Maximus Must Die

Chapter Six

A dreamless sleep was all that was granted to him. One that he was robbed of by the sound of wood clashing together, awaking only to the noise amplified by reality and a headache. He groaned slightly as he sat up, rubbing his head and looking to see what the commotion was. He saw Lucius, playing with the African slaves. Each had a wooden sword, obviously playing legionnaire.

He smiled and walked over to them. Isn't it late to be playing legionnaire? He took a sword from one of the slaves.

I'm not a legionnaire.

Began to parry with the boy. Not a legionnaire?

I am a gladiator.

A gladiator? What in Jupiter's name was he pretending he was one of those lowlifes for? A gladiator? Gladiators only fight in the games. Wouldn't you prefer to be a brave Roman warrior like Julius Caesar? He would prefer to be Julius Caesar - respected, admired, adored.

I am Maximus, the saviour of Rome.

Maximus? Maximus was considered the saviour of Rome? Impossible! The realisation swept over him quicker than shadow and he dropped his sword, kneeling to be at eye level with his nephew.

The saviour of Rome. And who said that? He was mortified, distressed. How could a gladiator, the lowest of the low, be considered as the saviour of Rome when it was Commodus who brought him into their lives? When it was Commodus who was bringing about this glorious vision? Could it be the people preferred their mirages of butchering victories and scheming senators?

Lucius began to whisper in his ear. Mother and Gracchus and Gaius. Commodus clutched at the boy. He felt like crying, wailing, yelling, hitting and dying all at once in a rush of emotions. She had been scheming, she had been. How could he not have seen it? How was she so good at lying?

I'll tell you what we'll do Lucius. He smiled at his nephew, a plan forming in his head. He would get Lucius on his side, he would mould him into a suitable heir. We'll go and read some scrolls, history scrolls? How does that sound?

Lucius was surprisingly enthusiastic about the whole idea. Commodus led him to the library where he picked out a story appropriate for the mood, to rationalise everything going on around them. They then made their way to his desk and they sat side by side reading every word before them. Lucius was a very good reader, proving he had the intelligence for the role he would soon take. As they sat there reciting the recorded memories Commodus was reminded of how much he enjoyed the company of his nephew. He reminded him of himself, how he could have been had he had the love and support and encouragement that was bestowed upon Lucius.

She got an asp, in a basket and killed herself with it.

She couldn't have! Lucius was engrossed in the tale, amusing the emperor

Yes, she did. She took it from a basket, pressed it to her breast, right here above the heart. .... Hissss He added drama with a replica snake.

And it bit her in the breast?

Yes. You see, Lucius, sometimes royal ladies behave very strangely and do very odd things in the name of love. Lucilla was being very strange, doing odd things for her love of Maximus. Imagine, going against the emperor of Rome thinking he wouldn't find out, thinking it would just slip his mind, thinking he wouldn't do anything about it. Well he would do something about it; she had broken his heart, what was left of it.

I think it's silly.

So do I. He saw her approaching - the traitor. So do I...

He faked delight in seeing her. Sister...join us. I've been reading to dear Lucius.

I've been reading too.

Yes, he's a very clever little boy. He'll make a grand Emperor one day. She was sitting now. Perfect, she was prepared of his onslaught. He would make her weep as he had wept. She would feel his pain and anguish. We've been reading about the great Marc Anthony and his adventures in Egypt.

And the Queen killed herself with a snake!

And just wait until you hear what happened to our other ancestors! If you're very good, tomorrow night I'll tell you the story of Emperor Claudius. He was betrayed, by those closest to him ... by his own blood ... they whispered in dark corners and went out late at night and conspired and conspired. He looked at her face, she was worried. It served her right; she had stabbed him in the back and the heart. How could she do this to her little brother? The only man who stood by her through everything and supported her every choice?

But the Emperor knew they were up to something. He knew they were busy little bees. And one night he sat down with one of them and he looked at her and he said, "Tell me what you have been doing, busy little bee, or I shall strike down those dearest to you. You shall watch as I bathe in their blood." And the emperor was heartbroken. The little bee had wounded him more deeply than anyone else could ever have done. And what do you think happened then, Lucius? He had to remember he was telling Lucius a story; he couldn't worry him, not if he was to stay with him. As long as he hit Lucilla close to the bone he would be satisfied.

I don't know uncle. He was too clever; he knew Commodus was aiming for her. It didn't help that she was crying.

The little bee told him everything.

He sat and stared at her expectantly. Well?

Commodus, please...Lucilla began

No more begging. I'm loosing patience with you. How could you be so heartless? So cruel? So cold?

Commodus...

Spare me your womaness. He could feel himself about to cry. He called over a guard and had him escort Lucius out - if this would be an eruption of emotions he wouldn't have Lucius subjected to it. With the guard he also sent a message to be taken to Falco

I didn't mean to hurt you.

Of course not. How would assassinating me hurt me? He wasn't as cool and collected as he normally was. What have you been doing?

It was Gracchus' idea...

I don't care! He snapped it, on the verge of shouting. He wanted information and all of this was just a way of stalling him. Lucilla...I need to know what you have been scheming. Tell me and I'll spare Gracchus.

He wants to set Maximus free, he's planning on releasing him through Proximo...

Proximo? He shouldn't be a problem, and...

A messenger will meet Maximus outside the walls, he will lead him to Germania where they will get his army back. From there they will march back to Rome - in order to usurp the throne and return it to the Senate.

He felt relieved. It had been a lot easier to get the information than he presupposed, although something was bothering him - she was still talking like it was going to happen. Who else is involved?

Proximo, Gaius, Gracchus and...

You. He struggled to say it, still struggling to come to terms with her betrayal. Luckily, Falco arrived just as they had finished talking and witness the few final words. Commodus passed on all of the information he had just received.

I want Gaius killed. I want Proximo killed. I want the rest of those gladiators killed. I want the messenger killed and I want Maximus... He thought about it. It was too easy to have Maximus killed, he had another idea, his previous idea. And I want Maximus captured.

I'll see to it.

He had broken Lucilla, there was no need for her to be tied or chained, she was like that already with the promise of her son's blood being spilled, especially as she no longer knew his whereabouts. Commodus would never intentionally hurt Lucius, but Lucilla didn't trust him. She didn't love him.

Why?