WEST COAST OF ITALIA
610 BCE
After emerging from the turbulent waters of the strait, Tyrrhenus’s fleet slowed to a more leisurely pace. They still had their sites on the coast of Italia, but the strenuous work the oarsmen put in passing between Zancle and Regia had taken its toll, and the leader wanted to reward his crew with some rest.
Tyrrhenus stood upon the raised berth at the bow of his lead boat and surveyed the fleet that followed close behind. Each had battled the waters of the strait and survived the challenge, and the five vessels drew close together to regroup and plan the next part of the voyage.
“You want us to continue to the north,” Lutus said, more of an announcement than a question. Although Tyrrhenus was the leader of the fleet and the captain of this particular ship,
