Chapter Twenty-Six: Leaving the City
Warning: I do not own Harry Potter or Spartacus or any of their stories, plots, and characters. I only own my story, plot, and any character I might add.
Author's note: PLEASE READ: I know its yet again late and off schedule but I've actually decided to move it to Mondays or Fridays I get a chapter up as my busy days are rotating on those days a lot. So if it's not up on a Friday there's a good chance it'll be up on the following Monday or vice versa lol:p It was also brought to my attention that some of the last chapter may be confusing to a degree. To give the gist of it, Harry did recognize Spartacus when they first met but I made it to where it stopped going to Muggle school just before he learned of how Spartacus' war ends. He only recognized Caesar once he said his name to him 'cause everyone knows that name lol:p hope that helped straighten things out for people but don't hesitate to PM me or review and I'll answer it in a little more detail if it's needed:)
"Talk"
'Thoughts'
Chapter Twenty-Six: Leaving the City
Agron's POV:
"Now would be a good time to run." I looked to the others back stepped away some when Romans began to appear through the flames.
We fought those that came too close. I looked up from slaying a man and saw the gate was fully down.
"There are too many!" Someone yelled though I did not care who at the moment.
"Fall back!" I yelled as I kicked a man from me and killed the one behind him as I backed away more and more.
I killed one more and turned to follow my men.
Caesar's POV:
I smirked in joy as I watched the filth be chased back into their holes by Roman men. I turned to look at the gates and saw Marcus come through the flames and walked to him.
"Welcome to Sinuessa." He smirked at me and continued onwards.
"What of the vessel?"
"The poison has begun to set in yet he vanished before I could grab him." Marcus sighed.
"The poison is within his system?" I nodded. "Then you may lead a few of my men to claim the prize. He should be to his dreams somewhere within the city streets by now." I smiled in excitement and bowed to him before I and three of his men ran in search of the vessel.
Harry's POV:
Standing up as a human once more I walked into mine and Spartacus' chambers and found Hedwig and Meadow still there.
I smiled and somehow found the strength to get to the table and write a brief letter for help and walked to Hedwig and tied it to her leg.
"Hedwig girl….I….want you to take this letter to the first leader you see." I gasped and looked to Meadow. "T-take him somewhere safe and go back for him once the letter's been delivered and get to the others that got out of the city." I shook my head to stay awake and smiled when she rubbed my hand with her head.
"I'm okay girl, just tired." I said and she still looked doubtful. "Please girl….I need….you safe from the Romans….give that to the first leader you find….They will….help." it was now very hard to stay awake.
Hedwig looked at me before hooting and gently picked Meadow up, who was protesting the whole time to stay with me, and flew out of the room and high into the sky.
I sighed in relief knowing those two were safe and pushed myself out of the rooms for what was most likely to be the last time.
I looked both ways to see if anyone was coming and heard Roman voices, more specifically Caesar's voice, and growled. I looked the opposite way and turned into shadow once more and slowly went into the shadows to go the long way to where I said I'd be in the letter.
Crixus' POV:
Spartacus, Gannicus and I raced through the city and made it to the square and jumped onto the Romans closest to us.
Cutting the head of the man in front of me off I spun and cut open a man's belly before kicking the man behind him to the ground and stabbed his throat and looked up to see who was in need of aid.
I looked to see my brothers were beyond pissed but were otherwise doing well. I looked to my love and saw her killing to men at once.
I went back to fighting until the last Roman finally fell. "Where the fuck did these appear from?!"
"The gates are broken!" I looked to Agron and the others who appeared behind him. "We have been betrayed." I glared then and looked to Spartacus.
"I knew better than to trust Heracleo's." Spartacus growled.
"Not Heracleo's, Lysiscus is the traitor!" Agron growled. I looked to Spartacus shocked.
"Fuck." Gannicus said and I pulled Naevia to me when I felt her near.
"He stands fucking Roman?!" she growled.
"The fucking shit! That is why he aided the Cecilians!" Gannicus growled right back.
Just then screams rang out and we looked to them. "Where is Nasir?" Agron asked in haste.
"He is with Lugo." Spartacus answered.
"I must find him." Spartacus nodded.
"Give word to break for northern gate." We all looked to him knowing the meaning behind his words and Agron took off.
"I will see all that remain to safety!" with that he was back in the city.
"Would have us run?!" I turned to Spartacus feeling a small amount of anger.
"I would have us live."
"Then have us fight!" he looked to me.
"Crassus has seized the moment we are not prepared to fight him at the moment!" I looked to him then and sighed.
"Nor will our numbers exist the northern gates before his are upon them! We must make stand here!"
"I will cause need distraction to give time." That caused all of us to turn to Gannicus.
"There are too many." Spartacus tried.
"And you two cannot end petty arguing to get as many to safety as possible! This way I shall give aid to those still of this world and you two may come up with a strategy."
Spartacus and I looked to him.
Gannicus' POV:
"To what cause would you do this?"
I shook head. "I have no fucking idea." Spartacus nodded.
"Lead the others to safety, I shall distract the Romans." He went to leave.
"This is not a fucking request!" he paused and turned to me. "You lead these people, were to fall it would be a harsher blow than mine." I looked to him knowing he would get the meaning of my words.
He did as hoped for in understanding them and shook head. "Yours would also cause a harsh blow." I smiled. A horn rang out and we looked to where it came from.
"Go," they turned to me, "I shall find you once done." Spartacus looked to me before nodding and walked to clasp my shoulder.
"We shall wait as long as we are able brother." I nodded to him and looked around noticing Harry was yet among us.
"Where is Harry?" I whispered to him.
"Last I saw he was aiding the people getting out of the city. My hope is he knew to leave with Barca and Pietros to aid in their protection." He and I nodded now praying for the same as he was. Spartacus patted my shoulder once more and took off and Crixus walked to me.
"You mad fuck." I laughed and patted his shoulder when he did so to mine and released him as he and Naevia, along with the others, ran off.
I sighed and looked to the man who stayed. "Mine would be of lesser blow than yours." I smirked.
"Stay close then. I would not have us greet this night as our last."
Nasir's POV:
"I turned and stabbed the man behind me and moved more into the alley in hopes of finding Agron and the others.
I killed the men one by one as they appeared when I cry behind me had me turning quickly.
I looked to see Castus had stabbed a Roman before he was able to stab me.
The Roman fell and I looked to him mad that it was he who found me yet glad he saved me.
Another scream behind me had me going to look only to see Agron rush past me and attack Castus.
They fought and Agron broke his spear and held him to wall with sword to neck.
"Have you lost mind?!" I yelled at him. "Castus came to aid!"
"He and his people only aid the fucking Romans!" I looked to Castus in shock.
"I do not know of what you speak." Agron looked to him then. "I woke from dreams to find my brothers gone."
"He had no knowledge of this Agron!" Though he did not move.
"More come!" a man yelled and Agron looked back to Castus.
"We must make haste!" I said hoping he would release the man and follow me to safety.
Agron growled. "Make tempt to gain weapon and I shall end your life!" with that he let him go and ran with me.
Gannicus' POV:
As we threw oil onto the walls the man looked to me. "This is a mad fucking plan." He through more oil at the wall.
"If you hold better one then loosen tongue and reveal it." I told him and he silenced then.
We worked for a moment in silence when he spoke once more. "Gannicus." I looked to him then to the white blur coming at me.
It landed upon my shoulder and I looked to Hedwig in shock.
"The fuck is that bird still doing in the city?!" he yelled but fear entered me.
If she was still here, then there was a chance Harry was as well.
"Hedwig, where is Harry?" her only response was to lift her leg to reveal a letter there. I took it off her gently and read it.
"Fuck me!" I growled and looked to Hedwig. "Do not worry girl. I shall aid Harry and bring him to you." She looked to me before nipping my ear gently. "Now go find Barca and stay with him until you see me or Spartacus." She hooted and took off.
I held the letter tightly and looked to the man as Roman voices rang out. "Go, see yourself to safety, I must go and aid Harry." He looked to me and shook head.
"I am not leaving a mad fuck like you alone to have all the fun." I smirked at him and lifted a torch only to throw it onto the oil and ran as it caught fire back to the square.
'If only we had remained there. I pray I make it to you in time beauty.' With that thought I forced my legs to move faster.
Caesar's POV:
When the last of the Rebel fucks were dead I looked into the sky and saw flames within the city.
"The rebels abandon hope and burn the city." I told Marcus. When I was unable to find and retrieve the vessel I returned to his side in hopes we would find him together. Now we stood in the square with dead rebels surrounding us.
"We have dispatched a group of men to the area." A soldier told Marcus.
"Call them back and head towards commanded path."
"Yes sir." The man bowed and left but I just looked on in shock.
"Spartacus tempts to turn victory into ash! And you would recall your men?!"
"I have set plan to action, and will not fall for distraction." He looked to me. "We advance on northern gate, where I hope to find the vessel and kill more rebels." He walked on then and I followed behind.
Harry's POV:
'Well shit.' I thought tiredly as I watched the Romans head to the northern gate where I knew Spartacus and my brothers were.
Shocking to even myself I'm still awake despite feeling like ten tons of lead were hanging from each of my eyelids at the moment.
I sighed and forced myself out of the shadows and back into my human form. With one more sigh I straightened some and, knowing this would be the last of my strength, I pushed forward towards the army to help my people.
I just hope help comes for me when it's done.
Spartacus' POV:
"Keep moving! Do not pause!" I yelled as the remaining people still of this world walked quickly through the gates.
I watched as all these people came shocked that this many still remained in the city and just prayed the one that I find the most important was already safely out of this city.
Though knowing my heart, he was still in these walls somewhere.
Gannicus' POV:
I fought and killed my way through any and all Romans trying my hardest to get to the square in time to save Harry.
"Why is the kid still here if he got poisoned?" I looked to the man and kill a Roman before answering him as we ran.
"Because it got to messy too fast for him to safely leave. Even if that were not the reason he would have stayed to aid us and his people anyway he could." I told him though I fully planned to lecture Harry once I knew he was safe.
I killed the last Roman and looked to see the square but no Harry.
"Fuck!" I yelled and kicked a pot.
Then a similar sound echoed it not a moment later and I rushed to where I heard the sound only to find Harry on the ground and leaning against the wall.
I rushed to him and lifted his face to look at me. When his blurry eyes opened and looked to me he smiled.
"I knew someone would come." I smiled. "The Romans are going after Spartacus and the others. Whatever plan you had with that fire it didn't work." I cursed and pulled Harry up.
"Come, we must get you out of here."
"No." I looked to him.
"Beauty you can barely stand and your eyes are only just open."
"They need our help, we go to the northern gates." I looked at his stern face and sighed.
"Very well, but you must go to the shadows should you find yourself no longer able to fight off the dreams." Harry nodded and I helped him to the gates with the man behind us guarding our backs.
We only walked a few minutes when Romans were upon us and killed the man aiding us instantly.
"No!" I yelled and let Harry against the wall and fought the Romans who killed our friend.
Swords aiding behind me had me looking to see Harry was now fighting with one sword and killed a Roman before turning to fight another.
Despite fighting myself I could not stop my admiration from growing even more upon seeing him fight though he was only moments from his dreams.
I turned to my own fight and killed the last Roman and walked to him to allow his weight upon me.
"The road to the gates is not safe beauty, we must find a place to wait it out and sneak our way to the others." He glared at me.
"No, we got to the gates." I sighed.
"Harry I admire your stubbornness, but even Spartacus would understand we cannot get to him right now. We must get off this path." Harry looked at me.
"Then let's take another path to it, one the Romans won't have swarmed yet." I looked to him and sighed.
"Very well." With that I led him off our current path and to the other path that will, hopefully, be safer if only a little.
Spartacus' POV:
"Spartacus!" I turned to see Agron and Nasir, grateful my prayers of his safety were answered, leading Castus to us.
"Castus." Crixus growled and walked up to me with Naevia behind him. "You traitorous fuck!"
"He knew nothing of this!" Nasir said standing between them.
"Hold fucking tongue." Agron growled.
"This is no time for arguments." They looked to me. "Bind his hands and see him through the gate with the others." I looked around then. "Those who are able to fight take rear position as you aid in existing the city!" the fighters moved to position then.
"Move quickly! And do not turn back!" I yelled just as screams rang out and I turned to see Romans advancing upon us.
I prepared to fight as our people ran past us. "See yourselves to safety! We shall guard the gate!" I yelled as the Romans stood before us.
"Attack!" a Roman yelled and we all ran for each other.
We all rushed into the Romans and killed any around us before moving to stand as close to each other as we were able to manage.
I let my body take over and moved and killed without much thought except that I must get my people, all of them, safe.
"We must seal gates behind us!" I yelled to the others. Crixus left his fight then and through a jug of oil onto the ropes before turning and fighting once more.
A Roman was able to push me to a wall yet I was able to knee his groin and hit his head. While he was down I picked up a torch and turned to him and hit him once more. I turned then and threw the torch as hard as I could to the oil where it luckily hit its intended target.
Once the rope caught fire I went back to fighting the Romans.
"Crixus!" I turned with Crixus to see that the gates were very close to closing. I looked to him and nodded before we both killed the Romans near us. "Go!" I yelled once he killed the last Roman near him.
Crixus took off and Naevia held him close as they waited for me to swiftly follow. I turned though and kicked a Roman and killed the one behind him before stabbing the on upon the ground.
More arrived then and among them was Crassus and Lysiscus.
I paid no mind, though, and killed the Roman in front of me. "Spartacus!" I did turn then and looked to the man and glared. "Seize him!" with that Lysiscus and other Romans ran at me.
I just glared and turned to the gates and ran as hard and fast as I was able. The ropes snapped and I rolled under them just before they sealed shut behind me.
Agron and Crixus aided in standing me up and I breathed heavily as I stared at the gates.
Crassus' POV:
I watched the man roll under the gates and my men try to get him but they closed right behind him.
"The mad fuck escapes again!" Caesar yelled and I smirked.
"He but delays the inevitable." Caesar turned to me. "I happen to know our little vessel is still with the walls." He was shocked then.
"How do you know this?" he walked up to me.
I smirked. "The poison's made him sloppy. When he thought it safe he left the shadows in his beast form and began following us. I happened to have seen him fall upon the alley floor as I turned corner." Caesar looked confused.
"Then why is he not our prisoner now?"
"Because it would have been too easy. Two other rebels found him and took off thinking no one was watching them. They headed down a different path once one of them fell, one that will lead him here." Caesar smiled then.
"And we shall be here to welcome him." I smirked back.
"Precisely."
Gannicus' POV:
"Down here Harry." I gently moved him under the floor and followed as I closed the hatch behind us.
Romans had begun to sweep the city and we had no choice but to take cover until it was safe to move.
Harry sighed deeply and leaned his head upon my shoulder.
I looked to him in worry.
Though Harry explained it was not a deadly poison. It had weakened him considerably and he was only just awake. Should he give in now I do not think I will be able to get us both safely out of here.
"Try and stay awake beauty, we'll be out of here in no time and you may rest those beautiful eyes of yours."
"If I wasn't so tired I'd smack you right now." He whispered and I smirked. Gratefully that he was still able to act as the man I fell for despite being weakened.
I looked up upon hearing footsteps and gently covered Harry's nose and mouth to keep his heavy breathing a little quieter.
I watched and listened intently praying we would not be discovered.
When the Romans left I sighed and looked to Harry and held him close as we waited for it to be safe enough to leave our hiding place.
Crassus' POV:
"Have the Romans remaining outside be moved within the city." I commanded.
"And of those Spartacus let free? Will they be moved into the safety of the walls?" the soldier asked.
"Only soldiers shall be permitted within the walls." I said and moved to my desk. "If they are not able to find use of themselves I would have them executed on sight. I would not have these streets crawling with weaklings." I told him once I turned to face him.
I held out a note to him then. "See all upon this to the Villar." He bowed.
"Imperator." With that he left to do as commanded.
I turned and smiled upon a familiar face and walked to him. "Caesar! I welcomed sight." He turned and revealed his now clean and shaved faced and dressed within proper Roman attire.
I smiled at him as I looked him up and down. "I was only just praising him for his ability to blend so well with the savage dogs." Metellus said to me.
"Made all the more easier with Crassus' brilliant brain creating the idea." I bowed in gratitude to him and looked to Metellus who spoke once more.
"Of that I have no doubt. The city will be pleased to hear of the retaking of Sinuessa." I smiled at him.
"Linger a bit longer and see it celebrated with executions." They looked on it shock.
"Executions?"
"At nightfall." I nodded and looked between them. "I shall see to the Villar properly prepared so that you may have a bath a relax before such a time." I told Metellus.
He looked to me. "A thing most unexpectedly appreciated." He said and I smiled. He looked between us and left for his bath.
"The little fuck." I smirked and looked to Caesar.
"A thought well shared. Yet he holds the ear of the Senate and I would have him satisfied." I turned then and he followed.
"He would be most pleased if we were to actually hold the vessel in our grasp." I nodded.
"And we shall. He is hiding within these walls and most likely has let the poison take over and is in his dreams. Making it easier for us to just pluck him up." Caesar looked to me.
"You must not underestimate him Marcus, I have spent much time with him and he is a force to be reckoned with." I looked up at his warning.
"Enough to scare the mighty Caesar?" I said in good humor.
"Enough to take on all of Rome by himself." That sobered me up.
"You're warning is most appreciated Caesar, I shall go inform my men to still be cautious of it should it still be awake." He nodded at me and walked closer.
"For now let us celebrate our victory." He paused yet again.
"You yet speak of victory when I do not see one. We may have the vessel somewhere within the city but Spartacus yet lives."
I smiled. "You must be patient my boy, in good time Spartacus will meet his end. With proper patience and time it will be done, much like the reclaiming of this city." I gestured around the walls.
"For now let us celebrate what we gained with the man who made it possible in the center of it." He looked to me.
"The Thracians head on a pike would be enough of a prize."
"And you will gain it, soon, you will see his head upon a pike." I smiled at him.
Gannicus' POV:
Hours we had been down here and Harry was now only just holding on.
If I did not find a safe way out before he loses the battle we were both fucked.
I looked to him and nudged him gently.
"Harry." He groaned and moved closer. "Beauty you mustn't give in just yet." I beg.
He groaned again but barely opened his eyes this time. "That's a good lad!" I encouraged and pulled him closer.
I looked up as more Romans came in and began looking around before leaving again, though I knew thousands more were out there.
"S-Sp-Spart-tacus." I looked down at Harry and gave him a sad smile.
Though I accepted Harry would never give me his heart, it still hurt to know that fact. Though I pushed those thoughts aside in replace of making sure the man who held mine and Spartacus' hearts alive, even if I don't.
"I will reunite you with him soon beauty, please hold off your dreams until then." I promised and looked up when more appeared above us.
Tiberius' POV:
"Has it become so unpleasant?" Imperator asked.
"Unbearably so." Kora responded.
Before more words could be spoken I walked in. "I'm afraid the fault is mine." They looked to me as I walked to them holding the scar the vessel gave me the night that sealed many fates.
Kora seemed to tense upon seeing me and Imperator just stared at me. "I laid a heavy burden upon Kora's shoulders of hearing my grief of the passing of Sabinus. And my hand in it." I paused just a few feet from them.
"A man does what must be done when fate calls upon him." I looked to the man I once held to high esteem and forced my glare to heel as I looked up him and gripped the scar tighter.
"A man must do what must be done." I echoed and looked to him. "Kora has been more of a comfort than you will ever know. Though I think my grief became hers while we spent our time together." I looked to her knowingly. "I pray she is not too delectate to handle such grief." Her fear turned to a glared.
"I stand no soldier in this conflicted, yet I too shall do what I must." I smiled at her and looked to Imperator as I still clutched my scar.
"I am forever grateful." He told her and she smiled at him. "See food and wine prepared."
"Yes Dominus." She said smiling then glared at me as she hurried out.
I watched her go and sighed sadly. "This war has forever changed her."
"She does not stand alone in such regard." I turned to him then.
"I am but hardened by it. And the lessons it has taught." Imperator nodded and walked closer to me.
"I thought the Decimation had pulled you from reason." He paused in front of me and smiled. "Yet you rise like the phoenix out of its ashes." He smiled brighter. "And soon, shall retake your place as my word and will." That shocked me.
"Soon? You do not summon me to reinstate me to the region?"
"I would have you prepare tonight's events for the men. To aid in lifting their spirits by seeing in such good ones. And aid in your quick regaining of the seal of command." I turned fully to him then.
"A privilege then, and an opportunity to honor you." He looked to me then.
"You mistake intent. You shall honor Caesar as the victor." Now I was shocked and pissed.
"There is no love between us. Surely there is of better use of my-."
"The shrewd man turns from rival to valued alley." I looked to him. "Caesar rises in restored name and will reach higher than the sun." he said and I looked down.
He smiled at me then. "Does it hurt?" he looked to where I clutched.
I loosened hold slightly and looked to it. "Only its meaning causes pain now." I said and looked up to him to see he was smiling.
"Find comfort in knowing the one who gave it is hidden within these very walls still and men are constantly looking for him, also made possible by Caesar." Shock entered me before joy, something that I nearly forgot what it felt like.
"Then I would find much gratitude in being the one to deliver the killing blow once he is found and held before Spartacus." Imperator looked at me. "Once Caesar is properly rewarded."
"You came into these walls a boy. Yet a man shall leave them." He placed a hand upon my shoulder. "It warms heart to see you become one." I smiled at him.
"I am what you've made me." Imperator smiled and hugged me.
I stood within the hug and glared upon the wall behind him.
'Yes, both he and the vessel shall gain what rewards they truly deserve.'
Gannicus' POV:
The footsteps above had me look to Harry and walk over to him.
Harry now just lay upon the floor and looked to already be to his dreams, and I prayed he was not.
I walked to him and nudged him a little and he slowly moved his head to me yet kept his beautiful eyes closed.
"Harry, more soldiers come." I whispered to him and he groaned some and I quickly covered his mouth a looked up praying they had not heard.
When it was apparent they had not I sighed and looked down to Harry.
Whatever this poison was, it's really strong. Yet it causes me to worry at how long Harry has been fighting this poison off now.
It's been a full night and all of the morning.
I looked up when the soldiers began to make noises.
Dust began to fall and I silently cursed.
I looked to Harry and shook him once more. "Harry the soldiers are beginning to rip the floor boards up, they shall find us once they're finished." Harry was actually able to open his eyes then and looked to me.
That was when a thought came to mind and I smirked at him. "There is a way out of this beauty." He stared at me but I knew he was taking in my words.
I smiled. "Call out for help." I hid then leaving Harry confused and a little scared but he began to force himself to do what I said as I hid and prepared myself.
The door opened and the soldier looked down at Harry and smirked.
Though before he could call I pulled him down and killed him instantly and smiled at Harry.
"I shall return for you Harry, I will not leave you here to rot." I promised and jumped up and began to fight the Romans.
When they were all dead I looked down and smiled at Harry. "That was amusing." He glared at me and I reached down to pull him up. "Now let's see how far our luck shall reach." I held him tightly in my arms and began to slowly walk out of the barn.
Crassus' POV:
Laeta was led into my office by Caesar and I stopped and smiled at her.
"Last I laid eyes you appeared as a defiled refugee. You now standing a vision." She smiled back.
"Gratitude, for all you have done." I nodded at her.
"I would take my leave now if I am of no use." I looked to Caesar.
"Take leave to your chambers before celebration. You will gifts there of much deserving." He nodded and turned to leave then.
I looked back to Laeta. "You have celebration?"
"I would have an execution to celebrate our victory this day."
"Apologies, I'm afraid I am still too weakened." I smiled.
"I did not expect you attend." I poured us wine and brought a cup to her. "It is a blessing you yet draw breath. I blessing given by Spartacus yes?" she looked to me.
"I told you I did I had to in order to protect those of my people still of this world."
"And know I find no fault in it. The whole of Rome echoes with legend of the Bringer of Rain and his pet vessel." She looked to me.
"I would hear air filled of truer tell. Of Spartacus the man and the boy known as vessel." She shook head.
"I knew him only as captor."
"I do not wish to trap you. I crave knowledge of a man I admire and that I will meet upon field of battle." I told her truthfully.
She looked at me. "Spartacus seems," she sighed, "not the beast one would draw thoughts of."
"And what is under horns and sharpened claws?"
"A heart full of love." I nodded and stood to walk about.
"I have heard of his lust over the vessel."
"Tis not lust in his eyes when he looks upon the vessel." I turned to her then. "It is of love deeper than the ocean itself. One that looks upon the scar on the vessel's belly and earns to balance scale." I nodded.
"Yes word has also reached ear on how Glaber was nearly able to trip the life from the vessel. And Spartacus' lust for blood for it." She shook head.
"He may have lusted for blood once, but now he merely fights for what he believes is just."
"There is no cause more dangerous." I told her.
"He will not stop. I do not think he could even if he wished it so." I nodded then and sighed.
"Then we are men of similar standing." I placed my cup down and walked back to her. "Each believes himself the hero, the other villain. It is for history to decide who is mistaken. 'Til such a day we shall each play our parts well, as each of us must." She looked to me then behind me as Heracleo appeared with a few of his men.
"The city is yours Mighty Crassus, I would see to agreed price." Laeta looked to me once more with fear and confusion.
"You would seek aid from this fucking shit?"
"One that has cost me a fair amount of coin." I looked to Heracleo's then. "See yourselves from these walls or see yourself to the afterlife." He nodded.
"I shall take welcomed leave before nightfall," he looked to Laeta then, "with all I was promised." She gasped in understanding and looked to me in full fear.
"I am a Roman!"
"One who gave aid to the enemy, for whatever reason." I told her.
"You cannot do this!" I looked to her.
"It is already done." Heracleo's men then tied her up and led her out of the chambers.
Gannicus' POV:
I laid Harry down upon the roof and looked over at the shoulders.
There were men everywhere. Making escape all the more hard to achieve. I looked back to Harry and sighed before looking back over to think of a plan.
I looked over and saw something I never thought I would see again. "The traitorous fuck yet lives?!" I growled to myself as I watched Heracleo and some of this men lead a prisoner somewhere.
I looked to Harry and sighed knowing I'd have bring and hide him near me for what I planned to do.
I picked him up gently and carefully looked for a place to hide him before deciding on behind some barrels and snuck to where Heracleo's had gone after making sure Harry would not be seen.
"That is the worst of it my love." I heard him say.
"I would not say such things." He turned to me and I saw that the prisoner was Laeta.
He turned and held his hands out to me. "It warms heart to see you alive my friend." I glared.
"Many of my brothers do not fare as well." He nodded.
"An act born of necessity, and raised with heavy heart." I just looked to him. "I much rather like King Spartacus and his little vessel along with the men." He seemed to think for a moment. "Most of them." I glared once more then.
"Yet I was given the choices of either becoming rich or die a merciless death. Which is no choice at all." He said and I tightened my hold on my sword. "I know what your thoughts are of. That we are shit eating Celicians. Men of no match to a god of the arena." I smirked then.
"Perhaps this is true my friend. Perhaps my sword will find this woman's throat before I fall." He looked to Laeta then returned gaze to me. "A thing you must appreciate in such a situation."
I smirked yet again and looked to him. "She means nothing to me." He grew shocked and I attacked the closest man. I killed them all as they came to me and turned to see Heracleo's smirking at me.
"Not the smartest of moves my friend." Suddenly a branding rod appeared in his throat killing him almost instantly. He fell and I looked from his body in shock to see Laeta there.
She breathed heavy and looked to me before leaning back and holding her arm in pain.
I looked to her before looking out to see if it was still safe to exist. "Please," I turned to her, "take me with you." I huffed.
"You stand a Roman, I cannot be seen with you." I said thinking of Harry.
"I stand a slave." I turned to her and looked to the brand upon her arm. "As you once did." I looked up at her and sighed.
"I must get Harry, he is very weak." She looked shocked but nodded. I glared and walked up to her. "I shall need your aid in getting him safely out of here. If I even suspect you to betray us I will slay you without hesitation." Fear entered her but she nodded. "Very well." I turned and led her to where I had hidden Harry.
"Cover his face and hold him close. I shall tie you in chains to aid in blending in so that freedom is insured." She nodded and held Harry gently as I pulled hood over his beautiful face then raised my own hood once Laeta was tied.
I pulled them through the crowd without a person giving us another glance and walked until cheers rang out.
"The executions." She whispered to me. I looked to her then to Harry before turning towards noise.
"I would see them freed." I growled.
"Stay upon path I lead less you wish a painful death for this one." I looked to her once more and nodded before covering my face better and began to walk. "What has happened to this one? Other than the wound upon arm you treated I do not see a fatal wound."
"He was poisoned with something that weakens him. He has been fighting it for nearly a day now and only just gave in to his dreams shortly before I found you." I heard her gasp of shock.
"Who poisoned him?"
"Lysiscus, and he was given the poison by Crassus." I growled and looked to Harry quickly before looking forward.
"At least he will remain of this world." She said and I looked to her.
"If you do not get us out none of us will remain so." She nodded and we pressed forward once again in silence.
We walked for a while before I pulled them to a corner and looked around it.
"We will not make it." Laeta said and I looked to her.
"We will." She looked to where I was and saw the two horses. I took Harry from her. "Stay close, I will not come back for you." She nodded and followed closely behind me as I walked slowly passed the Romans and to the horses.
I looked up just enough to see the traitor Lysiscus walk around the corner with more men. I pulled Harry closer to me and walked slightly faster with Laeta right behind us.
He walked passed us and I thought us clear when he spoke up. "Halt." We paused. "I thought Heracleo was only promised one woman." I heard him step closer. "Who is the child?" my anger took over then and I turned, handed Harry to Laeta, and pulled my sword out as I attacked.
"Go!" she ran to the horses and placed Harry gently upon one and looked to us to wait for me. I fought the men as they came at me with ease until the traitor finally attacked me himself. We fought for only a moment when I cut his stomach causing him to cry out in pain and I kicked him from me and rushed to the horse carrying Harry and jumped on. Once I was settled and Harry safely laying in my arms I turned to the man and smirked and revealed Harry's face finally.
"No!" he yelled yet Laeta and I moved the horses forward out of his reach. "Sound the alarm you worthless shits!" Romans everywhere rushed to prepare to fight or ran at us but the horses moved us forward before they could even touch us.
We ran through the city and I killed any Roman who came too close to the horses. We finally reached the gates and we found Romans standing guard waiting for us. I just pushed the horse forward and barreled through them killing most as we passed. Laeta was stabbed and I turned and killed the man with a spear and allowed her horse in front of mine as she tried to move it forward.
Finally we were through the gates and I made the horse move faster away from the city for the last time as I watched Laeta upon her horse closely.
I looked back and smirked when I saw Lysiscus glaring at us. "C-Caesar." I looked to Laeta.
"What?"
"Y-you keep calling that m-man L-Lysiscus. H-his name is Caesar." I looked to her and nodded.
"Very well, rest now. I shall make sure you remain upon your horse." She smiled and held her wound tighter as I led both horses to my brothers.
Spartacus' POV:
I looked around as my people froze slowly to death in the snow. Though I barely felt the snow. My worry for Harry making me numb to all other senses.
"We cannot stay here." Crixus said holding Naevia close to him.
"And what do you suppose we do? Sprout wings and fly to warmer embrace?!" Agron growled at him.
"We should turn and retake Sinuessa." Naevia said.
"The city is lost, as we shall be if we do not act." Crixus looked to me.
Though I knew he was staring at me, I chose to ignore him as my thoughts once again turned to worry over my Harry.
"Fuck me!" Agron gasped happily. I looked to him then to where he was staring and stood in shock as two horses appeared in our camp.
There was Gannicus, cold and tired looking, but alive and back with his brothers. Agron and Crixus stood and walked to help him down while Agron took the bundle he held.
I walked up then and saw the bundle was Harry.
"Harry?" I asked worried and shook him though he did not wake.
"Fear not, he is still of this world." I looked to Gannicus who began to explain Harry's state.
At the end of his tale all of us around him felt our anger grow. I took Harry from Agron, with some resistance on Agron's part, and held him close before looking up to Gannicus and smiled.
I gave Harry back to Agron and walked up to him. "And I believed myself a difficult man to kill." He laughed with me and I pulled him into a hug before letting him go and took Harry once more.
"We must keep him warm at all times and check on his wound. He does not seem to be in a life threatening situation at the moment and I tend to keep it as such." The others nodded in complete agreement.
"How long before he leaves his dreams?" Crixus asked.
"I do not know. He fought the poison for a full day before letting it take him into a deep sleep. He has been like this since our leave of the city." Gannicus said and I looked to Harry.
"He is home now, that is what matters." I looked up and saw we had a third party member joining us. "What is she doing here?!" I growled pulling Harry closer to protect him.
"Laeta now stands as us beneath the republic." We all looked to Gannicus in shock.
Gannicus looked around at us before speaking once more. "She also aided in getting Harry out of the city, that is how she came by the stab wound." We looked back to her.
"Get her off the horse and see her wounds tended to." Lugo and Nasir, who guided the horse to us, took her gently off the horse and to get her wounds tended.
"She cannot be trusted." Naevia said.
"Yet she aided in getting my brothers here, for that I am grateful to her." Crixus said making Naevia calm slightly.
I smiled at them and looked to Harry once more before kissing his forehead gently and looked to Crixus and Agron. "You two take him and get him warm and properly tended to." They nodded and Crixus this time held Harry close while Agron followed closely behind him.
I turned to Gannicus then and nodded for him to follow.
I led him to the edge of the cliff and looked to the other side. "How is this possible?" I smirked and looked to him.
"Nothing is impossible for the richest man in Rome."
"Crassus." I nodded at him.
"It was his plan all along to get us upon this ridge." We both stood there and looked to the Fortress only just across from us.
"He will come with his army behind us." I looked to Gannicus then. "And when he comes, death will follow in his wake."
And there's the twenty-sixth chapter! Hope you guys liked it and still like the story! There may be one coming up this coming Friday but don't get your hopes up in case something happens and I can't. Just know there's a good possibility of having another chapter up this week:) I'd also like some ideas on what you guys would like to see and/or happen in my Harry/Gannicus story that'll be up once this one is finished! Any and all ideas are welcome so don't be shy and share your ideas:) I'll be taking all into consideration:) see you hopefully this coming Friday!