QUOTE:
To Welalurd,
Melek of the Carthago,
and its Supreme Council:

Greetings again from the Roman Republic...

We just received news from Ostia reporting that the loan we negotiated a few days ago has already been delivered to your captains, and it's now traveling southwards to your city. However, messengers from our province at Algier have also brought us disturbing news of an army of Sicilian and Macedonian warriors that, having crossed your province of Al Ali without fight, has laid siege on our provincial capital.

The Roman Senate is concerned about these circumstances and asks you to satisfy our curiosity. Have you granted our enemies permission to cross your lands unharmed? And if so... Why haven't you informed us, taking into account that you wanted not to favor any side in this conflict? If "sanctioning Sicily would be joining the war in our cause", allowing them to cross your lands without previous notification it's almost joining their side.

We look forward to your reply.

May Ba'al Hammon be with you and your people...

Respectfully yours,


Marcus Aurelius
Senator and Censor of the Roman Republic

QUOTE:

To Marcus Aurelius, Senator and Censor of the Roman Republic,
and to the Roman Republic,

As you know, I am still on the sea, news move slowly to me. In our earliest conversations, I told you that our inner land has low amount of inhabitants, yet those who are present are all busy in constructions and farming, for you know our land suffered many difficulties over the recent history.

It seems that they have landed in Africa south-east of Carthage, unspotted, and moved away from our cities.
I assume they had support of some Numidian tribes, showing them the safest and paths hidden from our sight.

I assure you, we will prepare our armies and move to push them out of raiding nearby villages.

~Welalurd,
Melek of Carthage

QUOTE:
To Welalurd,
Melek of the Carthago,
and its Supreme Council:

Both the Roman Senate and myself strongly appreciate your prompt answer. I'm sure you understand our concerns in view of our observers reports.

Unfortunately, our province has finally fallen into the hands of our enemies, so will be necessary that our forces march to North Africa to recover the city. It seems invaders have taken advantage both of the absence of our armies, and the small population of your recent conquests. Gods in their wisdom do not want us to enjoy a brief period of peace after so many years of conflict. I'm sure there must be a reason for this.

We wish you Good Winds and Calm Seas, as your tradition dictates. We hope that prosperity and splendor return soon to Carthaginian nation.

May Ba'al Hammon be with you and your people...

Respectfully yours,


Marcus Aurelius
Senator and Censor of the Roman Republic

QUOTE:

To Marcus Aurelius, Senator and Censor of the Roman Republic,
and to the Roman Republic,

Young Carthaginian armies have dispersed the raid, and retaken the abandoned and burned villages of Algier.
The raiders have marched on far away from our posts, and we have lost their track. Border patrols are on highest alert, trying to spot any activity.
They are instructed to help any survivors of the raid, give them food and take care of them.

In the meantime, I have arrived at Carthago, bringing the coffers of your loan, and started the construction throughout the land.

What are your next moves, Senator?

~Welalurd,
Melek of Carthage

QUOTE:

To Welalurd,
Melek of the Carthago,

I thank you for driving off the dreaded pirates from our colony. Our forces are on the way to restore peace and Roman rule to Algier.

Now once we both know the treaterous ways of the Pirates we have to be on higher alert to avoid such hideous attacks from the outskirts of the desert to be repeated.

Our scouts will inform you if we detect the Pirate threat again in middle seas or nearby desert, we expect the same from your side as trade and peace can not be grown while the infestation lasts in our very backyard.

As for the loan, we are more than happy to help your nation to grow, as unlike some who crave for destruction and plunder, Rome favors good relations with all their neighbors and protects mutual values of the civilized world.

Once we deal with the Pirate pestilence in Sicily and Macedonia, trade will florish in Central Mediteranean and glorious games will be held every month to crown the lasting peace and thriving of the old civilizations of ours ...


Denis Cicic
Princeps Senatus of the Roman Republic