, sworn before Tanit--and we cannot understand what more Rome might wish of us? We shall hear your words, and if necessary, present you to our Council--similar to your Senate."