With the rapid and near-utter collapse of Rome in 214, the balance of power shifted around the Mediterranean is a drastic way. And the winter was spent in so much diplomacy that the price of post horses rose over 200% and most merchantmen willing to sail in the stormy months around the year's end began outfitting their staterooms with gilt charcoal heaters and gold-embroidered, red silk velvet sleeping hammocks (as well as seasickness bags of the finest linen...)
Syracuse sent messengers to Bruttia and Gaul. Gaul sent envoys to Syracuse, Spain, and Carthage. Syracuse sent more messengers to Bruttia. Bruttia sent diplomats back to Syracuse (possibly meeting more Syracusan heralds on their way). Gaul eventually heard from Spain and Carthage (there were delays over the Pyrenees, apparently). Judging from the way the Head Gaul screwed up the dispatch and threw it into the brazier, it would appear that he didn't like what the Spanish had to say. More feverish missive writing took place overnight, and messengers set out from Gaul the next day en route to Syracuse. They received a hearing and brought Syracusan heralds back with them when they came home.
Now it's gotten quiet.
Too quiet...
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