Chapter Seventeen: Happenings Begin
Nightmares plagued my mind for several nights following the breaking of my emotions. My guilt was eating at me and it was hard to find a moments peace. The only time my mind was quiet was when I was in Varro's arms. Before him I never would have thought one person could hold so much of me. It was deeper than just love. It was a connection nothing could touch or possibly understand. Only one could even come close. Spartacus had as strong a connection with Sura that Varro and I had. She had guided him through the hardest moments of his life and she had been either across the ocean or gone from this world. Only he could understand what I felt with Varro, in his arms and out of them. There were moments where I felt ridiculous for how enthralled with him I was, but when he looked at me the world fell into place and I knew why I was here. Why I was fighting. Why I was happy even though there was so much sorrow around us. Despite our own loss, once the grief had finally broken, I was happy.
It was only when the nightmares came that I found myself afraid of the world I lived in. Dreams of Paulus, of Ashur, even of – of Caius. Though the worst were the ones of me, my hands covered in blood while bodies lay around me. Bodies of people that I had killed with the sword in my hands. The man I had killed at the forefront of every one. Blaming me. Hating me. I deserved the blame and the hate. I deserved it and hated myself for it.
Bolting upright, I looked around the room, breathing hard. Taking a deep breath, I reached my hand out for Varro to find him gone. Frowning, I looked at his empty place, running my hand along the sheets to feel its coolness. It was clear that he had been gone for some time. We had made a habit of not leaving bed without the other knowing. Why was tonight different? Slowly getting out of bed, I moved from the room, hearing nothing but sleeping people.
"Varro?" I said gently aloud, pausing to listen. Nothing. "Varro? Love?" I said continuing to move through the temple. Knowing Nasir and Lugo were atop the wall keeping watch, I moved to the front of the temple, wanting to break words with them to see if they had seen him. Only my steps slowed when I realized that no one stood upon the wall. Frowning, I moved forward; ready to scold them, only to stop dead as I watched figures come over the wall. "Romans." I said as my heart started to race. "Romans!" I screamed and soon there was a flurry of action.
Rushing forward, I fought the first I came upon, rebels coming to take on the others. They fought far better than I had thought they would. Despite how few there were of them and the numbers they faced from us, we allowed them to slip through. Our fighting was broken, unfocused. We weren't working together. We were simply fighting the people with only ourselves in mind. They made it across the courtyard and up the stairs, tossing people aside at every turn. I was grabbed from behind and thrown onto my back, a hand pressing against my chest to keep me there as their body pinned me to the ground. Struggling, for a moment my eyes met those of the Roman on top of me. Immediately stilling myself, I frowned, realizing exactly who it was. Then Spartacus' voice called out and there was a halt as confusion reigned. They removed their helmets, revealing not only Spartacus but Crixus, Gannicus, and Varro. My love's hand was still against my chest, a boyish smile on his face. Though under the circumstances it wasn't nearly as charming as it usually was.
"Get off." I said shoving him off of me.
"It was simply a test." He told me, offering me his hand. Refusing it, I got to my feet and moved away from him. "Lea, my love." He said sweetly as he followed me, his arm brushing against my back, leaving fire against my skin.
Shrugging the feeling off, I spun on my heels, slamming my hands into the Roman armor he was wearing. He looked taken aback, frowning down at me. Shoving him again, I took another deep breath, shaking slightly from the rush of adrenaline. Running my fingers through my hair, I crossed my arms before putting my hand against his chest, staring at it, not wanting to meet his eyes yet. He took a step forward and his hands found my arms. Closing my eyes, I lifted my head, opening them to meet the powerful blue of his. Nodding at him, I put my arms around his waist before hugging his shoulders, pressing myself against him, burying my face in his neck.
"We didn't mean to cause such worry." He told me, running his hand down my hair.
Releasing him, I ran my hands down his arms, "Apologies."
"None needed." He smiled, putting his hand against my face, his thumb brushing across mine.
"I woke to find you gone and then there were Romans coming over the wall." I told him.
"Apologies for not telling you." He told me. "It took all of me not to wake you when I slipped away."
"I understand why you did." I nodded at him. "It wouldn't have felt real if you had told me. We won't be caught unawares again."
"That's the idea." He smiled and kissed me deeply.
"Take this off." I frowned at him, pulling at the armor.
He swiftly removed the armor from his body before taking me in his arms. "You're still shaking."
"Apologies." I smiled at him.
"What is it?" He asked with a concerned look.
Shaking my head, I smiled up at him, "Memories." I told him.
"Paulus?" He replied. "Did he ever come to you in military garbs?"
"No." I stated shaking my head. "It's not the armor. It's the fact that a Roman had overcome me and I feared what happened after. I fought and yet you bested me. I need to work harder on my training. I need to work harder so no Roman will ever put their hands on me again." By the end my voice had risen and I took a shuddering breath to try and calm myself. Then my mind caught up to the fact that Varro himself was Roman. Even though it was just in blood. "Apologies. I did not mean to offend."
"You did not offend." He smiled rubbing my arms. "I am as far from Roman as you are. I may have the blood of a Roman but that is the only thing linking me to them."
"You sold yourself into slavery." I stated. "Do you hold any feelings toward the people you were raised with?"
"No." He said shaking his head. "The only feelings I have are for you."
Smiling, laughing lightly, I took his head in my hands before kissing him deeply. "And I for you."
"I cannot wait for this rebellion to end." He said wrapping his arms around me, running his hands up and down my back.
There was a moment where his smile faltered and a look came to his eyes that saddened me. "It's all over." I told him, knowing what he was thinking.
"Just like you," He said softly, "memories plague my mind."
"I'm alive and well. We both are."
Pulling me against him, his fingers ran up and down my scars. "There are moments when I see and feel them that it hurts so much I can't breathe. The horror of that day haunts me."
"I have healed well." I told him putting my arms around him, feeling his own scars. "You have too."
"I should have stopped them from hurting you." He told me. "If I had done something that day, maybe we never would have been parted."
"Enough." I told him gently. "That is all in the past. Let's not relive it." He nodded but the frown was set on his face. Looking around, everyone had dispersed to once again try and find a measure of sleep before the day was upon us. Smiling, I looked up at my love with mischievousness. "I can think of something you could do to make up for leaving our bed tonight."
A broad smile spread across his face and he scooped me into his arms. Laughing, he carried me back to our room, gently tossing me onto the bed. Moving backward to the head of it, Varro crawled over me, his lips slamming into mine in a passionate kiss. We hadn't made love since before the miscarriage. It had been weeks, making us all the more passionate with each other. There was never going to be a love like ours again. Spartacus and Sura's were the only one to even come near ours and Sura was gone. But we were still here. We were here and we weren't going to waste one minute together. Every minute was a gift. A gift that could be taken away from us at any moment.
Growing wet with desire, Varro's hands moved up and down my body as he stripped the dress from me. Pulling on his clothes, I gripped his sides with my knees, as I took his head in my hands, pressing my lips against his, my tongue dancing with his. Our breathing became heavy as our bed was destroyed with moving limbs as we never stopped touching. He pushed himself inside of me, making me arch and a pleasurable moan escape my lips as a broad smile broke across my face. He laughed lightly before his mouth silenced me, trailing his lips down my neck and chest. Rocking in rhythm with him, his mouth moved to my breast, sucking it before gently biting my nipple, a shock of pleasure moving through me, a wave of dizziness taking me over. Gripping his hair, I pulled him away from me, our open mouths breathing heavily against each other before I took his in mine once again. We drowned in each other's pleasures for the remainder of the night, finally stopping, lying in each other's arms as the first rays of the sun came up.
"You are an amazing creature." Varro grinned as he trailed his fingers up and down my stomach.
We were laying on the floor, the blankets from the bed underneath us. My head was resting on his bicep, my body pressed against his side. Laughing lightly, I pressed a long kiss against his skin. "As are you, my love."
"Perhaps we should abstain more often." He teased.
Propping myself up on my elbow, I looked down at him, "I think not."
He simply beamed at me, "I don't think we've ever been full of such passion."
"To me, every time feels like this." I told him sweetly, kissing him as I rolled myself on top of him.
"I love you." He smiled, tucking my hair behind my ear.
"And I love you." I said kissing him again.
Come morning, we were all summoned to front of the temple. Spartacus wanted to break words with all of us. He was anything but impressed by how we handled the mock breach. I couldn't blame him. It was chaotic. There was no collaboration between any of those who were fighting.
"We cannot defend the temple if we are at odds with one another." Spartacus called out over the hoard of us.
Lugo was quick to defend himself, "Give Lugo a warrior to share watch, not little man with little balls."
Nasir was also quick to retort, "My balls did not allow breach. Your eyes were closed in pursuit of dreams."
"You fell to slumber?" Spartacus shot at Lugo.
"And you blame Nasir, you lazy shit?" Agron said in defense of his man.
Crixus spoke next, his tone harsh, "Turn effort from defending your boy, and look upon your own failings."
"Then let us relive the moment and see different fucking result." Agron retorted.
"Enough!" I shouted, stepping forward.
"The Romans will come." Spartacus stated, "And if they find us divided, we will fall before them."
"Words of meaning." Naevia said with a hard tone.
"What would you have us do?" A man called out.
"Try not to get your head fucking bashed." Nemetes replied.
Gannicus replied nonchalantly, "Bold words from one who tumbled so quickly."
"I was absent fucking sword!"
Lugo frowned and loudly replied, "Why does little man have sword, and not Lugo?"
"What is happening here?" I frowned, shaking my head.
"We are proving how divided we are." Varro replied from my side.
"We cannot face the Romans with fucking sticks." Nemetes stated.
"Then I will teach you the bow." Mira retorted with determination.
Nemetes was displeased. "We are from the east of the Rhine. We fight with fucking steel."
"We must use what we have." Spartacus stated as he looked at those who circled him.
Saxa spoke next in her native tongue. "She asks why you let Ilithyia go when Glaber did not trade weapons as promised." Agron translated.
A twinge of pain filled me. That night we had lost Old Lucius. He had been brave and had died well. I regretted not parting with him on better terms. Dealing with my own problems had led me to be immune to those around me. He had spoken sweetly to me but I did not send him away with a happy memory. I had been cold. Just another moment to feel guilty about.
"A thing I have also wondered." Gannicus added.
"You don't have to answer." I told Spartacus.
"I do." He nodded putting his hand on my arm before he addressed our people. "Taking her life would not have gained us what we need. It would only have served misplaced vengeance. We are better than this. We are better than the Romans." He told them and paused. "Oenomaus, Gannicus, see everyone to guarded position. We will train against assault by light of day and attempt to elevate night's low defeat."
"Let us see it done." Gannicus told his friend.
"I have no need of aid." Oenomaus retorted. "Lugo, Nasir, take position upon wall. Donar, Nemetes, Lydon, Saxa, fall to my side."
The rest of us stood together and watched. "I fear result will be the same in light of day. We are not a fist, but fingers twitching absent single purpose." Crixus told our leader.
"My words crash upon ear…but fail to pierce heart." He replied with frustration.
"Then we must stab deeper." Agron told him. "Perhaps punishment for those who fail in the day's training?"
"That is no way to gain trust." I frowned at him.
"She's right." Spartacus nodded. "You cannot forge trust and loyalty at the ends of a whip, as the Romans believe."
Agron looked annoyed, "Then what would you use? Soft kisses and whispers of love?"
"Gather Fulco and Harudes." Spartacus told him. "There is a thing I would have you do."
"What are your thoughts?"
Spartacus smiled at him, "To see fingers joined in single purpose."
Spartacus put Agron to the task of procuring what we would need to bring the people together. It so happened that it turned out that what he sought was wine. Wine lead to released inhibitions, leading to loose tongues and bonds forged that would be hard to undo. Not only that but it would allow a release for all, enjoyment needed to be had and this was one of the simplest ways to accomplish it. It wasn't only wine that Spartacus sought to, it was also the end to the petty grievances' within camp. He paired up those who were at odds, pitting them against another pair, having them fight each other in friendly matches.
"It lifts heart to hear voices raised in spirit…to see us bonded…not by brand, not by homeland, but by an ideal that every man…every woman should be born, should live, and should die with the taste of freedom forever upon their lips." He told them before pausing, his true purpose coming to light. "Yet if we are to defeat the Romans, we must put aside our differences and come together as one. Let us have sport, pairing those of you with ill feelings against your equals, and let us see if thirst for victory triumphs petty quarrel."
Spartacus looked at me, giving me a small smile. Pushing myself off of the wall I was leaning on, arms crossed, I looked out at the people before me. Smiling back at Spartacus, I called out the first names, "Donar and Nemetes. Take position." They moved to face each other. "On same side." I added. "Lugo and Nasir take the sands across from them."
Spartacus stepped forward, the smile still on his face. "Begin."
In the next moment there was the clashing of blades and flesh against flesh. The only way to be victorious against their opponents was to work together. Trying to do it alone would only lead to defeat. Something that they had to learn on their own, whilst in the middle of a fight. The lesson they would learn here would carry into every fight we would be in in the future. Lugo and Nasir were by far the two who were more at odds with each other, only they learned to work together and they won because of it. They gripped wrists as the crowd cheered their victory.
Next came Mira and Saxa verses two men. The women victorious despite appearing to be defeated until the very end. Saxa proved to be vicious in her fighting style. She was forceful and even I didn't think I'd stand a chance against her. She was truly a fearsome thing to behold.
"Spartacus has a way with the people." Oenomaus stated.
"He is amazing." I beamed up at him. "This is exactly what they need."
"It's time." Spartacus told his friend, putting his hand on the dark man's shoulder. Oenomaus smiled and stepped onto the sands. "Gannicus. Take to the sand with your old friend." Oenomaus frowned and sighed at me. Smiling, I winked at him. "Crixus." Spartacus said and the Gaul stepped out onto the sands. "Agron." He said after a pause.
Laughing lightly, I shook my head as I took in the four men. Of all those who were at odds, these four were the most important. They were leaders of the rebellion. They above all others needed to become one. As soon as Spartacus said 'begin' they were at each other as starving lions devouring a fresh kill.
"I could watch them all day." I smiled at Mira as I stepped next to her and Naevia.
"As could I." She said though her eyes were on Spartacus.
Sighing, I gently rubbed her back as I too watched him. "It's going to be all right. He loves you. He just doesn't know how to show it. He doesn't forgive easily."
"I know." She said smiling at me but it was forced.
"He loves you." I repeated. She simply smiled at me.
We were both interrupted as Naevia called out to her man, "Come on, Crixus! Teach him who the true champion is, Crixus!"
Both Mira and I grinned at her. "It astounds to witness the change in you." Mira told her.
"The world itself can reverse course when moved by loving hands." Naevia replied.
"It lifts heart." I smiled, putting my hand on her arm.
"A blessing…to hold each other in such regard." Mira said with a sad smile.
"As Spartacus holds you."
Mira and I looked at each other before Mira replied, "No longer."
"Mira." I said sadly.
"Excuse me." She smiled before stepping away.
"Is she all right?" Naevia asked.
"No." I smiled at her.
"Is it something I said?"
"Spartacus has broken ties with her for making attempt on Ilithyia's life. Her heart is breaking." I explained. She frowned at me. "I cannot imagine what she's feeling."
"Neither can I." She said watching Crixus.
Stepping closer to her, I wrapped my arm around her waist, "We are very lucky women."
"Yes we are." She said resting her head against mine.
We watched as Oenomaus and Gannicus defeated Crixus and Agron. They were no match for their mentors. Crixus stepped up to Naevia and me, a small smile on his face. Putting my hand on his shoulder, I gave him my best sympathetic look, "May you have more favor in the future."
He simply laughed and placed a kiss against my cheek. "Go annoy someone else."
Laughing, I did the same, going to where Varro was talking to Spartacus. Wrapping my arm around him, he did the same out of habit, not even pausing in his conversation. Smiling, I placed a kiss against his arm, his fingers trailing up and down my side in response. They were speaking of how well everyone had done, feeling that we had accomplished what Spartacus wanted.
"You're a smart man." I told Spartacus in a break in their conversation.
He smiled, leaning forward and placing a kiss against my forehead. "I should have paired you with someone."
"I'm at peace with just about everyone." I told him.
"What about Caius?" He asked with a raised brow. "The two of you against Varro and Agron."
"No." I told him with seriousness.
"When was the last time you spoke to him?" He asked.
"Not long enough." I retorted.
"Perhaps it's time you did." He replied gently.
"Why?" I frowned at him. "Why does it matter? Why do you care if I speak to him or not?"
"I don't." He told me. "I just don't want you to live with regrets."
Frowning at him, I released Varro, looking up into my brother's eyes, "The only regret I have is losing my child. Everything else is meaningless to me."
Holding his eyes a moment longer, I turned and walked from him. Caius was no longer a part of my life. I didn't want him to be a part of my life. He had caused nothing but trouble since we rejoined my family. Only I wasn't going to get away so easily, running into him as I attempted to storm off.
"Apologies." He said with his hands on my arms. Shrugging his hands off of me, I looked at my feet, not wanting to meet his eyes. "How do you fare?" He asked.
"Fine." I told him.
"I was very sorry to hear about your child." He said softly.
"Were you?" I asked forcibly as I looked up at him. "I'm sure you'd like nothing more than for Varro and I to suffer. I've cut ties with you Caius. I'd appreciate if I never crossed your mind."
"We've been through a lot – you and I – I guess part of my hoped we'd be able to move past everything that has happened."
His voice was the way I remembered it when he had rescued me. He was calm and collected. His mind was his own. He didn't seem as hard as he used to be. "What happened?" I asked him.
"What do you mean?" He frowned averting his eyes.
"Something happened to you." I frowned harder. "You are the way you used to be. Something changed you. Tell me, what was it?"
Nodding, he motioned around the temple. Following him, we were more secluded than before. He seemed self-conscious, making me nervous for whatever he was going to tell me. Only he didn't speak with words. He simply turned and lowered the loose shoulders of his rebel garb, revealing pink lashes, crisscrossed along his back, enough to make smooth skin nearly impossible to find. My chest clenched at the sight of them. Lifting my hand, I hovered my fingers over them, knowing exactly what it had felt like.
"When? Who?" I asked.
"Otho." He replied.
"Otho?" I replied with surprise. "But why?"
"I lost my way. I was caught abusing Antonia and I was punished for it. Punished the only way that would force me to see reason." Nodding, I pulled my hand back, wrapping my arms around myself. He turned and looked at me. "Apologies, Lea. Truly. I never meant to cause you pain. I was self-centered and oblivious to what I was doing to myself and those around me."
"What did you do to Antonia?" I asked him. "She looked sound the last time we spoke."
"No permanent physical damage was done. But I fear I scarred her mind."
"Is she still pining for you?"
He nodded, "We are together."
"Even after what you did to her?" I frowned at him.
"She's never been able to stay away from me. I took advantage of that. Now I see what I have. I appreciate her more than anyone now." He explained.
"Does that mean I no longer weigh on your mind?" I asked.
"I think of you." He nodded. "But I am no longer focused on something I can't have. My eyes are open. I was fooling myself for months thinking I could make you love me. I was wrong and I will never be able to make amends for everything I've done. I'm simply trying to live better now."
Nodding at him, I put my hand on his face. "It's good to have you back, my friend."
He smiled, tentatively putting his hands on my arms. I knew what he wanted. Gently putting my arms around his neck, I embraced him. He hugged me tightly, so much so that I was the first to break away.
"Apologies." He smiled.
"All is forgiven." I nodded.
"Gratitude."
It felt as if the final burden had been lifted from me. There was closure where before there was simply anger and hate. We had found peace and would now be able to move on. Smiling at each other, I was about to make conversation when there were shouts from behind us. Running back to the courtyard it was already a flurry of activity. Only it wasn't normal, this was panic. Fear drenched the air and I swiftly moved to find Varro while Caius did the same in search of Antonia.
"Lea!"
"Felix!" I said gripping his arm the same moment as he gripped mine. "What's happening?"
"Varinius approaches." He told me. "Our time is up."
"We need to get everyone out of here."
"Steps have already been taken."
"Good. Have you seen Varro?" I asked.
"He's looking for you." He told me.
"Get your things and see those who cannot fight from the temple." I commanded.
"I will fight." He frowned.
"Then fight to protect those who cannot protect themselves." I shot back at him. "Your time will come."
"What of you?"
"I am a warrior." I smiled at him. "I'll fight to give you time to get the others away from here. Follow the path that Spartacus has laid for us."
"I'll see everyone through the tunnels." He told me. "But I will wait for you."
"No!" I yelled. "I will be fine. Now go!"
Watching him run, I helped those closest to me while I scoured the Rebels for my husband. Helping an elderly woman up the temple steps, I had just passed her on to another when my arm was grabbed.
"Mira!" I exclaimed, my heart thumping against my chest. She handed me my bow and a quiver of arrows. "Gratitude. Have you seen Varro?"
"He is with Spartacus. They are seeing that the others make it to the tunnels. Then they will join us, ready to take on the Romans."
Nodding at her, we moved to the top of the stairs, hiding ourselves behind pillars, helping to herd the Rebels up the stairs while we waited for the Romans arrival. We didn't have to wait long. We killed several that were the first to enter the temple before we were forced further in, concealing ourselves round corners as we continued to shoot them dead with our arrows. We had depleted what we had when the men appeared. Unafraid, we charged the Romans, Varro tossing me my sword as I fell in step with him. They were scaling the walls and we were right there to greet them, blood being spilt at every turn. I watched as the weapons were collected from not only the dead but the living as well. Feeling as if we held the upper hand, the Romans had brought more than just men. The sky lit up as fireballs were careened over the temple walls, killing those who they collided with, their screams piercing the air. Narrowly missing one of the fireballs, I fought the Roman nearest me. I had just ran him through when I heard my name being screamed from behind me. I turned and all I could see was fire. Only in the last moment, hands shoved me, and I flew backward as the ball in the ground in a fiery blaze. A scream erupted from my throat as pain seared through my shoulder. I quickly forgot about it when I heard Varro's scream as well. Rolling onto my hands and knees I looked for him, seeing him on his back on the other side of the blaze. The Romans had heard him as well, one turning and rushed toward where he lay. Darting to my feet I raced to him, grabbing the soldier's dagger from his waist, thrusting it into his chest as I forced him away from my love. As soon as he was dead, I turned and quickly scrambled to Varro's side.
"Varro." I said with worry, seeing the burn on his side. "Oh, God. Varro."
"Are you all right?" He asked gripping my arms. "Lea." He said as his eyes fell upon my shoulder.
"I'm all right." I told him. "Get up."
They were attacking from two fronts. It wasn't only Varinius who had arrived but Glaber as well. We were going to be overrun. The Romans held two armies while we held none. Our group of Rebels were not nearly as many to be called an army. We held advantage in skill but could still be overpowered by sheer numbers. Proven true when the temple wall caved inward with the force of their weaponry. It forced both Varro and I to the ground, I staggered to my feet, getting Varro to his as the Romans started to flood the courtyard. When I turned to see what was coming for us, it was Ashur who led a party of men inside.
"Ashur." I said with fear and disdain. Varro straightened and with his hand on his wounded side he gripped sword and attempted to move toward him. "Don't!" I yelled. "We need to get to the tunnels."
"I'll kill him." Varro said with venom in his voice.
"Not here and not now." I told him attempting to hold him in place. He pulled free of me, picking up a sword and moving toward the Syrian. "Varro!" I screamed after him.
Knowing I couldn't leave him, I picked up a fallen sword before rushing after him. He had already engaged the dog, a feral cry coming from him. His side was wounded, weakening him, making him easier to disarm. I watched as Ashur punched his wounded side, making Varro cry out and fall to his knees. Ashur was about to bring his sword down on him when I blocked it with my own. Forcing the bastard back, slashing him across his mid-drift, I turned and gripped Varro, getting him to his feet before quickly fleeing the courtyard. Going up the steps, I looked back to see Oenomaus fighting a man larger than he, a feral looking man of origins I'd never seen before.
"Go." I told Varro. "See everyone through the tunnels."
"Not without you." He told me.
"Now is not the time. I will be right behind you." I stated and shoved him away from me. "Go. Please."
He frowned but willingly moved away from me. It wasn't the first time I'd ordered him to leave me behind and I felt as if it would not be the last. Turning away from him, I darted back to Oenomaus, throwing myself against his opponent as hard as I could. The man fell away from my mentor and I looked up at him.
"Let's go." I told him.
We took only a few steps before my feet where pulled out from under me and I was yanked into the hands of the man I'd just attacked. His hand gripped my throat and he threw me into the wall, dazing me. Oenomaus came to aid, once again engaging the man. Getting to my feet, I picked up a sword and joined the fight. Though this man was like none I had ever seen before. He seemed to anticipate every move I made, even when I attempted to change it at the last moment. Oenomaus himself was having trouble holding his own against him. He punched me before backhanding me hard enough to send me to the ground, blood filling my mouth. Then there was a scream. A chill ran down my spine and I looked up to see a blade in Oenomaus' eye.
"No!" I screamed and rushed to him, supporting him in the same moment Gannicus rushed to aid before supporting his other side.
Limping along we rushed toward the tunnels. We passed Spartacus and Crixus as we rounded the corner. The plan was to set fire to the corridor to block their advance. Once we were through the tunnel, we were now in the woods, ready to move away from the temple on planned route. Only before we could go more than a few yards there were screams as people were impaled with spears, Camila among them, a legion of soldiers marching through the trees toward us. There were too many of them, giving us no hope of taking them. Fleeing away from them, we were forced to the mountain pass. There was no choice. Helping with Oenomaus, Gannicus and I made our way up the pass, one of the last to make it to the top. Several women who were our acting healers were tending the wounded, two quickly taking Oenomaus from our arms, Gannicus remaining with him. As soon as they were taken away, my eyes darted to find Varro.
"Lea!"
"Crixus!" I called as he rushed to me.
"Are you badly wounded?" He asked taking my head in his hands, his eyes moving across my injuries.
"No." I said shaking my head. "Where's Varro?" He looked at me sadly. "Please…please don't tell me he's fallen."
"Lea!"
Relief filled me as I turned toward the sound of my husband's voice. "Varro!" I called as I rushed to him, throwing my arms around his neck. "Thank the Gods." I whispered as I ran my hand down the back of his head. "I love you." I told him with my lips against his ear. "I love you more than anything."
"Never tell me to leave you again." He whispered as he buried his face in my neck.
"I won't." I told him.
"Promise me." He said setting me back on my feet, taking my head in his hands so he could meet my eyes. I remained silent. "Lea, promise me."
"I promise." I nodded at him. "But you know my main purpose is to keep you alive."
He nodded before kissing me deeply, letting his lips linger over my parted ones, "I live for you."
"As I for you." I replied before kissing him passionately, once again wrapping my arms around his neck, gripping his hair with one hand, pressing my body against his. Sighing, content, I rested my forehead against his, taking a deep breath of him.
The crowd calmed knowing that we were momentarily safe. The Romans could never take us while we were upon the slope. The path was too narrow for them to gain any ground. Only death would be waiting for them if they tried.
Gladiators took watch over the path while the rest of us set to making camp. Helping raise the few tents that were spared, we soon found that we wouldn't make it long. Our provisions were not as plentiful as we would have liked and going back down was out of the question. All we could do was sit and wait. Wait for them to lower their guard or for us to come up with another plan of escape, praying that it would be before we all perished from lack of food and water.