All things must end my good friends, and I'm saddened to say this is going to be the last chapter of the story. I'd like to thank each of you for taking this journey with me, your kind words and support have meant the world to me!
Feel free to look me up on Tumblr (Frecklefaceb) and say hello! Until next time my friends...
"The Champion of Capua graces us with his presence! I apologize for not receiving you sooner," Batiatus pauses to swallow the fruit in his mouth. Throwing his hands out in gesture he continues his explanation, "I've been consumed with a tumult of recent events."
"What has changed?" Spartacus asks with skepticism, it was unusual for Batiatus to ignore a request for forum, especially coming from his prize gladiator.
Batiatus remains unscrupulous and vague with his excuses, "The world! Reform's at our feet and the very earth thrusting us to unimaginable heights!" His arm rises in demonstration as he turns from Spartacus and walks back to the tray of fruit. Spartacus's eyes wander over to a side table, landing on a knife.
"At great costs."
Batiatus takes a bite and smiles, "Easily paid. At this very moment Legatus Glaber thunders towards us to bestow patronage." Sensing the hostility, Batiatus opens his palm, "I know your feelings towards the man. I would ask that they be put aside towards a more noble pursuit."
Spartacus saunters to the table, making sure to keep his gaze fixed on his master while he reticently fingers the handle of the knife, "Glabber took Sura from my arms but he's not the man that took her life."
Batiatus's brow lowers in concern as he listens to the gladiator, he cautiously steps forward and Mira working in the background takes the opportunity to knock items off the table, feigning tripping
Both men crane to the commotion as Mira hurries to clean up the mess of fruit and broken fragments of pottery.
"Please forgive my clumsy feet, sir," she begs as she works to pick up the pieces, silently hoping Spartacus comes to his senses and doesn't attempt to take their master's life.
"Forgiven," Quintus dismisses. "Make sure you have that cut examined." Noticing the small cut on her wrist, she nods and Batiatus turns his attention back to Spartacus.
"Where were we? Ah, yes! So tell me what matter were you so eager to discuss with me?"
The occupants of the villa and ludus stood at attention at the arrival of Glaber and several Roman soldiers acting as guards. Cassia's presence was being requested due to Lucretia's condition. Batiatus didn't want to risk anything happening until they found the proper midwife to serve them.
She makes sure to position herself in the background of the gathering but within distance of eavesdropping. She would be meeting with Spartacus and Varro later in the courtyard to discuss anything of interest. For the most part the conversation was dull as they discussed the deaths of the Magistrate and a missing woman. Cassia spends the majority of her time avoiding Ashur's gaze since he's positioned himself diagonally from her.
"What advantage would I gain by association with a lanista?" Glaber presses, causing Cassia to perk up. It was no secret that Batiatus was seeking endorsement and looking for a way into the political arena but why anyone would want to support that ambition was beyond her.
Quintus calmly speaks, "My gladiators ignite the passion of the crowd. Lend name to my cause, and see their deafening cheers transformed into demands for Claudius Glaber, and his desired position of Praetor."
Glaber lowers his head in contemplation and Iliythia takes the opportunity to assert, "They do favor Batiatus men like no others. Especially Spartacus."
Lucretia pauses mid-drink only to meet Iliythia's smug declaration, the realization that she was using their prize champion as bait.
"The Thracian," Glaber speaks. Varro had mentioned Spartacus and Glaber's history to Cassia before Spartacus began plowing down the path of revenge. His name being dropped in the conversation is no surprise but instead, unsettling.
"And what does it say that your finest gladiator was my worst soldier?" his face rigid even with the malice dripping from his voice.
Pursing his lips, Quintus admits, "That I'm the greatest lanista in the republic for I've taken a wild beast and forged him into a god." Lucretia bites back a smirk as Illythia's eyes roam the room.
"That's a bold claim."
"Built on a foundation of fucking granite!" Batiatus laughs as he sits across from Glaber.
"I would see your words made flesh," Glaber challenges and Batiatus motions for him to continue, "Summon the Thracian to the villa along with the rest of your men."
Quintus releases a nervous laugh, "All of them?"
"All of them."
Anticipating sparring matches between men of the ludus, Cassia was dismissed in order to prepare the medicus in case of an injury. After ensuring she was ready, she decides to rest on the bed to pass the time but is startled awake by Varro's soft kiss to her cheek.
With deep calming breaths she glances around in confusion, "What happened? Are there others?" She gives Varro a once-over as she climbs off the bed.
"Glaber decided the only worthy opponent to his men was Spartacus," Varro explains as he wraps her in an embrace.
"Is he okay?" she asks, fearing the worst outcome.
"Spartacus lives, however, I fear Glaber's hatred for him has grown," Varro admits with a smirk as he plays with a strand of Cassia's auburn hair, rolling the ends between his fingers.
"A relatively impossible feat considering their sordid history." Cassia says before placing a teasing kiss at the corner of Varro's mouth.
Amusement dancing across his face as she pulls away, the two never had an issue with physical expression but pregnancy had increased Cassia's gumption and she was always subtly touching him. Varro was wholeheartedly convinced that if circumstances were different they'd be spending a lot more time in bed.
"Yet, who benefits?" she asks while stifling a yawn, burying her face into his chest in the process. Varro bites his lip as Cassia peppers kisses along his collarbone.
"Well today it was eclipsed," Varro discloses. Cassia tilts her head back in interest as Varro resumes, "Ashur provoked Crixus which resulted in the Gaul attacking him."
"Ashur is behind Naevia's departure," Cassia concedes with dread, Ashur's interest in her now appears more threatening instead of some convoluted game.
"All men to the courtyard, now!" They hear Doctore's announcement echoing from outside.
Cassia yawns again, and this time it's much bigger. Varro's hands slide down her side, landing on her hips as his thumbs stroke her small belly.
"You should rest," his voice, soft yet firm. His slate blue eyes admiring her glow, there was something primordially satisfying knowing he was responsible for it. He simpers as he spreads his hands over the expanse of her stomach to cradle it, and she gently places her hands over his. In his eyes, pregnancy agreed with her impeccable beauty which rivaled Venus.
"Will you be back?" Her expression is hopeful despite being half asleep and fighting back yet another yawn. Varro lifts his shoulder in a half shrug in response and Cassia pouts, he's unable to resist the urge to laugh as he leans down to distract her with a kiss.
"I've got to go. I love both of you," Varro gushes before giving her another soft kiss. Cassia returns his smile as he releases her.
"And we love you."
Varro is startled awake by Albus lurking out from the shadows into his cell with an unnaturally calm aura. He quickly wipes the sleep from his eyes as he sits up on the bed.
"Cassia has been asking for you," he whispers and Varro nods before standing with a stretch.
Upon leaving her quarters, he reported to the courtyard as ordered by Doctore to witness Crixus's punishment for attacking Ashur.
The men were then informed of Glaber's patronage of the ludus, and the accompanying new rules. One of the few liberties the gladiators had were being stripped, all men must be escorted by a guard when moving about the ludus after training. The new guards, Roman soldiers Glaber had left stationed at the villa, had permission to use force on anyone disobeying the commands, and the house guards were to follow suit. Additionally, Doctore would spare no punishment. The changes were instantaneous leaving Varro without opportunity to inform Cassia.
Once outside, Varro could feel the weight of the day lifting from his shoulders. He was anxious to see Cassia, even if it meant their meeting was brief. Varro hesitates when they stop at the ledge, peering over his shoulder in confusion, searching for her in the darkness. Albus keeps his gaze low while tilting his head; Varro spots the outdoor storage and smiles.
"Gratitude," Varro praises, offering a small pat to Albus's shoulder. The dark shadows behind the building only offer disappointment, and Varro twists around to discover Albus in the space. A knot forms in the pit of his stomach as he looks to the guard. Albus remains still as he's staring back.
With a dry mouth Varro confirms, "She's not coming." Albus doesn't reply as he steps closer causing Varro's heart to race. A bead of sweat rolls out from under the guard's helmet as he nears but his intense stare doesn't falter. Varro slowly backs away even though he's trapped between walls, the ledge, and now the looming guard.
"This isn't my will," Albus says as he unsheathes a dagger.
Varro feels the panic rising, it would be an unfair match, and he knew the odds having been a gambling man. One's destiny couldn't be changed, but he was still willing to fight for that small percentage and the sliver of hope that he was wrong. He would fight for Janus, Cassia, and his unborn child.
Varro raises his palm as Albus continues to close in. The guard's knuckles are white as he grips the handle of the dagger, and Varro notices the shaky breaths.
"Albus, it doesn't have to be this way," he desperately pleads, hoping the other man will have a change of heart.
"The choice is not my own," Albus wheezes as he widely swings the dagger and Varro narrowly jumps out its path. Varro instinctively throws a punch, landing on Albus's cheek causing him to stumble back. Varro moves forward with intention to use the small bit of real estate to his advantage. Albus snaps out of his shocked daze just as Varro closes the distance, bringing his arm up to block Varro's fist and swiping the knife with his free hand. He feels the blade knick his thigh as Albus's hand drops. Varro hooks his fingers into the guard's leather breastplate and jerks him forward, Albus grabbing ahold of Varro's arms as his hands wrap around his opponent's throat. He squeezes with purpose, wishing for the guard to pass out; killing him would surely bear a grave punishment even if in self-defense.
The men grapple as each tries to gain the advantage with their arms shaking and fatigue beginning to take its toll, tears of frustration and disappointment filling Albus's eyes, knowing the pain his actions were going to cause. Out of desperation, he bites down on Varro's arm causing him to loosen his hold. Then Albus wedges his knee between them, forcing Varro backwards before charging at him like a wild beast. He thrusts his dagger again; this time prepared for his heavy burden, and plunges it into the gladiator's abdomen. Varro's mouth falls with an inhale as Albus twists the blade and yanks it free.
His hands move to cover the wound near his belly button just as blood starts oozing out; he coughs and gasps from the pain. Albus slowly backs away, watching the gladiator crumple before turning to run. Varro tucks his knees under as he uses one arm to prop himself up, slowly trying to crawl out from behind the shed. The typically short distance feels like miles as he inches forward, growing weaker with progress. He stops once his head starts to spin, vertigo making it impossible to continue and he falls to his side. Varro swallows back a sob, closing his eyes to wait for the disequilibrium to pass. As the minutes pass he only felt tired, and Varro could feel the blackness creeping up his body to claim him.
The moment his body is carried into the medicus Cassia is paralyzed with grief, unable to run to Varro's body if her legs would even allow it. She fights to hold back the tears, taking large but shallow breaths. She vaguely overhears the men around her as she remains frozen.
"Duro found him behind the storage."
Even after the room is clear she remains planted in place, her body numb as her eyes warily scan the table containing Varro; her love, the man that provided hope in the dismal reality of their existence within these walls and the father of her unborn child, dead.
Her lungs burn as she finally releases a loud sob, covering her mouth with her shoulders violently shuddering. Tears falling down her face she moves to the table, wiping her nose as she climbs atop, positioning herself next to Varro before collapsing on his chest with her arms securely tucked around him.
"Cassia," Doctore's voice cuts through her slumber. She warily stirs, pushing upright from Varro's chest to meet Doctore's sympathetic gaze.
"Aurelia is here to claim the body," he firmly states, Cassia sensing a trace of remorse in his words.
Cassia fights back tears, rotating her head back to Varro just as more people arrive in the medicus to move the body, his features oddly beautiful and serene even with the now blue hue of his skin.
Cassia lowers her legs from the table while keeping her attention on him. Disregarding the presence of the others in the room, Cassia cups Varro's jaw and lowers her face with a sad smile as her thumb strokes his cheek.
"I love you. For always."
Pressing a kiss on the tips of her fingers, Cassia then delivers it to Varro's still lips. Marina rounds the men to gently but firmly hold Cassia while Varro is transferred onto the cot. The women follow, pausing at the doorway as Varro is placed in the back of the wagon. Aurelia wipes away the dampness from her eyes at the sight of her husband.
With her arm still secure around Cassia, Marina squeezes her friend, as the wagon prepares to depart. Cassia's stiff lip quivering as Aurelia climbs aboard, the two women momentarily make eye contact before the horses start to move and the wagon leaves the courtyard. Cassia's head falls onto Marina's shoulder, as she unabashedly sobs. There was no longer any reason to hide her affection, for no punishment could be worse than their existing fate.
The villa was full of patrons awaiting the announcement from Quintus. Cassia resented the way life seemingly carried on as if Varro never existed and she'd almost believe it was true if her belly wasn't swelling with evidence to the contrary. Spartacus and Marina would attempt to condole with her but she preferred the solitude of her room. Laughing and crying at the memories of her lost lover.
Shifting her weight, Cassia leans on a pillar on the back of the balcony as the gladiators are escorted into the courtyard wearing their shackles.
The crowd turns the attention to Quintus as he speaks, "The noble house of Batiatus stands humbled! Humbled by the blessings the gods have seen fit to bestow upon us and by the presence of the most revered citizens in all of Capua, come to join in celebrating the patronage of Legatus Claudius Glaber! The man himself regrets the duties of the senate prevent his attendance but he would see us properly addressed, his words delivered by the pleasing tongue of his trusted wife."
Cassia resists the urge to groan at the thought of Iliythia being a dutiful wife. She had been at the villa since Glaber's visit and numerous house slaves said it was not by choice.
Iliythia offers a tight smile before opening the scroll to read, "Good citizens of Rome's favored sister. It is with great pleasure that I, Legatus Claudius Glaber, bestow upon Quintus Lentulus Batiatus my patronage and all-encompassing benefits. No man in all of Capua is more deserving of such esteemed privilege. Good Batiatus should be held as example to a city mired in shadows and treachery. The guiding light of his virtuous heart providing illumination in these dark and troubling times, for this reason and too many others to give voice, I lend my full and unconditional support to the honored position of Aedile. "
Cassia scans the crowd as the majority gasps in surprise with the announcement. Ashur in particular appeares calm; granted his new position in the villa could have afforded him the information but the entire situation felt forced.
Everyone moves to the edge of the balcony as Crixus and Spartacus are released to spar in an exhibition match. Uninterested in the match, she continues to observe the guests and then the slaves. Duro nervously bounces his leg as the two men fight and then Cassia realizes most of the men seem restless. She straightens up as she reflects on the past few weeks, and the nightly meetings about happenings in the villa. Spartacus was going to act during the party and the men were waiting for his signal. Cassia pushes through the crowd, wanting nothing more than to seek refuge from the impending doom all while mentally chastising herself for turning Spartacus away in her grief. She felt unprepared. She hears Spartacus yell just as she reaches the door that leads into the villa. Screams erupt and panic ensues with everyone rushing toward her, and Cassia is entangled amidst the chaos being pushed inside by the frightened crowd.
Quintus attempts to calm the partygoers but the men burst into the room and the crowd screams as it move to disperse. Cassia presses into the wall as the gladiators strike down guests, ravenous in their revenge. Unable to stomach the carnage, Cassia slips down the hallway only to run into Ashur.
"Are you okay?" he asks, scanning her for sign of injury. Cassia hesitantly looks around and nods. "Come, I know where we can go." A shrill scream echoes and Cassia finds herself lurching into him. Ashur wraps his arm around her waist and is leading her into a small alcove beneath the stairs before she can protest.
Cassia shudders as Ashur blocks the opening with his body, and if she were naïve she might believe it was because he was trying to shield her.
Regardless of the turmoil, Ashur turns to her, hopeful as he boasts, "I told you I'd provide for you." She cringes and tilts away as he leans into her with hot breath on her ear, "And with Varro gone there's nothing to stop us."
Cassia's fingers dig into Ashur's shoulders upon hearing the name.
"What?" she questions, feeling sick as he smirks back.
Ashur cradles her face with one of his hands, "We're safe. I've been offered a handsome position with the Legatus. All I had to do was merely encourage a few slaves to do the work for me as I watch the House of Batiatus crumble, the house that Ashur built."
"You are responsible for all of this," Cassia concedes. She was always suspicious of Ashur's involvement in many of the unsavory happenings surrounding the villa.
"For what gain?" she demands.
"Respect," Ashur fumes. "I've given my life to this house only to be spit on by all the occupants and it's only about time that Ashur gets his glory."
"Respect is earned and not gained by destroying everyone around you."
"Drastic measures are often necessary to open our eyes."
Cassia humorlessly laughs with her retort, "You are pathetic."
"In time you'll see it was all for you," he confesses as she shakes her head in refusal.
"No." she stammers, the weight settling into her gut.
"Albus, like Varro, enjoyed the game. All I had to do was assure him that some very bad things would happen if he didn't get ahold of his problem. Of course, as far as Quintus was concerned, Albus was seeking retribution for some lost coin."
The nook is dark and confined, she can't help but wonder how many times Ashur has waited in this very space. Plotting and watching others as he spun his web of misery.
"I will never love you."
Her head snaps to the side upon impact and his nostrils flare in anger, "You will be coming with me!"
Driven by her own anger, Cassia snaps her head back with a condescending smile as she swiftly knees him in the groin.
"Bitch!" he gasps while cupping his manhood and stumbling backwards into the hallway.
"Ashur!" Doctore bellows and Cassia takes the opportunity to escape, running through the maze of hallways until she finds herself in an eerily quiet part of the villa.
The color drains from her face after turning the final corner to face a visibly shaken Aurelia with blood splattered all over her formal white slave dress. Aurelia's jaw tenses when her eyes land on Cassia's stomach which she was instinctively cradling.
"We shouldn't stay here," Cassia urges and Aurelia nods while creeping towards her. Cassia doesn't notice the bloody pottery sherd until Aurelia has it pressing against Cassia's cheek.