Authors note/questions at bottom! Hey guys! So from now on anything in BOLD is being said in German. I figured it was an eyesore for anyone who doesn't know the language to see it being written in the middle of chapters.

Chapter XXXVIII:

It had been nearly three days since Gannicus' departure from our camp and my heart felt the longing I had meant to show when he was yet with me. I was foolish to reason with caution towards us being reunited. Yet younger me would have jumped into his arms with passion, present day me had seen those I love and care for be but memories. My caution was my way of protecting myself from further pain, yet it was also the cause of such.

"Jana, get your head out of your ass we approach Neapolis." Agron told me as I glared at him, he and I both knew the contents of the ship we were leading the rescue on. Spartacus and Crixus none the wiser that the ranks were to be filled with our people and not an assortment, like the one ship held, or the Gauls like the other.

"Silence we approach the shipping yard, we all know our positions?" Spartacus asked as the few of us who had joined nodded, the few being Agron, Donar, Spartacus, Lucius and myself.

The rain pelted down on us soaking the cloaks we were wearing, my face and hands so wet that I no longer felt anything but the light pings of rain against it. We were lucky the cloaks were keeping our clothing in a mild state of dryness. It would be quite the journey home before we would be anywhere close to being able to dry.

I followed alongside Lucius acting as if I were his body slave, a loose collar hanging around my neck, Agron following close to my side acting as if he were yet another slave a role he was not so eager to play and yet the roles were of his suggestion. "I do not care for the fucking rain." The ship master spat out at us as we all made our way closer and closer to the boat.

"Nor disturbance at unreasonable hour." He continued, though had we been people of reason we would not be here, how that one clue escaped him was truely beyond me. "I would have you quickly removed from such concerns, and well compensated for allowing eyes upon your latest offerings… in advance of auction..." Lucius told him after Agron passed him a small bag of coin.

"You must have pressing need, to venture out on such a night." The man spoke as Agron and I exchanged looks between one another, not yet sure of who or what to expect below on the boat.

"Stop shaking." Agron whispered to me as the two men continued to speak. "It's cold." I told him flatly, I wanted to tell him if it weren't for him and the others I would have Gannicus waiting to warm me when we return but the fact was him leaving was more my fault than any of theirs.

Had I not been so cold and so distant with my heart he might have stayed. Though until he returned I would have to remove him from thought. Many lives on this boat and back at the temple relied on me having my mind set to purpose. "Ah, gladiators!" The man cried capturing my attention from my brother to where they were both standing.

"I've supplied Rome with many of it's finest champions." The man continued to say, though I did not recognize this man, the look of disgust on Agron's face told me he might have though being around Romans could also be the cause of such a look. "Sadly with the arena in Capua gone, there's less interest in base men of such talents."

"Shame." I whispered to Agron who just chuckled softly next to me. "Dominus?" I called out to Lucius as he looked over to us, "We should make haste should we wish to be back to the villa before Domina awakes." I told him.

In reality we needed to get this finished before the sun fully rose in the sky and our trail quickly followed by any armed men in the area. Lucius just nodded, "Ah yes, come let us see how you can further aid in my cause towards purpose of men." He told the man as we all boarded the boat and headed downwards into its haul.

Once we were below the smell was that of wet clothing and likely shit from those forced into such awful conditions such as these. The man quickly apologized to Lusicus thinking he was a mildly wealthy lanista or man of at least a small title. "Savages east of the Thine tend to favor their own shit." The man spat at some of the very large men chained up around him though, there were not just men within this haul.

Women were caged up too, beautiful woman a few my age and some more Agron and Spartacus' ages. Though from the stories of the Rhinelands that Agron had told me women were just as fierce if not more so than many of their male counterparts. He said much like the Greek city Sparta, women were also trained to fight. They may not have gone into wars like the Germanic woman of today do, but those Spartan women were the last line of defense to protect their country.

Agron and I stood behind them looking at some of the men, Agron placing his hand on my shoulder. "Calm yourself" He whispered to me likely noticing my temperaments changing, my anger growing at the sight of our people so poorly treated. "This is disgusting" I whispered back to him only for him to nod to me in agreement. Thought a few of the men near us seemed to catch that we were speaking the same language as them, they looked at the two of us with more interest or perhaps intent.

"I intended to have the scraped and oiled before auction, but I feared that would do little to improve their natural odor." The man explained as my eyes met with a beautiful blond woman sitting behind the bars that they were standing before. She looked like the moment the gates opened before her that she would rip out the throat of whomever was standing before her.

I could only wish to one day have the strength and power she clearly held within her. "And how do you find the woman?" Lucius asked as he walked closer to one of the women, leading the filthy Roman further still from us. "As unpleasant as their men."

Agron placed his hand upon my back ushering me to move forwards with him our eyes gripping the eyes of each man and woman we walked past. The man continuing to speak awful things about our people. Agron and I stopped next to a fairly large burly looking man as he looked up at Agron and I his eyes filled with anger and hatred. I tugged on Agron, "The signal?" I asked him as he shook his head. "Wait." He told me as he turned back towards the man.

"Your suffering stops, brother." Agron spoke to the man as he looked between us before responding to him. "You speak our tongue?" The man questioned as I smiled to Agron growing with excitement.

"We share your blood." I told the man before Agron could answer him gaining me a soured look from my brother only to cause me to shrug at him. "What?" I looked up at Agron.

"Prepare yourself, I would see you free." Agron told him softly.

The German man attempted to lean closer to Agron as he told him that the guard behind us also happened to know our language. Agron quickly took me by the arm and pushed me closer to the chained up man, must have been a gut instinct; he knew I could fight and I was absolutely sick of being treated like a child. I looked at the German man as he told me to fight, clearly he saw the anger in my eyes to my brothers knee jerk reaction towards me and battle.

Agron quickly began to engage the man in a fight, as Lucius slit the throat of the slave near him causing the slave trader to move as quickly as he could to get out of the way, the guards among the boat scrambling to attack the men one hitting a cage and being held by one or more of the slaves within.

"Kill him!" A voice from behind the guard had begun to scream, so I pulled out my dagger and threw it as hard as I could towards the man nailing him right in the neck where his armor had failed to cover him. Spartacus and Donar quickly joined us, with help from a few of the German fighters that were not completely confined in their chains, killing the last few guards as I made my way towards the guard I threw my dagger into.

Pulling it from his chest I wiped it clean on his cloak before standing up and having an arm nearly in my face it was the blonde woman that I had seen earlier. Her eyes were piercing, as they narrowed at me before a small grin grew on her lips. "Shocking, a Roman woman who can kill." She scoffed to the men around her.

"I am no Roman.." I told her as she grinned,

"Good, I really would have hated it if I had to kill you." She told me with a short laugh before silence filled the boats haul, all eyes now on Spartacus while Donar, Agron and Lucius moved closer to where he was standing.

"Keys, quickly." He shouted as Lucius tossed me a set of keys, while Donar and Agron began to release the men and women who were locked up. "Release them!" Spartacus shouted not knowing if any of those around us knew any Roman though my guess was they did, just that they didn't too much care for the way the words felt upon their tongue.

Once I had the door open the woman slowly moved out past me, and past Lucius who was removing the chains from their necks. She looked at me and for a moment I was honestly scared of what she might do to me, except she just stood there nodding to me. "Gratitude." She nodded as I just nodded right back.

"You not from our lands!" A man yelled from behind me as both me and all the women I just freed turned towards the voice. "Yet I was once bound in chains by the Romans, as you were." Spartacus voice filled my ears.

"You were all slaves?" She asked me as she took my chin forcing me to look at her.

"Yes, not to long ago… my brother Agron and I now fight with Spartacus." I told her as she just laughed softly.

"A grievance I would see them pay dearly for." Spartacus told them men as they slowly one by one began to unshackle themselves. The larger man that Agron and I had been talking to said something to Agron which from the rain I really only made out something about blood.

"Cock hardens at the fucking thought!" He shouted after Agron nodded with a grin on his lips. Gaining many cheers from the men around him, Spartacus not understanding a word that was being said seemed to be glaring over at Agron.

"He says they are with us." Agron told him causing me to laugh, "In more or less words." I muttered to Lucius.

"Go brothers! Take leave of this fucking ship!" Agron shouted as all the men and women around us cheered in agreement. The woman stopping me from moving away from her, "Your brother?" She asked me as I nodded.

I made my way towards Agron who pulled me into a half hug, Spartacus soon making his way towards us. "A fortunate thing. That we liberate a ship filled with your people." He remarked, as Agron threw his free arm onto Spartacus' shoulder. "The gods favor us." He told him before I shrugged.

"No longer will we have to listen to those fucking Gauls again." Agron told him as I shrugged. "Again with your hatred towards Crixus." I muttered as I made me way out of the boat.

Our journey back to the temple was going to be long regardless of which path we chose to take, Agron was walking ahead of me along side two of the men, Lugo and Sedullus. Spartacus seemed to be walking quietly with Lucius while I found myself with Nemetes and Saxa. Who were interesting characters to say the least. Saxa talked with so much joy on the battles she and Nemetes used to fight with the others.

Apparently they were lovers, and used to make love covered in the blood of their fallen enemies. Which I had to admit seemed a lot more normal to hear than I had first thought. They were telling me all about the villages they had come from, the people they met, our culture. I was growing more and more fascinated with everything I had never gotten to experience in life, sure I had experienced things but nothing like they had.

"You were taken from the Rhine as a little girl?" She asked me as I nodded, "More or less, my father came to Capua with my eldest brother and I to try for a new life. That turned out with them dead and me a slave." I told her as she seemed to growl.

"Fucking Roman's try to make anyone who is not them think we have a chance at a life like theirs, it's just a trick to lure slaves… my sister ended up in the same fate on the other side of the island." She told me as I sighed.

"You fight with knives?" She asked me changing the subject. "I try to." I laughed

"That happens to be Saxa's weapon of choice." Nemetes chimed in with a hearty laugh, "I should teach you… imagine the fun you could have… no more throwing you can get up close and very personal with your kills…"

I smiled at her; "Why not… not like anyone else wants to show me how to fight. Agron likes to act as if I am still a baby."

"You are the last of his blood. He is protective… as he should be. That is our way." Nemetes told me as I nodded. "A thing I understand completely but, I would still like to have a bit of freedom." I told them.

"Bah! We are here now, all the freedom we once had we will share with you." She told me as she cheered loudly as the sun began to rise in the sky, we wouldn't be much longer from the temple and safety.

"Such things are of the past!" Spartacus shouted as we slowly entered the temple gates shortly after midday sun. "Let us turn thought towards future." He said again as I walked alongside many of new additions till they were all within the walls of our sanctuary.

Lugo had carried Saxa in on his back as I walked along side laughing about some weird story that Sedullus had told me. "Come! Let us embrace and call ourselves brothers!" Lugo shouted as he extended his arms out towards Spartacus. I looked over at Saxa as she and many others were looking around the temple with amazement though I knew it would be short lived when they realized we barely had food and had absolutely no wine.

"You've done the impossible!" I heard Nasir call out as he rushed to my brothers arms. Sedullus who was still standing next to me patted Agron on the shoulder "We must lift cup." He told him happily as Agron and I yet again exchanged look before I started to snicker. "We have only water." Agron told him as Saxa touched my arm. "You have no wine?"

"We have yet to find a villa filled with any. The Romans seem to know we are pillaging for food and drink." I told her as she rolled her eyes.

"For the best. Sedullus is a beast when sober, and a beastly fool when turned to drink." Nemetes spoke up causing many of the Germans around us to start laughing, myself and Agron included. "Little Nemetes speaks fucking truth." Sedullus said before pulling the man into a playful headlock.

"Then we should send out a small party in search for wine… such victory calls for wine." I added into the mix as Nemetes turned around.

"Your sister has a brilliant mind." Lugo laughed as I grinned. "Gratitude." I told him.

"I would gladly join such a party." Saxa spoke as she moved behind me, I moved Saxa closer to Nasir.

"Nasir, this is Saxa." I introduced them as she took his hand shaking it. "Nasir." She grinned before looking over at Agron, "Your man?" She asked him, my brother only nodded.

"He has a type.. Your brother… a protector." She teased as Agron just shook his head laughing, "Hurtful yet true." Agron told her as Nasir looked confused.

"She called Agron a protector… he defended me when we found them, and would defend and protect you." I told him as he smiled, "And I him." Nasir told me, "Once I am fully healed that is."

I awoke the next morning with Agron angrily pacing around the room we were staying in, along with Nasir and Donar. Though the two had already awoken and left to either prepare for training yet here was Agron; one of the leaders and he was pacing much like Quintus used to when something was vexing him. I stood up and opened my mouth ready to question him when he unloaded on me.

"He thinks I am aiming to take the leadership role from him, by adding our people to the mix…. That's insane. I only looked to swell ranks with fighters who know and crave the blood of our enemies. Not shit eating Gauls who would listen to only Crixus… and no one else. Our people will and would listen to Spartacus above all… why would he even question this?"

I bit my lip as I cocked my head to the side. "I am sure he was only spurred onto such thoughts from the meddling of another." I told him, even though I really wasn't sure what would have caused him to question Agron like that.

"Yes likely by Crixus or Oenomaus." He snapped.

"Mira also holds his ear… should she find something upsetting she would not hesitate to make it an issue… look at the ordeal that had gone down with Gannicus." I reminded him.

"You are in part to blame for that." He told me flatly.

"Yes. A thing I have grown to realize in passing days. I should not have held him at arm's length… Gratitude for the reminder Agron." I rolled my eyes. "I did not mean to offend, I am just bothered." He told me.

"Nor would you have offended me. It is no offence admitting a fact. I screwed up. Such is a fact."

He nodded, "I think it is just in our blood to push people away until it is too late… hopefully your man comes back." He told me, "Could use a half decent sword." He told me with a half smile.

"I want to sent mind to task until then rather than dwelling and obsessing over something that may never be… will just breed similar outcome."

"Enough of this, come sister… let us gather our people and lead a hunt to replenish the meat supply." He told me as I nodded.

Saxa, Nemetes and I hung back while the others caught various goats and sheep. I kept asking them about life in their villages, what caused them to go to war against the Romans. How they met, Saxa kept telling me about 'a time when there was peace within the tribes.' but because of the Romans invading it almost became every tribe for themselves rather than a unified front. Nemetes said once people started getting captured and thrown on boats for slavery was when they had finally begun to realize they needed to fight as one.

Crazy to think they for so long they were all fending for themselves against the Roman legions. Made me wonder what Agron and Duro had to go through before they landed themselves in the ludus below the villa. Had they been fighting a war against Romans all this time only to be thrown into slavery by those very same Romans? I couldn't recall any moment either of them had mentioned it to me before.

"That is all over now, now we fight alongside you and your brother… for Spartacus." Saxa grinned, "The more blood the better."

"Agron!" Spartacus voice called from a short distance. "...and Jana?"

Why did he seemed so shocked that I would be out here with them? Was I supposed to be docile and not interact with mine and Agron's people? I just really didn't understand what I had done wrong. I looked over at Agron as the grin on his lips quickly vanished from his face as; Spartacus joined by Lucius and Crixus quickly caught up with us.

"You hunt without me, when you knew my intention." Spartacus spoke as I let out a heavy sigh.

"Agron, you're an idiot. You told me he told us to go hunting." I remarked as he looked over at me matching my sigh, now him being as upset as he was this morning made absolute sense.

"They woke before the sun, and were eager to take advantage of freedom." Agron told him though that wasn't all true, I remember waking Saxa, Lugo and Nemetes up to gather them for the hunt.

"We fill the day, while you sleep with your women!" Sedullus laughed, causing the others to follow suit. "In words they understand." Agron told him.

"We hunt, catch meat." Sedullus acted as if that was in fact what he had said. I had to admit part of me enjoyed knowing I had these people around me, it felt like family. With Naevia drifting away since her return from the literal dead of the mines, and Mira growing this god complex it was refreshing to have such raw untamed people around.

"And Roman drink!" Lugo shouted as all of the surrounding Germans roared with cheers.

Lugo and two of three others swept in undetected to quite a few villas outside the forest and stole a bunch of their wine. I hadn't even noticed they weren't among us until Nemetes had said something about it. Then again at least they were trying, and they did say the wine was to celebrate with everyone back at the temple not just among us. Lugo then threw one of the small sacks of wine to Spartacus as Crixus muttered something beneath his breath.

"Where did you come by this?" He asked Agron, "A wagon along the road-" Agron had begun to say when Spartacus interrupted him only to scold him.

"We did nothing wrong but attempt to gather materials to aid in the bonding of the new additions with everyone else. A thing you clearly had sought desire towards? Or are we all to be scolded like children for simply wanting all to get along and form bonds?" I questioned him as he shot a look over to me.

"No one see. All dead." Sedullus spoke as I felt a tug on my robes, Saxa was motioning for me to step back next to her and Nemetes. "We joined to escape slavery, not join a new one." She whispered to me. "I will break words with him back at the temple." I told her as she cocked her brow.

"Let us prepare a feast!" Sedullus called out to us all standing behind them. Saxa linked her arm with mine leading me away with her, leaving Agron alone with a seriously bothered Spartacus. "And show these sour fucks how to pull cock from ass." Sedullus continued to speak up. "Your leaders seem very…" Sedullus began to speak again as we past the point of hearing any words spoken between Spartacus and my brother. "Scared?" I questioned him as a few of those around us just laughed softly, "Ahh yes… scared. Like small children." Lugo snickered.

Agron soon cough up to us with a smirk etched onto his lips, Sedullus had asked him what our 'fearless' leaders had spoken to him, and questioned why they were so upset with them and them hunting for meat for the whole rebellion. Agron simply stated that the 'Gaul' didn't trust our kind and that Spartacus had wanted to gauge them and their intent only for us to take them hunting absent him.

They all sort of laughed it off as if to them the whole thing was a joke. Nemetes made mention of not understanding why they needed to be gauged at all. Why Spartacus was viewing them all as 'untrustworthy' when he himself was a Thracian. A tribe of people most if not every other tribe of people found to be exactly that...untrustworthy. Which to an extent they were not wrong; Romans, Gaulians, Greeks, Persians, Germans and many other types of people all held grief towards Thrace.

Yet, here I was momentarily agreeing with them, even though the man was someone I considered to be a closest friend. He was however being brash towards the new additions without merit or cause behind it. Beyond gathering wine from villas and the wagon they had done very little in the attempt to show they could not be trusted. Same could be said of Gannicus, he also did very little to show he was not to be trusted. Yet we scared him off all the same… We, I felt such shame within my heart knowing I was part in the blame for him not being among us.

Later in the night after they had roasted the meat of one of more of the animals and handed out much of the wine to everyone within the temple grounds. Some of the German people and those who were already of the cause were putting on mini games of wrestling for many whom were watching. Sport and game to bring everyone together with laughter, I found myself sitting slightly in front of Saxa and Nemetes as they cheered on Lugo as he was wrestling Sefullus.

"Tear his fucking cock off!" She called out raising a small cup causing myself and many others to roar with cheers to the fight that was on going. I looked away from the fight momentarily to see Agron on the other side of the fight Nasir slowly making his way towards him.

"You rival Sedullus in coarseness, when put to drink." I could hear Nemetes tells Saxa from behind me, I turned slightly to look at them both. "As she fucking should." I told him causing her to grin widely her eyes still hotly glued to the fight before us.

It was almost as if in a split second Saxa and Nemetes went from standing behind me to on the ground behind all of us, her on top of him their lips almost glued together. I quickly turned back around looking over at Agron who just started to laugh at the scene unfolding behind me. I quickly made my way over to Agron and Nasir.

"Interesting lot we have among us." Nasir spoke softly. "Your people, they lift spirit."

I smiled up at Agron, "In more ways than one." I told him, It did feel like a piece of myself that was missing was now back. I guess these people were more like family than those I once called family back at the villa. Which I once again felt shame in feeling such a thing.

"Not all are so moved." Agron said coldly as I looked behind him to see Crixus.

"We are in part to blame for that brother. We could have discussed all matter of the ships, not decided for them." I told Agron. "Crixus' anger is rightfully placed."

Sedullus slowly walked towards us after winning his fight against Lugo. "Let us have sport brother." He asked Agron with joy in his voice, were our people this obsessed with playful combat or was this just how they kept themselves prepared for war? Would likely have to address my concern to Agron later.

Agron removed some of his weapons and arrogantly began to walk towards the small battle ring they had made only for Sedullus to grab him by the arm throwing him into the sand behind him. I couldn't help but laugh moving myself so that I was standing next to Nasir. "You seem much happier now that you have more of your people with you." He pointed out.

"I wouldn't say that is the cause to my happiness. Just with those I once called sister and friend drifting so far from me...likely from my own doing… it just feels nice knowing I have all these people I share home and tongue with." I told him.

"Naevia and Mira?" He questioned.

"It is a hard thing to part either woman from their man, though Agron seems in his element with our people being around." I told him. "He does." Nasir smiled.

Sedullus was just throwing Agron around like a wet cloth, using hardly any effort in anything he was doing. "Seems you will have many wounds to tend to tonight.. I will find new place to sleep tonight." I teased Nasir as his face grew red.

Lugo and two of the German woman walked past us drink in hand singing a song I'd never heard before while making their way towards Oenomaus who had been silent up until this point, nor had he and I shared any words since Gannicus had been here. Mostly a fault of mine as I had been avoiding the conversation I knew he had likely wanted to have.

Sure I was hurt upon the open revelation of Gannicus and Melitta; though I knew it only took place due to the meddling and affairs of Quintus and Lucretia. Their love was always of a familial bond, where I understood and accepted that Gannicus was who he was… even though it hurt my heart. I knew this was a thing Oenomaus would always see as most deepest betrayal. I looked away from Lugo as he was standing across from him turning my eyes back to the...fight taking place before me.

Time had long since passed and I found myself standing with Agron as he was sharing in small conversation with a few of our new brothers and sisters when his attention almost seemed to be dragged away from us. His eyes were far away and his face almost completely contorted in concern. "Agron?" I questioned him as he failed to respond… "Brother?" I asked him again only for him to push past myself and Donar running towards the inside of the temple.

My eyes following him as he rushed to where Sedullus was holding a blade close to the bloodied face of Naevia who was cowering on the ground below him. Agron had pounced on the towering beasts back as she made attempt to scurry away I found myself rushing towards Naevia's side.

I would not play as a hero, I was not one. Thought my friend needed me, she was hurt. "Sedullus! Stop this!" Agron called out as I pulled Naevia into my arms and wrapped my arms around her as my brother wrestled with the man behind us.

"Jana…" She tried to speak as I just helped her up off the ground my eyes firmly planting on both Agron and Sedullus has he was feeding hits into Agrons face. I opened my mouth to speak, to scream and yet the words held themselves at the back of my throat.

"Crixus…" I heard Naevia say just above that of a whisper. "Sedullus…" She whispered again as I slowly peeled my eyes from my brother to Crixus whose face was slowly filling with the realization of what was taking place before him.

"Sedullus!" Crixus screamed as he charged towards the man causing much harm to my brother, Crixus quickly knocking Sedullus to the ground his hands finding themselves around his neck as my brother slowly began to crawl away from the fight. Lugo however seemed to jump in from nowhere ripping Crixus right off of the man.

Soon it almost seemed as if everyone was starting to fight, Nasir included even though he was supposed to be resting still and he was still recovering from his wounds he secured in the forest when aiding in Naevia's return from the mines. I looked over at Naevia, tears staining her cheeks as she stood there her hands close to her chest with soft weeps coming from her lips.

"Where is Spartacus?" I questioned which was when I noticed Mira attempting to fight Saxa in hand to hand combat like a fool. "Jana… you need to rescue Mira… that-" I cut her off.

"Saxa would tear her head from shoulder should she be given chance." I remarked. "Find Spartacus." I told Naevia as I rushed towards Mira's aid.

"Saxa! Do not hurt her!" I called out to her as she punched Mira square in the jaw. "Where is your loyalty little German girl?" She countered, where was my loyalty? Up until this moment it was clearly wavering between those I have been with most my life and those who came from the same lands as me.

I knew I would need to choose once I was at their sides, hearing Spartacus behind me told me that I might not even need to make such a choice. Though seeing Saxa bring Mira to her knees by her hair I knew I needed to act, I watched as she raised her fist preparing to deliver another blow to Mira's face only for me to punch her in the face knocking her back a few steps.

"Traitor!" She called to me. "No. I'd have done the same to her should she have you in similar position. Stop this."

Saxa just wiped the small trace amounts of blood from her face before she looked at me again hunger in her eyes. Mira now risen from the ground she stood next to me as I readied myself for whatever the crazed woman was about to do to either of us. "Agron!" I heard someone call out distracting me from the fight on hand. Which was the reason behind Saxa landing a blow right into my stomach. "Jana go!" Mira called out as she pushed me out of her way to attack Saxa.

I turned around to watch as Sedullus began to pull sword from the sheath that was once around Agron's body. My eyes widened as I called out his name, forcing Spartacus to turn from where he stood to look towards my brother. Spartacus as quick as he was rushed into the way blocking Sedullus from hitting my brother and engaging him in a battle of steel. I quickly moved along the ground making my way towards Agron.

"Brother." I spoke softly as he looked to me, "Why the hell did you join a fight you had no reason to be in?" He scolded me.

"The same reason you defended a woman to a man you hold no care for… was the right thing to do." I told him as he smirked, "I would have done that for any woman, Sister...I'm not that cold."

The entire area soon filled with near absolute silence as steel clearly moved through flesh and bone. A sound most of us were very familiar with having either been in or watched gladiator matches. I turned my head just in time to watch as Sedullus fell to his knees and than once again to the ground completely, missing nearly one whole half of his face. Everyone around us, their faces were utterly drenched in shock, fear and confusion.

"Enough!" Spartacus screamed out loud enough the gods could probably hear him.

"Is this what you are?" He asked us all, not just the Germans… but all of us.

"Animals, demanding slaughter? We give you freedom, and you repay it with blood and dishonor. If you can not stand among us as trusted brother if you can not follow my orders take leave now." Spartacus spoke as he looked down at Agron and I for but a moment, a moment long enough to know that this was aimed as us, just as much as it was the Germans who had newly arrived.

"Or join Sedullus in death." Spartacus spoke coldly as Agron and I slowly rose from the ground, his arm around my shoulders leaning on me slightly as he was quick to call out. "We follow Spartacus and call no man my kin that does not stand so."

I watched as Lugo slowly made his way towards Spartacus, everyone's eyes shifting between each other unsure of what to expect or what was to come next. All of us each standing on edge, scared of more bloodshed or the loss of those we risked life to rescue so short of seeing progress towards cause.

Lugo picked up a makeshift sword and a shield, "The man that kills Sedullus is great warrior and Lugo follow." He called out as I felt all the breath inside me bellow out in a heavy sigh, "Thank the gods." I whispered to Agron who was now standing on his own next to me.

He slowly began to pat the sword against the shield in a heavy beat, Agron doing the same with his one arm over his chest beating it to his chest in the same pattern as Lugo. I looked around and watched as many of the Germans slowly began to do the same. Saxa's eyes upon me likely realizing I attacked her not out of anger towards her but out of trying to stop worse from happening. She too had started to beat her arm over her chest, and for whatever reason I felt myself compelled to do the same thing along with my kin.

This was the Germans telling Spartacus they were one with his cause, that they could be trusted now that the troublemaker of their group was gone. He'd won them over, and judging by the look on Oenomaus' face he knew this was just the beginning of Spartacus winning over many slaves and free fighters to our cause…

So; quick questions for anyone who is willing to respond. Along with a sort of lengthy note to which I am hoping doesn't come across rude!

1) Is there anything that I have left you either not understanding that I haven't really made clear that you need me to clear up? Because I'm starting to feel like I'm losing people from not either overly explaining things (Which I do to either explain later to keep you guessing or left out intentionally for later explanation)

2) Do you like this obnoxiously long chapters or would you rather me shorten them? Know if I shorten them it wouldn't mean more chapters.

3) The reason behind the chapters taking so long to come out are because of my work life/ home life balance is nearly non existent :P I work as a chef so shifts could be 8am-4pm (Home by 5) or 8am-8pm(home by 9) plus my boyfriend and I just got a new kitten so we're trying to help him and our other cat Loki get along which trust me is not easy.

4) Is there anything you guys are hoping to see happen? I already have most of my plotline planned out and have had it planned out since I started but I would love to hear things you guys would like to see or are excited to see!

Also; to clear things up because a few people have made mention to it to me privately… the reason for Jana being so timid around Gannicus, so unsure and weary is simple… it's been six years and she didn't know where he was, what he was doing, or if he was even alive. Not to mention after everything she has seen and been around she's cautious of being hurt, killed or those around her having that done to them. I know if it was me; I would be weary too. He also was her first love and the first man she ever laid with so again that contributes to her weariness.

Also the "revelation" of him being with Melitta I realize came out weird but she already had a feeling that it happened. Even though she also had been with other people what hurt her was that he didn't tell her. NOT that it happened. She also wasn't upset that he was with other women, she was upset that he hadn't tried to make it back to her.

Also as for the direction of her persona; she will be taking a lot of cues from Saxa in the coming chapters in learning how to become a real warrior. As for the storyline I still really haven't decided on an ending; I have about 4 different ones half written right now. :P

Holiday season is coming up so I'll be working a lot more and chapters will likely be once a week. That all being said and I'm really hoping I cleared up some of the errors I made in not making the above more apparent in my writing. I often think you guys are in my head and know what I'm trying to say :{

End of the chapter I have some questions for you guys if any of you would like to answer! Xoxo much love! Thanks again and sorry if I came off rude wasn't my intent just wanted to answer the PM's I had here just in case anyone else reading had similar questions.