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Waking with a start, Neith momentarily forgot where she was. Sitting up quickly, she groaned at a wound on her side. Then she remembered. The mines. After remaining a few weeks in Capua, the band of rebel slaves had left the city behind and headed south. They had liberated a few villas along their way and a few slaves had joined their ranks - a young man named Nasir and a woman called Chadara standing out among them.

But Crixus insisted on fining Nevia when he learned she had been sent to the mines. So she had joined with him, Spartacus, Mira, Nasir and a few others to aid in his quest. Their journey had been successful yet only she, Spartacus, Nasir, Mira and Nevia returned. Others led by Agron, who had refused to aid in the suicidal quest found them in the shadow of Mount Vessuvius.

After a days travel they had found shettler in an old temple occupied by a hermit named Lucius who welcomed the enemies of Rome. The man shared what food and wine he had to spare and Neith expressed much gratitude for it.

While she had been injured escaping the guards who pursued them after leaving the mines, her injuries were slight compared to Nasir's. The Syrian suffering a large gash to the side and a stabbing wound close to the heart. Once sun had set, Neith assisted Nevia and Camilla in tending the man.

When Neith first laid eyes on their lost friend she had not recognised her. The once shy yet warm, kind eyes now stood empty and hollow. Weeks of abuse and little food had left her thin and waif like. Though her hair had started to grow back, it still barely touched Nevia's chin causing her cheekbones to appear more pronounced and gave a pitiful look to her appearance.

As Nasir was attended Agron came to check on the man. Neith had noticed the German held affection for the smaller man and it gladdened her heart that her friend might find happiness after the loss of his brother.

"Neith. You are well?" Agron asked.

"Yes, thank you. My wound is not half sever as Nasir's. Though with Camilla and Nevia's guiding hand he will soon make recovery." She smiled to the other women

Camilla merely nodded never one for many words, she had been born a slave and had ran the Batiatus household for many years. But even she could not deny the need for the fall of her master.

Nevia gave a small forced smile in return but it never reached her eyes.

"I shall see myself to Spartacus and be of use once more." Neith told them, leaving the room.

As she walked the corridor she met Mira holding a candle in both hands.

"Spartacus requests your presence. Along with Agron's."

"I make my way to the man presently. Agron is within speaking with Nevia."

Mira nodded her thanks and both continued on their paths.

Neith found Spartacus sitting on a fallen ceiling beam twirling his sword into a large timber lost in thought. The man seemed taller in stature since their escape. As if the loss of shackle's weight allowed him to stand to full height. Yet now he carried weight of leadership upon his shoulders.

"You wished to see me?" she asked, wincing a bit as she sat next to him.

"Your wound still lends discomfort?" he questioned concerned.

"Only now and again. I am still much of this world." she told him trying not to let on the full extent of pain she was in.

Spartacus chuckled a bit before looking up as Mira and Agron approached.

"Nasir?" The rebel leader asked

"He yet fights." Agron answered

"As do we all." Mira added

"The Roman's would have it believed otherwise. Lucius tells of spreading word we are all but defeated."

"They belive us a band of common beasts, unorganized and easily frightened." Neith seethed

"Let them come and find assumption false." Agron replied

"I would not wait for such a day. And see our brothers fall in the arena." Spartacus told them

"You would lay attack on the arena?" Agron questioned guessing at his intent

"It is madness." Neith insisted, "Such a thing is impossible."

"Our numbers are low. More so of men with sword." Mira reminded him

"A thing known by Glabber and his soldiers. He would never think us to make attempt." Spartacus replied as if that was the genius of his plan

"For good fucking reason." Agron chuckled

"Who is more familiar with the arena then the men who fought upon it's sands?" Spartacus shot back

"What are your thoughts?" Agron sighed realising he would not be dissuaded from plan

'These executions serve as message. That Rome burns any threat against it's rule. I would send message of our own. One that will ignite the hearts of all yet enslaved." Spartacus spoke rising

The night passed quickly and soon dawn waited breaking. Neith gathered a few previsions and fresh bandages to make the journey to Capua. As she made her way to Spartacus and the others, she overheard Agron speaking to Nasir who wished to join them.

"This time you stay and I go." He said before laying a gentle kiss on the man's lips.

"I will make sure the fool does not get himself killed." Neith assured him placing a hand on Agron's shoulder.

"I fear you will not be joining us." Spartacus told her.

"You jest surely." She scoffed turning to him.

"You are yet fully healed." He spoke gently putting pressure on her wound causing the shadow of pain to pass over her face, despite her effoerts.

"I will not be burden if that is your worry." she inisted

"I would be of sounder mind knowing you are here. Safe. And should our journey not be fruitful and we do not return, I would have you take up leadership with Lucius and see all those among us to true freedom beyond the republic."

"And cause as much destruction and mayhem as possible along the way." she added with a slight smile.

Spartacus managed a small chuckle before calling to the others, "We must move."


It is a heavy thing, waiting for news and sign to know if those you hold to heart yet live or have died. Nieth had felt it before many times when still a gladiarix awaiting her brothers victories or deaths. But this time it felt hevier. To know that those she cared for fought not just on the sands but Rome it's self. And if they fell the rebellion would all but fall apart and those remaining would have to flee or perish the same.

Throughout the day she divided her time between tending Nasir and assisting others to make the temple more livable. Rotting wood was piled to be used as firewood. Floors were swept of small debree and water was stocked from a nearby spring.

It was tiring work but it kept mind and body occupied. As day turned to night though she found idle time brought crushing worries again to surface. Wondering about the temple she found Nevia staring into the flames of a small fire.

"Much has changed in the time we have been apart." Nevia spoke not taking her eyes from the flames.

"But there are many things that have not. Like Crixus love for you." she insisted.

"He loves a shadow. A memory replaced by the wretched thing I now stand."

"We have all faced abuse and hardship Nevia. Though not a much as you. But you have many to lean on until you are able to once again stand alone. And Crixus will not see blame as your own but the fault of those who sought amusement at your expense."

"That is if Spartacus returns." Nevia whispered.

"Crixus himself could not kill the man. Do you truly belive those Roman shits can?" Neith questioned chuckling.

Nevia's eyes wrinkled with slight amusement. Neith placed a hand on the woman's shoulder and gave it a comforting squeeze before retiring to bed and fitful slumber.


As the next day approached Neith felt worry grow with each passing hour. Spartacus and the others had still not returned and it frayed at her nerves. She paced about the top of the temple wall for hours searching for sight of them only to jump down and walk outside the walls to the spring, complaining of need of air to Nevia and Lucius. She was making return when she heard a shout of celebration and she quickened pace back to the temple.

Finally at just before mid-day they returned. Ragged and tired but alive.

"The arena is burned to the ground!" she heard Agron shout to the cheer of the crowd. "And many Romans among the ashes!"

Seeing Crixus, Neith quickly embraced him.

"I never thought I would be so happy to see you." She told him.

"Neith. Oenomaus was among Rhascos and I when we were delivered to the arena. The Romans had recruited..."

But Neith did not stop to hear the rest. Oenomaus was here, somewhere and she would find him and see their bond renued.

Passing Nevia, she couldn't help but smile as the woman noticed her long absent lover. Their reunion mere steps away.

Coming into the crowded room she looked to the body on the table and her heart sank. Oenomaus lay upon a makeshift bed covered in his own blood. Her mind once again flashed to his battle with Theococles. Looking around for Spartacus and explanation her eyes landed on another. And her breath caught in her throat. Gannicus. She would know that messy tangle of hair anywhere. And his unshaven face with pericing yet gentle eyes, still the same. He had not noticed her yet. His eyes locked onto their brothers injured form.

"Gannicus" she called.

The man did not look up. Puzzled she realized that though her lips had formed the words her voice had not given them life.

"Gannicus!" She tried louder once more.

This time he looked to her and as their eyes crashed she felt their pull once more. She lost herself in the blue grey color and had not realised either had moved until she was in crushing embrace.

Breathing deeply, she held him tighter drawing in his sent once more. The smell of wind, dust and sweat, yet somehow fresh and pleasant. The comforting strength of his arms once again after so many years brought forth another thing she had been denied for a long time. Tears. As they flowed like a mighty river she had no care to stop them as they soaked her brothers cloak. She cried for Varro, Barca, Mellita once more, as well as Oenomaus. Also herself and the wasted years she had been forced to endure.

Pulling back she whispered in choking voice "I thought I would never see you again."

"Nore I you. When word reached me of the rebellion..." As if realising once again where they were his face hardened. "Neith what leave of senses caused you to join these band of animals?"

"They are no animals. Merely those that were enslaved and sought freedom. Like me."

"I thought you would earn or pay for freedom."

"I tried but it was denied me by Batiatus. He claimed I was worth over three times what he paid for me and would accept nothing less."

"And that is why you turned on him?" Gannicus asked, disbelieving.

"There are more reasons then can be told right now. Many of us have reasons that overlap and entwine." She told him looking to Nevia and Crixus.

"We have much to discuss." he told her sternly as if father making to chastise child.

'That we do." she challenged back


"I merely seek words with an old friend. Nothing more."

Neith stopped a moment on her way to attend Oenomaus upon hearing Gannicus voice. Coming around the corner she saw Chadara standing above her brother who only had eyes for the dark injured form upon the table.

"Seek to spread your thighs elsewhere." She commanded drawing the woman's notice.

"I was merely..."

"All know of your relations with Rhascos, Chadara. You provided your body and he provided sword." Neith said.

The blond woman's eyes shimmered with shame but she held her head high, then catching the eye of Donar she gave a haughty smirk to the Egyptian and followed him. No doubt securing her position once again.

"You always had a way with making friends." Gannicus spoke over his shoulder.

"She relies on men for protection and does not seek to take destiny in hand despite urging from both Mira and I." She replied, coming to sit beside him.

"Not all women or even men are like you or I. They do what they must, no matter how low to survive."

Neither spoke for awhile merely enjoying the comfort of each other's presence after being apart to long. But Nieth had pressing questions.

"Why did you agree to fight on the sands for the executions?"

"When I heard of the rebellion I made my way to Capua as fast as I could hoping to find or hear word of you. When I heard Oenomaus and Crixus were to be exicuted, I hoped to give them clean, honorable deaths."

"Where were you all this time?"

"Traveling. Seeing the world."

"Did you make it to Alexandria? To the library?" She asked hopeful

"I made it to the steps of the building. Before I was enticed by a very beautiful Greek woman." he smiled sheepishly

Neith couldn't help but laugh. He would probably never change, not that she could fault him for it.

"I missed you. So much." she whispered winding her arms around him.

"And I missed you sister." he told her placing a kiss on her hair, "But I carried you with me everywhere."

Drawing back Neith looked into his eyes confused until he removed something from around his neck and pressed it into her hand. It was the cat charm she had given him when he had left the ludus.

Smiling she hugged him tightly a moment before returning the necklace to him.

"For a long time I believed the thing cursed." he told her as he hung it back in place, "I have seen you where ever I have roamed these many years apart."

"What do you mean?" she asked

"I've seen you in Aquileia while waiting out a blizzard, while traveling by caravan through Numidia you were dancing across the desert. Sitting upon the leve wall watching the sun set in Crete. Neith, I swear just the other day you were down in Greece picking pomegranates. I also thought you were in Sicillia barefoot on the beaches. No matter where you choose to be, in my heart I would always see you everywhere."

She merely smiled at the thought. Often she had wondered about him over the years. Where he was, what he was doing, was he safe and happy? It seemed the gods had favored them both with visions providing favorable answer.

"I have just realised you have lost your silver shadow. Where is Mai?" Gannicus questioned after a moment.

"I saw her to a better home. One far from blood and war."

Gannicus raised a brow at her. Both knowing she would not easily part with the creƤture.

"For a few weeks after the uprising we remained in Capua, finding shelter in the sewers. Spartacus received word that the man who condemned him and his departed wife to slavery was returning to the city. Wishing revenge he made to kill the man in the market square. There were those among us who made to stop him. We were all discovered and had to flee in all directions. My path led to the walls of a villa that Mai and I climbed to escape advancing guards. We landed in a beautiful garden where a lone child sat by a pool and fountain reading. Mai escaped my arms and made her way to the girl. I could see one of her legs was shorter and thinner then the other. The girl probably had no playmates and little time outside the house. I could tell that Mai knew this girl needed her more then I did, so with a final wave goodbye from my hiding spot I left absent notice."

"So the little beast has found a new mistress and fine pillows to lounge upon." Gannicus laughed.

"I bear no ill will to her or the child. My place here is dangerous. It is a comfort knowing you are here as well." Neith told him.

"I remain only to speak to Oenomaus. Then you and I will leave this place and put all the blood shed and heart ache behind us."

Neith stiffened at his words. Did he truly belive he could order her from something she believed in? From those she fought beside and had bled for?

Angrily she stood up and walked away without a word or parting glance.


The next evening she found herself sitting upon the wall around the temple with Gannicus. While still angry she wished to spend as much time with him before he left as she could. She had no idea if or when she would ever lay eyes upon him again.

While they looked out to the horizon Spartacus made his way into the yard and began to speak of his plans for the next few days and weeks. He would have them create escape tunnels under the temple should they be attacked. And weapons would be crafted from wood and stone. Neith listened attentively though she knew her brother had turned back to the sight beyond the cause.

Upon hearing a commotion, all eyes turned from the rebel leader to Crixus and Agron exchanging blows.

Being pulled apart Spartacus seethed, "I thought we had moved past this."

"Wounds still linger." Crixus replied looking to Nevia.

From her perch above Neith realised Agron must have tried to break apologetic words to Crixus for his decite at claiming Nevia dead to protect lives that would be lost in rescue mission. Crixus must not of been in a forgiving mood.

"I move for Neapolis, and thoughts of swelling rank with better men." Agron spat, blood dripping from his mouth.

Beside her she heard Gannicus laughter, "You need not fear the Romans." he said, "Your own men make to kill each other."

"You know what must be done." Spartacus spoke to those looking on, "See it done."

Neith remained where she was. Unsure at where the current mood might lead.

"Gannicus. I would have words." Spartacus spoke

Noticing his toan Neith jumped down from the wall along with her brother.

"I would have words alone." Spartacus said looking at her.

Glancing between the men Neith remained where she was. If words came to blows she did not know who she would stand beside but she would not turn blind eye to the tension between them.

'What ever words you break may be said in front of my sister. She has already bled for you, if the wound upon her side is of any indication. Surely that has granted her some honor. Though it appears that Crixus is mostly at fault for not doing as I asked of him upon my departure." Gannicus replied

"I am capable as any man!" she spat at him.

"A thing known to all." Spartacus said, "But words I wish to break we have already shared Neith. Perhaps you would see to lessons with Lucius learning archery."

Looking to the man Neith could tell he held no animosity towards her brother and she silently nodded and made her way to the gathering group around the hermit waiting instruction.


Hour later she returned to the temple and found Gannicus leaving the room that held Oenomaus, his face marred by grief and guilt.

"What is it? What has happened? Is it Oenomaus?" she questioned quickly

"He is awake. And has learned of Melitta and I."

"How?" she gasped

"I do not know. But he will never forgive me. Nor do I deserve it."

"It is a matter out of your hands. You were commanded."

"That is not the time I speak of. It is of the night Melitta died."

"The night...she died. You shared simple parting drink."

Gannicus made no answer but the look on his face told all.

"How could you?" she questioned.

"I have now earned you disgust as well. She died in my arms before we could lie together but our intent was clear."

"Gannicus, you are and always will be my brother. But this opens old wounds that will need time to reheal."

The Celt nodded sadly and directing her to the room said, "I'm sure he would like to see you."

Neith touched the man's shoulder momentarily before walking into the small cramped room.

"Oenomaus?" she questioned looking to the man his eyes closed but his face streaked with tears.

"Neith." He replied, opening his eyes and smiling at the sight of her.

Kneeling beside the bed, she gently took his hand and pressed it to her face, "I thought I'd never see you again." she said as tears ran down her face.

"Nor I you." he replied smiling

"Now we are all back together." she smiled slightly, wishing to guade the extent of the break in her brother's bond.

"You speak of Gannicus. He no longer stands as brother to me. He..."

"Lied with Melitta." she finished

"You knew of this?" he questioned harshly.

"I knew of a time it was commanded by Batiatus for the entertainment of Varris. It is how the primus was secured. Oh Oenomuas, there were thousands of times I wished to tell you but I was commanded to silence, and then when Melitta died I did not wish to taint her memory. I thought as you that she died merely wishing Gannicus farewell with wine." she sobbed

"I cannot blame you for other's actions." He spoke after a long time, "But my heart is saddened at this."

"As is mine. I still hold you as brother."

"And you sister. Though Gannicus betrayal shall never be expunged."

Feeling her heart sink, Neith nodded and placing parting kiss on his hand left the man to rest and recovery.


"I'm not going with you." she spoke to Gannicus, leaning against a pillar, as he gathered his things for departure.

"Do not fight me on this Neith. This so called army, this cause, is doomed. I would not see you fall in its foolishness."

"If I fall then it will be for something I belive in!" she insisted

"What is it that you belive your fighting for? Because it is false. You fight for one man's vengeance."

"You are right. I fight for Spartacus vengeance. But also Crixus, Nevia, Agron, Melitta and my own. We stand together for freedom of ourselves and others as well. It has kept us alive so far, it will continue to do so."

"Please Neith." he whispered stepping forward and placed a hand under her chin, a gesture still second nature to them both. "Come with me."

Neith smiled sadly. Was it so long ago that they had been in this same position?

"I cannot. I have given my word to Spartacus and I would keep it."

Nodding with understanding, he shouldered his provisions. Hand in hand they made their way to the exit of the temple.

They were greeted with chaos and accusatory glares along the way. Spartacus stopped them and asked Gannicus what he carried with him.

"Water." the Celt spat. "And meat caught by my own fucking hand."

"What is the meaning of this?" Neith asked stepping forward, but Spartacus' eyes never left Gannicus.

"Our map takes flight in your wake." Mira spoke.

"A thing I have seen your gaze upon." Spartacus said.

Neith looked from Gannicus to the others in disbelief. Did they truly think her brother capable of such a thing? Her trust of him should speak for its self for the rebel leader.

"I am guilty of many things. Betraying ill-fated cause does not stand among them. One my sister foolishly believes in despite my efforts. Remove yourself from fucking path."

Spartacus and Agron squared their shoulders and refused to move.

"Enough of this. If Gannicus claims to not have the map then he speaks true. Any who challenge his word challenges me." Neith demanded

Seeing Gannicus turn she followed his gaze and saw Crixus shake his head in warning against fighting the men.

"I do not need you fighting my battles sister." he whispered. Turning back to Spatacus and the others the laughed and said, "I knew you would lead these men to their deaths eventually. Is this the day you would do it?'

"They are but loyal, a quality you seem unfamiliar with.'

Neith felt her anger rising. How dare Spartacus throw something he did not fully understand circumstance of in her brother's face.

Without warning Gannicus charged the rebel leader and tackled him to the ground outside. Rain began to pour as the men set to do battle.

They slashed and hacked at each other drawing blood in turn. Horrified Neith called over the yells of the others and thunder for the men to stop.

Spying Crixus and Mira she made her way to them, "This must stop!" she insisted fearful for both men, yet absent weapon she was unable to stop them.

"We both know I cannot stop either man once they have set mind to purpose." Crixus replied.

And so the battle raged on as the storm became more intensified. Neith could not look away, tears forming in her eyes at the thought of possibly loosing either man.

"Spartacus!" Mira's voice was heard above the noise.

Neith looked to the woman as an arrow was released from her bow. But it was not pointed at the men. It was at Chadara, who was making her way from the temple, the arrow pericing the base of her throat.

"She was trying to slip away when all of us stood fixed." Mira explained

"A fine shot." Lucius applauded

"I ment only to wound." Mira spoke looking at they dead woman lying on the rain-soaked ground. Reaching into her dress Mira exclaimed "She took the map."

"Why would she do such a thing?" Spartacus questioned

"She felt she had no place among us. She sought to secure once elsewhere."

Neith quickly made her way to Gannicus and quickly threw her arms around him silently thanking the gods he was yet alive. He returned the embrace despite the swords yet in his hands.

"Apologies.' Spartacus voice sounded as they broke apart, the man coming to stand before them. 'Your words prove true."

"It has not always been so." Gannicus conceded. "I will take to path now, unless you would seek further quarrel."

"Go. Enough blood has been spilled"

Neith keenly felt the loss of Gannicus presence as he stepped away to gather his things held out by Agron.

"Do you stay?" he asked Crixus and Nevia

'We do." the Gaul answered.

"Then I shall mourn your passing." he replied. "And hope you will do better job of watching over my sister then you have in the past."

Turning from those crowded about, Neith wordlessly followed him to the edge of the woods where they stopped and tightly embraced.

"I cannot bear it." she sobbed through her tears, "To be parted from you so soon to being reunited. But I cannot go with you."

"I know." he whispered kissing her forehead and holding her close once more.

"We will see each other again. Yet in this life. I can feel it. I don't know how or when but it is certain." she told him.

"I have found myself a fool for not believing you in the past. I shall not make the mistake now." he told her smiling slightly as he wiped away her tears.

As she watched his form fade into the growing darkness she feverently prayed to the gods that her feeling was right and that she had not made the mistake of being separated from her beloved brother forever.


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