I own nothing
Neith knew she was dreaming, but as with most good dreams she found little care in the knowledge, and pushed it aside for the peaceful visions of slumber.
She stood in the doorway of a modest yet comfortable house watching the sunrise over green furtle fields and hills. Small homes dotted the valley below, fires lit the night before were softly burnt to embers, the cool stillness of the early morning a comfort before the realties of the day.
"I wake to find you from our bed." A man's voice spoke breaking the silence. "Not the way I wished to start the morning."
"Your son was restless and would not allow further sleep." She replied as a pair of strong, yet gentle arms wrapped around her growing stomach.
"A pity. I missed your warmth and sent." he told her, burying his face into her hair and the crook of her neck.
Neith laughed and leaned into his embrace. Her waking mind did not recognise the man's voice or body yet she knew he was husband to her and this was their home.
But in the distance she heard someone's voice calling. As she listened the voice became clear.
"Romans!"
Waking with a start, Neith reached for her sword she had taken from a soldier when they fought against Glabber. She barely had time to stand before she was engaged with one of the Romans. Their swords clashed as they fought, her back soon being pressed to a wall, the darkness hindering her sight. Hearing a battle cry she saw Oenomaus come to her aid only to be knocked aside by the soldier. Enraged she pressed attack against the man, the both of them coming to a stalemate of swords pressed against each others necks.
"Enough! Stand down." she heard one of the Romans call as Saxa lit a torch and made to swing it at the man.
Removing his helmet, all gasped as the man beneath was revealed to be none other than Spartacus.
Looking around, she saw one by one the others took off their helmets revealing Crixus was also part of the ruse. The man she held sword to stepped back and removed his helmet as well. Gannicus smirked at her, enjoying the shock upon her face.
"This was but fucking test?" Agron asked outraged.
"If it had not been you would all be for the afterlife." Spartacus replied
"We will not be taken unaware next time." Oenomaus told him. Obviously disappointed in himself for being taken by surprise.
"I would see words forged into action. Rise, and take morning meal." Spartacus told them looking around. "The day ahead of us will be long."
As the others shuffled about to do as commanded Neith felt anger rising in her chest. How could Spartacus not include her in this plan?
"Spartacus. I would have words." she told him.
"Break them quickly. I would see you train with the others and make use of your weapon." Spartacus replied.
Feeling another blow of discontent she squared her shoulders and looked him hard in the eye and demanded, "Why was I not included in this? I have been with you since the beginning yet I am left in the dark."
"There were but three sets of Roman armor. And they do not allow women to fight. At least not outside of the arena."
"But..."
"I understand your disappointment and confusion. But fact remains you are woman. There are certain times when you must be unicluded due to this. It is no reflection on your skill or ability which are above all women here and most men but it is how things stand, regardless of how we would have them." he attempted to sooth placing a hand on her shoulder.
While she could see his logic the truth of his words wounded her pride. For years she had stood with men and in many things had been their equal, yet now her gender was no longer an oversight to be brushed aside. It could decide the failure of success of what must be done.
After a moment she replied, "I understand. But just because I am not part of a mission or plan should not exclude my knowledge of it. If the worst were to happen I would know the cause of death or capture not mere disappearance."
Spartacus nodded in agreement before turning away to remove the Roman armor and start days training.
As day dawned many in the temple were at each others throats blaming one another for their failure to withstand the surprise attack earlier that morning. Standing beside Gannicus, Neith watched as Lugo and Nasir blamed each other in turn for allowing the wall to be breached on their watch. Agron came to the defense of his lover only to have Crixus challenge him in turn.
"The Romans will come!" Spartacus shouted holding Crixus back from Agron. "And if they find us divided, we will fall before them."
"Words of meaning." Nevia stated, stepping forward, looking from Crixus to Agron. Neith knew from discussion her friend tired of the fighting between her lover and the German gladiator.
"What would you have us do?" Donar asked.
"Try not to get your head fucking bashed." Nemities told him. Donar had been the first to fall in the ambush, having left the temple to relieve himself.
"Bold words. From one who tumbled so quickly." Gannicus shot at the German.
"I was absent fucking sword!" Nemeties fumed.
"You don't fight so well with fists either." Neith reminded him smirking.
"Why does little man have sword, and not Lugo?" the stocky German asked pointing to Nasir.
"We cannot face the Romans with fucking sticks." Nemeties insisted.
"The I will teach you the bow. As will Neith." Mira answered him.
"The bitch and her fucking arrows." Saxa spat in German, sharpening her knives.
Neith made to challenge her but Agron got to the woman first and reprimanded her with a shove to the arm, which was answered with a cat-like hiss.
"We are from east of the Rhine. We fight with fucking steel." Nemeties spat with pride, as if such a thing held meaning when it was something in short supply.
"We must use what we have." Spartacus spoke
Saxa came forward and asked why he had allowed Illythia freedom when they had not received swords promised, her words translated by Agron.
"A thing I have also wondered." Gannicus spoke up, receiving an elbow in the ribs from Neith in return.
"Taking her life would not of gained us what we need. It would only of served misplaced vengeance. We are better then this." he said looking around at them all. "We are better then the Romans. Oenomaus, Gannicus, see everyone to guarded position. We will train against assault by light of day and attempt to eleviate night's low defeat."
"Let us see it done." Gannicus said removing himself from against the pillar.
"I have no need of aid." Oenomaus told him waving away the man's presence. "Lugo, Nasir, take position upon wall. Donar, Nemeties, Lydon, Saxa, fall to my side!" he instructed
Neith could see the disappointment on Gannicus face and placed a gentle hand on his arm. "Give him time. Once you again fight beside one another, old feeling shall return."
He made no answer as they moved to the yard and began to train together.
As day progressed, Spartacus outlined a plan of attack should the Romans breach the temple walls. Many of the rebels would wait until the soldiers were well within the temple yard to spring trap and have them caught. But many of the Germans were over eager for a fight and did not listen to instruction, causing Saxa and Nemeties to consume mouthfuls of dirt in defeat.
"We must remain hidden until the Romans are drawn in." Spartacus instructed.
"You would see them breach the wall?!" Nemeties questioned.
"We would see them trapped you simple fuck." Crixus told him.
"Like fish in a net." Spartacus explained.
"Then we shall roast them on open flame." Neith laughed from beside Crixus.
"Wagon approaches." Gannicus called from atop the wall.
"Agron leads it." Nasir told them, alleviating fears it was the Romans.
Running atop the wall Crixus called down in shocked anger, "He has attacked another one, without command."
"No he acts on my orders." Spartacus replied
"Towards what purpose?" Gannicus asked.
"To secure something we desperately need." the rebel leader spoke a smile spreading upon his face.
Neith knew that look. He had a plan in the works. As the wagon entered the temple the rebels surged upon it, expecting to find weapons. Instead it held something else many had not had in a long time. Wine.
Seeing Gannicus eyes go bright at the sight of the wine jugs being unloaded she laughed at seeing her brother's joy once more.
"Be warned brother," she told him, "I shall not save you from yourself or whomever's thighs you fall between." chuckling as he downed his thrid cup.
"Do not worry cast worry upon me Neith. It is you who have been without a man for many years." he replied laughing.
Neith said nothing, merely looked to where Spartacus stood talking and laughing with Agron. Since the one time within his cell after the death of Varro they had not even shared intimate touch, yet the memory of it sent fire through her veins. But she would not betray Mira in the pursuit of him now that their relationship had ended. Nor would she give her heart to one who could not give his own.
"I am surprised to see you yet among us Gannicus." Crixus voice called drawing both their attention.
"While I still do not belive in your cause. I would not turn from my sister. Or my brothers." he replied.
"A thing I am grateful for. As is Spartacus." Neith told him.
"I barely know the man absent furrowed brow." Gannicus mused following the leaders movements.
"He is not a man of drunken pursuits. His brow may not reveal it, but their is yet intent upon mind." Crixus told him.
"A thought that reflects my own." Neith said looking to the man who stood on the other side on Gannicus.
"It lifts heart," Spartacus spoke above the noise drawing attention and silence, "to hear voices raised in spirit...to see us bonded...not by brand, not by homeland, but by an ideal. That every man... every woman should be born and should live with the taste of freedom forever upon their lips." He said walking among his people.
All assembled cheered at his words, the sound filling their hearts with joy and hope.
"Yet if we are to defeat the Romans," he continued setting down his cup, "we must put aside our differences, and come together as one. Let us have sport, pairing those of you with ill feelings against your equals, and let us see if thirst for victory triumphs over petty quarrel."
"Intent is revealed." Crixus spoke looking to Gannicus, Neith chuckling beside him.
"Donar! Nemeties! Take position." Spartacus called, "Lugo! Nasir! You will face them."
As Nasir raced to position, Gannicus splashed his wine upon the man in celebration, Neith cheering him on as he tackled Nemeties to the ground.
Lugo came charging through next, more people throwing wine and water laughing and cheering as he landed on Donar. The crowd surged forward excited for sight of the contest.
As the day wore on many contests were held and as Spartacus predicted they did indeed seal bonds of friendship between all who participated. While the sun was dipping low in the sky Neith cheered from beside Oenomaus as they watched Saxa and Mira take on Lydon and another woman in contest.
While she could not deny her skill as a warrior Neith doubted she would ever truly like Saxa, finding the German woman crude and overly brazen. A sentiment she felt the other woman shared.
At the end of the contest Mira and Saxa stood victorious, the German woman placing a kiss on her partner's surprized lips.
"Drink and contest - a clever strategy to forge nesseary bonds." Oenomaus spoke clasping Spartacus upon the back.
"And I would see more follow." He replied a smirk upon his face.
Neith's attention was peaked at the expression. He yet had more schemes to reveal.
"Battle well fought." He called stepping out into the yard "Let us have new contest! Agron! Crixus! Take position." he gestured to the Crixus to stand beside the German. The Gaul clearly unhappy with the match.
"Gannicus!" Spartacus continued.
Neith looked for her brother and found him intimately engaged with the woman who had recently lost the last match.
"Oenomaus! Stand against them." the leader called
"We can easily best them if we fight as one." Gannicus spoke coming to pause beside Oenomaus before making his way down the stairs and handing his wine jug to Nemeties for safe keeping, giving clear instruction it was not to be drank.
"Come" Spartacus said as he stood beside his former trainer, "And do what is necessary."
After a moment the dark man nodded and began to remove his shirt, which he handed to Neith as she smiled with encouragement.
She felt a nervousness as she watched her brothers take their place beside one another. This could be the one thing to reform their bond. Or see it never repaired.
"Begin!" Spartacus called from his place beside her.
As the match started it was clear Oenomaus held advantage over Agron, the German being forced to the ground quickly. But Gannicus and Crixus were more evenly matched. Yet the Celt was still able to force him to the ground long enough to take gulp of wine.
Neith laughed and cheered watching her brothers work as one to take down Crixus after Oenomaus had dispatched Agron.
Looking to Spartacus she placed a hand on his shoulder drawing his notice. "You have done the impossible." She told him smiling as tears of joy formed in her eyes. 'You have repaired my...our family." She corrected looking at the warriors laughing and embracing one another. For that is what the four men were. Her brothers.
Coming forward she quickly embraced Oenomaus before he was swarmed by others wishing congratulations. Then turning to Agron and Gannicus she embraced them as well in turn.
"I am for drink. Such exertion leaves one parched." Gannicus told the German man inviting him to join.
But the man was quickly engaged with Crixus so he and Neith left them to converse.
'You fought well." Gannicus stopped to speak with Mira.
"Technique taught by Neith after I was assaulted by one of Batiatus' guards." Mira told him.
"I merely gave instruction. It is you who earned victory." Neith said.
"You are a fine warrior. One a man would be a fool not to be proud to stand beside." Gannicus assured her placing hand on her shoulder, looking to Spartacus.
Mira said nothing but looked to the rebel leader with longing. Neith felt her heart go out to the woman still hurting from the end of her relationship with the man.
Taking Gannicus hand she led him back into the temple for another drink of celebration. Both overjoyed at the mending of bonds that had begun that day, but concerned for their friend.
Celebrations continued well into the night, while many had retired for the evening some remained awake to sing and consume the last of the wine. Neith sat upon her make shift bed listening to the words drifting through the temple. Since Gannicus' return she had found she could no longer find sleep without him beside her upon his own bed. Sighing with impatients she layed down on the blankets and tried to get comfortable. Soon she heard footsteps approaching and she looked up seeing her brother making his way towards her a pensive, yet determined look on his face.
"The signal has been lit. The Romans make their move to attack. Ready yourself for battle." He told her.
Nodding silently she grabbed her sword, missing her shield in the moment. She had left the one she used in the games behind at the ludus.
Coming to stand by the others as they made ready to attack she couldn't help the feeling of fear and uncertainty. They had taken villas and small armored wagons and travelers but never full legions trained in battle.
"Glabber commands from the rear, a coward's position." Spartacus spoke coming to stand among the gathered warriors. "He will advance his troops in tight formation, intending to overpower. It is the Roman way. We will teach them ours."
They shouted in agreement and anticipation of blood.
"Their armor clanking could be heard for miles." Gannicus grumbled listening to the Romans approach.
"Hold your tongue. Lest you be heard as well." Neith shushed, trying to concentrate on holding her darker nature at bay so close to anticipated battle.
"It still fights for control?" Gannicus asked concerned seeing strained look and shake of her head as if to clear mind. He and Spartacus were the only ones who knew of the darkness that overtook.
"I had gained much underhand on it within the arena. But this is different, this is war." she replied.
Gannicus made no reply as the soldiers halted and looked about. Suddenly through the trees came arrows flying into the rows of men. Men led by Crixus and Agron came forward and dispatched many of the Romans.
"Come then. We make to assist Spartacus and spill the blood of the Pretor." Gannicus spoke.
Nodding, they rushed to the rebel leaders side.
Coming up to the man Spartacus signaled their need for silence as they watched a group of officers on horseback come into view. Glabber would be the one riding the white stallion as was customary for men of his station.
Muscles coiling, reading for attack, she looked to Spartacus who gave a mighty battle cry and sprang their trap. Jumping from heightened position upon a large rock they fell upon the men, knocking them to the ground.
Sword and shield clashed as the ground was soaked with blood. Neith swung her sword felling any who stood before her. Looking about it seemed they had easily won the day. But as Spartacus made to kill the Pretor he grabbed the man forcing him to face his enemy. But the face revealed in the moonlight was not Glabber.
"You are not the man I seek." Spartacus spoke before punching the man in the face.
"Where is Glabber?" Neith demanded the man.
"I will not answer to any slave who speaks to me thus." the Roman replied.
"Then you will die at the hands of those slaves." Gannicus told him making to slice the man's throat.
"Hold Gannicus. He may yet be of use." Spartacus spoke staying his hand.
Leading the man back to the temple at knife point, Neith wasn't sure what plans Spartacus had for the Roman but she would prefer to kill the man quickly and be gone from the temple to better fortified position or on campaign of destruction.
As they entered the temple the Pretor called for his men to lay down their arms in surrender, Spartacus calling to their warriors in celebration of obtaining steal weapons.
Crixus recognised the Roman, calling him Varinius, and spoke of a dept of blood for those lost in the arena. Spartacus assured it would be paid after answer of Glabber's location was given.
But there was no time for words as a large fire-ball was launched into their midst, hitting two Roman soldiers in it's path. Another was catapulted into a group of rebels though only one was not able to get out of its path.
All around chaos ensued as people tried to get out-of-the-way of the flaming balls being launched, knocking down the temple wall and exploding on impact.
As the Romans poured through the wall both sides set on each other like possessed beasts. Arrows flew through the air as steel clashed and blood spilled, but the rebels were quickly out numbered by the advancing legions.
"Fall back! Into the tunnel!" Spartacus called above the clamor.
Neith quickly did as commanded stabbing the Roman in the chest she had been fighting but Gannicus voice calling their brothers name drew her attention. Coming up to them she saw Oenomaus had been stabbed in both the hand and the eye and was crying out in pain as she and Gannicus helped lead him to the tunnel.
The passage was dark and tight only wide enough for all to travel single file, a feeling of fear settled in as they passed through at not knowing what lay ahead. As they exited the tunnel the rebels made to follow their escape ruite into the woods only to find their path blocked by more Romans. Camilla was killed by a spear to the stomach before the soldiers were noticed.
"The mountain pass!" Spartacus instructed. 'Hurry!"
"But there is no other path down. We'll be trapped." Crixus called
"There is no choice. We must move! Go!" Spartacus bellowed
Neith grasped Oenomaus arm leading him up the path with the others all wondering how victory had been snatched from their hands so quickly.
For days after they fled to the mountain a waiting game set in between the rebels and the Romans. The former slaves could not come down due to the legions awaiting below while the soldiers could not hope to overtake the rebels without a great number of losses. Life on the mountain was hard, there was little plant life and it was barely edible. There were no animals living among the rocky crags besides small lizards and rodents too fast and small to be worth the effort to catch.
Neith like many of the others held onto hope that Spartacus would hatch a plan to see them from their current surroundings yet as food and firewood dwindled so did such hopes. She was sharpening her sword when the rebel leader came to stand before her and spoke, "Gather your sword. We have need of it."
"You have concocted plan?" she asked hopeful, getting to her feet.
"No. Nemeties has gathered fools to his own plan of setting upon those at the foot of the path."
"He will get us all killed." she seethed following Spartacus to the others who awaited them.
By the time they reached the foot of the path their fellow warriors were already defeated by the Romans and awaiting death. Lugo kneeled before Ashur, sword at his neck.
Mira released arrow into the traitor's arm announcing their presence before the others launched themselves into the fray. Many Romans were killed but they were still out numbered so Spartacus called their retreat. As they made their way up the path, Neith, Mira, Gannicus and Saxa awaited Spartacus to follow seeing the legion making it's way to them. They had no hope against such numbers. But as they turned Gannicus and Neith noticed Glabber's lieutenant making to trow a battle-ax at the rebel leader.
"Spartacus!" the called in unison.
Mira, quickly side stepping the man to fire arrow was the receiving target of the blade. The ax head burying deep into her shoulder as blood spilled from her slender body.
Stepping forward Gannicus and Neith gave Spartacus time to remove the ax and gather his former lover in his arms before they made their way back up the mountain path.
As they arrived at the peak many people began murmuring in shock and concern at who their leader carried within his arms. Nevia and Nasir were the firsts to recognise their friend calling out her name in despair.
"We must seal her wound. Nasir!Heat your sword on the fire! Quickly!" Spartacus called setting Mira down as Nevia cradled her head in her lap.
The smaller man did as he was bid remembering how his life had been saved in the same manner.
"Spartacus" Nevia whispered tears forming in her eyes.
All around they looked to each other realising the woman had passed from this world. Neith grasped onto Gannicus as tears fell for her friend, he holding her tightly in return.
"Was it worth it?" Spartacus spoke. His voice low and dangerous as he looked to Nemeties. "Was it worth her life to make attempt to save your own?!"
The rebel leader set on the man then repeatedly punching the German in the face calling out "She is gone from this world 'cause of you!"
"You were the mad fuck who led us to our deaths!" The man yelled back. "At least she claimed hers as a warrior, not starving and robbed of strength, as the rest of us are doomed."
All around stood in shock not just at the recent death but at the man's words. He spoke what many had thought these last miserable, hunger filled days.
"You are right." Spartacus spat throwing the man to the ground. "We will all perish...if we do not stand together."
"It will make no fucking difference." Nemeites spoke as he regained his feet.
"Seize tongue, and open fucking ears." Crixus commanded.
"Perhaps I should cut it from his mouth. And see us all relieved of its prattling." Neith offered glaring at the German.
"The cliffs of Vesuvius are impassable." Spartacus spoke up. "The southern pass holds the only promise of making purchase. We hold the higher ground and, with it, advantage over superior numbers."
"Only if Glabber is foolish enough to attack before we are too weak from hunger to fight." Nemeties argued back.
"A man is never too weak or too wounded to fight..." Oenomaus spoke stepping trough the crowd, his missing eye stitched over. "if the cause is greater then his own life."
Looking at the man, Neith felt pride and hope surge in her breast. She yet had held doubts that Oenomaus was truly with them in their cause but now all those thoughts were banished.
"Glabber and his army will come. And when they do, Vesuvius will be forever stained with the blood of vengeance." Spartacus pledged looking from Mira's body to those surrounding him.
As a new day dawned Neith and Nevia assisted Spartacus in preparing Mira for what funeral rights they could offer. The women cleaned and bathed the body and mended holes in Spartacus cloak that the woman could be wrapped within it. After the Thracian set to cutting and twisting vines around the shroud to secure it in place.
While the day wore on Spartacus worked, many coming at times to pay last respects to the woman and offer comfort to the man. As sun began to set though word came that their was movement upon the path. The call to arms rang out as those able to fight fell into position.
Standing beside Oenomaus, Neith felt her muscles tighten in anticipation as a man came into view behind one of the large rocks at the mouth of the pass. But is was not a legionary, or even Glabber or one of his officers. It was Ashur.
All those who knew the man from their former house seethed in rage and disgust. The man was a cockroach, so far proving unkillable and scrounging about in shit to survive by whatever means necessary.
"I come bearing message from Glabber." the man spoke holding out his hands in surrender.
"Speak it." Spartacus ordered.
"He has grown weary of this conflict and would return to see his child born in Rome."
Many around him chuckled at his words. So the Pretor did not know the child he claimed as his own was really the offspring of his enemy. But that also ment Illythia was yet alive and returned to her husband. Neith wasn't sure if the news filled her with happiness or dread.
"A thing of no interest." Spartacus spoke after a moment.
"Perhaps the lives of your people hold more." Ashur spoke stepping forward. "He offers terms of surrender. Lay down your arms, you'll be allowed to live."
A murmur of disbelief went through the crowd.
"As slaves? Beneath the heel of the Republic?" Spartacus questioned.
'Yes, as slaves." Ashur responded. "Yet you will have your lives! Refuse, and Glabber has sworn torturous death upon the cross for all that survive the taking of the mountain."
The revelation sent fear through them all. Such a death was slow and painful as any man had yet created. But Neith could not belive any among them truly considered they man's offer. Not when they had but so far tasted freedom. However briefly.
"And what of Spartacus' life?" Oenomaus spoke stepping forward.
"The cost of the bargain." Ashur replied
The crowd murmured in discontent. Could they really trade the man's life for their own?
"I for one would not die this day!" Nemeties shouted.
Neith felt rage boil at the man once more. She would kill him this day she was sure of it.
"Yet," he continued stepping forward, "if it is to be fucking so, I shall do it as a free man!"
Cheers rang out in answer as well as insults to Ashur and the Romans.
"You have your answer." Spartacus told the Roman lap dog.
"Very well." Ashur said. "I shall deliver it to waiting ears."
The Syrian made to turn and make his way down the path but stopped when Crixus called to him.
"I would not have us part so quickly."
"Glabber awaits. I must return with reply." Ashur replied, clearly on edge being surrounded by those who wished him dead.
"Your head would serve equal purpose." The Gaul threatened.
"Spartacus?" Ashur pleaded looking to the former gladiator.
"I find no fault with his reasoning." the man replied knowing well of the past transgressions Ashur had dealt the man.
All around those from the house of Batiatus laughed in anticipation. The shit eater would finally have his day of reckoning. He could no longer manover his way out of danger.
"The mighty Crixus," Ashur taunted, 'forever intoning the honor of a gladiator. Where stands such now in the cutting down of a defenseless man?"
"It is no less than one as you deserves." Neith argued.
"Give him a sword." Crixus told her.
Spartacus tossed the man his own blade, the steel clattering upon the rock.
"You once dreamt of honor upon the sand. Make this your final arena." Crixus told his enemy.
"You stand a champion...and I yet gravely wounded. There is yet no honor in such contest."
"To shit with honor!" Crixus spat raising his sword to strike.
"No!" Nevia called as she walked up to her lover. "I will not have you soil name, to gain vengeance in mine."
"Naevia." Crixus pleaded
"I shall take it myself." she spoke drawing everyone's attention. "No one has been more wronged by Ashur... and no one has greater claim on his fucking life! I will see him fall, and with him, memories that haunt darkest nights."
"See it done." Crixus conceded.
Neith grew concerned watching the fight, Nevia's undisciplined hatred evident in her wild attacks that were easily deflected by Ashur. Though the man's attempt at taunts earned him a trip to the ground, the man stood up once more and the clang of battle continued. After taking a few more hits, it was evident Naevia grew tired, her movements slow, pain clearly showing on her face. Expending all her energy and strength in each attack left her sprawled in pain once more upon the ground.
Nasir called to his friend in concern but she replied that the man was hers. All around people looked to each other in concern of what to do. If they interceded they would prove Ashur right in their absence of honor, but to do nothing ment the woman's certain death.
As she swung her sword at the man Ashur easily knocked it away and forced the woman to her knees once more before him. Grasping her hair forcing her to look into her lovers eyes.
"Do you recall this?" Ashur taunted, "My body pressed to yours. You trembling as you do now?"
With a ferocious cry Naevia brought her sword up and slashed at his manhood between his legs. The man crying out in pain as he fell to his knees.
"I am far from helpless." Naevia told him as she brought her sword to his neck.
"You think this makes difference?" Ashur questioned choking on his own blood. "My death will not heal scars you bear. Nor erase memory of my cock inside her." he spoke looking to Crixus. "Or all those that followed." he laughed a moment before the pain of the action was too great.
"No it will not." Naevia told him "But it is a fucking start." with a mighty cry she hacked at the man's neck parting head from shoulders after three strikes.
After Crixus grasped her in his arms while others argued over whether or not Glabber would have held up his end of the bargain or not. Lugo warned of the fate of cross and nail that now awaited them.
"Glabber would have seen us all to such fate, regardless of answer carried." Spartacus told him.
"So we are dead either way. Pity there are not enough vines for all our corpses." Nemeties called.
"Perhaps their will be if we do not waste any on you." Neith spoke stepping up to the man. "Let me send you over cliff's face now that you may not become overly ripe later."
"Close fucking mouth." Agron ordered them.
"No." Spartacus said. "Nemeties is right. There ar not enough vines for us all." he mused touching the dried twig. "But perhaps there's enough for a few."
"Your words carry no meaning." Gannicus told him.
Spartacus then explained that Glabber expected them to defend the high ground, but perhaps their was another, bolder way that the Romans would never expect. As the plan was outlined order was given for all the vines to be collected and woven into ropes that a few men could scale down the mountain face and launch surprise attack.
"It seems my mothers basket weaving lessons were not waste of time after all." Neith told Gannicus and Spartacus as they layed vines before her and the other women. The comment earned a small smile from Spartacus and a boisterous laugh from Gannicus.
Watching her brother walk over the mountain side along with Spartacus, Crixus and Agron, Neith couldn't help the fear and worry that rose up to cripple. But she remained sted fast in holding the ropes along with the others to ensure safe decent. A storm of thunder raging overhead aiding in masking the sound of their downward climb.
As the ropes went slack signalling the completion of the mens decent they dropped the ropes and readied for the appearance of the signal that would herald the death of many Romans.
"The signal!" Nasir cried at the appearance of fireballs lighting the night sky, pointed towards the Roman encampment.
Pouring down from the mountain they attacked the flank of the legion making ready to attack Spartacus and the others in front of them. Leaving the Romans disoriented.
Slashing and hacking Neith felt her face and body grown hot with the blood of her enemies, all around her fellow rebels experiencing the same.
"Fall back! Fall back!" Glabbers voice called.
"Press advantage, and see victory ours!" Spartacus called.
While many did as he bade Neith, Gannicus, Agron, Oenomaus and a few others remained to dispatch the legionaries yet breathing.
"Oenomaus!" Gannicus cried in dispar.
Neith looked about seeking her brother and found him before a mighty titan who heralded from the same shores as she, but this man was a barbarian to her people. And now he periced Oenomaus, sword protruding from his back.
Dispatching her own foe she made to seek revenge on the monster, but Gannicus got to him first and cleaved open his head. Rushing to their fallen brothers side Gannicus cradled the man's head as Neith took his hand in hers.
"I go to my wife." The dark man spoke "We shall greet you in the afterlife, my brother. And you as well sister."
Neith felt tears fall as he took his last breath and thanked the gods that they had moved Oenomaus to grant Gannicus forgiveness in his last moments.
As Gannicus' tears joined hers she whispered. "I shall see you again. This is not where it ends. I shall carry you with me, until I see you again."
"We cannot leave him." Gannicus spoke, his voice thick.
"We shall come back for him. Spartacus needs us." she answered
"We. Cannot. Leave. Him!" Gannicus insisted.
Nodding she aided him as they carefully gathered Oenomaus body and brought it to just outside the temple wall.
"The Roman finally learns his place before us! On his knees!" Spartacus voice was heard booming from the temple.
Quickly making their way into the temple they found many of the others already taking in the sight before them. Spartacus standing over Glabber who was indeed on his knees, sword in his abdomen.
"You've won nothing." Glabber spat,blood dripping from his mouth. "Rome will send legions in my wake, and one day soon you shall fall to deserved end."
Those crowded around looked at each other uneasily, they knew the man spoke the truth and with current numbers they would easily be erradicated.
Lifting the man's head with the hilt of his sword, Spartacus told him "Purhaps. Yet it is not this day."
And with that he thrust his sword down the Roman's troat, a fountain of blood gushing forth. Spartacus no doubt thought of his wife and all the pain and suffering the man had caused, anger giving him godlike strength.
Turning to his people he spoke, "Let Rome send thier legions. We will face them, and see all follow Glabber in death."
Neith looked to Gannicus and couldn't help the "I told you so" smile upon her face. They did not just fight for vengance but freedom as well, something he would come to understand.
Spartacus stepped forward and grasped Agron and Crixus on the forearms as brothers.
"Now we will become an army." He told Cirxus.
The mighty Gaul let out a bellowing cheer, all those around lending voice. Stepping forward Neith embraced Spartacus, smiling with pride and relief. They had both held up thier ends of bargain struck, yet they had struggled and survived so much together the thought of seperation was nonexistant.
"Spartacus! Spartacus! Spartacus!" the rebels chanted, the sound filling the temple and surrounding landscape. Lifted by the wind to the gods themselves in praise of the man who was already legand. And legands never truly die.
Gannicus lay down upon his blankets sighing in exhaustion. Looking to Neith a hand's width away he felt his heart and eyes fill. Her own expressive eyes closed, her muscles relaxed in peaceful dream. She was his last life line tying him to this world. Now that Oenomaus was gone he had nothing left to fight for but her.
As dawn had approached that morning, the rebels had gathered wood to build pryers for their dead comrades, leaving the Romans where they lay. It had taken all day for the piles of wood to be built and the bodies to be washed and prepared but as the setting sun had lit the sky aflame so had they set fire to the fallen.
Watching their brother burn, he and Neith had clung to each other shedding tears for the great man. After, she had gone to find peace in restful slumber while he had found comfort in the arms of Saxa. While he would not claim much affection for the German woman she was a fierce warrior, avid drinker and insatiable lover. His match in all ways but one, he did not love her. But they found enjoyment in each other's company and it was no more then he felt he deserved. While he had found pleasure in many a woman's arms he had never slept a night by her side. He would always leave to find rest in solitude.
He suspected he would never forgive himself for what passed between him and Melitta and the betrayal of Oenomaus. Even if the man had forgiven him with his last breath, he still remained stead fast in belief he was undeserving of it.
Looking to Neith he found himself giving silent prayer of thanks to the gods he most days did not belive in. She had been sent to save him from himself more times than he could count, more than she realised as well. She stood by him when others would not and gave him meaning beyond himself.
Closing his own eyes in anticipation of slumber he stretched out and soon began to doze. That is until he heard a slight shuffling of Neith rising from her blankets beside him. Slowly opening his eyes to slits he watched as she stood and looked about the trees where many of them had pitched makeshift tents, though they themselves slept under the open sky.
Giving last look to him she quietly crept away into the darkness. Wondering what she was up to he slowly arose and made to follow.
Keeping his distance he followed until she stopped and stood over a hunched figure kneeling upon the ground. Gannicus did not recognise the form until head was lifted revealing the face of Spartacus in the moonlight. Realising where they were the Celt felt his heart go out to the man. He was kneeling next to the remains of Mira's funeral pryer. The rebel leader had made pilgrimage alone up the mountain to collect his former lovers body to be burned with the others.
As Gannicus watched Spartacus wrapped his arms around Neith's middle burying his face into her stomach as more tears fell. He felt an unease grow at the display of intimate contact between his sister and the man.
"She is dead due to me. Because I could not love her." he heard the man choke.
"It is not you who is at fault. It is the coward who trew that ax. Now among the dead as well." Neith shushed him running her hands through his hair.
"I remain cursed." Spartacus told her, wrapping his arms tighter.
"You are not cursed. You walk a path fraught with dangers for what you belive. My father once said that in every life there comes a time where one must decide what they stand for and where to plant their feet. And if we are lucky, we find those who are willing to stand with us. I will stand with you. Always. And there are many more of the same regard."
"I do not know where I would be without you Neith." Spartacus told her rising to his feet.
"You will never need to find out." She replied.
Suddenly the Thracian pulled her to him and placed a searing kiss on her lips, his hands traveling to her waist and pressing his body to his, she returning the gesture in kind.
Gannicus felt rage burning at the sight. How dare the man take advantage of his sister before the ashes of his former lover?! While his head argued that Neith was a fully grown woman capable of her own decisions, his heart clenched in the desire to protect her.
But his assistance was not needed he realised seeing Neith gently pull away from Spartacus.
"We cannot." She whispered. "While our last time was beyond words I will not be the one you come to for mere comfort. You still belive yourself incapable of loving again and I refuse to endure the pain Mira endured at grasping for pieces of your heart."
Even in the faint moonlight Gannicus saw Spartacus flinch at Mira's name. But then her other words set in. They had lain together before? Why had she not told him?
"You are right." Spartacus spoke breaking the long silence. "You deserve more than I can give."
"I have expressed my thoughts before. You may yet love another merely not the same as your wife. Perhaps you shall yet meet the woman who will reignite your heart's embers."
The rebel leader said nothing but Gannicus could see he did not hold much belief in her words. Neith placed a final kiss on the mans lips before turning and making her way back through the trees.
Moving quickly, Gannicus just made it back to their sleeping spot and closed his eyes before she returned. Hearing her lie down he willed his breathing to become slow and even giving appearance of slumber much like she had done.
"If I were to die tomorrow I would die with no regrets." She whispered. "I've been thinking about where I'm at on this not so straight and narrow path, and there is nothing I would change about this life I've had. I had a loving mother and father, the greatest brothers and friends one could ever have, felt the love of a good man, as well as held the hand of a man as he slipped from this world. I've laughed so hard, I couldn't stop, seen the sunrise from mountain tops. Though I'm not planning on leaving yet, the truth is, one never knows. So if this is as good as a life as the gods will allow, I will gladly embrace the afterlife. And I thank the gods I was blessed to know you and count you as my brother." her voice becoming thick with tears as she spoke.
There were so many things he wished to tell her in return but fear choked words in his throat. So instead he made a vow to himself to show her every day for the rest of what time they had left, to express the same. To cherish and love her as she did him. There was little else he could offer. But he knew for her it would be enough, that they were together and fighting for something bigger then themselves: freedom.
And so Vengeance is compleat :) Looking over story stats for this fanfic, if even half the people who read this story left reviews and comments there'd be at least 100 haha So please leave something, even if it's just a quick little note, all writers love reviews. Anywhoo... onto the fun part: War of the Damned X)
Gratitude if you would read and review