Trebon was greatly pleased when he found himself appointed as lieutenant of the company.
Although of noble family his connections were much less influential than those of the majority of his comrades, and he had deemed himself exceptionally fortunate in having been permitted to enter the chosen corps of the Carthaginian cavalry, and had not expected to be made an officer for years to come, since promotion in the Carthaginian army was almost wholly a matter of family influence.
"I am indeed obliged to you, Malchus," he said as he joined his friend after Hannibal had announced his appointment to him.

"The general told me that he had appointed me at your request.

I never even hoped that such good fortune would befall me.

Of course I knew that you would speedily obtain a command, but my people have no influence whatever.
The general says that your company are to act as scouts for the army, so there will be plenty of opportunity to distinguish ourselves.
Unfortunately I don't see much chance of fighting at present.

The Iberian tribesmen had such a lesson last autumn that they are not likely for a long time to give us further trouble." "Do not make yourself uneasy on that score, Trebon," Malchus said, "I can tell you, but let it go no further, that ere long there will be fighting enough to satisfy even the most pugnacious." One evening Malchus had left the club early.