Amazing readers,

This week we got very little scenes, but what we did get, was BEYOND the cutest thing I have ever seen. I see a tenderness in the way Gannicus treats her, which is a great departure from what has really been the standard way he has handled the women before her.

Had serious fangirly moments when he kissed her at the party. But I think MORE so when Crixus and Spartacus bid each other farewell and all I could focus on was Gannicus and Sibyl making out in the background.

As always, thank you for the reviews and comments and messages of encouragement. You are all fabulous.

Love.


The day they broke through Crassus wall saw no reprieve for the rebel army. They marched on. The walk was long and arduous, bitter cold and cutting winds eventually giving way to warmer climes. The relief of it was immediately evident. Spirits soared and hope born again from thoughts that had too often dwelled in chilling darkness.

Sibyl did not see Gannicus often in those first few days. He had asked her to stay close to Laeta, Nasir never far from their sight. He would find her before days end but would not stay long, needing to return to assigned duty. The Roman army nipped upon heels, so Spartacus and his most skilled warriors protected their flank from daily attack.

Upon a day, Sibyl walked with Laeta and a freed slave newly met, Kore. It was past midday and feet were sore, backs aching from weight of supplies. The three women took turns in aiding a pregnant female, carrying her burden and guiding hand. Kore did not say very much, but as days wore on, no one did. Spoken words were energy unwisely spent, the effect leaving solitary mind to mull ill fate and question the purpose of the gods.

Sibyl wondered where Gannicus was and to what purpose assigned. It astounded that within so short a time she could not imagine her existence absent his teasing smile, boisterous laughter and tender touch. They spoke nothing of their future, believing such a thing a dream. But her breast burst with feeling for the former gladiator.

"Frown obscures brow." Sibyl looked over and saw Kore at her side, Laeta having taken turn to aid their pregnant friend.

"Long walk affords opportunity to think on matters close to heart."

Kore fell into step beside her and they walked a while in companionable silence. "You are woman to one of Spartacus's generals?" she eventually asked.

Sibyl still found it amusing, having her referred to as such. His woman. "Gannicus. Yes. I stand so."

"Apologies. I do not mean to pry."

Sibyl shook her head. "No, no offence taken."

"You stand a native to Sinuesa en Valle? You met when the city fell?"

"When initially taken," she clarified. "Gannicus struck down my Dominus."

"He was unkind?" Kore had discerned angry tone.

"A cruel man who destroyed the souls of his slaves for his own pleasure. Not an uncommon fate to many who walk alongside us." Sibyl looked at Kore. "Gannicus saved my life." The other woman nodded but did not add word. "In truth, you catch me with thoughts of his wellbeing."

"He yet clashes sword with Roman auxiliary."

"It does fray nerves," Sibyl said, her concern evident.

"From what I have seen, he is skilled in battle." Kore was lost in thought, as if recalling painful memory. "I loved once, a man who had a thirst for battle. Heart was always heavy until his presence revealed at campaigns end."

Sibyl frowned. "He fought in the Roman army?"

Before Kore could answer, Nasir came running towards them. "We break camp ahead."

"Thank the gods," said Laeta. "I fear this babe would soon be of this world."

"I will stay with her," said Kore. "I have birthed many in my Dominas house."

"Gratitude," said Laeta. "I would volunteer aid should hour be upon us."

"Nasir, Gannicus-" Sibyl began.

"Is well. He should soon be at your side. Come, I will direct to place of rest." Sibyl spared Nasir a grateful look and followed, energy restored.


Halfway down the valley, they descend into the forest, trees offering shade from sun. Already, shelter to shield from cold night was being erected and fires started. Wafts of stews and roasted meat were welcomed by the senses.

"Sibyl!" She turned and saw Gannicus making way towards her, sword at back, the other swinging comfortably from hand. She took steps and was already reaching for him by the time he was at her side. He took her within warm embrace, holding her close before taking a look at her. "Days walk has been long."

She nodded. "More so than any other. Steep inclines make progress harder, especially with pregnant woman within company."

He looked over to where Kore and Laeta sat with the woman, belly swollen, her face flushed. "Crassus's army marches four days behind us. Spartacus would take moment to plan strategy. We will take much needed rest this night."

"I cannot pretend words are not welcome relief."

He chuckled. "Come. Let us see to accommodations."


Together they pitched their tent; nothing more than wood and frayed fabric. Gannicus was pleasantly surprised at how resourceful Sibyl was. He then reminded self that slaves were privy to all manner of duties. He watched as she carried a basket to the entrance of the tent, sitting down and unpacking the necessary supplies to aid in preparing evening meal.

She caught him staring and teased. "You would stand idle and watch a woman work?"

He grinned. "Only if woman looked as you do; with fading light as backdrop." He sauntered over, placing a kiss upon lips.

"Gilded tongue delivers compliment."

He winked. "Nasir has gifted us with rabbit. I shall be of use and prepare fire."

"Stewed or roasted over fire?" she asked, gesturing to the rabbit, still learning what he liked.

"Roasted." He watched her, comfortably sitting upon the ground, no complaints of hunger or cold. "I am reminded of why I would avoid you when first we met." He collected wood.

"Oh? I would love to hear tale. If memory serves, you refused to break word, avoided gaze and would not lend ear even after I made plea."

Gannicus was amused. "In defence, you did follow me like shadow upon wall."

"Only because audience with the great Gannicus was all but impossible!" she exclaimed. "You had saved my life. I desired only to thank you." As an afterthought she added, "and your woman would not let me near you."

"You speak falsely." Gannicus put down the wood he had been carrying and kneeled to start fire. "You were presented to me as gift beautifully wrapped." He looked over at her and her cheeks had gone red.

"A gift, if memory serves, you refused."

"Not," he said, resting back on his legs, "because offering did not hold appeal. Quite the opposite."

"Why did you then? Refuse?" she asked, curious. "When you touched me, looked at me, I had not had much experience… but… I was sure you... but then…"

"Heart and mind knew you were trouble."

She laughed. "Trouble?"

"You are not the type of woman Sibyl, I have usually had… dealings with." He struggled to articulate, but she was patient, waiting. "You saw in me a hero sent by your gods. But I did not see self as delivered prayer. You stood young, untainted by the ugliness of war. I have been pissed upon or elevated as god in the arena." He stopped speaking then for he would add, I did not deserve you.

"You found sentiment misguided, but it was what I held to heart. I still do. There are those," she continued, "who believe it foolish to turn from gifts offered."

"There are many things given to us in this life for the wrong reasons. What we do with such blessings; that is the true test of a man. It was no easy thing to send you on your way." He lightened mood. "It was fortuitous then that you would not be so easily dissuaded."

Suspicion lit her face. "Meaning is not clear."

Gannicus sent a mischievous look her way. "I speak of your seduction."

He watched her mouth drop open, forming a delightful O. "Seduction?"

"When you launched self into embrace before fleeing city." Mind conjured image of the hug she had planted upon him – then an unwilling recipient. He had realised in moment that feeling he had thought imagined when she had stood naked before him as presented gift had not been trick of senses dimed by alcohol. He had felt the pull between them.

"That was not means of seduction!" she tossed a ball of fabric she had been holding at him. It failed to hit its mark and his laughter boomed. "I yearned only to voice thanks before preparing to possibly never lay eyes upon you again."

"And yet hours later I found you once again propelled into unsuspecting arms."

She gasped, outraged and he felt laughter simmer inside him. She looked lovely with her face flushed, her eyes wide with indignation. He pressed on, continuing the ruse. "I would remind of sentiment to share final moment with me."

"Gannicus!"

He could hold back his laughter no longer. It rang loudly, causing more than a few to look in their direction, wondering what amused in such dark times. But Sibyl was not immune; his humour a balm, her own laughter joined his eventually.

"Brute!" she said with no bite.

Their conversation was halted when Spartacus, Crixus and Agron passed by. Gannicus did not hear their words, but could tell it was heated – as it usually was when Crixus stood involved.

"Gannicus," Spartacus called. He turned. "Gather Lugo and scout ahead. I would know of any opportunity for grain or meat."

He nodded, hoping to make errand a swift one. He had been looking forward to spending time with Sibyl. Gathering his swords, he kneeled beside her.

"Apologies. I but tease."

She looked upon him with curiosity. "Why then did you succumb?"

Her eyes were soft, staring directly. "I stood absent willpower to resist." He leaned in and kissed her softly. "I would take meal with you."

"Ensure then safe and swift return."


She skinned the rabbit and rubbed salt onto its skin, preparing to roast upon the open flame. Footsteps approached and Laeta appeared beside her.

"You already prepare meal? I have yet to secure lodgings."

"I have a minute, I would lend hand." Sibyl made move to rise.

"No, apologies." Laeta gestured for her to remain seated. "Continue preparations. I do not believe myself absent skill. I will see to own accommodation."

"You have experience erecting shelter in wilderness?" Sibyl asked, amused. The Roman woman had proven self a formidable force, but Sibyl doubted she had experience in matters such as this.

Laeta laughed. "None. But I am not above learning."

"I would lend aid if needed," she called. But Laeta was already moving away.


Much later, meal consumed and fire burning blow, Gannicus told of Spartacus's plan to take the city at the base of the valley.

"You go directly?"

"Yes. It is but small city and intent is not as might be assumed. Spartacus wishes to hold celebrations on the eve of Crixus's departure. We now take to separate paths." Gannicus felt the weight of the parting keenly, knowing that this might be the last he ever saw of the Gaul and those who follow his cause.

"Is decision wise to split force and march upon Rome?" She touched his back in comfort, reading the tense set of his shoulders correctly.

"Spartacus sees it as grievous error in tactic. I stand with him in this. It is one thing to fight Crassus's armies upon field of battle. We are not yet of strength to topple all of Rome."

"We fight to be free. Does Crixus not have the right to choose own fate?" Gannicus was again struck by her intuitive nature. He placed a kiss upon temple.

"Sentiment shared. It is why Spartacus has ceased internal struggle and blessed his quest." Gannicus leaned into her for a minute, allowing her to gently rub his back, her hair brushing against is shoulder.

"You speak as leader to these people."

He sighed, resigned to a fate he could no longer outrun. "I find myself as reluctant one."

"I will aid in packing and meet you once the city is taken."

"No," he shook his head. "Follow closely. The city is not guarded nor hides large army." He pulled her into his arms and she hugged him back, placing her lips to his throat. "I would have you with me."

Gannicus caught himself wondering how his heart no longer beat for himself alone, but for her as well. Thoughts dwelled to Melitta and Oenemaus who had loved completely, devout in their belief that they were destined by the gods. His own love for Melitta had been compulsion born from cruel circumstance. He had stood selfish to act upon feelings which would have been better served buried deep within.

Sibyl wrapped her arms around him and he pulled her closer. The gods yet offer second chance. He would offer thanks and seize it.


When Nasir announced that the city was taken, Laeta, Kore and Sibyl rushed into the Roman hall amid cries of victory. Across the chamber, Gannicus stood beside Spartacus, a look of glorious triumph upon their faces. Her own face split into a smile just looking at them. She noticed Saxa stood nearby, making effort to ignore her. The German warrior passed by, arm slung securely around a woman she had previously seen within her company.

Gannicus made way to her side carrying wine, and together they took in the sights. The atmosphere had turned festive, all around them drink and food appeared, flowing freely. He sipped drink, relaxed, pushing her against a wall, taking her mouth in a searing kiss. Around them, a song begun but she was not sure what it was; she was delightfully distracted.

He pulled back, grinning, pleased that he could reduce her to mindless state. He poured her a cup of wine and Lugo pushed between them, singing in his native tongue. Although night was still young, he had already had much to drink, his face red, a silly smile plastered across face. She giggled. Whatever he sang, it amused Gannicus greatly.

She eyed the drink in her hand and took a sip. Immediately, fire burned a trail all the way into her stomach. "Ah! It burns throat!"

He laughed. "As does all proper drink." He leaned in close, cornering her. His eyes were bright as he looked at her, enjoying her distress and inexperience. She looked shy under his scrutiny. "Perhaps you should hold with water and more pure thoughts."

To him, she stood beautiful with her hair down, the dark waves framing her face, illuminating the green depths of her eyes.

"Perhaps you should get another. This one's gone empty." He watched as she downed the remainder of the wine in her cup, swallowing with difficulty but appearing triumphant. His chest expanded with pride and he chuckled.

"Recall when head pounds upon morning that I but follow command," he teased, feeling carefree and lightheaded. He was sure it was less consequence of drink consumed and more about her. He felt drunk upon her. Her eyes, her scent, her smile.

He leaned in and kissed her quickly - twice - before departing to find drink, aware that her eyes tracked every move. In the shallow pool ahead, Lugo was surrounded by naked women. Gannicus laughed, the German clearly enjoying himself. He looked up and Saxa stood before him.

"You are with little thing now?" He pressed down irritation at her address. He looked back at Sibyl; her smile had faded.

"Apologies," he said, keeping it short. They had already had this conversation. "I did not wish to see heart wounded."

"You will ruin little thing; with drink and ways of your kind. And you again will find my bed." She kissed the woman beside her and he grinned, realisation upon him that Saxa would soon see to mending wounded heart.

Gannicus turned from her, choosing to look back at his woman. His woman. He realised she was. His woman. In every manner that mattered. Like starving being, she looked upon him with open hunger and he felt the punch of possessive desire ignite once more in his belly.

Saxa's words rang within. Perhaps it was time to set aside the thirst for wine that had ensured numbing of feeling. She inspired new emotion within him. He would allow self to feel it all.