Chapter Two: Even Deepest Wounds Can Be Sealed
The battle may have been over but there was still a fight to be had. Spartacus was determined to kill Cossinius and Furius before a true victory could be had. But before a plan was put into action, the camp remained busy with its usual daily activity. Just because we weren't actively in a fight didn't mean that we didn't prepare for one at every possible moment.
Dodging a hit, I swiveled my waist, hitting the man I was sparing with hard across the ribs, making him fall to his knees. Pinning his arm behind his back, I took his head as if to snap his neck, releasing him before any real damage could be done. Telling everyone to keep practicing, Nasir appeared at my side as we oversaw them. The new recruits needed to be evaluated. Spartacus and Agron had observed them earlier to assess their level of skill, only now it was left for Nasir and me. Though at the moment he was simply looking at me, concern clear in his eyes.
"Place your eyes elsewhere or find them forever removed from your head." I told him with annoyance. "The next person to ask how I am will lose their life."
"I wasn't going to ask how you were." He stated. Frowning at him, he now looked as calm as ever. "I was simply going to offer you my services."
"For what?" I frowned harder at him.
"For dispatching your sister." He replied with venom.
Looking at him, I knew he was serious. "She is none of your concern."
"Your bruises say differently."
Smiling, I wrapped my arm around his shoulder as I placed a quick kiss against his cheek. "Gratitude, but it is not necessary."
"Varro has already dealt with her?" He asked.
"He has not. Nor will he."
"She needs to be put in her place."
"Crixus will see to her. He's the only one she will listen to." There was a pause before a look crossed his face, making me follow his gaze, seeing Agron moving toward us. Only he moved a little too hurriedly for comfort. "What has he done?"
"He went after Naevia." He told me with hushed tones.
My stomach dropped and I turned to face him, "Where is he?"
"He's with Spartacus and Crixus." He replied.
"Is he okay?" I asked, afraid of the answer.
A smirk moved across his lips, "He's very capable. He did more damage than she did."
"Crixus?"
His smile faded, "Angrier than I've ever seen him."
Sighing, I nodded at him, "Let's go."
His hand moved to my back, leading me through the camp until Spartacus' tent came into sight. I didn't want to go inside. My family was divided and there were times that I felt as if it was my fault. It was as if she was being excluded from our family and she was acting out against us. Crixus would go with her. Something that I would not let happen.
Stepping through, Varro was standing with a bruised cheekbone, a cut to his lip and a laceration across his chest. Moving to him, I took his hand while assessing his injuries. He held a deep set frown on his face, refusing to meet my eyes. Looking at Naevia, her cheek and brow were donning fresh wounds and she gripped her side, more than likely supporting wounded ribs. The other men looked as if murder was about to be committed.
"What happened?" I asked Spartacus.
"Varro sought retaliation for the actions Naevia made against you." He told me, something I already knew.
"Something I have already dealt with." Crixus shot at Varro, his arm wrapped around Naevia possessively and protectively.
"How?" I asked Crixus who just frowned at me. "How did you deal with it? Did you gently request for her to not attack her sister? Did you sweetly request that she not attempt to murder innocent men? What did you do Crixus?" He just looked at me. "Yes, it's clearly been dealt with." I frowned at him with disappointment.
Gripping Varro's hand, we moved from the tent. There was nothing else that needed to be said. Crixus had done nothing and I didn't think anyone else would either. Naevia was unstable and yet no one would act against her, despite everything she'd already done. There was no time for this. Spartacus had more important things to worry about. Cossinius and Furius were still out there and Spartacus would want to act against them. There was no time for all this pettiness between us.
Going into our tent, I let Varro's hand go, pacing in front of him as I attempted not to lose my temper with him. Not meeting his eyes, I could feel his tension. "She had caused you harm." He told me, though I wasn't ready to talk just yet. "I will not allow anyone to lay a hand on you without repercussions."
Facing him, I stepped up to him, "I told you to let it go."
"And you cannot ask me to look the other way when you've been intentionally harmed by one of our own." He shot back at me.
Looking up at him, my frown disappeared, turning into sadness, "You cannot make things worse." I told him. "I already am at odds with her. If you start something than you will also have to deal with Crixus. He's not going to forgive you as easily as he will me. You cannot make this worse than it already is. I cannot handle this. I just want to forget her."
"You want the impossible." He told me gently.
"Crixus will come after you if you make attempt at her again. She is my sister and is therefore yours. You must let it go, Varro. It will happen again and I cannot worry about what will happen to you when it does. I will defend myself. I will do what I must. But you cannot be harmed in the process. Haven't we both made that abundantly clear over the past years?"
"Nothing can happen to you either." He said gently as he placed his hand against my face. Furrowing my brows, I rested my forehead against his chest, running my hands up and down his sides.
Hearing commotion outside, we listened as word spread of a Roman party riding close to the encampment. Spartacus swiftly made action, setting a trap to dispatch them. Naevia was to be used as bait, lying in wait directly in the path of the Romans. The rest of us lay in embankments on either side of the road. Just as intended, they stopped to question Naevia, asking what she was doing so close to the Rebel encampment. Asking who she traveled with. Her response was simple: Death. Even I couldn't help but smile, hearing her take first blood. Swiftly clambering up the embankment, the rest of us killed the remaining Romans with ease, taking all the coin and food they traveled with, as well as their horses.
"Spartacus." Naevia said. "This one carries message."
Taking and reading it, the look on his face was anything but comforting. Quickly returning to camp, I found Agron, summoning him to Spartacus' tent to meet with the rest of us about the latest development. Stepping next to Varro, I wrapped my arms around myself, frowning at the thought of what was coming for us.
"10,000." Agron said with concern.
"Led by Marcus Crassus himself. Cossinius and Furius will see their numbers swell, stripping advantage." Spartacus replied.
"We could lay trap – here upon the Appian Way." Agron said pointing it out on our map. "Catch them by surprise before they have chance to join their brothers."
"That would place us between Crassus advancing from the north and Cossinius and Furius in the south." Spartacus stated.
"We do not have the men to face armies on both fronts." Crixus stated.
"We must strike Cossinius and Furius before odds tip to imbalance."
"We have inflicted nagging wound." Crixus added. "Yet for months we have failed to shatter resolve of their men."
"Perhaps the heads of their commanders carried before us would so sway them."
"Trophies proven difficult to win."
"On the field of battle, yes." Spartacus stated, an idea springing to his head. Nodding at him, I looked up at Varro. "By what is written here, message was not directed to where their troops lie. It speaks of hope that word finds them safe within the villa."
"They've gone to ground." Agron stated.
Gannicus spoke next from the front of the tent. "Warm bath and the comfort of women, if my days in Rome are of worth."
"Where is this villa?" Varro asked.
Looking at the letter, I shook my head, "It does not say."
"Then we return to beginning." Agron frowned.
Spartacus frowned, thinking, "We intercepted Crassus' men here riding southeast. Cossinius and Furius would seek to stay within reasonable distance of their men. It would place their villa somewhere in this region."
"How do we divine which is theirs?" Crixus asked looking at the several villas in question.
"They are no fools, as you have said." He told our brother. "We will know their location by placement of sentries. And sizable force they no doubt have without villa to lend protection."
"Then we descend upon them with every sword we have." Agron stated as his excitement grew.
"No. We risk discovery moving against the villa with large numbers. Cossinius and Furius would be alerted and have chance to slip again from grasp. Yet a few men might penetrate defense unnoticed." Spartacus stated.
"A few against many. Much as the old days." Gannicus grinned.
"Varro, Gannicus, Crixus, I would have you at my side."
"I am to stand idle with arm up fucking ass?" Agron stated.
"I am with Agron on this." I frowned stepping toward him. "You know how I feel about being separated from Varro."
"You are to lead in my absence." Spartacus stated before looking at Agron. "Gather every man and woman that can hold weapon."
"Toward what purpose?" Agron frowned.
"One of vital importance if we are to gain victory." Spartacus stated.
Standing there, I listened as Spartacus instructed Agron to move north of the villa, luring the remainder of their army to confront them. At the same time the men would sneak in, killing their commanders, and displaying them to break the resolve of their men. I couldn't argue about his strategy, but I did not agree with taking the most important men of the rebellion and leading them into a villa that they may never come out of.
Pacing back and forth across our tent, I moved things that didn't need moving, folding things that were already folded, picking a fight out of worry more than anything. Wanting to tie Varro to our bed just to keep him in my sights.
"You're being ridiculous." Varro stated as he stood and watched me, his arms crossed as he frowned at me.
"No, Varro. I'm not." I shot at him. "I agree with his decision; however why can you not stay here with me?"
"And let our brothers go alone?" He frowned at me.
"They can handle themselves!" I yelled louder than I had intended.
"And I can't?!" He yelled back.
Sighing, I shook my head, "That's not what I meant."
"Believe it or not, I am still the more skilled between us. I can handle myself. I don't need a woman trying to command me." He said and stormed from the tent.
"Varro!" I called after him.
Growling to myself, I dropped onto the edge of the bed, staring at the entrance. He may not come back from this and I had driven him from our tent. It took only a few minutes to pass before my anger faded and guilt filled me. I should have been honored that Spartacus wanted Varro with him. I had expected being left in charge with everyone else having duties placed upon them. When the entrance moved, I was hopeful of Varro but it was Nasir who stepped through.
"Apologies." He smiled. "I saw Varro and by the state he was in I thought you could use a friend."
Nodding, I heaved a heavy sigh. "Shouldn't you be with Agron?"
"He'll be fine." He said sitting next to me. "He's a decoy. He'll be safe while Varro risks life to fight at Spartacus' side."
Putting my hand on his thigh, I smiled at him, "Gratitude."
Night was upon us when Varro finally returned to our tent, finding me alone, sitting and picking at our sheets. Meeting his eyes, we simply looked at each other, before he finally came and sat in front of me. Taking his hands, I brought them to my lips, kissing them sweetly.
"I understand your feelings." He told me. "But I am not the type of man to simply let my wife command me. I love you, Lea. You know I do. But I will not let you belittle me."
"Apologies." I told him with a small voice. "I simply wish to see you and I survive this rebellion."
"We will, my love." He said putting his hand against my face. "But you cannot attempt to command me. I may not command the people but I am also not one of them. I am yours. You are mine. We are in this together."
"I know." I nodded. "I meant no offense."
He nodded before smiling, "I know."
"You know I worry about you. I love you. I hate being apart from you. What if something happens and I'm not there?"
"Your worry is unfounded." He smiled. "I will come back to you." Feeling tears start to well, he pulled me into his lap, kissing me deeply. "I love you."
"And I love you." I said kissing him again. "Are you sure I cannot go with?"
"No women allowed." He smirked. Unable to help myself, I smiled. I loved it when he looked at me like that. "We will be leaving shortly."
"I should speak with Crixus." I frowned.
"No." He told me. "He'll be with Naevia and I'd like it if you stayed away from her."
"I'd love nothing more." I replied. "But if all of you are gone then I must keep watch over her. For the protection of others."
"Lea." Crixus' voice said from outside our tent.
"Speak of the devil." Varro said, clenching his jaw.
Leaning against him, I smiled sweetly at him, "Kiss me."
Running his fingers through my hair, he gripped it, tilting my head farther back. His lips found my neck first, trailing them up until they found mine, kissing me with enough passion to leave me breathless for a moment. "I love you."
"And I love you." I said kissing his chest before stepping away from him, leaving the warmth and security of my tent and my loves arms. "Brother." I said looking at Crixus. He started to walk away. Sighing, I followed, falling in step with him. "What weighs on your mind?" He didn't say anything. "Varro was defending my honor." I told him with anger. "You would have done the same."
"I know." He told me.
"She is out of control and you need to deal with her. No one else can."
"I know." He repeated.
"Then do it." I shot at him. He stopped and turned to me, a deep frown on his face. "I love you, but I cannot be near her when she is the biggest threat in this camp. She thinks she can do whatever she pleases. She would have killed that man and probably me if I hadn't overpowered her. I am afraid of her, Crixus." I told him sadly. "I don't know who she is anymore. But she is not my sister. I lost my sister a long time ago. What remains is simply a twisted image of what she used to be."
"She is still your sister." He told me.
"I wish I believed that. But I truly believe that she'd kill me before she ever helped me."
He shook his head at me, "That's not true. She feels like she lost you as well."
"I'm still me, Crixus. It is she who has changed."
"And you cannot accept her for it. She went through more than we'll ever know and you cannot accept the fact that it changed her. She is still your sister. You simply need to learn to accept her for who she is now, not hold it against her because you remember her as the sweet girl you grew up with. She has been raped and beaten and sent to the mines. Would you remain whole after all that?"
"I may not have gone to the mines or been raped and beaten by as many men as she was. But I too wear scares of my servitude. She is not alone and yet she acts as if she's the only one to ever experience such things. She was still in your arms while I was being raped. She was still yours when I was whipped and sold. I have paid for my love. So have you. So has she. But the way we have dealt with it is completely different. I look at Varro and Spartacus and you and I see what I have. She only sees what she's lost. You are her rock. You are what holds her here. You alone hold power over her. She will not listen to me."
"Try." He said sadly. "For me. I am begging you to try."
Holding his eyes for a long moment, I sighed exasperatingly, "For you."
"Gratitude." He said placing a kiss against my cheek before walking away.
Standing there for a long moment, I returned to my tent, stepping through the door only to have Varro pull me into his arms. Turning me, he threw me onto the bed, stripping before crawling over me. Smiling up at him questioningly, he simply kissed me as he tore the dress from my body. His hand gripped my breast as he kissed me deeper. Running my feet against his, I felt him harden, making me grin as I breathed heavily against him. Rubbing his body against mine, I was wet with desire in seconds, never needing provocation to make love to my husband. Arching as he pushed up inside of me, I moaned with pleasure, wrapping my arms around him, digging my nails into his shoulder blades as his lips trailed down my neck, running his tongue along it as he made his way back to my lips. Gripping his hair, I pulled his head away from me, pressing my lips against his neck, sucking it before biting it playfully. His rocking intensified, our mouths open against each other as I matched his rocking. Letting out a joyful cry, my mind spun with pleasure and he relaxed on top of me.
"At this rate you won't be going anywhere." I told him as I ran my fingers through his hair, one arm wrapped tightly around him.
"Varro." Spartacus' voice called from outside the tent.
"I'll be with you presently." He called back quickly.
"Varro." I frowned at him. Keeping my eyes, he kissed me deeply before rolling off of me. "I don't like you going without me." I told him worriedly. He started to put his armor on, his breaches, gauntlets, and greaves, as well as his scaled shoulder pad on his dominant shoulder, strapped across his chest. It was minimal but he had never been fond of full armor. Spartacus had been made armor fit for a leader. Even he struggled for a time, feeling to constricted, though he grew used to it and was as fearsome a warrior as ever because of it. Only he had this annoying habit of asking my husband to join him in many if not all of his more precarious plans. Though Varro didn't seem to mind since he simply stood there, smiling at me affectionately. "I'm being quite serious, Varro." I stated, getting up and assisting him, making sure everything was secure. "I should be going with you."
"No." He replied with a smirk. "This is a stealth mission. No women allowed."
Taking his hands, I stared at him a moment, trying not to drive myself mad with worry, "You must promise me that you will return safely. If anything happens to you I will not survive it."
"The same is for me." He said running his fingers across my bare collarbone, his eyes moving over my naked body.
"Then promise me." I told him putting my hand over his. "For I love you more than you'll ever be able to understand."
"I can understand plenty." He smiled.
"Then you know how much that is." I frowned at him.
He sighed, pulling me against him. "I love you the same."
"Kiss me." I told him.
Kissing me deeply, he smiled, placing a kiss against my forehead before he left the tent. Quickly putting on my own armor, I followed him, seeing him with the others, Agron looking just as I was. Honored with our position and yet disappointed that we were not going to be joining the others in this fight.
"Varro." I said stepping up to them.
"Lea." Spartacus said stepping up to me, putting his hand on my shoulder. "I'll keep him safe."
"Keep you safe." I told him, wrapping my arms around his neck.
"We will return."
Letting him go, I turned and looked at Crixus. Taking a deep breath, I wrapped my arms around his neck. "Crixus." I said softly.
"We will return." He repeated Spartacus' words. "I will look after him as well." He said gently before placing a kiss against my forehead.
"I know that you are at odds with him, but please, I'm asking you as sister." I told him.
He nodded, "For you I will."
"Gratitude." I told him wrapping my arms around his neck again, putting my hand on the top of his head, gently gripping his hair. "Bring yourself back safely as well. I would be lost without you." Releasing me, he smiled, kissing my forehead again.
Varro appeared at my side, wrapping his arm around me, "We'll look after each other." Offering his arm to Crixus, he smiled, gripping Varro's forearm.
Smiling up at him, I looked at Crixus, putting my hand against his face, "I love both of you."
"We'll come back." Crixus told me.
"You better." I told him.
We were all quiet a moment before Agron appeared, "This is why I prefer men. Not nearly as emotional as women."
Turning to him, I raised my brow and smirked at him, "Are you saying that you and Nasir did not have a tender moment alone to bid farewell to each other?"
His smile disappeared and he cleared his throat, "Let's go."
Laughing, I was quickly silenced by Varro's lips crashing into mine. Putting my hand on the back of his head, I kissed him back, not ready when he pulled away. "All right, go be a hero." I told him sweetly.
"I love you, woman." He smirked at me.
"And I love you." I smiled.
Spartacus smiled, stepping up to me, "Keep everything in order while we're gone."
"Of course." I told him.
He placed a kiss against my cheek, "Love you."
"Love you too." I smiled before watching them all walk away.
Waiting until they were out of sight, I turned back to the camp, ready to keep an eye on things. Walking through the rows of tents, I was soon joined by Nasir. He didn't say anything; he simply walked with me, helping me tend to the people. Though as the hours ticked by, it was obvious that Nasir was more concerned than I was.
Wrapping my arm around him, I offered him a smile, "They'll be back by morning."
"I'm not concerned." He smiled back.
Laughing, I pulled him closer to me, placing a kiss against his temple, "Neither am I."
"Lea."
Freezing, it was Naevia's voice that spoke my name. Turning around, Nasir took a step in front of me. Putting my hand on his shoulder, I looked at my sister, "Naevia."
"May I break words with you?" She asked.
Looking at Nasir, he frowned but walked away. "All right." I told her as I started walking again. She fell in step next to me. For a moment I just glanced at her. Her long hair pulled back and braided. Her makeshift armor very similar to mine. When I couldn't take the silence anymore, I finally spoke to her, "What did you wish to speak about?"
"How at odds we are with each other." She told me.
"Then speak plainly." I told her. "I too have words to break. I will not be shy about what I think."
"You think it is I who has changed." She stated, anger already entering her tone.
I frowned at her, "You have changed."
"I told you that I would never be the same. You accepted it at the temple. Why can you not now? I have become as fearsome a warrior as you have. Just because no one follows me doesn't make me any less a part of this rebellion."
"I don't think you less than me. You know I'd be content to not lead anyone. But we don't always get what we want." I countered. "I have watched you become an amazing woman. But it is your actions that I have trouble with. You were going to kill an innocent man and then attacked me when I stopped you. The Naevia I knew would never do such a thing."
"I am not that Naevia anymore." She stated. "And I will admit that I was mistaken about that man. Crixus broke words with me on the subject. I cannot act without thinking or proof."
"No, you cannot." I shot at her. "And you also cannot go against me in front of a crowd. I will defend myself and will only cause you trouble."
"I do not care what these people think of me."
"Only Crixus."
"And you only care what Varro thinks."
"No, in this you are wrong. As well as in many other things." I replied, getting a look from her. "I didn't mean it as harsh as it sounded." Sighing, I took a step closer to her. "I don't care just about what Varro thinks. I care what Spartacus thinks. As well as Crixus and Agron. Varro and I have become one in many ways. We think alike more often than not. We can read each other by mere expressions. I do not worry about what he thinks because I already know what he's thinking." I explained. "I'm sure the same is with you and Crixus." She remained silent. Sighing, I stopped, gently taking her arm to turn her toward me. "I do not want to be at odds with you. I feel as if hatred has formed between us and I wish it removed so we can once again be the sisters we used to be. Not in the same way, but still sisters."
"I wish that as well." She told me.
"Then let's not fight anymore. I will do my best to keep myself civil if you will." I replied.
She just looked at me before nodding, "All right."
"Gratitude." I smiled at her.
We stood there awkwardly for a long moment, both of us relieved when we were interrupted. "Lea." Lucius said running up to me.
"What is it?" I asked as I recognized the concern on his face.
"Come." He told me out of breath. "It's Otho."
My stomach dropped and I broke into a run as I raced toward Otho's tent. Barreling through the entrance there was a painful cry, my friend surrounded on his makeshift bed. "What happened?" I yelled and they moved aside so I could reach my friend. My brother. "Otho."
"Lea." He said blood smearing across his abdomen.
"Have you called for the healers?" I asked those around us. They all looked at me with shocked faces.
"Lea." Naevia said appearing in the doorway.
"Lucius, come help hold him down. Vita and Junius, go find me a needle and thread. Naevia, go to my tent and gather the herbs. Do you remember which ones?" I asked her.
"Yes." She said and disappeared from the tent.
"Appius." I said looking at my friend. "Take others, boil some water, and bring me as many clean rags as you can find."
"Lea." He said and rushed off.
"Otho?" I said leaning over him. His eyes looked heavy. "What happened?"
"I was walking along the camp line. Something caught my eye. There were scouts in the wood. Catching one, others came to defend their comrade."
"How many?" I frowned at him.
"A half dozen." He told me, his eyes drifting closed.
I took his head in my hands, panic starting to fill me, "Stay with me."
He met my eyes, a smile moving across his face, "I killed them all."
"Well done, my brother." I smiled back at him.
Coughing, he was on the verge of unconsciousness. Moving to his wounds, there was a gaping wound across his abdomen. Another high on his left side. Probing the wounds to assess their depth, it took only a few minutes to determine that his life was in danger. His intestine was showing, though the cut was one of the smoothest I'd ever seen.
"Lucius, make a fire." I told him.
Doing as he was told, I put my dagger into the flame. My hands were covered in blood as I once again looked at the wound. Gently pulling the inner layer of his skin together, I started to sear the flesh. I was nearly done when the others started to filter back in. Asking for the water, it had cooled enough to put against flesh but still kill whatever may be in the wound. The smell of his burning flesh made phantom pain move through my side, my stomach turning. Taking the needle and thread, I sowed the outer layer of his flesh, being meticulous; making sure it was completely sealed. The wound on his side wasn't as deep, closing it faster than the other. Once they were stitched, I took the herbs, crushing them and smearing them over his wounds before wrapping them. By the time I was done, Otho was unconscious but still alive. Hours had passed when I finally sat on a stool, wiping the blood from my hands.
"That was remarkable." Naevia said as she sat next to me. I nodded at her, staring at Otho. "You should rest. You did well this night." She smiled putting her hand on my shoulder. I nodded again. "Lea." She said making me meet her eyes. "You're exhausted."
"I'm fine." I told her. "I'll watch over him till morning."
"You need rest." She told me sternly.
"No." I replied shaking my head. "I'll watch over him till morning. By then the others will be back."
"I can watch over him." She told me.
Meeting her eyes, I finally nodded, "I'm going to take a ride around the perimeter."
"That's not necessary. Lucius is already seeing to that. Many are scouring the wood to dispatch any Roman's they find."
"I'll assist them." I told her, standing and moving from the tent.
She quickly followed, "Lea."
"What?" I shot at her. "I need to do something."
"You saved his life. That's enough for tonight."
"No." I said shaking my head.
Rushing to where the horses were tied, I quickly mounted one, moving to the outskirts of the camp. Moving at a steady pace, my eyes looked for any movement. I had made one full lap around the thousands in camp, thinking about stopping when I pushed the horse forward again. It was the end of my second lap when there was movement. Yelling in the distance. Moving the horse forward, we were suddenly halted, a spear sticking out behind the horse's scapula. It reared, dropping me from its back as it fell to the side, a pained scream coming from it. Rolling, I was on my feet, facing the Romans as they charged out at me. Pulling my sword, I faced them, dodging one while I thrust my sword into the belly of the other. Another appeared, feeling pain across my back as he slashed at me from behind. Yelling, I spun and cleaved his head from his body with a smooth upward thrust. Turning, I shifted just in time to miss a spear from digging into my side, bringing my sword down on the soldier's shoulder, making him drop the spear, falling to his knees. Looking at him, breathing hard, I swung my sword, feeling the warm spray of blood as it flowed freely from his severed throat.
The encounter had lasted only a matter of seconds. Hearing yelling nearby, I rushed through the trees, seeing Lucius and others fighting a clutch of soldiers. Rushing forward, I gripped the shoulder of a soldier, skewering him from behind before his sword could find purchase in Lucius's back. Lucius spun, grinning when he saw me. Nodding at him, I moved, engaging yet another Roman. He knocked the sword from my hands, gripping my throat before throwing me backward. He grinned, stepping up to me as I slowly got to my feet. It was clear on his face that he thought he had gained the upper hand. Only then I took the daggers from their sheaths against my back, slicing him with both of them, watching with pleasure as he fell to his knees, death quickly taking him.
"Well done." Saxa told me. I hadn't even noticed her arrival.
"Gratitude for the lessons." I smiled in response.
"Celsus." Cato said looking down at his friend.
Putting my hand on Saxa's arm, I stepped away from her, going to my friend's side. "His death will not be in vain." I told him putting my hand on his shoulder. Making our way back to camp, I could hear the dying cries of the horse. Moving toward it, Lucius and Saxa followed. Lucius was frowning at me, while Saxa kept an eye on everything around us. Kneeling down at the horse's head, I gently ran my hand across its cheek. "Apologies." I told it.
"Leave it." Lucius told me.
"We must return." Saxa stated. "Not safe."
"It will only take a moment." I said gently shaking my head. "He served me well this night." Taking a dagger out, I quickly drove it through the animal's temple. "Besides, we could use the meat."
With Saxa in the lead, her daggers out and ready, Lucius helped me drag the animal back to camp. We took it to a man known as Diotimos. Spartacus had told of him and his butchering of the wounded horses to feed the people. Leaving the horse outside, I entered his tent. He immediately jumped up with a bow of his head.
I simply smirked at him, "You do not know the face of Spartacus yet I walk in and am immediately recognized."
"I will not make the same mistake twice." He told me. "What can I do for you, Lea?"
"There was a Roman attack in the woods. I was forced to end my horse's suffering. We've brought it back for you to butcher for the people." I told him. "If that pleases you." I added with a slight bow.
He bowed lower, "Of course."
"Gratitude." I told him. "For this and for taking the initiative to feed others."
"No gratitude needed for doing what's right." He replied.
Smiling, I nodded at him. Leaving, I quickly returned to Otho, afraid of what I would find. Naevia was seated at his side, his hand in hers. "Gratitude." I told her. "How is he faring?"
"He yet breaths." She told me though her tone wasn't as optimistic as I would have hoped.
Taking her place at his side, I took his hand, kissing the palm of it before holding it tightly in my lap. "You'll pull through." I told him.
"Lea." Naevia said and there was a twinge of pain as she touched my back.
"It's nothing serious." I told her, attempting to shrug her off.
"Lucius." Naevia said and he quickly left the tent.
"Naevia, I'm fine."
"Enough." She said sternly. "Come." She said pulling me up and to a stool. "Sit."
"Naevia."
"Lea." She said. "It must be tended or it will fester."
Feeling tears start to brim, I looked at Otho before putting my elbows on my knees, sobbing into my hands. Feeling her hands on my shoulders, they soon wrapped around me, resting her chin on my shoulder as she embraced me. Leaning into her, I let her comfort me. We were at war. Men, women, and children were lost nearly every day. But to see one of my own near death's door, it had been a long time since I'd felt such worry. I knew that people would die. I simply felt that I could keep those closest to me safe. I had failed in protecting Mira. I couldn't save Oenomaus. I wouldn't lose another close to me.
When my tears subsided, I allowed Naevia to tend to my wound, cleaning it thoroughly, rubbing herbs into it to keep any infection at bay. As soon as she was done, I sat on the ground next to Otho, my knees bent to the side, my arm resting on the bed, my head in my hand. Naevia sat across from me, looking worried.
"He means a lot to you." She stated.
"He and Lucius were the first two gladiators to join me. They appeared at Caius' villa, eager to join the fight." I told her. "He's been my guardian and second in command for a long time now. I trust him with my life."
"And now he owes you his."
I quickly frowned, "He owes me nothing. All I care about is him living."
She nodded, "Even after everything that has happened; you still remain more concerned for those around you than for yourself."
Scoffing, I shook my head, "No. My main concern is Varro. Then my family and finally myself."
"Varro." She said as a broad grin moved across her face. "I've never seen a man loved as much as he is."
"What of Crixus?" I smiled.
"I would do anything for him. But what you and Varro have endured is far more than Crixus and I."
"Not true. You've come so far after what happened to you. What you personally endured is more than anything the rest of us has been through." I told her. She just stared at me, smiling. "What?" I finally asked her.
"Gratitude." She replied.
"For what?" I asked.
"For reminding me of how we used to be."
Smiling, I took her hand, "Gratitude for the same."
Silence fell between us, my eyes lingering on Otho. I felt exhausted but was too afraid to go to sleep. If Otho slipped away during the night I would never forgive myself. Keeping my eyes on him, Naevia lay asleep at my side, my hand on her arm. Much had happened today when nothing should have happened. Spartacus and the others leave and the Romans appear to have been watching. Thinking that they had found the upper hand. Though none were left alive to report anything. We were secure. Lucius and a group of gladiators were now patrolling the borders of the camp, making sure that no other Romans lingered.
The night was nearly gone when the tents entrance moved and Varro stepped in. Looking up at him, I offered him a small smile, "Hi."
He smiled before it disappeared as he looked at Otho. "How is he faring?"
"His breathing has evened out and he's lasted the night." I replied with a hoarse throat. "I think he will pull through."
"I hear that is thanks to you." He said running his hand down my hair. "And it appears you and Naevia have made amends."
"We have." I smiled. "It was easier than I had expected it to be. Maybe Crixus is right about us still being the same…yet different."
"You look exhausted." He stated, squatting and putting his hand on my face.
Nodding at him, I felt another wave of tears coming. He moved to his knees before he pulled me into his arms. Wrapping my arms around him, I buried my face in his neck, silent tears running down my cheeks.
"Come." He said helping me to my feet. "Let's return to our tent."
"No, I must stay with him." I replied.
"I will look after him." Lucius told me. "He's looked after me for years. It's time I repay the favor."
"Lea." Crixus said rushing through the tent.
Opening my arms to him, I embraced him tightly before he took my head in his hands, looking me over. "You're wounded."
"I'm all right." I smiled at him. "Naevia took care of me." I told him looking at my sister who was now on her feet.
Crixus took his love in his arms, a broad smile crossing her face. Looking up at Varro, He smiled, wrapping his arm around me as we left the tent, walking the short distance back to ours. Pausing, I smiled as I saw Spartacus standing outside of it. Rushing to him, I threw my arms around his neck.
"You succeeded." I stated releasing him.
"We did." He smiled. "And I hear you succeeded as well."
"I did what I had to." I nodded at him.
Smiling, he put his hand against my face, before looking at his brother, "Tend to your wife. She needs to feel like a woman tonight." Smiling at him, I felt my face flush, leaning against Varro. Spartacus laughed as Varro placed his lips in my hair. Stepping forward he took my head in his hands, placing a kiss against my forehead. "Rest. You've earned it."
"You as well." I smiled back, placing a kiss against his cheek.
He took his leave and Varro and I moved into our tent. As soon as the flap of it stilled behind us, I couldn't hide my exhaustion and worry. I didn't even make it to the bed before I fell to my knees. For a moment I thought I would break down, sobbing like I had before. But no tears came. Tears were a weakness I did not want to give into twice. Not in one day. Varro was at my side a second later, his arm wrapping around me as he leaned down to meet my eyes.
"What is it?" He frowned.
"It's just…" I started but stopped.
"Should I be worried?" He asked. "More worried than I normally am?"
"It hit me harder than I had expected." I replied meeting his eyes. "I'm so tired."
"Here." He said pulling me to my feet sitting me on the edge of our bed.
"It's not just because of tonight. I'm tired of this war. I'm tired of being on the run." I elaborated as he started to take off my gauntlets and greaves.
"I know." He replied kindly. "But you've come a long way. You have the respect of the people. They look to you for answers and guidance. You have hardly ever led us astray."
"Us?" I frowned at him. "If you follow anyone it's Spartacus. If you even dare to speak my name as your leader I swear we will be done the moment after."
He grinned at me, "I wouldn't dare. Though you know you would never be able to leave me."
"No." I replied. "But I could simply not speak to you for the remainder of our lives."
He laughed again, moving between my legs, "As long as we can still make passionate love."
Attempting to keep a straight face, I couldn't, grinning at him before kissing him deeply. "I love you."
"And I love you." He said before stripping me of the rest of my armor.
Taking the final piece of cloth from my body, he pulled my hands over my head, running his hands down my arms. Grabbing a dress, he slid it onto me, gripping my hands, bringing them back down to my lap. Leaning down, he put his hands on the edge of the bed before he moved his face closer to mine. Parting my lips, expecting a kiss, he moved his face back and forth, his breath wafting over me. Letting out a small laugh, I took his head in my hands, kissing him passionately.
"Let me hold you." He said sweetly.
Smiling, I kissed him again, "I'd love nothing more."
"Nothing?" He said pressing his lips against my neck.
"Almost nothing." I whispered as I rested my head against the side of his, loving the feel of him. His breath against my neck sending a shiver through my body. "Varro."
"I just got back from battle." He stated. "We were victorious and I've come for my prize."
Grinning, his lips found mine again. Moving backward, he moved on top of me. "I suppose I could make it worth your while."
Making love, gentle and sweet, we fell asleep afterward, wrapped in each other's arms. Much had happened today. More than I had expected. But at the end of the day it was still him and me. It didn't matter what happened. No matter how wonderful or horrible it was. As long as I was with him I felt peace.
