See them cleaned of blood and salted
to hold rot at length.
They may yet serve purpose.
Agron.
l would share a moment.
l have neither time nor desire.
Perhaps Castus is less taken.
l do not care for the way his eyes fall upon you.
A gaze l grew familiar with
when we were yet slaves to Batiatus.
l fear return to days of old.
There are many who believe Crixus holds higher ground
with the slaughtering of the prisoners.
And where do you stand in such regard?
With you.
And always shall upon field of battle.
Return to the villa.
l would have you guard Laeta and her people in my absence.
ls it wise leaving city walls with so much unsettled within them?
Should you not attempt words and the healing of festering wound?
l'm done with words.
You must learn our tongue.
So you know what curses she rains upon you.
l prefer the bliss of ignorance.
As all men should.
We break for Sicilia and the promise of blood.
lt is ill time for drink.
l but lend support to brother Lugo.
l fear the water.
And the monsters within it.
All has been prepared for your voyage, King Spartacus.
As agreed upon.
With many times its weight to follow.
More than enough for wine
and for soft lips around your cock
to remove lingering thoughts of the Syrian boy.
You do not sail with us?
Heracleo is for more pressing matters.
l paid for your services.
You paid for my ship.
And who shall helm it?
That is what l pay Tryphon for.
Good fortune, King Spartacus.
l shall raise a cup in your honour.
Come, Castus...
Let this night be forever remembered.
Begin!
You wish to fight now?
Where was such lust for blood when you stood against Spartacus?
We are mired in piss
and shit because of you.
Because you turned and fled like frightened children
in the face of our enemy.
lt is cruellest fate that you yet draw breath
while the man who stood ground beside me
was struck from this world for your fucking cowardice!
l would not have our stores fall below reasonable note.
See more grain brought from holdings in Sicilia.
lmperator.
Senator Metellus.
Apologies for lack of proper reception.
l was unaware you'd strayed so far
from the comforts of mother Rome.
l seek neither vain formality nor luxurious appointment.
Only answer to singular question,
why did the Senate grant you an army only for it to stand idle
half day's march from Sinuessà?
The Senate did not grant me an army.
They granted command.
Every horse, every sword, every man your eye lays upon
was purchased with coin from my own vaults.
Shall be set to purpose by the will of Marcus Crassus alone.
And was it your will that sounded retreat against
Spartacus in inaugural confrontation?
You were dispatched to balm grievous wound suffered against him.
Not to inflict further injury with such unfortunate news.
A minor skirmish foolishly engaged.
Those who turned from their duty have been dealt with.
News that also inflames ear.
ls it true you exhume putrid spectre of decimation?
l but give needed lesson in commitment.
When next my soldiers face Spartacus
it shall be the rebel who falls to misfortune.
The people shall greet such event with celebration.
As they greet word of Pompey's victory in Hispania.
He has defeated Sertorius?
And soon shall be once again upon our shores
with his own legions.
lt shall be of a comfort
if Spartacus yet plagues us.
Spartacus shall be far from thought
in advance of the adolescent butcher's return.
Your tongue rattles bold noise.
But here you sit absent thunder of purpose.
What would you have me do?
Hurtle myself against city walls in mad attempt?
l would have you bring this to an end, lmperator.
A thing already set to motion.
Caesar is within Sinuessà,
secreted among the rebels.
Caesar?
You would place our fate
in the hands of that arrogant fucking boy?
Spartacus will not be put to grass by brute force,
as Pompey would surely attempt.
He's a man of keen intellect
and must be dealt with in kind.
You speak as if you admire the man.
He came from humble beginnings,
and now even the Senate trembles before him.
l find no greater cause for admiration.
The Senate does not tremble
except in anger that you fail to act.
l but wait for proper opportunity.
Yet if a small force advanced above Sinuessà
would assuage fears...
How many men?
How many did you travel with?
You would seek to order my men to do what you will not?
l would seek to include you in glorious victory.
lf thought does not appeal, return home
and leave matters of war to the men who wage them.
You give me sword?
You've proven yourself trusted, Lyciscus.
And l would see you well-armed
were another attempt made upon my life.
Gratitude.
l long to see it put to proper use.
As do l.
A desire well-shared.
Soon we shall throw open gate
and split Roman ass with cocks hard of purpose.
What of Spartacus?
Will he return from voyage upon sea to join us?
Spartacus is no longer among us?
l was down at the docks when he departed with Gannicus and the Cilicians.
You did not know of this?
No. l did not.
He protects the fuckin' Romans.
And now treads water with Heracleo absent word?
Heracleo did not sail with them.
He remains in Sinuessà?
With his man Castus.
They are for drink and baser pleasures.
And what ofAgron?
Was he stroking Spartacus' cock when ship set to wave?
l did not see him.
Seek out Heracleo,
and gain knowledge upon subject.
We will have words with Agron.
The fucking chasm widens.
Gratitude for the food.
And the protection you provide my people.
l do only as commanded.
Yet it is still a kindness
much appreciated.
She fucking appreciates us.
You and your people
would have us all for the afterlife.
As we would have you.
But for the mercy of Spartacus.
Give way or see brains upon ground.
Turn from whatever fucking intentions cloud mind.
You will not lay hands upon these people!
We give no fuck towards your Roman pets.
Why has Spartacus left the city?
Where did you hear of this?
Give fucking answer.
Seek it from the man himself upon his return.
l thought more of Spartacus than a coward
of secrets and schemes.
As you schemed to slaughter these Romans against his command?
They are the enemy.
No different to the ones we suffered beneath as slaves.
Or the ones who took your brother's life.
There stood a time when you followed your heart
in matters of blood.
What does it tell you?
That we are different men now.
Not all of us.
Let Spartacus know l will have words when he returns.
l have borne witness to many of your mad plans.
Never did l believe they would lead us across the seas.
Last l found myself upon them, l was in chains.
Bound for Roman soil.
My wife taken from me.
A thing they shall eternally regret.
Of that l have no doubt.
Yet of current intentions, my mind is of less certainty.
Crixus runs wild within the city,
Crassus threatens growing storm without.
Time ill-considered for assault on wheat in Sicilia.
Heracleo tells of shipments large in the gathering
intended for Marcus Crassus.
l would sever a blow to the man himself, not his purse.
The food is meant to feed his army.
Seizing it will aid in weakening them
and force Crassus to fall to desired path.
Point well made.
One perhaps you would have divined absent my words
were head not forever steeped in wine.
A man must do what he can to brace
against the shit of a simple day.
l hold you towards loftier esteem
as would most loyal to our cause if l were to fall.
You know my thoughts towards the subject.
l am no leader.
You proved yourself more of one than Crixus
when streets flowed with unfortunate blood.
Had Naevia not put me to ground,
l may have spilt the same.
No.
You would not.
They come to land.
And blood of fucking Romans.
Perhaps one day you will find reason closer to heart
to assume deserved mantle.
And perhaps l will fall this very night.
And leave you to weep with the other women.
Keep formation!
You wish to leave us?
Sanus will send you on your way!
Crassus well provides us.
No escape.
All dead.
Let us see what more he has to offer this night.
l look into his eyes and no longer gaze upon the boy l knew.
l have witnessed cold distance in his stare.
You should break words and draw him near where he belongs.
Nothing do l crave more.
Yet he must find his own path
or be forever lost.
Of course.
l speak my heart absent thought.
lt weighs heavy seeing one so loved cast adrift.
l can offer him no light upon welcoming shore.
Yet you may appear as bright as the North Star,
constant in its guidance.
l would do anything to ease the suffering
of both son and noble father.
When you are within my arms,
the world falls from concern.
You will forever find me there.
Until the gods tumble from the heavens.
At last the fucking dice return from favour.
l shall see balance of what you have stolen returned.
l shall see balance of wine drained from cock.
The night is young and so are the whores.
Linger, see both properly aged.
Another game, then.
l came about winnings easily,
l would part with them hard.
Would that all profited so in dealings with Spartacus.
l fear blood soon to replace desired coin
when news meets of the Rebel King's madness in Sicilia.
lt is a thing to trouble thoughts.
And Spartacus commanding your ship,
forcing you to shore as he sails towards uncertain fortune.
A decision made of own fucking mind,
absent cracks threatening foundation.
To set upon holdings of the richest man
in all the Republic
is invitation for calamity and collapse.
Spartacus moves against Crassus on Sicilia?
l would clear head and cock,
before more piss flows from errant tongue.
Move, my darling.
Come on.
l think Crixus would be eager to learn of this.
Pause.
Let us see what more can be drawn from Cilician waters.
l was of similar mind.
You must eat.
The man resents we yet draw breath.
You do not stand object of his displeasure.
Agron. Pause a moment.
Spartacus is due upon docks. l would greet his return.
And l would have much needed words.
l yet have none to break.
ls it a common trait among men east of the Rhine
to run from a fight?
No.
Yet l have learned it one of a Syrian to shit lies from mouth
and deem them sweetest nectar.
l have not broken trust with you.
You were with Castus.
After l commanded you remain absent his company.
Commanded?
The collar that once bound my neck is but distant memory.
Do not think l will slip it round again for you.
Do not raise fucking hackle.
lf l had been discovered with the Cilician after promises made to you,
you would be of equal passion.
l came upon Castus in the street
while Crixus and the others were seized with madness.
We broke for you and Spartacus,
absent time for even words to pass between us.
And l am to believe, of all within the city,
he miraculously appears by your side?
As l would believe you.
ln all things.
Agron, we have a fucking problem.
How many crest hill?
Thirty by count.
Perhaps more concealed by dawn's mist.
Scouts.
Their numbers stand too few for advance.
Soon they shall swell,
their legions crashing down upon us.
Then perhaps we should send message
of the folly of such an attempt.
Gather weapons and prepare to open gate!
Spartacus would not allow foolish attack on Crassus.
Whilst he lays assault on the man in Sicilia?
He moves towards Crassus,
and yet we're to sit here stroking cock?
Let us show Crassus that all the coin in the world
will not stay his blood upon fucking ground!
You do not lead these people.
Perhaps it's time l should.
Crixus!
Why are you assembled with rising intent?
To meet those of Rome, gathered upon hill.
He's given order to throw open gate.
l would see it opened as well.
At last he falls to fucking reason.
Well, you mistake me.
l do not give command to see Crassus' men engaged.
Then what moves purpose?
l would see what remains of our Roman guests released.
Released?
You set them free?
You have lost fucking mind.
As you have lost voice in all decisions of worth.
Attempt to raise gate in advance of my word
and you will find it forever shut behind you.
lt seems another life
when we were embraced by the warmth of your father's villa.
For some, a place of equal chill.
When last did food pass lips?
A thing of no care.
To me nothing stands more so.
Let us fall to the comfort of my tent
and turn from unforgiving ground.
l remain with my men.
As the lmperator would have it.
Your father cares for you more than you know.
His own hand offered through touch of my own.
You come to me upon his order?
He has chosen to make gesture.
Just as you must choose how it is received.
What of your men that set upon us?
They now stand willing to see us live?
They are no longer my men nor stand for reason.
l will see you from the city
and far from their wrath.
Would you have come to such compassion
in advance of unfortunate events?
We've both been deeply wounded by them.
You have suffered but annoying scratch.
Do not seek to place it upon level with severed fucking limb.
l seek nothing except the parting of ways.
From you and those who would break from my command.
You forced Crixus and the others from Sinuessà?
They'd remain within cursed walls.
l am for Sicilia with those yet loyal
and points beyond.
The mighty Spartacus.
Turning from noble cause.
But choose another path.
One slick with blood, as any you travel.
One Rome set me upon.
Be thankful l leave its shores.
And pray to your gods l never return.
Move them back.
Move! Stay back!
We shall have your blood upon a day!
You are blessed because Spartacus stands a fool.
Move aside.
You put us all at risk!
l but move to ensure victory!
By setting our enemies to the winds?
You place wrath upon errant hem.
Crassus stands truer enemy.
And you deliver weapon into waiting hands.
Laeta and the others have been among us too long.
What they might have heard or laid eyes...
They have laid eyes upon two brothers divided.
A chasm we must bridge.
One widened by your schemes in Sicilia.
A thing Crassus will believe as well
when Laeta tells him of it.
You release her so that he will know of your plans?
And when he moves to halt them,
we shall see the man and his legions to their end.
Heracleo and his ships will carry half our forces
in waves to Sicilia.
Sanus and a clutch of trusted men to ensure the Cilicians stay true to bargain.
Am l to remain in the city?
With those known to be loyal to you.
At least that is what Crassus will believe.
The Roman bodies we have salted will be clothed to our cause
and placed atop wall to give illusion of presence.
You shall lead your forces through northern gate
and across Melia Ridge,
while we set upon Crassus' grain holdings on the island.
He will have no choice but to break men in order to protect his supplies.
Dividing his legions.
Giving you time to crest the ridge
and drop upon his remaining forces
while they yet believe you within city walls.
l will be too few to defeat him.
Alone, perhaps.
Yet l would not have you so.
We shall slip from Sicilia
after Crassus' men have landed to engage us.
And from the sea we shall join our brothers.
Setting upon Crassus' weakened forces from two sides.
You knew this when we broke words?
l held only Agron to confidence.
Gannicus being brought to knowledge during return from sea.
l could not risk Laeta and the others discovering true intention.
You fucking shits!
You have been disagreeable of late.
Any wonder you and your woman were left from fold?
We must move past it.
Or fall to ruin.
Diotimos told of the ridge being impassable this late in season.
A thing the Romans will believe as well.
You shall prove them in gravest error.
A lesson l long to teach.
See our people quietly upon land.
And make swift return for more.
l shall try not to kill too many Romans short of your presence.
You've had your fill of women and drink?
l'm a man of the sea.
And cannot be long from it.
lf Castus ever awakes from drink,
give word we shall return for him.
Gratitude for all you have done.
None deserved.
l am but for coin and the weight of it in my hand.
You shall have it upon return.
A glorious day for all.
Until such a time.
King Spartacus.
lt is a mad fucking plan.
The sort l most favour.
You deem reports from northern efforts accurate?
l do, lmperator.
Then we but await divinity of the moment.
lf a sign from the gods is all you seek to spur intent,
then lay wanting eyes upon it.
Spartacus releases a clutch of prisoners from Sinuessà.
You will find what this one carries upon tongue of pressing interest.
Well, come. Break silence
and see more discerning mind gauge worth of it.
Spartacus and his men move against Sicilia.
What of the remainder?
They have fractured from the man and yet hold the city.
Now is our chance!
Sinuessà stands but partially defended.
So it would appear.
Must have brought great suffering to witness the fall of your city.
Beyond the telling of it.
And yet you survived.
A most fortunate blessing.
Bestowed only by name ofAedile's wife.
You stand married to Ennius?
-l do not see the point. -Give reply.
When he was yet of this world, yes.
Spartacus knew of this and forced me to lend aid in dealing with the Cilicians.
You gave aid to the man that robbed you of husband's life in order to save your own?
To save as many of my people that yet drew breath.
A thing l would do again, if so needed.
lmperator.
The woman gives vital information.
Why do you continue to stand idle?
As l have said, l but pause for opportunity now presented.
Gratitude for your spirit.
We shall break words again, once l retake your city.
Give command to prepare for march.
You have wine?
Falernian.
A gift from your father.
Come, let us share a cup.
The legions have been called to formation.
l pray it a favoured sign
that the war will soon be over and we may return home.
To be met with glory and laurels
for the lmperator and the men that yet serve beneath him.
To move without cherished son
weighs upon his heart.
l do not speak of myself.
But of those robbed of life by intemperate command.
Know that it was not given lightly.
Nor absent regret.
Would that l had drawn this stone
and had fallen in Sabinus' place.
You do not mean that.
Would the world not still turn absent my presence?
Would the lmperator not still march
towards desire's end
absent dragging weight of constant disappointment?
Your father loves you, Tiberius.
lt appears he loves you more.
A thing far removed from truth.
Everything will be as it should, little master.
Everything will be as it should.
Apologies.
You mistake intent.
No.
You mistake mine.
He took something from me.
And l would have something in return.
Stop this, Tiberius.
You forget your place.
Despite fine appointments and elevated worth,
you are yet a slave.
And shall do as l fucking command.
See all amphoras of pitch from atop wall.
Crixus shall find need of them upon the ridge.
Vertiscus! Correus! With me!
Move along.
Keep moving.
Must make haste.
Move. Move.
Move along!
Ludovicus.
See her safely towards encampment.
All we could lay hands.
No more in city.
l pray we hold enough.
l pray we hold enough wine.
We forge journey towards new beginnings.
l would have one between us as well.
Would you now?
Your friend, the blacksmith.
Though he forced my hand,
l know now
he did not deserve such fate.
Was your hand so forced when you made assault upon me?
Would you not have done the same
to protect one you love?
You are a true warrior now, Naevia.
Lay hand upon me again for whatever reason,
and l will treat you as one.
Keep moving!
Move!
Keep moving!
-Clear streets! -Move out!
You move in wrong direction, brother.
We are for Crixus and Melia Ridge.
l would move towards more promising opportunities.
As would fucking l.
Yet Crixus has come to terms,
and we are but mortal men following in the path of gods.
We follow path to frozen death,
while Spartacus sails towards warm embrace of Sicilia.
He would not have you, so stained with the blood
of those Roman shits he gave protection.
The die has been cast,
and we must see game to bitter end.
l suppose we must.
Come.
Let us join Crixus.
Have you lost your fucking mind, Lyciscus?
lt has always been my own.
That of Gaius Julius Caesar.
You stand Roman?
As you stand for the afterlife.
Wait!
Wait.
Stay your hand
and l will offer aid!
You would turn against your people?
These... These are not my people!
No, l come from lands east of the Rhine,
and l would draw breath to return to them upon a day.
l can see you close to Spartacus.
And together,
we can end the mad fuck.
An offer much appreciated.
Yet l have made other arrangements.
Move to purpose and clear the streets!
Clear the streets!
See what delays Agron and Donar.
l would have leave of this fucking city.
As would l.
Gannicus.
l thought you for the ridge.
l did not wish to leave without words.
Would that l could stop them.
Before you came to the city,
l prayed to the gods that they would deliver me
from the hands of my Dominus.
And in you my prayers were answered.
l have heard this tale before
and found it equally misguided.
l do not ask you believe it to be true.
Only to accept that it is what l hold to heart.
l accept it.
Now, on your way.
May the gods watch over you.
And you, if l cannot.
Here we are, boys.
Reel it in.
Drive on! Secure the ship! Make ready!
Their return stretches hour.
Cilicians are not known to be of such concerns.
Nor of good manners,
nor of proper bath.
Apologies.
The fates conspired towards unfortunate delay.
Where is Sanus?
Gone from this world.
He fell to the Romans?
To their desires.
And to the weight of more coin
than even a king could offer.
Apologies, brother.
l did not wish you such an end.
Over here.
We must see that the city be retaken!
Gather the last of the pitch and see it to Crixus.
Meet upon the docks when you are finished.
Romans!
You fucking traitor!
No, a fucking Roman.
Spartacus!
Open the gate!
Donar, the rope!
Crixus.
Fucking pirates.
You come to aid most fortunate moment.
As you have often done.
Spartacus!
Those are Roman ships.
Fall back to the ridge.
-Move! -Fall back!
Whatever your plan,
it dies with you, Roman.
Now would be time to run.
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