The Road To Ruin (we started at the end)

Chapter One

The city was in chaos.

The gladiators of the ludus of Batiatus had escaped after their massacre of the villa. Despite the efforts of the armies of the nobles, the men remained free. The people of the city were rampant with fear.

Cassia had taken the children and fled her home. She had heard whispers, a search for the wife of the gladiator Varro, but she did not know by who. Aurelia had been found far too easily last time due to Cassia's appearance and she would not take that chance again. She kept herself cloaked and quiet, and ensured that the striking blond curls of Janus remained hidden. The babe was more difficult.

Finding a wet nurse was not hard, but after the rebellion of the gladiators, she could not expose herself so easily. The child was small but took to goat's milk well. It was merely a matter of procuring enough of it. The fear that settled among the streets did not make for easy bargaining, especially as Cassia had little to sell. It was becoming too dangerous for both her and the children.

The promise she made to Aurelia sat in Cassia's chest. She swore that she would bring the child to their father, to see them reunited, but Cassia was unsure. Aurelia had told tales of Varro, of his love for her and their child, but how could a man claim to love his family so and drag them into debt? How could he abandon them? The whispers were increasing though, and she had nearly been stopped once already, in demand of answers of her identity.

Cassia decided. She did not know if Varro yet lived, but the name Spartacus was well known and often spoke. She would find him and seek out the truth of the man. For the love she held for Aurelia, and the promise she made, she would find Varro and judge him herself. If he was found lacking, she would flee the area and take the children for her own.


The men were not found easily.

She had to be careful in her search. She had heard mention of a reward for the men of Batiatus's ludus, and she knew well the greed that ran through men. As typical on her excursions, even with the babe at her chest, she was propositioned to be led to the man himself...for a price. One that she was not willing to pay.

Cassia had not let the children out of her sight since Aurelia's death. Even as she moved quietly through the city, Janus remained at her side and Valeria at her breast. The boy had not fully understood that his mother would not be returning to him, but he was content to remain with Cassia. For that, she was eternally grateful.

The children were quiet. Janus hid behind her skirt as Cassia stood silently in the darkened doorway. She knew well that she could learn much when she was unseen. It was not an easy task with her features, but not impossible.

Her attention was caught as she watched a man slink in the shadows. He was covered, much as she was, but not as careful as he should be. Two men followed, motioning to each other as their prey turned into an empty alley. She grabbed Janus's hand, keeping him next to her and pulled him to follow. She paused at the entrance to the alley. She knelt down and moved Janus, putting his back to the wall and covering his body with hers. She acted as if fixing his clothes, but she kept her eye on the men in the alley.

All three of the men had paused and she could hear the words that were said. Action followed swiftly though. The man that they had followed turned and struck one of them.

"If you want the reward," she heard him say, "then you should earn it."

He grinned at the men and they attacked. The fight was over far more quickly than she had anticipated. He wiped the blood from his face. "Worthless shits" he said before kicking one of the bodies. He turned to leave and Cassia made up her mind quickly, praying to the gods that Aurelia had favoured that she was right.

She stood up quickly, holding on to Janus as she moved forward. "Stop!" she demanded, shoving Janus behind her. The man did as she asked, but she watched his shoulders lift and drop in a sigh. He tilted his head towards the sky, shaking it slightly before he turned towards her. "You are one of Batiatus's men," she said, leaving no room for argument. "Are you not?"

"Who fucking asks?"

"One who would have words with your leader."

"Words? What words would he have with you?"

"Ones that he would hear. Of Aurelia."

His entire mannerism changed. He straightened and moved closer, reaching for her. She stepped out of his grasp. "Aurelia? What know you of her?" he demanded.

"My words are for Spartacus alone."

He stared at her for a moment before nodding. "Come then. If you can," he grinned again and turned, covering himself as he walked away. She looked down at Janus, who tugged on her skirt.

"Let us follow," she said quietly.


The man led her through the city, taking care to keep to the alleys and drudges, and moving quick enough that she had to carry Janus on her back. They passed the borders of the city.

"Quickly," he demanded.

She held her tongue in reply. Now was not the time for her to wage wars with her words. She looked as he moved behind a building, half covered in ruin and followed as he entered through a doorway. The smell of human waste filled the air. She covered her mouth with the cloth on her head and felt Janus bury his face into her neck.

As they moved further into the tunnels, the noise increased. She could hear men's voices rising, and laughter. Her stomach clenched suddenly. She would be outnumbered, she realized, and easily in danger. Suddenly, she wanted to break from her promise. There was too much uncertainty that waited for her. The thought settled the pounding of her heart. There was uncertainty, but the only choice she had ever truly made of her own lay in assisting Aurelia. She would see it through.

"Agron!"

The man grinned and waved at the voices that called his name but did not stop. "Spartacus!" he called out. He motioned for her to stop.

She knelt down at his signal and lowered Janus off of her back. He clung to her hand and she stood, keeping him at her side. She watched as a man stood from a small group and moved towards her and Agron.

"Agron," the man spoke. "Who is it that you bring with you?"

Agron motioned to her. "She claims news of Aurelia. She would only speak with you."

"Aurelia?" He looked at her in surprise and moved closer to her, causing her to step back.

Cassia glanced around, taking stock of the men coming closer. She thought she caught a glimpse of blond curls, but her attention was diverted back to Spartacus. "You are Spartacus?"

"I am. What news do you have of her?"

She stared at the man before her. He seemed tall and not as intimidating as the whispers foretold. If Aurelia's words were true, she could trust him. "She is dead."

"Dead?"

A voice rang out incredulously and Cassia looked to see a man pushing his way to her. He had the same curls as Janus. Varro.

"How?" he demanded. "I would have the truth from you. Speak!"

Cassia stared at him for a moment before moving the cloth from her face. Gasps were heard, but she did not remove her gaze from Varro. "She died in childbirth." She watched as his mouth fell open, and his grief settled on his face.

"And what of his children?" Spartacus asked.

She glanced at him, tightening her hold on Janus's hand. His hair was still covered and he remained undiscovered. "Safe." She gazed at Varro to judge his expression at the news. Hope filled his features.

"Where?" He strode forward to her. "Where are they? What have you done?" He reached for her, but she stepped back.

A hand moved at her side, towards Janus, and she struck at it. An arm wrapped around her waist, pulling her back away from the boy.

"No!" she warned, before crying filled the air and the arm left her quickly. They had woken the babe.

In the chaos, Janus's covering was pulled from his head and the boys bright curls shone. Cassia watched as Varro fell to his knees, a smile lit his face at the sight of his son. Cassia tried to settle Valeria, to calm her before she drew too much attention. All eyes were on Varro though as his son fled to Cassia and hid behind her skirts.

She had never seen such an expression on a man before. Disbelief and hurt at the sight of his own son refusing him. "Apologies," she said softly. "Aurelia's fears prove true." He looked up at her, confusion in his eyes, and she explained. "That he would not know you."

"Not know me?" he stared at her in shock and stood as his gaze turned to anger. "What would you know of Aurelia's thought?"

Her eyes narrowed. "More than you presently."

"Let us have words," Spartacus spoke suddenly, breaking any response of Varro. "Without prying ears."

Cassia stared at him for a moment before nodding. She knelt and lifted Janus in her arms, ignoring the look on Varro's face. Spartacus clasped his shoulder and Varro turned to follow him. She could see the tension in his jaw before making her way after them.


"How come you to know Aurelia?"

Cassia stood in a small room, the door barred by curtain. She remained standing, despite the offer to sit. Varro and Spartacus sat across from her. Spartacus watched her carefully, but Varro stared at Janus in sorrow.

"I came across Aurelia the day you called her whore." Varro's head snapped up at her voice, but Cassia stared at him, awaiting his response.

"Whore?" He argued. "I did not-" Spartacus made a sound, and Varro looked suitably chastised. It caused Cassia to raise her eyebrows. Varro inhaled sharply. "I misinterpreted her."

"At the sight of her tears, and the son at her side, I offered her shelter and an ear. It was a decision I do not regret. Our friendship grew." Cassia could clearly remember the sight of Aurelia's tears. "She told me of her words with you and her fears. She did not know if she would survive your death and asked for my assistance. It proved wise, as time passed, when I visited and came across a man attempting to force himself upon her."

"Titus!" Varro stood. "She told me that he had tried, and she ensured he would no longer make any such effort again!"

"She did. I struck him from behind when I came across them, and handed her the blade myself. After, her and Janus hid with me."

"You have my gratitude," Varro said, stepping towards her to offer his hand. She did not take it.

Both men stared at her in confusion and Cassia took the time to shift the babe at her chest. The child was surprisingly quiet and Janus had yet to move from her side. "Your woman," she said to Spartacus, "found her in my home. It was Aurelia's decision to go with her, though I cautioned against it. When she returned, she spoke of your virtues and your acceptance of her. You told her that you accept the child she bore."

"I did. It was a part of her and I would have loved it so."

"Do you still?" Cassia asked. Both men looked at her in confusion.

"What do you mean?" Varro asked.

Cassia inhaled slowly, hoping that she was making the right choice. "Aurelia had complications in her birth. She held the child upon her death and named her Valeria."

"And what of your role in this?" Spartacus asked. "What part do you play?"

"Aurelia was trusted friend. I made her a promise."

"And what promise was this?" Varro demanded.

"One that would see your children returned to you." Cassia stared at Varro for a moment before she knelt down and turned to Janus. "Janus," she spoke softly and the boy looked up at her with wide eyes. "You have been very brave. Do you see that man standing there?" she nodded towards Varro. Janus looked up at him, and nodded. Cassia smiled. "It is your father. Do you see how his hair matches yours?" Varro appeared suddenly, much closer than she expected. He kneeled next to her, looking at Janus. "You gain it from him."

Janus turned to her and spoke quietly. "Motha'?"

Cassia heart sank at his words. "She will not be returning." The boy's eyes filled with tears and he darted forward and clung to Cassia. Cassia shifted, turning so that she could hold him without injury to Valeria. His body shook against hers and she stroked his hair and murmured softly. She looked up at Varro and Spartacus and saw their grief in their eyes. "Apologies."


"What will you do now?"

Cassia looked at Varro from her seated position. She was feeding Valeria the goat's milk that she had brought and the events of the day had caused Janus to fall asleep beside her, his grip still tight in her stola. Varro kept touching the boy, as if to ensure that he was not a dream.

"What is your meaning?"

"You have fulfilled your promise. Are you to join us...?"

Cassia stared at him. They had not asked of her status but she had seen their gaze on her scars. "You mistake intent," she said. "I had not planned on leaving them here with you."

"You—I am their father!" Varro said, looking at her angrily. She stared back, refusing to give in.

"Yes, and what kind of father calls their mother a whore when faced with challenge that she could not defeat? What father would gamble his family into debt? I would not release these children into your care until I see that you are worthy of the honour."

"That was a mistake. One that I have paid for dearly!"

"And yet my opinion does not change. Aurelia loved you, yes, but I do not. I swore to see these children reunited with their father and I have, but do not think that I will not see them safe. Even if it means keeping them from you."

"You cannot do so!"

"And who would stop me?" she hissed. "You are a wanted man. I am not. I have kept the children hidden so far and I would do so again if need arises. Do not tempt me."

"Only addled minds would consider it," he snapped. His touch remained on Janus, as if he expected her to steal away right then and there. His jaw was clenched, and the anger in his voice was clear upon his face. "The children are mine – and a woman, with no means to her name, best able to ensure safety? Heat would have to rot brains to make such thing seem reason!"

Cassia forced a smile, and Janus stirred from his sleep. "How fitting," she said softly, adjusting Valeria in her arms. "That rather than my words spurring you to prove yourself, you insult me. I expected nothing less." Cassia stood up quickly and, at sight of Janus following, strode out of the room.


Varro watched as his son followed the woman without any thought to him. He turned to Spartacus, who still sat on his bed. "I did not insult her." Spartacus just stared at him, his gaze showing his disagreement. Varro fell silent, and turned to the doorway where she left.

"Well," Agron moved into view. "That went well."

[tbc]