Disclaimer:I own nothing except my OCs
"Word reaches ear of great threat in the east." Spartacus said without looking up.
"What words?" Crixus demanded.
"They call her Queen Gorgo, after the famed Spartan queen, married to the great King Leonidas. She and her people have overtaken a city, Thurii, and now carve a path straight to us."
"They mean to attack us?" Gannicus asked.
"I do not believe it so. A messenger was sent bearing request of audience." He finally looked up at his lieutenants. "I would go to meet her."
"And we shall be at your side." Agron said.
"I would have it no other way." said the man.
"To what end?" Crixus growled.
"Her people could swell our ranks, she is a fine strategist to be able to take a city with only a thousand men."
"Impossible." the gaul gasped.
"No. We are but nagging scratch to the Romans, she is grievous wound. It serve purpose to ally with her. She could help us take a city of our own. We will need food and shelter for upcoming winter." Spartacus looked at Crixus. "Do you disagree?"
Crixus looked at the tactical map. "Where are we to meet this queen?"
The group of rebels approached the clearing warily in case of trap, but the four goddesses that stood in the center appeared completely at ease. Each of them were dark haired and beautiful, wearing scant clothing but outfitted with numerous weapons, except for one. She stood the tallest with a hair of paler color and skin of reddish copper. Swirling red tattoos adorned exposed shoulders and back and she was the only one to wear jewelry, pounds of it it would seem, taken from the city of Thurii no doubt.
"Queen Gorgo." Spartacus said as he revealed himself. The tallest woman turned head in his direction, placing the butt of her spear upon ground. She smiled and let out a small, melodious laugh.
"King Spartacus." She motioned with a wave of her hand and her companions stepped backwards, giving the leaders a wide berth. His own men did the same upon command.
"You wished to make alliance?"
"Indeed I do. I would take up arms for your cause."
"Is that so?"
She nodded.
"Why?"
"The Romans have gravely wounded heart. Not just mine, those of my daughters," She motioned to her companions. It was then that he noticed that all three bore striking resemblance to the woman before him. "And my people. We were once slaves as you were, some of us forced to commit unspeakable acts for the amusement of Roman shits. I would see that no one has to do so ever again."
He nodded slowly. "You stand impressive leader, taking a city with only a thousand men."
"My people love battle, and a challenge that would see our thirst for Roman blood sated."
"I have heard of your numerous escapes of capture from the Romans."
She sighed. "It seems I am trivial woman to ensnare, yet troublesome to actually kill, almost as you are."
He smiled. "If I were to agree to your joining, what terms would you offer?"
"My people receive equal spoils of war. I am considered rebel leader and keep control of my men. We are to be treated with respect and given the freedom to leave should we so wish it."
"Your terms are agreeable, yet we have no room in the encampment for your people at the moment."
"We are in no condition to leave our own."
"Only a city can hold all of us."
"Then we must take one. Which did you have in mind?"
"Sinuessa en Valle. The details have yet to be determined, we would like your assistance in the matter. Please, return with us to finalize decisions." He opened his arms and motioned to his men.
"I must converse with my daughters first."
Achillea sheathed her swords as her mother returned to her side. "Did he agree to terms?"
"Yes. He wants to take Sinessa en Valle and requires my knowledge in the matter. I will go with him."
"What?!" her eldest daughter snapped.
"Spartacus proves to be honorable man." said Isaura, her youngest, the healer among them. "He would not go back on his word."
"Then I shall accompany you into his camp." Achillea growled.
"So be it, but Isaura and Leta will return to camp and prepare everyone to leave."
Both daughters dipped their heads. "Retrieve horses and see yourselves home." She gave both of them a kiss on the forehead before rejoining Spartacus with Achillea and their horse in tow.
"Is all well?" asked the thracian.
"Well enough. Let us go. I am anxious to see your people and to return to mine." He lead them to where Gannicus, Crixus and Agron were waiting.
"Theses are my brothers, Gannicus, Crixus and Agron. They stand leaders in my army."
"Crixus. The undefeated gaul?"
"The same." said the man. "You have witnessed me in arena?"
"I recall tales told by Barca. He was my brother."
The gaul smiled and clasped her forearm. "He was a brother to me as well."
"He talked of you often in the letters he was allowed to send to Carthage. Tell me, how did he meet his end?"
All of the rebels swallowed uncomfortably and averted their eyes.
"Speak." said Achillea.
"He had returned from mission assigned by Batiatus. The Syrian, Ashur betrayed him and forced the lanista's hand. He killed Barca because of the lies whispered into his ear by the syrian fuck. He fell after taking many guards with him."
Gorgo sighed. "Another reason for me to hate the fucking Romans. If only the gods had given me the pleasure of taking the lives of those who orchestrated his demise. Alas, the past cannot be changed. The future, at least, shall be filled with rivers of roman blood, spilled in the name of the beast of Carthage. Let us go. I do not wish to dwell on death at the present moment, when there is so much to be done."
Spartacus nodded. "I agree."