After a few seconds of reflexion, Spartacus said

"I can't take that decision alone…I must talk with the others to see what is on their minds"

Oenomaus added

"Most of them are Gauls, Britons or from the east of the Rhine…People of the north that would be travelling to a land strange to them"

Spartacus nodded and said "Not just that…once we get there, what would we do".

Alexandra answered

"I have no slaves with me… all my servants receive a fair payment for their services and are free to leave whenever they want"

Seeing their doubtful faces, she quickly added

"You are all free to decide what to do with your lives; I am only giving you options, but I would be honoured to have men as yourselves working for me…working as free men in honest occupations. You all can start a new life".

A few hours later, she repeated the same offer to the rest of the slaves. Murmurs were heard everywhere, especially among the Germans, who have only heard mention of Egypt as a distant and almost mythical land.

"We will be departing in a week…I will be bringing proper clothing so you all can pass unnoticed among my servants when we reach the port where my ships will be waiting".

Agron was the first to voice his opinion

"I desire to return to my homeland, but I also know that marching to the north would take us closer to Rome…the way I see it this is our best chance to escape the Romans"

Gannicus, who had been to Rome previously, agreed

"You have a very small chance to reach the alps in case you decide to march north…I have been to Rome and let me tell you that you have not faced yet the might of the republic"

To the dubious stares, Spartacus spoke

"I know many of you wish to return to your homelands...but for the moment I advice caution; let time pass and wait for a more convenient time, for those that would desire it, to return to your lands".

When the meeting was over, Alexandra told the leaders of the rebellion.

"I depart for Rome now… time to "convince" my friends to delay the legions"

Before she left, Spartacus said

"Gratitude, my lady…for everything"

She smiled at him "From now on call me Alexandra" she said and then took off.

Seppia decided to stay for a while as she was still debating with herself if she should tell Spartacus about his newborn daughter.

Despite everything, she could still feel the fear some of the slaves felt about her condition as she was left alone in her own thoughts.

"Come on join us" she heard a female voice, and when she looked up she saw Naevia, who was smiling kindly at her.

The rebels were about to eat dinner and Seppia approached the spot where Naevia was. Crixus, Nassir, Agron, Gannicus and Spartacus were also there.

Seppia could see the curiosity in their eyes and she knew what was on their minds.

"I know you are all wondering what we are..Alexandra and I"

All those that were sitting close to them stopped talking and listened with interest.

"A…are you a ..g..goddess" Nassir asked shyly.

Seppia denied with her head

"I am a human, just like all of you"

"B..but then.. how?" Spartacus asked with incredulity.

"I am a human" she took his hands and brought them to where her heart was "Yet there is no life in this body".

His eyes widened as he felt no heartbeat.

Nassir's face paled. He remembered old tales in his homeland when he was a child

"ekimmu" he said.

When the others stared at him, he elaborated

"In Syria there are tales that speak of the restless dead that rise at night and drink the blood of the living…we call them Ekimmu"

Seppia replied

"This…curse, originated in Egypt..Alexandra explained to me how it began. "

Those present listened with great interest as Seppia gave a brief description of Isetnofret's tale

"You mean she has lived for more than a thousand years?" Crixus asked impressed

"And she was the daughter of the pharaoh?" added Naevia.

Spartacus asked

"Then the roman that attacked us was also one of your kind?"

"He was" Seppia replied.

"We drink the blood of the living because it possesses the life we no longer have" she explained "However there is no real danger for the living, as only a few drops of blood are enough to quench our thirst"

She also told them her story, How Alexandra found her dying and the transformation.

Spartacus looked at her with sympathy

"You were also a victim of Glaber"

She added "He killed my brother and many others in his ambition….he was truly a monster"