I DO NOT OWN SPARTACUS: GODS OF THE ARENA OR THE DIALOGUE.
Capua, Roman Republic. The Day Before.
Quintus Lentulus Batiatus walked through the streets of Capua with his head held high. His champion Gannicus had defeated Vettius's shit eating dog in the marketplace in front of Tullius and the magistrate. The merchant was so impressed that he had demanded audience with the lanista that very night. Quintus knew that this was his chance to finally gain position in the games. No longer would he have to beg for a spot in the lesser matches of the morning, but he could show off his titans properly during the matches after mid day sun. Perhaps he could even convince good Tullius that Solonius's men also had worth and extend fortune to his ludus. Batiatus arrived at the appointed place at the appointed hour where Tullius and his man were waiting.
"Good Batiatus!" Tullius said with a smile as he offered the lanista a cup of wine. "Your man Gannicus's victory has spread throughout the city. His name and yours fall from every tongue."
"May they always find it pleasing." Batiatus replied as he took the cup with gratitude.
"Everyone clamors to see your man again, with the exception of poor Vettius." the merchant explained.
"Unfortunate that he could not provide more worthy opponent." the lanista said wistfully. "His stock is well known to be inferior, as is the boy himself. The way he runs his ludus...the boy has no talent for it."
"You surprise me Batiatus." Tullius said with a look of intrigue. "Your disposition towards business is far more...aggressive than your father's."
"We are of diverting temperament...and desires." Batiatus admitted.
"How does he fare in Sicilia?"
"The climate is more agreeable with certain ailments brought on by the passing of the years. How did the magistrate look upon Gannicus's display?"
"Ignited by it, as was the rest of the crowd." Tullius insisted as he sipped his wine. "He even broached subject of Gannicus featuring in the opening games of the new arena.
"The opening games..." Batiatus gasped in amazement. "If you could aid in such a thing, I would be forever in your debt."
"It can be done with word in proper ear, the only thing to be discussed is the price."
"Of course, I would happy to see coin to your hand in exchange for assistance...what sum did you have in mind?" This earned a laugh from Tullius.
"You misunderstand Batiatus...I do not offer to broker arrangement, I offer to purchase your man." This shut Quintus up sharp.
"Purchase?" he asked in confusion. "Why would you want a gladiator, you are not a lanista."
"Gods no," Tullius admitted. "yet, I have many vested investments though. shipping, markets, this very shop...and young Vettius's ludus." As he spoke, the young lanista came out of the shadows with several men at his back.
"Look at the little fuck now, about to shit himself." Vettius teased.
"Steel your tongue, the grown ups are talking." Tullius warned as he looked to Batiatus and held out a coin pouch. "200 denarii, a generous offer...in respect of your father."
"Apologies...I would not part with the man." Batiatus insisted as Tullius got in his face.
"I give you the chance to purchase one of my slaves, yet now you deny me the same opportunity." He said with a glare.
"He has been buying many slaves as of late." Vettius said as another figure emerged from the shadows: Legatus Septimus Curtius Augurnus.
"Legatus...good fortune to see you." Batiatus said as Septimus delivered a punch to his gut. Quintus collapsed to the floor as Augurnus pulled his head up by the hair as he delivered a punch to the face. On cue, Vettius and his men joined in and they all proceeded to beat the living shit out of the lanista. Finally, Augurnus looked down at a broken and bleeding Quintus Lentulus Batiatus.
"I wanted Seuso's blood spilled in the arena and you produce cock to piss on me, you fucking cunt; now you shall taste it yourself!" Septimus growled as he dropped his trousers, brought out his cock and started to urinate on Batiatus.
"Get it in his mouth!" Vettius cheered as the Legatus moved aim and forced Quintus to swallow piss. Once Septimus was finished, Tullius knelt down and looked at his victim.
"Reconsider your offer or be excluded from the games forever." he warned with a smirk. As the men left, Vettius spat upon the wounded lanista who was drenched in blood and piss.
HOW WILL BATIATUS GAIN REVENGE? REVIEWS NEEDED AND APPRECIATED.