"Sardinia, direct. A letter from the King, sent by Verus, urging me to a speedy return and warning me not to enter the harbor of Carthage, did not reach me. But a second, despatched by my brother himself, brought the whole tale of disaster. I landed at the point named, and marched to Bulla to meet the Moorish mercenaries and lead them here. I reached Bulla and found--" He stamped his foot.
"Well, what?"
"The empty camp."
"Had the Moors started to come here?"
"They have scattered, the whole twelve thousand, into the desert."
"For God's sake--"
"The traitors!"
"Not traitors. They sent the money back to the King. Cabaon, their prophet and chief, warned them, forbade them to take part in this battle. All obeyed. Only a few hundred men from the Pappua Mountains--"
"They are bound by the ties of hospitality to Gelimer, to the whole Asding race."
"--accompanied us, led by Sersaon, their chief."