Author note: Hello dearest readers! Here's the new chapter for you.
Heartfelt thanks to fansnob and redrose bluestar for their support, it means a lot to me.
oxoxoxoxoxo
When Ashur and Dagan got back to the ludus, they were cheered on and congratulated enthusiastically by the other gladiators, something that lifted their spirits and made Ashur feel a rush of pride at finally being called 'brother'. His mood brightened even more an hour later, when a slave he didn't know came to the gates and delivered a huge basket full of freshly baked bread, roasted meat, cheese and fruit so that they could celebrate.
And along with the basket, there was another message from Flaminia, which read: 'Your victory in the arena warmed my heart and made my chest swell with pride. I have never seen more wonderful sight than that of your sword impaling opponent against wooden wall. You have the blood of a champion and today you took first step towards becoming a God. With all my heart, Flaminia'.
"Good news?". Gannicus' voice startled him and he hastily hid the parchment behind his back, "Yes. Very good news", he said, trying and failing miserably to hide his radiant smile. "I heard that you did well, brother. You brought honor to yourself and this house", the Celt placed a hand on his shoulder and nodded, "Keep it up". "I will, brother", Ashur replied, savouring the sound of that word and rejoicing at the implications it carried.
"Good", Gannicus' lips curved in a smirk, "So, what will you do with coin you earned?". The Syrian blinked, only then remembering about the money he had earned for his victory: he and Dagan had been rewarded with the awesome sum of ten denarii each, "I hadn't thought of that yet", he admitted, then an idea struck him, "Is there way to get something from outside ludus?". "Women? Of course". "No, not women", he shook his head, "I meant things, like…Like earrings, or necklace".
The other man chuckled, "Unusual taste in fashion, brother, but who knows? Maybe they will suit you", he joked and Ashur laughed. "I doubt it! So…Is there way to achieve it?". The blond Celt sobered, "There is, but keep in mind that slaves are not allowed to wear anything that is not approved by their dominus".
"Ah", Ashur bit his lower lip, "But Flaminia's domina is good woman, or so they say, so maybe she will be allowed to accept gift". "If you want to try, do it: that's your coin after all", Gannicus replied with a shrug, then grinned, "You are truly taken with her, aren't you?". "I…Yes. I am". "Fool", he sighed, "Well, heart cannot be controlled, so choice is removed from hands. I pray this will not cause you pain", he said sincerely. "Gratitude, Gannicus", Ashur clasped his forearm and nodded, touched by the other man's genuine concern.
Oenomaus stepped into the room, "Gannicus, you are summoned". "Shit", the Celt cursed, walking upstairs, while doctore and Ashur rejoined the celebration. In the house, Titus was waiting for the blond man in the hall of champions, a scowl on his face as usual and Quintus by his side. "Dominus", Gannicus bowed his head.
The old man didn't acknowledge him, but stared at one bust in particular, "Magnitius", he said, "One of the finest champions this house has ever forged". "He stood a titan", his son agreed. "As all of my champions", Titus replied, turning around, "A combination of years of training, dedication, sacrifice", he stepped forward, until he was right beside Gannicus, "You would hold yourself their equal?". "In the arena, I have never met equal", the Celt stated quietly.
Titus hmmed and moved to the balcony, "A champion is more than his victories upon the sands: he's the sum of his actions. Every decision, no matter how small, speaks to the man. And the balance of his heart". "In his breast beats the heart of a lion", Quintus said proudly.
The old man turned around once more, to look the gladiator in the eyes, "And what does it beat for?". Gannicus took a deep breath before answering, "House of Batiatus", he said, but he couldn't help averting his gaze for a long moment as he did so. Titus observed him carefully, "Return him to the ludus", he ordered.
When he and his son were alone, Quintus smiled. "See? Man fights for the honor of this House, as your champions of the past". "Gannicus but speaks words he knows I seek to hear", Titus replied, "He is no champion of MY house", he spat, walking past his son and back to his room. Trouble was coming.
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Meanwhile, Lucretia and Gaia were discussing the meeting they'd had that morning at the market: Petronius, a rich and very influential man Gaia had set her eyes on as a potential (new) husband. Unfortunately for her, the man ignored her completely and instead showed much interest in the 'special pleasures' that the House of Batiatus had to offer to its guests, something he'd learned of from Quinctilius Varus.
"I stand before Petronius with obvious charms and all he can do is prattle about the House of Batiatus!", Gaia whined, offended, as she sat on a bench, "I fear I have lost delicate touch". Lucretia arched an eyebrow skeptically, "Your touch is many things, delicate not among them", she said flatly. "You are of a mood".
"If word of what we have to offer had spread to Petronius, how long before it reaches Titus here?". The redhead grinned, "Perhaps it should: the shock would knock out the old goat". "You jest, but we stand upon shaking ground". "It's not as if all of Rome knows. Only the most privileged tongues whisper of delights to be found inside these walls. Delights Petronius and his friends long to witness".
"Do not even consider it!", Lucretia hissed, "This is beyond reason! If Titus should…". "What joys is my father preventing now?", Quintus asked, entering the room. The two women informed him of the matter and he mulled over it for a long moment, then sighed, "With the support of Petronius, my men would get position in the opening games of the new arena". "Quintus, your father…". "Make the arrangements", he said, "I will take care of my father".
Next morning, as they were on the balcony above the sands of the ludus and Gnaeus was convinced from doctore to switch to using the net and tridents, Titus noticed Gannicus sparring with Barca. "Your man shows fire today!", the old man commented, turning to his son. "Ignited by your words, I'm sure", Quintus replied. His father chuckled, but a fit of hard coughing forced him to sit down and Lucretia called for more honeyed wine. "I'm fine".
"You are too long from the salt and warmth of the coast", the son commented. "I shall remain from Sicilia longer still, do not waste breath on the matter". "I will not see you so far removed, but a day or more by the waters of Neapolis?". "Yes, to revive color!", Lucretia agreed. Titus shook his head, "My concern lies only with this ludus and to see it to former glories".
Stubborn old goat, Quintus thought, "What if then our journey served your cause? We could review the latest shipments and try securing a champion, favoured by us both!", he proposed, "Someone to rival Vettius' men". Titus made to reply, but another fit of coughing bent him in two and Lucretia was quick to bring him more honeyed wine.
He drank, then looked from his daughter-in-law to his son, "You conspire against an old man…To our advantage", he smiled, "Make your preparations, we leave for Neapolis", he told Quintus, standing and going to make his own preparations.
His son was relieved beyond words and whispered to his wife to get everything ready for their guests, as the party would take place that very same night, adding that she should summon Solonius to supervise the event in his stead and make sure that nothing would go wrong.
oxoxoxoxoxo
In Neapolis that night, Quintus and Titus walked on a slave ship to examine the new shipment. "What of this one?", the slaver said, pointing to one of the chained men, "A worthy addition to any of the ludus!". Titus turned to his son, "Would you offer for this one?". "I would not waste coin: man favors his left, due to injury to the leg", his son replied flatly, moving away from the slaves.
"I've a suitable slave for one with observing eye", the slaver tried again, "Let us move to something of rarer quality: I have a Thracian!". Quintus shook his head, "Thracians are too difficult to control and aggravate the Gauls beyond reason". Titus laughed, "My son speaks truth! Do you offer us piss and claim it wine?". The slaver sneered, "You will find no deal in Neapolis". The old man snorted and turned on his heels to leave, his son close by, "Come, let us seek some wine to wash shit from mouth".
They found a tavern with reasonably good wine and Titus offered to go to the bar and get a cup for each of them. "I have never cared for surprises", he told his son, "Yet you have provided many in your days". "Your disappointment was often given voice. A loud and clear one", Quintus added. "Disappointment can only exist with expectations. You proved from tender age that you would listen to no-one's counsel than your own".
"When have I ever turned from your advice? My desire to gain military experience raised your objections, I turned from it. You commanded that I run the ludus in your absence, I abode, abandoning my own desires, long since forgotten. When has the son ever denied the father?", Quintus asked bitterly. "When he married a woman beneath".
He was dumbstruck for a moment, then pressed his lips in a thin line, "You were wrong, father. As you have been on many things", he added, looking down into his cup. Titus realized he had gone too far, "An old man's mistakes weight down on his breast, as remaining days shrink". The younger man chuckled, "You'll outlive us all, you're too stubborn to die".
"You think me a fool, Quintus?". He snorted, "There are many words I would use for your description, but fool is not among them". "No, it's not. You knew the ship was full of shit even before we set foot on path. Forging new memories was not reason to keep your father from ludus, was it?". Quintus felt his blood run cold and thought furiously to find something to say in his defense, when his father smiled.
"You wished to find common ground, far from the sight of former disagreements". He felt relief wash over him, "Minor deception, meant only to strengthen the bond between father and son", he lied and was surprised and pleased when Titus put a hand on his shoulder. "This surprise is one most welcome", the old man said, eyes moist with happy tears, "Yet we did not need to travel so far from conflict. I would return home".
Panic gripped Quintus again, "What? Now? Should we not wait until the break of day?". "A few hours upon the road and our own beds to fall to. Come!". He clenched his fists tightly, knowing there was no way to avoid the disaster. He could only hope that the party would be over before they got back home.