Chapter Fourteen: Intrigue & Deception

"Cassius, rouse self!"

The sound of Craigh's excited voice, although at a whisper, was enough to penetrate the tired brain of his companion. Cassius recognized almost immediately that there was something different in the way Craigh was acting. Both men had been lethargic for several days, despite having acquired extra food and water through stealth. Being cooped up inside their hiding place in the wall of Ennuis's house was draining mentally, as well as physically. Neither man thought they would last much longer hiding like vermin inside the walls. Cassius was intrigued by whatever had made Craigh so animated. He then noticed that the removable mortar had been pulled from the wall. That explained why Craigh was whispering.

"What news has brought such fervor? Has careless gossip from outside given hope to our cause?"

"Yes!" Craigh answered, obvious pleasure in his voice.

"Then break words and share favorable news. I am in no mood for guessing games."

Craigh smiled broadly. "Voices spoke of Roman soldiers outside the city walls. Crassus has arrived at last. There is even talk of Spartacus going mad. They say he is releasing all Roman citizens yet holding breath. Now is our time to appear and join with those about to be given freedom."

Cassius looked at Craigh incredulously.

"Has madness taken over brain? If we appear suddenly from hiding, what reason do you think the rebels will take for our being hidden away?"

He did not wait for an answer.

"We will be called spy... Fool! Have they any reason to believe we have learned nothing of their future plans while hidden away? Would you release one that you suspect carries such knowledge, to impart it to your enemy?"

Craigh lowered his head and sighed deeply.

"Desire to leave this Hell has shortened sight," he finally admitted. "But then, what do we do?"

Cassius said nothing for some moments as he pondered their situation. Finally, he spoke up.

"We do not sit and wait. Everything has changed with the presence of Crassus at the rebel doorstep. They will be too engaged in preparation for defense to scrutinize every movement around them. It is time for us to spy in truth. We will stand as heroes in the eyes of Crassus when we tell of what we learn."

"And how do we go about this spying? Has memory failed? There are two among them who know us by sight... my son and your slave. Neither holds us to heart. If discovered by them, we are guaranteed swift journey to the afterlife."

"We will go in disguise and stealth, not by announcing our presence as a General receiving a triumphal march," Cassius said, with more than a hint of exasperation in his voice.

"It is a risky move," Craigh responded.

"A move worth the risk. When Crassus retakes the city, would you wish to enlighten him on where we spent our days and nights since the city fell into the hands of the rebels? We did not even venture out under cloak of darkness to sabotage or create chaos wherever possible. I know the mind of Crassus. He will not take kindly to such cowardice."

"Is it cowardly to preserve one's life if opportunity presents itself?"

"In the eyes of Crassus... yes! I know the man's mind."

Craigh had also heard tales of Crassus and the way he treated both friend and foe. If Cassius was right with his assessment of Crassus's reaction to what they had been doing since the rebel takeover, then Craigh wanted no part of it. The men made up their minds that they would wait until the middle of the night before finally taking leave of the hellish sanctuary they were forced to use. Hopefully they would never see the tiny room again.

Not far from where the human rats made plans to escape undetected, another unsavory character was also making plans. He was now aware that Spartacus had sent Heracleo across the sea with some of his men, and was waiting for the ship's return so that more could make the crossing, in order to strike their enemy, Crassus, from behind. He had learned all about the secret plans, that even Crixus was not privy to, thanks to the drunken blatherings of Heracleo before setting sail with the first contingent of Spartacus's men. Upon learning this, Caesar wisely waited for his opportunity to reveal his true identity to the avaricious pirate before he set sail, along with making an offer of vast riches, far exceeding what Spartacus could provide, if the pirate would betray the rebel leader. Recognizing Caesar's name, and knowing of Crassus's immense wealth, Heracleo instantly agreed to the betrayal.

Although Caesar was pleased to discover that Spartacus was releasing the Roman prisoners after Heracleo made the first crossing, he was also wise enough to know the true reason behind the unexpected move. He had no doubt that Spartacus wanted Laeta to pass on certain information he allowed her to know about his plans. Crassus would not, however, hear of Spartacus's true intentions from her. It was a maneuver that he would have chosen himself, if given the opportunity. Now all he needed to do was wait for the return of Heracleo. He knew what the pirate was bringing back on his return trip.

In the meantime, Spartacus was indeed allowing Laeta to hear of his plans, or at least what he wanted her to hear. Before he spoke to her, however, he had one other important task to perform first. He had to make Crixus understand what was really happening, and garner his support in his schemes. The meeting between the two powerful men did not start out calmly. Crixus was still seething over the decision to release the Roman prisoners, as well as Spartacus's refusal to engage any of the Roman soldiers still visible outside the city walls. Spartacus did not spare the angry man's feelings. He laid out his reasons for keeping Crixus in the dark about his true intentions. Once Crixus understood that he would be given the opportunity to strike the first blow at Crassus by moving from the city through the mountain pass, that had been called impassable in Winter, much of his fury dissipated. Crassus would believe, thanks to Laeta, that the rebel leaders had parted ways over disagreements, leaving Crixus and his followers weakened inside the city while Spartacus and his followers set sail for Sicilia. It was a plan Crixus found acceptable, finally being in agreement with Spartacus. All that was left to do was spread word among all those left within the city, excluding those specially chosen by Spartacus for the sea voyage, that they would be joining Crixus in a march across the mountain ridge. The city would still appear to be inhabited by rebels, thanks to preserved bodies of the dead Romans, lined up along the walls in full display for Roman scouts. Before Crassus could become aware that he had been fooled, his army would be attacked from both sides and routed, if the gods favored the rebels. What none of the rebel leaders knew was that Crassus was receiving a message from Heracleo at the exact same time that Laeta was being questioned about her knowledge of rebel activities.

Craigh and Cassius stood off in the shadows of the alleyway between two buildings and watched fevered activity happening in front of them. They had slipped quietly from their hiding place the night before and made their way stealthily down the hill from Ennuis's estate. They wasted no time in their search for a couple of drunken men wandering through the streets. It took little effort to slit each man's throat, then hide their bodies under trash piled high on the side of the building... first removing their moderate clothing for personal use in order to appear as ex-slaves themselves. Dressed in disguise, and with unshaven faces, they felt certain they could now pass as any other member of the rebel encampment. They had only one goal, and that was to learn as much as they could about the rebels so that they could convince Crassus they had been spying all along.

The pair's first day of freedom proved to be quite successful. They were able to discover that the little bit of gossip Craigh had overheard earlier was indeed true. The Roman prisoners were released that very day. Craigh wanted to be among the crowd that hung around to heckle the Romans as they left the city, believing they might slip out the gate without being noticed in all the confusion, but Cassius counseled discretion. Avoiding as many rebels as possible might prevent their discovery. They also heard all the talk about gathering supplies together once the gate was closed behind the Romans. Both men were well aware that such activity could mean only one thing... the rebels were about to make a move. It appeared obvious that they had no intention of continuing their occupation of Sinuessa. This was welcome news, indeed. This would give them two opportunities to improve their lot. One would mean sabotaging as many supplies as possible, if the right moment presented itself. The other meant that they could then hide themselves away again until the rebels were gone. Then they could open the gate themselves. Surely, Crassus would appreciate both maneuvers on their part.

The best part of all was that they had already found an even better hiding place... one that was far less uncomfortable than the hole in the wall. While exploring the city before sunrise that first night, they stumbled on the barn that housed horses belonging to the soldiers who once guarded the city. The barn was nearly deserted. They were not aware that dwindling food supplies had forced some rebels to butcher almost all the horses for their meat. What few that were left were mostly aged and unfit for warfare. At best they could be used as pack animals. There were piles of hay stacked up at the rear of the barn where the men could be hidden from view. But before they could go back to the barn to rest for the night, they first had to see what kind of trouble they could cause the rebels, without risking their lives. Craigh and Cassius pulled the hoods of their stolen cloaks over their heads and left the safety of the alleyway.

Brion, Justinus, and Nasir faced Agron. Agron had returned the previous day to apologize for his suspicions the night before when he found Nasir and Justinus asleep together, but there was still a slight chill between the four friends. Agron told Brion and Justinus of Spartacus's orders to release the Roman prisoners at that time. Now he was returning from a war counsel with Spartacus to warn all three of them that their suspicions concerning serious changes coming were about to come to fruition.

"We are to leave this place by nightfall tomorrow," Agron informed the men.

"Why do we leave safety provided by city walls? Was purpose behind prisoner's release to buy time for escape?" asked Nasir.

Agron pulled Nasir to him.

"I cannot give voice to all that lies within the mind of Spartacus, but we follow him to Sicilia upon return of Heracleo's ship, where we join those already landed and waiting for us. Crixus takes another path with his followers... also accompanied by those unable to fight. They will cross the mountain ridge behind the city, coming up behind Crassus's army. Crassus will be forced to divide his troops to battle from both sides. We are confident of victory as we crush his divided forces between us."

Agron turned to Brion and Justinus.

"You two must follow Crixus. Spartacus takes only seasoned warriors with him. There is limited space aboard ship for this final crossing."

"I will follow you!" Nasir stated emphatically.

Agron pulled Nasir closer, kissing his face.

"I would have it so!"

"We will do what you ask," Brion agreed. "Whether drawing Roman blood from front or rear, no difference will be seen."

Brion reached out his hand to Agron. The men clasped forearms.

"I regret temper that tore at our friendship. We will meet again as brothers on field of battle," Agron stated, looking Brion straight in the eye.

Justinus laid his hand over the joined forearms. Nasir did the same. The four friends stood together, silently reaffirming their connection. They then parted, retiring to the bedchamber that they would sleep in for the very last time. They would need their rest. The next day would be one of hard work, with little respite. If all went as planned, the following evening would find Agron and Nasir aboard Heracleo's ship, while Brion and Justinus would sleep in a tent upon the cold ground of the mountain pass.

Caesar slept in the arms of the nameless whore he chose for his final night as a spy. He had need of sexual release of the built-up tension, mixed with anticipation, he had been feeling ever since his secret meeting with Heracleo. His energy level was sky high. He knew what the morning light would bring. Unbeknown to Laeta, she had no doubt already given her false report of Spartacus's plans to Crassus. But if Heracleo was true to form, the pirate had also given Crassus the note Caesar wrote, carrying true information about activities within the city. Following that disclosure to Crassus, he expected that the ship was already on its way back to the port of Sinuessa... but not returning empty, as Spartacus expected. His only task, come morning light, would be to strike without warning the moment Heracleo docked his ship, unloading the surprise cargo he carried.

As Caesar explained in his note to Crassus, he would have no trouble reaching the main gate and raising it with the support of the Roman soldiers Heracleo carried. He expected all the leaders, including Spartacus himself, to be either dead or captured by the time the sun set. And knowing how clever Crassus was, he suspected the General would have his own plans for any rebels who might escape from the city through the mountain pass. The moment the gate closed behind the last of the Roman prisoners, word spread quickly that the city was to be abandoned. Caesar knew what that meant. Some rebels would indeed escape the grasp of his soldiers, but they would not be free for long. Caesar was certain of that. So with thoughts of a great triumphal march through the capital city of Rome, to the very steps of the Senate, filling his dreams, Caesar slept with a smile on his face.

As he slept, two stealthy figures moved quietly from one part of the city to another, always in deep shadow, looking for unattended wagons laden with supplies. Despite their caution, they were unable to find any that had been left unguarded. Despite the fact that only allies of the rebellion were supposed to inhabit the city now, Spartacus had given orders that guards were to be on duty throughout the entire night. The man was cautious to a fault, in the eyes of Craigh and Cassius. There were a few occasions when they could have easily overpowered a guard, and then destroyed the wagon and supplies he was in charge of, but such a move would raise an alarm long before the two men wanted it known that they were there. They soon gave up and returned to their new hiding place, to get a good night's rest. They were not privy to all that was about to happen, but they sensed that they would not have long to wait to find out. As they drifted off, buried deep within the barn behind the piles of hay, they each thought about the one man they most wanted to see caught by the soldiers. For Cassius, if his former loyal slave was caught and crucified, he would not feel an ounce of remorse. For Craigh, if his son was caught and crucified, he would not speak up for him, nor shed a tear. They had chosen their path of betrayal, and neither man cared one iota what their fate would be.

Thick fog from the sea hung over the city like a shroud. The early morning Sun failed to burn through, causing buildings and inhabitants to be blanketed in a gray mist. The city was already awake, despite the early hour. There was a great deal of work to be completed before the exodus from the city could begin. Everyone, from seasoned warriors to those followers with no discernible skills, was given assignments that had to be fully achieved by the time the Sun lowered in the sky. Agron, Nasir, Brion, and Justinus shared a final meal together in their temporary home. They would be taking different paths on the coming journey. Brion and Justinus would follow Crixus by land, while Agron and Nasir would follow Spartacus by sea. All four men prayed that they would meet again once Crassus was defeated. Agron was the first to leave the house. He had to meet with Spartacus to discuss last minute details. Before leaving, he reminded the other three men about their responsibilities for this momentous day.

Brion was sent off to the armory, where all the extra weapons were stored. He would be in charge of loading them onto the wagons. He would then be required to check on all the food supplies that were being gathered throughout the city. The rebels were no different than any other army. Records needed to be kept of what was available for everyone, and it was a task that Brion gladly took on. His skills at management had already proven useful to the rebellion. Justinus had planned to join Brion as his assistant, but Brion knew he was afraid he might never see Nasir again. The two young men had formed a brotherly friendship that meant a great deal to them both. Before leaving to start work, Brion suggested that Justinus join Nasir as his assistant. The smile on both their faces told Brion that his suggestion was a welcome one. Before leaving the house with Nasir, Justinus hugged Brion and gave him a loving kiss.

"Gratitude," he whispered in Brion's ear.

"Hurry, or you will fall behind. Nasir is eager to put hand to task. We shall meet at end of day at the Northern gate, to join with those who follow Crixus."

Justinus kissed Brion once more and hurried to catch Nasir, who was already half-way to the gate. The two young men disappeared from view as they took the path from Ennuis's estate down to the city. Nasir was tasked with gathering warm clothing, tents, bedding, and other essentials needed for their journey across the Wintry ridge. He would have plenty of assistants available, but he was glad to have Justinus with him also. He looked forward to their conversations during the occasional break that would be taken throughout the day. He did not voice it, but his thoughts also ran to the possibility of never seeing his friend again. War was no guarantee of survival for any soul caught up in it.

The day moved along swiftly. When the fog lifted, one could see, as well as hear, all the activity going on in the city. By mid-morning, when most took time out for a meal, a great deal had been accomplished. The Sun set early at this time of year, so it would not be long before people would begin their trek from the city. Nasir and Justinus sat together and enjoyed their meal and pleasant conversation together. They knew that they would part ways in a matter of hours. They had just finished eating when one of Nasir's other assistants appeared, obviously in some distress. He hastily told Nasir of his discovery... one of the horses they had hitched to a loaded cart appeared to be lame. In all the fever of activity, no one had noticed it earlier... not until they had tried to move the horse and cart towards the Northern gate. The heavy cart would either have to be pulled by hand, or the horse replaced. They could not afford to leave behind the supplies the cart carried.

"Where are we to find a spare horse?" Nasir complained.

"All Roman cities house horses for use by soldiers hired to protect them. I saw such a building when exploring the city. Perhaps an animal yet lives there that can be put to use," Justinus informed Nasir.

"I've heard tales of the slaughter of the horses for meat."

"I can attend to the location and report back," Justinus offered.

Nasir thought quickly. "No, we go together. If the gods favor us with one adequate creature, it may take us both to protect it from butchers. I will follow your lead."

Only moments before Justinus led the way to the former barrack grounds of the soldiers, Cassius and Craigh returned to the stables for the second time since being awakened by the sound of rebels appearing at the entrance to the barn at first light. The men removed the few horses left in the barn. Not long after the intruders left, without discovering them, Cassius and Craigh also left the barn in search of food, and with the intent of making another attempt at sabotage. It didn't take them long to realize that they were risking too much. There were far too many people who might easily question why the two men appeared to have no assigned duties, like nearly every other able-bodied man. They returned to their hiding place until midday, when they again set out to see what else they could learn about the coming movements of the rebels. They had just settled back into their hiding place for the second time when they heard the faint sounds of men talking. The sounds grew louder, letting them know that their hiding place was again being visited by rebels.

Cassius and Craigh buried themselves even deeper into the corner where the hay was stacked. They held their breaths, praying that no one was coming to gather the hay, since there were no horses left inside the barn. Craigh's heart sank. It suddenly dawned on him that they had been lucky so far. It was foolish of them not to realize that the rebels would probably want to load the hay, as well as the other supplies. It would be needed for the horses pulling the carts. He quietly whispered his concern to his companion. Each man's hand lowered to the knife he carried in his belt. They realized that they might have to fight their way out of the barn if rebels began to gather the hay. The voices got even closer. Craigh suddenly caught his breath, grasping Cassius's arm in a tight grip.

"I know who speaks," he whispered intently.

Cassius looked puzzled.

"Justinus, my son!" he hissed.

By the time Craigh recognized his son's voice, Justinus and Nasir had walked the length of the building, hoping to see signs of at least one living animal. When they reached the back of the barn, they paused in front of the large stacks of hay pushed into the far corner.

"We are too late," Justinus complained.

"True words. There is not a mount to be found." Nasir looked behind him. "But, your memory of this place may yet bear fruit. Before we take leave of this cursed city, we must see to the hay. It will serve as fodder and warm bedding on ridge covered in snow."

"Shall I procure a wagon and men for loading?"

Justinus's words threw a scare into his father and Cassius. If they did nothing, their chances of being caught by someone who knew their true identities was almost certain. They could not allow either of the two young men to leave the barn and bring back help. They had no choice. They would have to stop the couple from leaving, no matter what it took. Their only advantage... the element of surprise.

To be continued...