Agron had dragged Simon into Spartacus tent and then took a position standing by the entrance as far from Crixus as he could get. Crixus in turn let out a snort before locking eyes with the German. The two were involved in a glaring match as Gannicus stumbled inside. Taking in the looks between the two he made his way over to a chest in the corner and sat down taking a big gulp of wine.

"I should have brought Saxa along to warm bones." Gannicus said. "I believe the temperature has dropped as low as possible with icy looks cast between you." He took another gulp of wine. "Although temperature outside of tent is not much better. Nasir and Naevia will soon call down blizzard with looks they cast."

"And how do you find yourself concerned?" Crixus asked. "Nasir proves foolish and Agron more so."

Agron straightened from where he had been leaning intending to launch himself at Crixus when Simon burst out laughing.

"Why do you continue on fighting Romans? Theseus was right; the gods themselves must bless your madness because you all prove to be lacking sense." Simon noted. "Kill each other here and now and stop dragging the innocent down with you."

"We free the innocent of Roman yoke you miserable shit!" Agron said. "Although I believe I should have run you through when chance was presented. If only to be spared the prattling of your tongue."

"Who says they want to be free?" Simon spat. "You shits go raiding villas and spewing your fantasies of freedom and bring down the label of Fugitivus on every slave there. Do you think these fools are following you because they want to be free? They are following you because they are already dead!"

Crixus now stood up and backhanded Simon. "You fool. You spent your time bowing and scraping for the Romans, weaseling your way into position of favored pet. What do you know of being a fucking slave?"

"You know nothing of having your life mean nothing." Crixus snarled. "My woman was torn from my arms and sent to the mines on the whim of our Domina. I watched a brother, forced to kill another on a child's whim. Even that Germanic fuck Agron saw his brother struck down."

Crixus grabbed Simon and pulled him up from where he had fallen over. "None of us were born on Roman soil. We were dragged here absent choice; we but take the choice back."

"Then you choose to die." Simon said. "Cassinius and Furius have two legions to command. They will wash over you like a wave crashing on shore."

"They know how you got into Pompeii. They know of Ahmed, and Nasir." Simon said. "It has been decided. Their heads will not sit upon gate atop spear. They will hang from cross."

"You told them of Nasir?" Crixus snarled.

"The merchant had at least on slave with the fucking sense to be elsewhere when you raided the villas and dock. He remembered the young Syrian and his master's intent to have the boy. I but confirmed what was known." Simon said. "If it puts end to your reign of terror I'll thank the gods that others will not suffer for your madness absent choice."

Agron had left his spot and grabbed Simon intending to plunge his dagger into the man's throat. Gannicus managed to grab his fellow gladiator before he could see the man to the afterlife. "Spartacus may yet wish to have words."

"To fuck with having words!" Agron snarled. "I'll have his fucking blood spilled on the ground!"

"As you had the merchant's cock severed from body?" Simon asked. "You lose all reason where Nasir is concerned. Maybe the Roman's will be merciful and hang you from a cross next to him."

Gannicus tightened his hold as Agron struggled to get his hands on Simon. "You lack the sense to know when to still your fucking tongue!" Gannicus said as Crixus also grabbed Agron to hold him back.

"No, the shit is not stupid." Crixus said. "He speaks with intent. He goads the lumbering oaf to end life before Spartacus speaks with him."

"I will seek someone to find Spartacus and Nasir." Gannicus said. "Keep him from killing the worthless fuck."

"Nasir, we should break words." Ahmed said. "I have come to a decision and would speak of it with you."

"Why do I feel that your words will be unwelcome?" Nasir asked. "You need not break words concerning Agron; they will fall upon deaf ears."

"I pray they do not." Ahmed said. "I have spoken to Agron; now I would speak to you. I accept that Agron is your destiny; that is not the subject that I would break."

Nasir put the bundle of blankets and furs he had been holding down on a chest before sitting down. He looked up at his brother. "Sit. Your manner suggests this will be a conversation of some length."

Ahmed dropped down to face his younger brother. "I remember when you were barely steady on your little legs; and yet you were as my shadow. You would attempt to follow where my feet led."

A look of sadness crossed Nasir's face. "I do not remember such."

"Through no fault of your own. You were too young for memory to take hold." Ahmed said. "Just as memory of our home was not able to truly take root. You know nothing of Assyria beyond that you were born there."

"You remember our homeland." Nasir said. "All I remember is serving in Dominus household."

"Your childhood is but another thing stolen from you by the Romans. You do not know the beauty of the desert." Ahmed said. "It is something that I have missed; yet I now have the opportunity to return."

"You wish to return to Assyria?" Nasir said. "I thought you wished to fight against the Romans."

"I find that I have less desire to fight them than I do to see those now free who do not wish to fight to safety." Ahmed said. "I would lead them to the desert far from Rome's reach."

"Will you wait at least until Spartacus has his followers trained?" Nasir asked. "Agron would not leave until they have been trained. It will take time to convince him."

"There is no need to convince Agron; he will remain with Spartacus just as you will remain with him." Ahmed said. "You do not need me to protect you Nasir. You have grown into a man I am proud of; a warrior."

"You are my brother; we have only just found each other again." Nasir said.

"I was blessed to have found you held in high esteem." Ahmed said. "I can return home knowing that you are happy and blessed. My mind can be at ease. I would search for our mother and if she lives; put her mind at ease as to your fate."