Story Title: Words Restrained
Story Summary: Nasir no longer stands as body slave to Roman master. He is a warrior for Spartacus' rebellion, skilled with a blade as well as abilities unique to him. Yet the life he left behind is not as distant as he believed. Agron is still learning to live without his brother, learning to be a leader within Spartacus' rebellion, and above all learning to be the lover Nasir deserves. His greatest challenge lies in allowing the one he wants to protect the most stand on his own.
Chapter: 1/11
Chapter Summary: Rebellion's next step…
A/N: Here is the second installment of the Differing Words Trilogy. The story takes place between Vengeance and War of the Damned. I used dialogue from the show to work in details of what happens in this fic but mostly just played around with order of events. The fic is completed and I will try and get a chapter posted every week or so. Enjoy!
Chapter 1: Path of Change
None knew if Spartacus held expectation of what was to pass when he first made plan to strike down the lanista Quintus Lentulus Batiatus in revenge for loss of wife and freedom. Even those closest to him could not say with certainty if he had known what would become of those who followed him from that night forward. What was known to all though was everything had changed upon single night five months previous. With the fall of that first dominus to blade of slaves, those who stood owned by Rome knew there was weakness within their masters.
Message may have been lost to fear of Rome's tyranny if not for Spartacus' continued proof that none should be made to serve another. Capua trembled from within in the weeks following liberation from ludus, then villas surrounding city fell victim until strike was made upon the arena in manner which brought symbol of Roman might crumbling to ashes.
Loss of symbol of Roman strength brought whispers of Spartacus' strength within secluded corners to words broken upon the streets and much authority of Roman masters was lost.
The mines within Lucania held more workers than ever before as slaves rebelled with growing courage for all believed Spartacus would soon free them.
Belief was only further encouraged weeks following arena's destruction as news returned to Capua of the fall of the Praetors Gaius Claudius Glaber and Publius Varinius when the men pursued Spartacus and his rebels to Vesuvius. Few soldiers had survived the battle fought and none claimed knowledge of where the enemy now was for them to again lay assault upon the Thracian. Rome had not even given orders for another to take up duty of bringing end to enemy secluded just outside its sister city. Failure to give proof that Romans yet remained superior to rebel uprising removed much remaining hesitation from slaves and many who served masters on edge of Capua and its surrounding land deserted in search of freedom offered by Spartacus and the warriors who followed him.
Freedom was yet found in temple overshadowed by Vesuvius. Regardless of battle fought within its walls just beyond month previous, the familiar building remained a place of safety for Spartacus' rebels. It had changed, however, as numbers within grew as more slaves found courage to strike shackle and join. Wall at rear of temple had been removed so tents could be raised in gap between incline of mountain and building, providing adequate protection in case of attack as soldiers would have to fight through gladiators and warriors within temple to reach those sheltered behind it.
Very few changes had been made within protective walls though as it served purpose of being first line of defense against Rome. Wall was guarded at all time and weapons training occurred in the courtyard just within entrance where weapons not owned were stored as well. The temple itself provided – as it had since settling there – shelter for leaders and warriors of cause and storage for supplies.
While it had appeared at first that such arrangement placed those able with weapon to be of greater value, it had been decided by those new to cause – numbering at nearly two hundred freed slaves – that those who had risked life against Praetor Glaber had proven their place in rebellion. Also, temple was the first line of defense and it would be of no use to place those incapable of fighting with skill in position of such importance. While all were trained with weapons in order to hold skill enough to defend self if necessary, not all would ever gain enough skill to stand as true warriors.
Though with numbers so great, there were now as many tasks in need of completion for those absent skill with weapon as there was necessity for warriors. There was such need for those skilled with altering and mending cloth, cooking meals, tending to animals obtained through battles won and trade with Atella and Neapolis, and any tasks that arose with each day. To see all tasks completed with greatest quality to ensure all continued smoothly within camp, each individual new to camp was questioned as to tasks they were proficient at and if they desired to take up responsibility.
All were put to test in use of weapon for their numbers still stood too few to allow any lax in training more to fight should Rome attack.
A thing unexpected by gladiators and experienced warriors was how some new to rebellion would voice complaint of how life within rebel camp appeared similar to that of slavery. Claims of how they had left lash of master to no longer be forced to task of manual labor or completion of task for sake of another only to know the same in freedom was made with increased regularity. In their inexperienced eyes, they yet took orders of doing tasks for sake of other's satisfaction. Such remarks brought forth frustration in those who had fought against Rome from beginning of rebellion, for they knew difference between following command of a dominus and ensuring life continued for those they held responsibility for protecting.
Complaints of this nature continued until those within rebellion who had followed Spartacus in those first few months before secure camp had been established gave description of how quickly situation could become grim if tasks were not completed correctly. They had finished lecture by making point that any who came to camp could take leave at any time if they but chose.
Freedom was not a life of ease, whether pursued by Roman soldiers or in peace as rebels now were.
Strain of freedom was even felt by those who had known it for many months. Choices were to be made each day and if mistake were made, responsibility was upon own shoulders. The greater recognition one held within rebellion the more choices would be placed before them. Spartacus, Crixus and Agron spent entirety of their days making choices that affected all. Gannicus and Donar had taken lead of testing new arrivals and training in place of Oenomaus and so stood responsible for all upon path of becoming warriors. For those holding greater skill with weapon, they were still guided by the former Champion but aided by other gladiators and freed Germans in specific instruction of weapons better suited to each individual. This was also where Naevia spent much of her time as her own skill with blade continued to develop and she became warrior equal to many of the Germans and lesser gladiators.
Nasir, however, remained greatly occupied in responsibility of tracking and maintaining supplies as suitable replacement for him – and Mira – had yet to be found. He yet stood responsible for organization of guards and all who stood upon wall reported first to him before news of any manner was delivered to rebel leaders. Days following fall of Glaber, Nasir had made offer to return task to Spartacus – as he had originally taken it in circumstance of urgency – and did not wish to step beyond his capabilities or position. Offer then and any time following had been refused by the Thracian.
"Why give up task I would entrust to you regardless of events leading to you claiming command? Once replacement for other tasks has been found, know that I will see you take on like tasks to suit your talents." Such was Spartacus' manner of response each time Nasir would ask again if he should focus upon supplies. "To hold command over guard is responsibility you are well-suited for and you already hold familiarity for such position. Replacement would be much more difficult to find than discovery of one to manage supplies."
Argument could not be made against such reason, even for one as cunning in verbal battle as Nasir.
Yet reason did not make task of finding replacement for duty not intended to keep one of ease. He had begun search as soon as fleeing slaves began arriving to join rebellion two weeks previous. Unfortunately there stood few body slaves – who were of greatest likelihood to have been trained in numbers and how to manage food for any number of people – to have fled masters to this time and Nasir had not the spare time to give instruction to that extent. There were at all times hunters returning with fresh meat and other food from plentiful woods as well as assaults upon villas within near lands occurred with regularity, bringing spoils of all manner of supplies to take accounting of and make decision of how it was all to be used.
He had only just completed such task and was returning to quarters shared with Agron, his mind incapable of finding focus after long day of making attempt to train others to take count of newly arrived stock. He held hope of at least removing some strain of responsibility by spreading out obligation, having different people take on pieces of whole and report to him. Method had seen success with guards and he would have same results in this until another came to rebellion he could entrust with his position.
Perhaps he was holding expectation beyond capability of any other. His mind had always held memory of details such as numbers and the like which others usually deemed unnecessary. There was no way to hold certainty that strong memory was not another talent such as hearing words unspoken; if he knew it was talent he alone was capable of he would not expect another to hold such skill as he.
He found desire rise within of Mira yet standing among the living. She would have found replacement with haste and they would be settled into task by now, for she had always held talent in giving assignment to those most capable.
Releasing breath of frustration, Nasir pushed aside thick cloth which indicated quarters for himself and Agron and was relieved to see his lover already stretched out atop their bedroll, obviously near sleep until movement of the Syrian roused him. His body tensed in readiness of battle, yet relaxed at once upon sight of Nasir stepping within room.
While both men remained greatly occupied throughout day – even throughout most meals – time was found in each day to share company. Days atop Vesuvius in which they had barely even shared bedroll had held strong effect upon them both. Strong enough that they ensured day did not pass in which they failed to share company and conversation.
Nasir was certain that if not for Agron, who would at times seek him out and pull him from task, the Syrian would commit more time to responsibility than he did now. He did not desire so much of his attention to be taken so, yet habit of not allowing assignment to remain unfinished was deeply ingrained within him. Agron knew this of him and would simply provide opportunity for him to leave and return to task once mind was fresh from rest and beloved company.
It was a curiosity of Nasir's to know if Spartacus not only encouraged Agron in doing so but had been one to give first suggestion.
Walking to their pallet, Nasir sat next to Agron as the man rose up and their lips pressed together in kiss of greeting. The German had already stripped from his weapons, armor, and clothing so only his subligaria remained and Nasir appreciated sight of so much of the man's large form exposed. As their lips parted and foreheads touched, the Syrian's hands rested against Agron's chest, feeling beat of heart beneath his fingers. Agron's hands held Nasir's face, one moving back to brush through dark hair.
"Obligation for day has been satisfied?" Agron whispered question, for moments of intimacy were always cherished. "Or have you given touch only to enflame me and leave me wanting?" Words were not solely ones of humor, for Nasir was now called away nearly as oft as Agron and had done just so many times now.
"Interruption will be met with fist if not blade," Nasir responded with tone of frustration more common to be heard from the more violent Agron. The gladiator smiled at words of aggression as Nasir stood and began to dress down to similar state as the other man. He removed his gladius and belt of sheath from about his hips and placed it near Agron's at end of pallet. "Training another in matters of stock and supplies is proving most difficult," he admitted with heavy sigh.
Agron rose from his place to sit on edge of pallet and reached out for the Syrian. He took hold of black cloth Nasir used to cover his torso – the material a long strip draped across his shoulders and wide enough to hang down to cover his back sufficiently as the ends came down and crossed over his chest to be secured in place with another length of cloth tied about his waist where his belt lay as well – and pulled the smaller man to him. Muscled arms encircled the Syrian's waist as he pressed his lips and nose between fold of cloth to brush against skin at Nasir's naval. Nasir rested his arms upon Agron's shoulders and smiled slightly at contact which brought him comfort.
"You will know success for I have not seen you fail yet," Agron soothed. He pressed gentle kisses to Nasir's stomach, moving aside the cloth to gain access to more skin. "Search began but few weeks ago and will take time."
The Syrian kissed Agron's temple if only to but return affection the German was bestowing upon him, his heart increasing speed of beats at sensations brought forth from lips of his love. He was yet to be accustomed to touch upon him absent lust guiding contact though he was learning of comfort that could come from act of experiencing such attention. He would have moved to sit again but Agron appeared content in holding him in this manner, so he remained enclosed within strong arms.
"I only desire to see to other tasks Spartacus would have me take. I know of importance responsibility holds to survival of people within rebellion, yet it is one I would see passed to another."
"Task did not require to be taken by you," Agron reasoned, uncertainty obvious in his tone. They only asked freed slaves to take on tasks they agreed upon.
"Yet it was a thing I could do with skills familiar to me. I held no skill with blade and knew not place I should take within cause reliant upon warriors. I stood so uncertain of path in early days of freedom that anything familiar was preferred to life absent purpose."
"Purpose of great importance is found now. Choices made while yet uncertain should be left behind or path will remain difficult to tread. You stand better man than to be defeated by doubt."
Nasir pulled away enough to look into green eyes, which gazed up to him with confidence commonly found within the German. Agron always spoke loftily of his heart and Nasir was often left stunned by being given such compliment. What was uncommon was sensible advice, for such usually came from Spartacus.
"Words from lips sound as though from rebel leader. Has gladiator once so quick to violence been reformed into man of sense? Would you steal my place in our companionship?"
Agron grinned widely at accusation and Nasir had no opportunity to resist being turned and dropped to his back upon the bedroll with the taller man poised over him. Recovering from shock of movement quickly – for he was accustomed to at times being maneuvered so by Agron – he relaxed into soft blankets beneath him, his arms stretched out above him in indication of deep trust he held in his heart.
"If you would but accept any less than perfection you would see that there are many capable of taking up decisions you make. You but need to give trust to them as Spartacus gave you."
Words were so close to thought he had considered mere moments ago that Nasir could not form response. He had truly held expectation so great that even Agron – who held little skill in organization of supplies though Nasir had begun instructing him and other rebel leaders in such matters – realized limits to what was necessary for task.
"You think I assess with too strict of eye?" Nasir realized need for further confirmation.
Agron's waning amusement – change of position had obviously given rise to desire – appeared again in a brief laugh. "Of course your eye is too strict." Humor faded and Nasir anticipated Agron's thoughts turning to subject yet difficult for his heart to discuss: position held before they met and knew love for each other. "You have told me of how you chose task for other house slaves while in service to that fucking Roman, how failure to assign tasks to those best suited bore consequence of being put to cart for the mines. While such fate is no longer consequence, you hold fear of failure in that it causes others pain." The German shifted his weight and moved up Nasir's body enough to kiss him briefly. "Your heart is kind and you feel pain inflicted upon another as if it were your own."
Humility rose within Nasir and he felt his face flush, grateful that his dark skin concealed such reaction even though he was certain Agron would know. "If only you would hold consistency of advice or flattery, I would seek your opinion more often." He teased, for he always sought Agron's thoughts just as Agron asked of his.
It gave proof of how unfocused his mind was now, for it was usually Agron who strayed from subject while Nasir would keep him from doing so. However it was now Nasir to bring them from topic and Agron who stood determined to accomplish resolution.
"You have held great responsibility since long before you stood as a man, experience to be had by few others. You have found ones you hold enough belief in to begin training to become your likeness in skill. Now what they require is your guidance and trust in them to find success. They will make mistakes as all do, yet you will not allow punishment to be dealt to them in result. All that will come from failure will be lesson learned, for it is not lash that sees success."
Nasir's amusement rose quickly at that, for he recalled Agron revealing to him suggestion made to Spartacus what seemed like so long ago. "No, for success follows kisses and whispers of love."
Agron sighed heavily and dropped much of his weight upon Nasir's body, the smaller man accustomed to bearing such so it presented no struggle for him to endure. "Perhaps discussion should be revisited upon morning when you have taken rest. Conversing with Gannicus is of greater ease than with you while fatigued."
Nasir brought his left hand to rest upon Agron's cheek – the red cloth matching one upon the German rubbing against the man's skin as well – and urged green eyes toward him again. Agron responded immediately and their gaze locked. "Spartacus and Naevia have made attempt to tell me such, yet it is only when spoken by one holding my heart that I appear to finally hold understanding of message. Tomorrow is a new day and will see many changes."
Agron smiled again and leaned forward to give Nasir a passionate kiss, which was met with equal fervor, tongues moving against each other in rhythm familiar to ones who had shared in so much intimacy together. When Agron pulled his lips away and his hands set to remove clothes yet concealing Nasir's body from him, he spoke in deepened voice. "Lugo and Donar voice complaint that it has been many days since you trained beyond practice of basic strikes. Will changes tomorrow brings include return to proper time spent with weapon in hand?"
Nasir would admit readily how he missed days past where he spent long hours training under strict gaze of Oenomaus and Spartacus. He knew his skills had not waned, for he practiced to pass long shifts of guard duty he yet took, though he held desire to know if he had managed to progress absent application of skills in sparring. "Tomorrow will see me upon courtyard facing any willing to oppose me."
"Spartacus will be pleased to know."
Nasir breathed heavily in pleasure as a warm hand pressed beneath his subligaria to close about his quickly hardening cock. "I hold no desire to hear of Spartacus' satisfaction now when there is enough to be found upon this bed."
Agron watched as Spartacus and Crixus looked over the map spread out upon table. He had been the one to mark location of villas most recent to be attacked and so had no need to see changes.
"Both Nemetes and Saxa report all nearby villas between here and Capua have been laid to waste," Agron spoke in anticipation of question. Much of the past month had been focused upon continuing assault against solitary villas to gather supplies and increase numbers. With slaves now abandoning masters, need of supplies had grown in priority.
"Stores of food stand filled to brim. Nasir gives report that should we cease to gain food, we hold enough to see all fed for many months, more if we ration wisely," Crixus mused.
"Then perhaps it is time to turn attention to more advantageous endeavor," Spartacus spoke thoughtfully, gaining more focus from the other two men.
"Your meaning?"
Instead of voicing response, Spartacus placed a small rock upon the map and Agron stepped forward to stand beside Crixus to see where his brother's intentions would take them.
His heart made attempt to cease beating as he realized where Spartacus had indicated: the mines.
Agron had known that Spartacus had made vow while within mines searching for Naevia to return and free all. The Thracian had recounted promise often in times of planning for more distant future of rebellion, giving revelation to how strong his desire was to see words stand as truth. From position of strategy, not only would it cripple Rome greatly by no longer holding threat over slaves to send them to such place of death, but would also increase their own numbers by thousands in single attack. Agron, however, could not erase memory of Nasir bleeding and near death because of previous attack upon the mines. Fear of injury again occurring against his heart was strong within him and he would do all in his ability to keep Nasir from inclusion in any plot toward depraved place.
"You believe action to be wise at this point?" he questioned, controlling his voice in manner learned from Nasir so as not to reveal trepidation. "We may have supplies enough to take in such numbers, yet could we sustain them? Those within the mines will require time for recovery of mistreatment before we may even give consideration of training them for battle."
"Many already among camp are yet new to cause and remain within time of transition to life of freedom," Crixus made point as well, though his purpose was only to ensure correct path was chosen. "There is already struggle in ensuring all know of expectations held for each person within camp to contribute. We hold no guarantee of so many gaining knowledge with ease as we have had to this point."
"Yet all here are aware of such expectation and now stand educated in ways of camp and rebellion. There stands no reason to not utilize each man and woman to aid in communicating needs."
Crixus and Agron looked to each other, having not considered using those still new to rebellion as liaisons for those in positions of leadership. It was option that would greatly increase ease of taking in so many new to freedom. They could design manner of organizing those freed from mines to be led by the hundreds now following Spartacus, who would be given guidance from those who had been with rebellion before battle against Glaber, who would then take instruction from Spartacus, Agron, Crixus, and at times Gannicus.
It could be the start to creation of regiments within cause that would one day become an army.
Excitement of seeing success of numbers swell allowed Agron to dismiss concern over Nasir's safety.
Crixus appeared to be of similar mind for he questioned, "What plans have you toward assault against mines? We have not laid eyes upon it since Naevia was freed and they are certain to have increased guard following our attack."
"I stand in agreement. I held intention to send scouts to Lucania to discover state of guard and how it differs from when we were last there. Once we have better understanding of what opposes us, we will develop strategy of how to lay assault and free all those trapped within."
"Who do you intend to assign as scouts?"
Spartacus turned his gaze to Agron and the German anticipated that he was one to be sent. After all, as he had never been to the mines he held least risk of being recognized should scouts be discovered. "I thought to send one familiar with mines and surrounding lands and who is unlikely to be recognized by any." Confusion rose within Agron for that meant he would not be sent as he held no knowledge of mines or land. It also meant Crixus and many of the gladiators were not to go either, as there was risk of having been seen upon sands of arena. "I was giving consideration of assigning Nasir to leading in task."
Agron's first response was one of anger. "You would send Nasir to the mines?" he sought clarity, no longer giving shit toward effort to concealing his emotions. The German wondered briefly if he appeared as furious as he felt, for Crixus took a step away from the table and crossed his arms as if to give show of remaining removed from discussion about to occur. If this were months previous – before peace was found between the two – Agron would have become further enraged by such distancing from defending one the German held to heart.
"I believe he holds greatest chance of success. He has been deep within the mines. He knows the area from living nearby since young age as well from as our retreat with Naevia." Spartacus gave pause to allow Agron to absorb reasons given and only continued when his friend took in deep breath of calming intent. "Agron, you know Nasir holds best advantage over not being discovered than any other among us. His talent of knowing words absent voice has grown in precision over past weeks."
"I give no shit for advantage he appears to hold. Do you not recall what happened to him when last he entered the mines?" Agron's voice rose as his anger again grew at what Spartacus was suggesting he allow.
The Thracian, accustomed as he was in conversing with Agron through all variety of mood, remained calm in face of the German's ire. "Yes, I remember injury he received while fleeing the mines. It was I that sealed it so bleeding would cease."
"Then I go with him." If Spartacus would not be swayed from sending Nasir, he then must allow Agron to protect him in mission.
"No, for I have need of you to make final run for supplies in Neapolis then give aid in packing camp for transport."
"We leave the temple?" Crixus asked.
"Temple already stands too small for our numbers. I would find place to camp which does not require us to split forces as these walls do. I will need you both here to take command in preparation and travel. Additional purpose for scouts will be to determine destination of where camp shall move to."
"I have yet to hear how task must require Nasir's aid. If you intend to move camp, he is of greatest benefit here."
There was a flash of irritation in Spartacus' gaze. "Do you not recall how he stood at your side in wake of victory over Roman soldiers?"
"Your purpose of fucking question?"
"He stands as skilled warrior now, experienced in battle and capable of defending himself against threat. Would you restrain him now as his dominus once did?"
Crixus' arm restrained Agron's movement before he even realized he held intention to strike Spartacus. The German struggled against the Gaul, nearly breaking free as he held advantage of height and weight over Crixus. Rebel leader did not make attempt to soothe him or even move away and that alone gave Agron reason to consider reaction to his brother's words.
Did accusation bear even sliver of truth? Did Agron intend to restrain Nasir in his desire to never be parted from the man he held such care for? Did he desire to hold command over Nasir despite all he had done to encourage equal standing between them?
Answer was apparent: he held no wish to force Nasir to submission.
Crixus relaxed grip as Agron's body released tension in his passing intent to attack Spartacus, yet remained near in case temper rose again. This was not unexpected as the Gaul held greatest understanding of how swiftly anger would find cause to rise when faced with threat against one held to heart.
"I do not shackle him as a fucking Roman would, yet I hold no desire to see him put at risk needlessly. Find another to do your bidding."
Spartacus did not speak at once, but allowed Agron to take in more calming breaths. Only when the man believed there to be much less risk of infuriating the German again did he break words, "I wonder if he would hold agreement with you or me when I present choice to him, for it is his alone to make." Agron felt Crixus tense again at his side, yet the taller man did not move again to strike. He instead remained silent in fury that would neither abate nor rise. "You said he would be training today." Only giving slight nod of assent in response, Spartacus gathered the map and returned it to place of safekeeping before turning again to Agron and placing a hand on the German's shoulder. "I wish to see how his skill stands as I have not held opportunity for weeks now."
The man walked from the room then, leaving Agron and Crixus to follow as they chose.
Crixus released a heavy sigh as he moved toward doorway, pausing just prior to turning corner to fall from sight. "I understand your wish to protect Nasir, for I do the same for Naevia. Consider though that those we love hold as great of desire to give aid in victory of cause as we do, regardless of our need to see them protected." The Gaul's expression relaxed into one of humor. "I invite you to make attempt to give same argument to Nasir as you just gave to Spartacus. You will never know deeper regret."
If it had been any other than Crixus, Agron may have dismissed words as jest. However, no other within rebel camp was made victim of Nasir's ire as oft as the Undefeated Gaul for their kinship appeared to be grounded by insult.
It was not as though Agron had never experienced the Syrian's bite, for his first conversation with the smaller man had revealed wit capable of inflicting deepest pain with ease. So Crixus' words were to give him reminder that Nasir would not accept being treated in manner Agron had been implying moments past, that he belonged in position where no harm could come to him.
Thought of Nasir's reaction to hearing words he had broken with Spartacus caused Agron to shudder.
Laughter from Crixus reminded Agron that he was not yet alone. "You again prove yourself no fool."
Agron released a sound of derision to the man, "Fucking Gaul," he growled though smiled as Crixus continued to laugh as he walked down the hall toward courtyard with Agron following a few steps behind.
Just as Spartacus had said moments previous of not seeing the Syrian's progress with weapons, Agron had not witnessed Nasir training since just after they had retaken the temple. As he approached sounds of weapons clashing and calls of instruction, he realized he was eager to see the Syrian in motion of battle. Reason was not as leader alone for he would admit vision of Nasir engaged in combat was alluring beyond imagining.
The two leaders exited from halls of the temple and walked to the top step beside Spartacus and their eyes passed over all training within the courtyard under direction of Donar and Gannicus while other gladiators moved among those training to make adjustment to technique. Session must have just begun for they were still in the midst of practicing basic strikes and Agron's experienced eyes could discern who were newer to handling of weapon.
His gaze also immediately found familiar motion of Nasir as the smaller man moved through drills called with precision he had proven able to execute with deadly accuracy. Thought occurred to Agron that the Syrian had trained in these drills often enough that he could have been one to call them in Donar's place.
Gannicus ascended the few steps to stand near enough to the three leaders to converse without calling attention to them, for such would cause nerves to rise among newer recruits and inhibit training. "To what purpose do we owe audience of rebel leader and his generals?" the Celt questioned in jest usually found in the man.
"Would I ask too much for you to make display of progress of the more experienced warriors?" Spartacus requested.
Gannicus looked between Spartacus and those training, obviously making attempt to discern who stood as true focus of the Thracian's presence. Appearing to fail in answering curiosity absent further questioning, Gannicus crossed his arms and gave Spartacus expression of expectation. The man did not accept not knowing what was expected of him and would not answer request until he was told exactly what was sought.
Spartacus smiled slightly at the Celt's posture. "What plans did you hold for Nasir in training today?"
Gannicus gave wide grin as he turned to look toward the Syrian briefly. Agron knew how the Celt had been pressing Nasir toward advancement of training and would see Spartacus' interest as manner of convincing the Syrian to listen to suggestion. "When he revealed he would spend much of today training, I thought it to mean much time would need be dedicated to reminding him how to lay proper strike into the pallus. His skills, however, appear as strong as when last observed."
"Naught escapes Nasir's memory," Agron spoke absent thought, his eyes unable to turn from body of his heart.
Gannicus laughed at his words and gave Agron's shoulder a rough pat. "It would appear so, but I held intent to put him to test once drills for all were finished. I thought it would make appropriate display for those yet learning to grip sword."
"Who did you intend to test him against?" Spartacus asked, his eyes passing over others training.
The Celt lifted his shoulders in dismissal of query. "Decision had not yet been made, though Nasir gave indication that he would stand willing to face any who wished to oppose him."
"Am I correct in that he has not revealed his gift to any other than us?" Spartacus lowered his voice further to break words of such topic. Gannicus looked to the Thracian and nodded agreement. "Ask Donar if he would hold objection to pairing with Nemetes while Nasir faces them with Lugo."
"Opponents he lost against not long ago," Gannicus mused aloud with another slight grin. "I will speak with Donar and we shall see if results this day differ." The man walked away to the other gladiator and spoke in haste. The German looked over to the three leaders and gave them a quick nod of understanding before calling training to a halt and gave instruction to Nasir, Lugo, and Nemetes to take position with wooden weapons formed into that of each man's preference. Agron did not expect to see Nasir take up a gladius graecus in his left hand as well as the usual gladius in his right and looked to see similar expression of curiosity upon Crixus and Spartacus.
"The boy expands learning absent your guidance, Spartacus," Crixus gave passing comment.
"He spars often with Pollux and Lydon, both trained as hoplomachus," Agron gave comment as well. "Perhaps he has taken instruction from them in its use as we remained absent from his training. He makes attempt to conceal truth of how his mind suffers while idle."
Gannicus approached the men again as he had completed task of giving instruction and he was near enough that he heard Agron's words. "He has yet to accept training with the spear, making claim that the gladius is better suited to one of Assyria. I believe I need but ask enough and he will make attempt for purpose of encouraging my silence on the matter. He has adapted to the short sword well in using it along with gladius."
"You would imagine reach of arm would make short sword poor choice," Crixus continued to jest. It was of no confusion as to why Nasir so often gave insult to the Gaul when such words were broken whether in or absent the Syrian's company.
"Lugo made similar comment the first day Nasir made request to train with combining of these weapons and his hand was nearly broken for speaking so." Agron cringed at thought of strike landing upon hand from one of the training blades. "The fool appeared to also forget that Nasir remains best trained in healing and herbs and continued to voice insult against him. Injured hand was not given relief from pain until the next day once training was finished."
Crixus moved closer to Agron and lowered his voice, his words only partially in humor, "How is it you believe him incapable of protecting himself when those he considers as ally and friend are treated so?"
Agron gave the Gaul a wide grin of amusement and leaned his back against one of the large stone pillars and returned his gaze toward the four men facing off against one another. Both Nemetes and Donar had taken up weapons formed as axes while Lugo's weapon was that of battle hammer. The Syrian's compact form appeared so misplaced among men so built for battle, opinion shared by many observing match. Whispers sounded all around and many of the new rebels expressed belief that the "little man" would fall with haste against such obvious skill. Many of the gladiators and those long standing within rebellion, however, watched in greater uncertainty of match results.
Gannicus called for match to begin and Nemetes moved toward the Syrian with a wide downward swing of his axe, Nasir moving with smooth control to step from path of weapon and swung with his gladius in retaliation. Lugo and Donar engaged in exchange of their own, their heavier weapons striking each other with crushing force.
Many moments and strikes passed in this manner, with Nemetes and Donar pressing assault upon opponent with Nasir and Lugo holding defense while finding opportunity to lay attack of their own with none holding apparent advantage over another. It was in this continuing exchange how apparent it became of how Nasir's manner of fighting differed from that of his opponents and ally. While superior strength gave aid to strikes of those men, the Syrian could manage swift movements in both evasion and attack that would wear down opponent if steel had been used. As it was, Nemetes was avoiding grip of weapon with his left hand from many strikes being inflicted upon hand and wrist.
"Has he revealed to you how much he bears witness to thoughts while sparring?" Spartacus again lowered voice to question secretive subject. The rebel leader, Crixus, and Gannicus knew to take care in sparring with Nasir so as to not reveal their intentions while Agron's thoughts were never received by the Syrian's gift. Others, however, held not the same concern in their ignorance.
"He claims to not seek out thoughts while training. He revealed some yet are heard but he makes attempt to pay them no heed as he intends to develop naturally in his fighting skills," Gannicus responded as Nasir moved to interrupt strike upon Lugo that would have removed him from match. "There are some he will not spar with as they seem to lack restraint upon their minds while weapon is in hand."
Agron smiled at reminder of conversation held with Nasir many days past. "Lugo stands so. Nasir has claimed to never regret learning of our language as after company spent with him."
"Though it appears to be of benefit while they stand as allies," Spartacus observed.
The two men had remained near each other once Nasir had defended the German, though now Lugo took on brunt of focus of both Nemetes and Donar while Nasir took brief moment for recovery of breath. It was indicative of his endurance that he had lasted as long as he had before needing rest against such strength. Yet even while remaining idle, dark eyes watched all movement of the other three men with care so as to take advantage of dropped guard or to defend Lugo if overwhelmed.
Agron realized just before Nasir moved that the smaller man had been awaiting specific move to be made. Nemetes moved in to Lugo with the grip of his training weapon pressing against the man's chest as his leg extended to trip him to the ground. As Lugo's balance was lost, Nasir moved forward and brought wooden blade to Nemetes' throat and pulled it across the exposed skin that would have killed the man had he used sharpened blade. The defeated German let out a loud curse in language of his home and moved away as Lugo stood again and let out a boisterous laugh.
Donar had maintained his distance as his ally was removed from match, appearing ill-at-ease in his chance of success now that he stood alone. While the man stood as experienced gladiator, he knew limits of his skills against those trained in ways of the sands.
Cheers rose through those watching at display of skill. Agron nearly joined in display of excitement for his heart's victory yet managed to restrain shout in consideration of his standing as leader. He would not stand as cause to distraction in the Syrian that may bring him failure.
Nasir initiated assault upon Donar then, using both swords to keep the gladiator on defensive responses. Lugo would strike often as well, coming in only as opportunity was presented by the Syrian's constant movement. The two worked well in tandem, Nasir creating openings for Lugo to inflict strike of greater damage as he was incapable of. If Donar had not held years of training as gladiator he would have succumbed as Nemetes had, yet he endured and even managed to find advantage to return strike on occasion.
It was not enough though as Nasir dropped to knee under swing of Donar's axe and brought dulled edge of his gladius in brutal strike to back of the gladiator's knee, bringing him to ground in heavy fall. The Syrian continued to turn so as to move from path as Lugo approached with haste and swung his weapon down at opponent in killing strike, adjusting path to make contact with the ground beside Donar's head in final moment.
More cheers echoed through the courtyard as those observing rushed forward to shower praise upon the victors. Lugo straightened to stand, then turned to Nasir and wrapped the smaller man into playful embrace as he was want to do. Others laughed as the burly German praised the Syrian jovially for his skill and strategy, gaining expression of tolerance from Nasir at his insistence on calling him "little man".
"Progress has been proven," Gannicus said, his tone as pleased as Lugo's was. He turned to Spartacus then. "Have you found answer sought?"
Spartacus looked over to Agron, who had not yet removed gaze from his Syrian lover. The German watched Nasir speak to other rebels and friends with ease, regardless of flush of embarrassment Agron recognized upon face. No longer did his heart stand fearful of revealing parts of self to others, nor of allowing others to place him in elevated regard. He would never favor it yet would not refuse it as he would have months ago.
Nasir was becoming a man developed beyond his meager years of life, a man of confidence and strength while maintaining touch of innocent kindness.
And progress would only be restrained by Agron's protection.
Spartacus was right: Nasir would better serve cause through use of all talents he had to offer instead of all that Agron would allow.
Turning to his brother, Agron gave a wide smile, one genuine in acceptance. "We should allow him day of training as he intended before offering mission."
Spartacus gave but brief pause before nodding with slight upturn of his lips. "Do you believe he will accept task with so much to be done here? He has proven to be hesitant to take leave of responsibility."
"He has already taken steps toward future in such regard. Besides, he holds greatest despite of remaining removed from missions after having been left behind many times for healing or inexperience."
"A thing I intend to change as of now."