Two men in history brought the Roman Empire to their knees. One was the son of a carpenter. The other was the son of Hamilcar. This is the story of the greatest military strategist that ever lived... Hannibal.
Lion’s Brood Two—Coming January 2011
Just announced! The highly anticipated novel sequel will debut in January 2011. To celebrate, The Lion’s Brood: The Story of Hannibal has been re-released, featuring a special sneak preview of the sequel. Here’s your chance to read one of the greatest stories from the ancient world, or purchase it as a gift for someone who enjoys gripping tales filled with action. Order your copy today at https://www.createspace.com/3505418 for just $12.50. Use the password “hannibal” to receive this special introductory price.
Excerpt
Prologue
Still a nine-year-old child, Hannibal slogged his way across the waist-high river of blood in the pitch black of night. The lion stood among the trees on the other side of the river, tracking his every move. Hannibal almost lost his balance a few times before
succumbing to the slippery surface below and descending into the choppy, crimson waters. As he plummeted toward the murky bottom of the riverbed, he tried to hold his breath and swim upward--but to no avail. He eventually reached an underwater precipice and slipped off its edge. The gushing waters filled his mouth, choking him. Hannibal was drowning. His thoughts began to grow dim, and the dark waters blurred before him. Panicked, Hannibal had at first cried out. But then he felt no pain. His
neck and limbs became lifeless, and he surrendered to his fate.
It was an unknown force that propelled Hannibal's small frame upward, lifting him to the surface. For a moment, he floated upon his back, drifting toward the closest shore. Hannibal could see his surroundings, yet he could not open his eyes. His chest heaved up and down, struggling to recapture precious air. Soon young Hannibal regained his eyesight and once again waded across the turbulent river. Upon reaching the shore, he crawled up a muddy embankment, his hands digging into the earth, and his mouth gasping for air. He took a moment to catch his breath before lifting up his face, which, like his tunic, was heavily soiled with the ruddy mud of the river. There, directly within eyeshot, stood the lion, the nemesis that had haunted Hannibal for so many years.
The great, golden-maned beast waited for the boy on a small hill just above the shoreline. The animal rose from his powerful haunches and struck a pose that was evocative of the magnificent lion sculptures of ancient kingdoms. The glow of the moonlight bounced off the gushing river and into the lion's eyes. His pearly stare followed Hannibal up the incline. The lion grew uneasy and his roar brought Hannibal to a halt below him. A cold mist arose above the bloody river, leaving Hannibal drenched and shivering with fear. But he would not retreat. They must end. Eventually, they must come to an end.
"Why do you haunt me?" screamed Hannibal.
The lion replied with a thunderous roar, whose heavy wind enveloped the tormented child. Hannibal's teeth rattled as his arms dropped to his side. He countered his terror with fatalistic determination. "Why...do you haunt me?"
The lion opened his bone-crushing jaws and growled in discontent. His muscles rippled, but held still, ready to pounce. If the lion attacked, Hannibal wondered if he could make it to safety. Only a few meters separated the lifelong acquaintances, and all strength had abandoned the son of Carthage some time ago. Only time would tell.
Tralee, Ireland. September 1948.
An arrogant, and highly agitated, priest arrives home after 40 years.
Days later he's dead. Suicide? Or did his past catch up with him?
Ireland 1947. Seven weeks of relentless snow. Guard Eamon Foley is searching for a missing child.
At Toby Appleyard’s farm, he discovers the kitchen littered with dead cats. And the skeletal remains of a woman. Upstairs, Toby is dead in his bed.
