Chapter IV
A True Gladiator
The morning after that night, I was standing on the balcony next to Melitta while the dominus stood by the railing with Oenomaus and Gannicus beside him, while Lucretia and Gaia stood by the side. I was still slightly shaken because of the previous night's events, but I was thankful for Melitta, who had stayed by my side since I burst into tears in her arms last night. Despite barely having the courage to do so, I had explained her what had happened and she had only listened, knowing that I did not wish to talk about it. I was shaken from my thoughts by the dominus.
"We have won many victories in the arena. Sent many an unworthy opponent to the afterlife. Yet self-important men hold us to the lesser matches of the morning, absent both eyes and prominence. Such time has found its end. Two days hence, our champion will take to the sands to face another of Vvettius' shit-eating dogs. Not in the streets, but in the fucking Primus!" He announced to the gladiators below, causing the men to cheer. "Behold the champion whose recent performance inspired good Varis to return the House of Batiatus to proper position! Behold, Gannicus!"
I watched as Gannicus stepped forward, lifting his arm up into the air, causing the gladiators to cheer for their comrade.
"An inspired performance, indeed." I saw Gaia smirk, causing the events once again race through my mind. Thankfully, the domina leaned closer to Gaia. "One not to be repeated." She whispered to the woman.
"A true god of the arena!" Batiatus exclaimed while the women whispered. "A man to be admired and emulated! This is but glorious beginning! Soon you will litter the sands with the blood and bone of all who present challenge! Instructed in the ways of death and glory by a former champion! One of our very own! I give you Oenomaus!" He continued, as the man he spoke of stepped forward with a somewhat disappointed expression on his face. "No longer to hold that name! No longer a gladiator! Now and forever more, to be revered as your Doctore!" Batiatus announced and as I listened to his words, I made the mistake of looking to the side. When I did, I saw Gannicus glancing at me. The moment we met eyes, I quickly looked back at the dominus as i felt a blush warm up my face. He was offering the doctore's whip to Oenomaus.
"This has been wielded with pride by each before you, since the time of my grandfather. Bestowed on only the most loyal and honorable of men." He explained and Oenomaus hesitantly took the whip into his hand. "Your will, my hands." Oenomaus spoke as he looked at the dominus. After clapping Oenomaus on his back, Batiatus lifted one of his and one of Gannicus' arms into the air, followed by the gladiators on the sands to cheer for them.
Later in the day, I was in the cellar, looking through the many jugs of wine so I could find the one I was looking for. I finally found it, and just when I turned around, I saw Gannicus walk down from the last step to the villa. I was so startled that I dropped the full jug of wine on the ground. I immediately kneeled down and tried to quickly pick up the pieces of the jug, when I flinched from one of the pieces cutting my finger, causing droplets of blood to emerge. I was going to wipe the blood on my dress when suddenly a hand took hold of my wrist. I looked up and saw Gannicus kneeling in front of me. I tried to pull my hand away, but he wouldn't release his hold. "Let go of me." I insisted as I looked him in the eye.
"Not before you hear what I wish to say." He spoke and I could hear the pleading in his voice. "I do not care what you wish." I hissed at him, hoping he would let me go. "Please." He uttered and for the first time, I saw pleading in his eyes.
After a moment, I gave a small nod. "Fine. But release me first." I insisted and he immediately did as I asked. After I brought my hand closer to me, I stood up, with Gannicus doing the same.
"What?" I demanded with a shaky voice. He looked at me with the same expression from the previous night. The one with regret.
"I wanted to apologize for what I did to you last night." He explained and I could see from his stance that perhaps he was not used to apologizing about something. "If I could have prevented it, I would have. Especially if I had known that...-"
"I was untouched?" I interrupted him, knowing what he meant. "Yes. If I had known, I would have begged not to do it. And believe me, I do not beg often." He tried to say jokingly.
"It is not your fault. We both did what we had to, there would have been no possible way to prevent it. Besides, it was not for nothing. You're going to be in the Primus." I stated. "I do not about the Primus." He tried to tell me, but I knew better. "Yes you do." He only stared at me. "You want to have the chance to show the people of Capua what you can do in the arena. And you want the glory that could be recieved. You have the same look in your eyes as my brother does. He's dreamed of being a gladiator all his life." I explained, glancing around the ludus to make sure he was no where near.
"But it does not matter to me as much as the people around me." He told me as he kept his eyes on mine. "What do you mean by that?" I asked hesitantly. I froze when he stepped closer to me until he was only inches from me.
"There are people here I care about. Mostly only Oenomaus and Melitta, but you... Since you came here, I've been becoming more and more unable to focus on the training. Especially when I see you watching me from the balcony." He whispered with an intense look in his eyes. Just when I was going to insist that I didn't watch him, he interrupted me. "Do not deny it, Cassandra."
When he stepped even closer to me, I took a step back until my back hit the jug shelf. I glanced at the shelf and when I saw Gannicus put his arm next to my head, I looked back up at him.
"Despite it happening without neither of our consent, I know you enjoyed last night as much as I did. You wouldn't have looked up at me with that passionate gaze if you hadn't." He whispered as I saw him leaning his face closer to me. "Tell me I'm mistaken, Cassandra."
The way he said my name sent the familiar warm shivers through me, causing goosebumps to appear on my skin.
"Tell me." Gannicus asked as if he was asking permission. I looked into his eyes, trying to find some reason not to tell him the truth, but when I didn't...
"You're not..." I whimpered with such a quiet voice that I thought that he could not hear, but the look in his eyes told me that he had. I took a deep breath as he brought his face so near mine that there was barely any distance between us. "You are not mistaken." I continued, and the moment after I finished, I felt his warm lips smash into mine. I was startled from the force, but once I understood what was happening, I threw my arms around Gannicus' neck and pulled him even closer. The moment he felt me kissing him back, he wrapped his arms around my waist and suddenly lifted me up as if I was as light as a feather.
While I was locked in a tight embrace by Gannicus, I did not notice Melitta at the top of the steps, watching us with a frown on her face.
Some time later, I was quickly walking away from the steps to the ludus while holding a new jug of wine. I was trying to bring the fingers on my hand through my hair that had been tangled during my moment with Gannicus. As I was trying to walk towards the balcony as fast as I could, I was interrupted by Melitta who was standing next to a column. I stopped when I saw the frown she had. "Melitta. What is wrong?"
"I saw you." She spoke. "What ever do you mean?" I insisted in hope of her not meaning what had just happened.
"Gannicus. I saw you with him." She answered. I let out a deep sigh, knowing that I could not lie to Melitta even if I wanted to. "Melitta..-" I began to explain. "Do you not remember what he did to you?" Melitta insisted with an expression of disbelief and slight anger on her face.
"Of course I remember. How could I not? But what happened was not Gannicus' fault." I said. "Besides, was it not you who told me that he could change if there was someone helping him to change?" I continued, causing Melitta to be silent. I looked at her in desperation. "You are one of the people who know him best, Melitta. Do you truly believe him dishonorable?"
"No." Melitta sighed while looking me in the eye. "So you believe that you could help him change?" She inquired and I nodded my head with a smile. "I do. Despite what I said about him before, I now see he is not so horrible as I once thought."
"Then I am happy for you." Melitta smiled, but then her smile slightly fell. "But please be careful." She continued with a hopeful, yet worrying expression.
"I will. I promise." I promised her as we turned around and quickly walked towards the balcony.
Later, I was standing by the side of the balcony with Melitta beside me while Lucretia was sitting on a large seat in front of us. Gaia was standing by the railing, gazing down at the gladiators training. I would lie if I said I did not do the same. But I did not gaze at all of them, there was only one I had my eyes upon. The man in question was just having a break when he looked up. When he met my eyes, the familiar grin appeared on his handsome face. I quickly blushed, but managed to show him a small smile. Our gaze was interrupted when I heard a body hit the ground.
As I looked at who it was, I frowned in worry when I saw that it was Crixus. He had been thrown to the ground by Barca numerous times already, and there was no doubt in my mind that he was tired. I had been so busy with work inside the villa that I had not had any time to see him. And what free time I had, I usually spent it either with Melitta, or with Gannicus, whenever he had the chance to slip away from training. I was surprised when I saw Gannicus walk towards Crixus, who was now practicing on the palus. I took a deep breath in fear of what Gannicus was planning. Surely he would not tell Crixus about us? I started to calm down when I saw the calm way both men stood. I finally took a sigh when I saw Gannicus walk away to train with Barca. As I watched the two men fight against each other, I heard Gaia giggle.
"Your man Gannicus appears in fine form." She smirked. "As he will in the Primus, elevatting the house with glorious performance." Lucretia replied. Gaia turned to look at her.
"My heart yet races at the thought of his last." Gaia giggled again, while glancing at me.
"We'll put such memories behind us." Lucretia insisted as I saw her slightly nod towards me. Gaia only rolled her eyes as she walked to the seat and lied next to Lucretia. "A difficult feat, when so enjoyed by all." She gushed, causing the still present blush on my cheeks to grow. "Some more than others." She continued, whispering to Lucretia as she leaned on her arm. I was surprised when I saw Naevia walk to the balcony.
"Apologies, domina. Guests have arrived." She announced with her quiet voice and Lucretia looked at her in confusion. "Guests?" She inquired as she and Gaia stood up and walked inside the villa, with me and Melitta following. As we walked to the main area of the villa, I froze when I saw the guests. It was that vile man Varis and another man who I did not recognize. I immediately wrapped my hand around Melitta's and she squeezed it, knowing how I felt.
"Varis? We were not expecting...-" Lucretia began, but Varis spoke. "Oh, the fault is mine, for failing to announce." He said as he and the other man walked to Lucretia and Gaia. Varis looked at the man beside him.
"Good Cossutius is on stay from Rome to celebrate the Vinalia. After I extolled the virtues of the House of Batiatus...-" He began, but was interrupted by Cossutius.
"I demanded introduction immediately." The man spoke with an arrogant voice.
"You honous, but my husband tends to final preparations for tomorrow's games in town." Lucretia explained.
"Oh. How disappointing." Cossutius spoke in disappointment as he looked at Varis. As the two men looked at each other, Gaia grasped Lucretia's arm. "Yet we could remove ourselves to the balcony for proper viewing of his gladiators until his return."
"I fear you mistake intent." Varis chuckled as he stepped closer to the two women. "I was not regaling Cossutius with tales of your men. But of your house' more intimate delights." The man continued while staring right at me, causing fear to grip my heart.
"I fear that was a special consideration." Lucretia explained cautiously. Varis looked back at her.
"Was it?" He spoke and stepped closer to Lucretia. "Perhaps Vettius will be morre accommodating then, concerning this and my Primus." He spoke quietly, obviously threatening.
"It would be unfortunate to have come so far, and find hands empty. Would it not?" Gaia spoke, finally breaking the uncomfortable silence. Lucretia looked me in the eye as I tried to look at her pleadingly. After a moment she turned to Varis. "I would not have it so." She agreed with Gaia.
"Excellent! Let us prepare Gannicus and...-" Gaia exclaimed excitedly and my heart clenched up as I expected the worst, but I let out a breath of relief when I heard Lucretia interrupt her.
"No." She spoke, causing everyone to look at her. "For what joy is there in exploring ground already discovered?"
"None at all." Cossutius responded and all four people laughed.
"What do you offer?" Varis asked, anticipation clear on his face. Lucretia looked at him and Cossutius. "A gladiator of your choosing paired with a slave as yet untouched?" She explained and I immediately turned to look at Naevia and Diona who were standing beside me.
"Untouched?" Cossutius asked. "A delicacy no longer present at the moment in my house."
"Then it is fortunate you find yourself in ours." Lucretia replied and Gaia once again giggled. I looked at Lucretia when I saw her looking at me.
"Cassandra, Melitta, you may leave to do other duties." She stated and I quickly nodded. "Yes, domina." I muttered as I quickly walked away, still holding onto Melitta's hand.
Some time later, I was once again standing beside Naevia and Melitta in the main area with Lucretia, Gaia and Varis as they were waiting for Cossutius to appear from beyond the large curtain. I had been here only a moment so I was not sure what was happening, but judging from the expression on Naevia's face, nothing good.
"Your presence has been missed in Rome since your husband's passing." Varis told Gaia, who was gazing at him. "Your charms will brighten darkest night."
"I long to return and crest upon a husband yet of this world." Gaia giggled.
"How does your dowry stand?" Varis inquired as he took a sip from his wine, causing the smile on Gaia's face to fall. "I was under impression you were absent family of means."
"Gaia is a treasure within herself." Lucretia beamed.
"One to be coveted by a man untethered to the burden of position and appearance." Varis responded. Only moments after he spoke, Cossutius appeared from behind the curtain, causing everyone to stand up and look at him.
"Cossutius. You were well satisfied?" Lucretia inquired and the man smirked.
"Praise laid upon your house has not been exaggerated." He spoke as he stepped closer to the woman. Varis laughed loudly at his words. "It is a wonder. Such base diversion would be impossible to conceal in Rome."
"Capua is a city of many pleasures." Lucretia stated quietly.
"Often obscured by pressing business, to which we sadly must attend." Varis spoke as he stood up. Thank the gods he was leaving.
"You take leave so soon?" Gaia asked the man.
"A regrettable necessity. Gratitude for your hospitality." Varis spoke to the domina. "I look forward to seeing you at the games, and your man Gannicus upon my primus."
"You honor us." Lucretia beamed as she showed the men to the door of the villa.
The moment she came back, all of us suddenly heard commotion outside. We quickly ran to the balcony and saw that most of the gladiators were fighting in an all-out brawl. I was not surprised to see Gannicus fighting as well. As I tried to find Crixus, I was glad to see him standing by the side. Suddenly I saw the side gate open and Batiatus and his father walk in. When the gladiators saw the older man, they immediately stopped the fighting.
"Is this what my house has fallen to?" The gruff old man asked angrily. "brother setting upon brother, so far removed from the honor of the arena, where such contest holds meaning? This points to reason the gods have turned from us, stripping the Primus from our hands." He continued, and I was extremely surprised when I heard him and so it appeared that Gannicus was as well.
"I do not fight in the games?" Gannicus asked in confusion and irritation.
" You do not." The old dominus ordered. Gannicus turned his glance toward me and I sighed, knowing how much he wished to fight in the Primus, only to have the chance ripped from his grasp.
"Yet our sacrifices do not stand unrewarded. A few of you will take to the sands after midday sun." Batiatus announced.
"And I expect those chosen to bring more honor to the House of Batiatus than you now bring to yourselves." The dominus' father ordered with anger.
Later, I was standing in the cellar, fidgeting as I waited for Gannicus to come to the gate. When the man appeared, I stepped close to the metal and grabbed it with my hands beside my head. Gannicus quickly put his hands on top of mine as we gazed at each other.
"I saw what happened earlier. Are you hurt?" I asked, worried that he had been harmed in the fight.
"No." He spoke quietly, and I immediately knew the reason for his silence.
"I'm sorry about the Primus." I said and he gripped my hands tighter. "There is no need for you to apologize. I may not be able to fight, but your brother is." He explained.
"What do you mean?" I asked in confusion.
"Crixus is to fight Auctus tonight." He answered, causing me to worry. "But Auctus has been a gladiator for much longer thatn Crixus, and he fights with a spear! How could the dominus put him against someone like that? You saw how Crixus was unable to fight against Barca today." I quickly asked.
"I know. After that very moment, I spoke with Crixus." Gannicus explained. "And?" I asked, wondering what they had talked about.
"I told him a few words of advice. I do not think he will fall if he heeded my words." Gannicus assured as he smoothed the skin on my hand with his thumb, calming me down. However, a moment later Gannicus looked at me with an unclear expression on his face.
"I do not like keeping this secret from Crixus. When will you tell him?" He inquired and I glanced down before looking back up at him.
"I do not know. I fear of how he may react when he finds out." I stuttered as I looked Gannicus in the eye.
"Perhaps it is better to tell him sooner rather than later." Gannicus stated causing me to let out a sigh.
"I know. I just... Don't wish this calm moment to end." I whispered with a small smile as I leaned closer to the metal gate so I was almost pushing my face through. Gannicus smiled at me, stepping closer as well.
"Neither do I." He said as he brought his face to mine, giving me a gentle, yet passionate kiss.
The next day, at midday, I was sitting in the stands at the old arena next to Melitta while Lucretia and Gaia sat in front of us. I was fidgeting nervously and eventually Lucretia noticed and she smiled at me.
"I am certain your brother will do well, Cassandra." She assured me, causing Gaia to smirk.
"If the Gaul fights as well as he did against Gannicus, he could be victorious." Gaia spoke as she tried to cool herself with her fan. As she did, I saw Batiatus walk to us and sit in front of Gaia.
"Have you set Crixus to purpose?" Lucretia asked her husband, who nodded at her.
"I stoke the flame as best as I can. It is now up to the man to ignite or be forever extinguished." Batiatus explained as they looked up at the pulvinus, where his father was sitting.
"It is a pity it is not Gannicus, nor the Primus. It was well earned." Gaia gushed, once again reminding everyone of the events that night.
"Yet he is the one honored, while his only fucking son is left to languish." Batiatus spoke as he glared at his father.
"Soon your father will attest your worth." Lucretia assured.
"Or decay in the afterlife." Gaia complained. "Either way, we will be free of him."
Suddenly, a moment later, the man Barca was fighting was kicked by him into the people, but had fortunately not hit us. Eventually he ended up back on the sands and Barca put a dagger on his neck as he looked at the men on the pulvinus. I saw Varis stand up to address the crowd.
"An epic showing from the House of Batiatus, certain to please the gods! In gratitude, we will be perciful, and grant life!" He shouted and the people cheered. Moments later I saw the old dominus stand up and look at the people.
"I stand humbled before the great people of Capua. My home and my heart, too long parted from chest. In gratitude, I present the final offering from the House of Batiatus. Entering the arena, a virgin upon its sands, I give you Crixus, Murmillo!" He spoke and I looked at the door where the gladiators walked through. The people booed as Crixus was led onto the arena by a guard. Crixus was thankfully wearing a helmet and some armor while he held a sword and a tower shield. Despite his defenses, I feared for his life. As he stepped onto the sands, I saw him looking our way, and a moment later he locked eyes with me. I could see the anxious, perhaps even scared look on his face so I gave him a small smile, hoping it would give him courage. He gave a hint of a smile back as he took position.
"His opponent, a warrior unmatched in skill and honor, I give you Auctus, hoplomachus!" The old dominus once again announced as Auctus was led out. As I saw the spear and sword he was holding, I became increasingly worried for Crixus.
Before I knew it, the fight began and I grasped Melitta's hand as I stared at the fighting, unable to tear my eyes of my brother. For some time, he barely managed to dodge and block Auctus' attacks. When he cut Crixus' torso with his spear, twice, I thought there was no way Crixus could win against such an opponent. However, I felt some hope when he managed to slice at Auctus' leg with his sword. However, Crixus kept on missing his next hits and was eventually thrown on his back.
When Auctus jumped towards Crixus with his spear pointed at him, I feared the worst, but just in time, Crixus lifted his shield and the spear was caught on it. What happened next, astonished me. Crixus managed to smash through the spear, snapping it in half, causing Auctus to lose his main weapon. The man tried to attack with his short sword, but Crixus managed to rid him of it as well. When Auctus smashed into the wall and Crixus pulled his helmet off, I thought that maybe he now had the chance to win. However, Auctus quickly dodged Crixus' sword and dove for his own sword. After dodging and blocking attack after an attack, Auctus hit Crixus on his head, causing him to step back slightly. The moment I thought Auctus was going to drive his sword through Crixus, I saw him suddenly turn around and both of the men froze. When I tried to see why, I saw the sword going through Auctus' torso and coming out through his back. I was frozen solid for a moment as I tried to understand what had just happened, but when I did, me and every single person in the stands started to cheer for the victorious Crixus. When I saw him look at me, I gave him a large smile, knowing that he had finally achieved the dream he had had almost his whole life.
A/N:
And there's another chapter. I can't believe how fast I wrote this one, I think it took me like one or two days O_O I guess watching those handsome gladiators brawling is giving me motivation ;D